From Wooden rocking horses to high tech ATVs, ride-on toys have been a staple of kid’s playrooms everywhere. The scaled-down automobiles versions allow kids to engage with the big, loud, fast beast from a tender age. Toy cars are also great vessels for creative play and fit seamlessly into the narratives kids create with other toys.
Benefits of Ride on Cars for Kids
Far from being mindless playthings, electric toy vehicles have a standout developmental aspect to them. Playing with a ride on cars is a sensory activity that gives children an insight into the cognitive concept of cause and effect; from a hard or soft push, moving the vehicle back and forth, or applying the right amount of pressure to hold the car, they discover and learn how toys react, improves their motor skills.
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Playing with a ride on cars also enhances their form of pretend play, from making beep-beep sounds to using props to create stories, making it part of a school play enhance this experience. Ride-on vehicles offer rich learning opportunities to kids, especially in the hands of parents who are highly interested in automobile mechanics, helping kids learn some serious engineering and electronics in an entertaining way.
Ride-on toys also develop in stages, from pushing ride-on tricycles to two-wheeled ride-on scooters and riding on cars. This kind of development helps keep your children interested since it gives them a sense of achievement as they grow with their ride-on toys throughout their childhood.
Suitable age for Motorized Ride-on Toys
From toddlers to teenagers, ride-on toys are available for kids in virtually all age groups. Ride on cars are age-rated, and children grow at a different pace, cognitively and physically. Hence, it is essential to consider factors, including your toddler’s height, weight, location, and terrain of their play area and motor skills before choosing the appropriate vehicle. Whether it is a simple balance bike, a self-propelled foot to floor ride on, or a massive truck, your little motorist will fall in love with their toy!
Ride-on Toys for Kids less than 12 Months
Babies can start using ride-on toys as soon as they become start becoming steady on their feet and gain some core strength. Some ride-on toys are even designed to help them get to this point, and there are several walkers available that kids can also sit on and push around. For toddlers, ride-on toys with 4 wheels are low to the ground and are comfortable holding on to works well.
Ride-on toys are not recommended for children aged 10 months or less, as kids at that age don’t have their balance developed enough to help them sit up and are prone to falling over, making ride-on toys dangerous. For little ones 1 year and older, you can start looking at push ride-on toys. However, ensure that your child can hold their weight when they sit up. This will ensure that they won’t be leaning to different sides without sufficient control.
Ride-on Toys for Kids Twelve To 24 Months
Kids around 2 years small, light, and are still developing motor skills and a sense of balance – making them vulnerable to tumbling and falling. Considering this, most electric cars in this bracket are small, light-weight, and have only one-speed options, and are designed to be used mainly indoors or on smooth surfaces. Look for an easy push-button operation to use their fingers to control the vehicle while developing a sense of motion, hand-eye coordination, and balance.
For kids aged between 1 to 2 years, simple and manual balance bikes and foot to floor ride-on are ideal as they help babes develop their balance and motor skills. Foot to floor ride-ons need to be pushed forward with feet and provide enough physical activity to your young ones during playtime.
While picking up a ride-on toy for kids between 1 to 2 years, ensure that they are low enough to sit comfortably with their feet touching the ground. They should also have sufficient safety features.
Recommended car in this age group:
Kidzone DIY Race Toy Electric Ride On Car 360 Spin ASTM-Certified
The fully rechargeable Kidzone ride-on race car can spin 360 degrees. Featuring simplified joystick controls and a maximum speed of 0.75 mph, this 6v electric spinning car is an excellent introduction to the world of kids electric cars. It is recommended for children aged one and a half and above with a max user weight of 30 kgs.
The Kidzone DIY race car is built from a tough plastic shell and has a soft bumper outside the system, allowing kids to bump around if they make a wrong turn. The little car is ASTM-certified and comprises of a safety belt, anti-flat tires, and Light.
The Kidzone DIY race car is easy to use and requires no assembly. Connect the battery wire, and it is ready to go straight out of the box. You also have an option to personalized the car numbers (00-99) included in the package.
Motorized Car for 2 to 4 Years Old
As your child grows and develops hand-eye coordination and motor skills, the selection range of ride-on cars also increases with multiple styles and features coming into consideration. The vehicles’ speeds also increase, and kids in this age group can see cars with speeds up to around 6 MPH. Many of these toys begin to include working radios with MP3 players, realistic engine sounds, and foot pedal operation.
Some of the cars in this age group can be used outside on different terrains such as grass, gravel, or even dirt. While some brands start offering multiple-person electric cars for kids making it more fun for kids. Ensure that the ride on vehicles for this group as the child is still fragile, include additional safety precautions such as seat belts and recommended equipment like helmets for the driver and passengers.
Ride On Classic Sports Car With Remote Control by Rockin ’ Rollers
The Ride On classic sports car by Rockin’ Rollers comes with life-like features, safe, and is easy to operate Ride-on toy that can be used on any hard surface. The ride-on car is perfect for indoor and outdoor and comes with an auxiliary input to give your kids the ability to play MP3’s while riding.
Rockin’ Rollers classic sports car is made from rugged, high-quality plastics, allowing for a smooth and enjoyable ride for your toddler or young child to drive independently or for the parents to operate by remote control. The battery-operated car comes with headlights that turn on and off, horn and car sound effects, and forward/backward high/low speed for extra style and flair.
Rockin’ Rollers classic sports car is safety tested, free of banned phthalates, and provides healthy exercise and plenty of fun. The vehicle can hold up to 70 lbs. of weight and is ideal for boys and girls aged between 2-5 years. The Ride On Classic Sports Car is completely washable and easy to clean.
Motorized Car for 3 to 5 Years Old
By the age of 3, most children have developed the motor skills, balance, coordination, and reflexes necessary for handling a ride-on car. They are filled with an urge to wander, ask curious questions, and want to know how the world works, so encouraging them to explore the outdoors in a ride on car is a fantastic idea.
Kids in this age group start to become observant and more expressive, and aesthetics matter to them. Pick a vehicle with detailed bodywork, a glossy and vibrant paint coat, and added security features such as seat belts and a parental remote-control system. Ride-on cars for children in this age bracket come with various inbuilt features to keep your baby engaged throughout their drive. Look for ride-on cars with realistic engine sounds, working headlights, and MP3 slots for extra fun!
Best Choice Products Kids Ride On Lamborghini Aventador SV Sports Car
The officially-licensed Lamborghini Aventador comes with doors that swing up like a real Lamborghini, a built-in horn, and LED headlights. The supercar replica can be driven in speed range of 1.9 to 3.7 miles per hour and has a weight capacity of 66 lbs. Similar to a real Lamborghini the car sits low on the ground and would be ideal for kids with 3-5 age years with an average height.
The Best Choice Lamborghini Aventador comes with a manual and remote control that comes with forward/reverse controls and speed selection, and parent can let their kid drive manually or use the remote control to safely guide them when necessary. A built-in AUX outlet allows kids to plug in media devices to drive while jamming to their own selection of music
The Best Choice Lamborghini Aventador comes with a 12 v rechargeable battery and charger that allows for long hours of fun and adventure for your little ones. The car is easy to assemble and your kid can be up and running with a super car within 30 minutes.
Best Choice 12V Ride On Car Truck
If your kids love macho rides, then nothing can beat the magic of the Best Choice Products 12V Truck. The Ride-on Truck is built from a durable, non-toxic plastic body and 14-inch traction wheels. The mini-trucks’ spring suspension system facilitates the driving process and ensures better control of the truck car. While made of plastic, the car tires are sturdy enough to drive smoothly on dry, dirt terrain, leaves, even tree roots. The spacious interior design includes an intricate-detailed seat.
The Best Choice Car Truck comes with three-speed options with a maximum speed of 3.7mph and can be adjusted based on your child’s age and experience level. Furthermore, the truck also offers a remote-control parental lock for additional safety. The SUV features an adjustable seat-belt, bright LED front and tail-lights, and a real working horn for an authentic experience. Furthermore, a built-in AUX outlet allows kids to plug in media devices to drive while jamming to their music selection.
Motorized Car for 5 to 8 Years Old
Children in the 5 to 8-year age group has a great deal of overlap with the 3-5-year group, but at the higher end of the age bracket, there are some marked differences in available options and designs. Kids in this age bracket are a powerhouse of energy and excitement. Their motor skills are significantly developed, and they can easily navigate.
Ride-on cars for kids in this age group start to replicate real-life vehicles. Some of them are scale down version of actual cars. Vehicles in this age group tend to have higher acceleration; they are also available in more styles and options. If you choose a ride-on car for your kids in this age group, look for cars that provide a realistic driving experience and additional features such as headlights, display board, MP3 ports, and realistic engine sounds.
Moderno Kids Mercedes SLS Final Edition Children Ride-On Car
The licensed Mercedes SLS AMG single rider kids ride-on car is ideal for toddlers 3-6 Years with a maximum riding weight of 66 lb. The supercar features a large capacity 12V 7Ah battery with overcharge and overload protection. It also comes with 2 powerful motors that feature 2 forward and 1 reverse speed and can achieve maximum speed between 2-5 mph.
The Mercedes AMG Sport car features color LED wheels, openable doors, leather-wrapped steering wheel with horn buttons, carbon fiber textured body panels, and storage trunk. The luxury car comes with a soft start and an electric brake system for gradual acceleration and reliable braking. Licensed by Daimler Benz, the car features a 2-way adjustable soft perforated leather seat with 5-point safety seat belt, similar to a stroller seat safety harness for enhanced protection while driving.
The Mercedes SLS AMG car features long-range 2.4Ghz parental remote control with a remote stop option and is also equipped with spring shock absorbers and zero maintenance soft EVA foam rubber tires that provide enhanced traction. The luxury car comes with an integrated digital entertainment system with LCD TV MP3/MP4 Music and Video Player, which allows playing music and video files from USB or Micro SD cards. The luxury car is easy to assemble and requires less than 15 minutes.
VALUE BOX Kids ATV 4-Wheeler Ride On Quad
Designed with Huge tires and a vivid car body, the Value Box ATV will provide your children with the most exciting driving experience. The electric ATV is easy to operate with a foot pedal for acceleration and effortless to change the direction with a handle. The ride-on car comes with an integrated go head-and-back gear switch to change speed, also effortless to change the speed with a high and low-speed button.
The VALUE BOX ATV features treaded wheels that don’t need to be inflated and are wear-resistant and explosion-proof. The big tires run smoothly on the carpet and good on grass and hard surfaces as well. The car’s rechargeable battery comes with a 12 V power that is very easy to charge with the plug-in hole. The running time is about 1-2 Hrs. The maximum weight capacity is 66 LBS. The speed range is 1.86-3.7 mph and is ideal for kids in the range of 3-8 years.
The safe ride-on ATV is made to last with a durable plastic and metal body. The ride is multifunctional and allows kids to play their favorite music through a USB connection or pre-programmed music. It has a realistic built with working headlights and Horns. The electric ATV also features an automatic reset fuse for protection and an easy start/stop button. The comfortable seat provides an extensive & safe space.
Electric Ride on Car for Kids Above 8 Years
As they get older, kids in this group start gravitating out of the ‘toy’ car versions. They start looking for ‘more from additional power and speeds to other riding options such as go-karts and buggies. The power sources tend to increase for vehicles in this age group, and they are made out of durable materials like aluminum and steel. Many feature multiple gear transmissions, disk braking systems, and active suspension systems.
Electric cars designed for this age bracket are often more detailed and real-looking, with most models looking like a mini version of the real deal.
For children aged 8 and above, we recommend a powerful 24 v battery vehicle with twin motors and multiple gear options. Make sure the car you pick has proper rubber tires that provide enough traction.
Buyer’s Guide – Things to Consider Before investing in a ride-on Toy for Your Kid
Playing is essential for the social, mental, physical, and emotional development of children. Age-appropriate toys can still be fun while being safe and age-appropriate.
When choosing age-appropriate baby ride on toys or kids ride on toys for a young child, keep these tips in mind:
Safety Features:
Dress your kids in protective gear such as helmets and supervise their driving sessions. Some electric ride-on vehicles come equipped with remotes that allow parental control to avoid mishaps if the child loses control.
The materials used in the ride-on car should be nontoxic and flame resistant. Ensure that the toys are lead and BPA free as they can have detrimental effects on children.
The ride-on cars battery enclosure should be secured, and ensure that no vehicle parts are loosely hanging to prevent a choking hazard.
Size and weight:
Keep note of whether the child can reach the pedals comfortably as they can enjoy the driving sessions. Most ride-on vehicles come with age and weight recommendations; keep that in mind while choosing one.
Ruggedness:
Consider the ability of a toy to go over a variety of surfaces. Kids are hard on toys, from throwing them around or pulling them carelessly or leaving them outside in adverse weather conditions.
Correct Ride-On Toy:
Do not select a ride-on car that is too heavy or big for your child as it might lead to injury. It’s best to err on the side of caution and gets a smaller or slower vehicle than getting one that is too powerful and fast.
Surface:
One of the leading causes of injury from these toys is driving on the wrong surface. Most electric cars for kids are designed to be operated on a specific surface like carpet, pavement, or level grass. Driving on the wrong type of surface can cause the driver to lose control of the car and crash or roll over and cause injury.
Longevity:
Children are restless by nature, and they might get easily bored or swayed by the next best thing. Ride-on cars are quite expensive; hence it would be ideal if the kids at least use it for some time instead of collecting dust in a corner. Just because something is in vogue right now does not mean that it should be bought, as, with a new trend, the kids might a toy is trending and famous now, it doesn’t mean that you should buy it for your kid. Keep in mind your kids’ interest before buying a ride-on car for them so that they would remain interested in it.
Hey! This is Sachin. I love creating helpful content for everyone out there. On this website, my aim is to post articles that can help people buy perfect ride ons for their kids.