5 Best Pedal Cars - Dec. 2021

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Bottom Line

Pros

Cons

A sturdy go kart-style pedal car than can handle a wagon and tough terrain.

Pros

Can be pedaled forward or backward. Air-up wheels like a bike to give a better and more versatile ride. Car can coast without pedaling. The seat can adjust backward and forward to grow with your child, or to fit different sized kids. An older child can still use and enjoy this car.

Cons

The pedals are a little short for this car to go up hills very easily.

Best Bang for the Buck

Hauck

Lightning Pedal Go-Kart

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Bottom Line

This pedal car is a little less expensive than other models, but is a solid buy that can last as your child grows.

Pros

Comes with rubber wheels. Has a bucket seat that can adjust for the height of the child. Steel tube frame construction. Also comes in pink.

Cons

While the brake works, it is essentially just a metal bar that pushes against the wheel. Easy to assemble. Good construction materials. Rubber tires do a good job on several types of surfaces including grass or dirt. Well built and heavy duty.

Hauck

Batmobile Pedal Go Kart

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Bottom Line

A sturdy pedal car that gives young Batman fans a zippy way to tear around their imaginary Gotham.

Pros

Includes a hand-brake. Can handle a lot of kid-weight – up to 120 pounds. Has an adjustable seat. Steel tube frame. Rubber tires do a better job than hard plastic. Does not take too long to put together out of the box. Well made. Worth the price. Child will likely outgrow Batman before outgrowing this pedal car.

Cons

Works best on paved surfaces and doesn't do as well in the grass as pedal cars with pneumatic wheels.

If you want a traditional metal pedal car this is your best bet, it comes in several shapes including a hot rod and a fire truck.

Pros

Traditional pedal car for small children. Made from metal. InStep also makes a firetruck, pink car, police car, and taxi. Steering wheel works. Pedals have some adjustability. Delivers quickly. Not difficult to assemble. A durable and classic toy.

Cons

These cars are beautiful and durable, but you really need to get them for very young children, or a family just starting. They are quickly outgrown.

Fisher Price

Rock, Roll 'n Ride Trike

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Bottom Line

A good set-up for kids who are too little or just learning to pedal.

Pros

Comes with a bar attachment for an adult to push. Very versatile. Works as a rocker, a push rider, and an independent pedal car. Easy to put together. Easy to convert from one function to another. A sturdy product that does not feel cheap.

Cons

The handlebars and pedals are both a little awkwardly placed for some toddlers.

HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Models
Considered

207

Consumers
Consulted

Hours
Researched

Pedal cars are similar to go-carts, although they have no motor – it’s up to the personal pedalling to control the speed. Pedal cars debuted soon after real cars took to the streets, as a vehicle anyone could drive (and could more ably afford). The first main difference in models is the age they are geared toward, with pedal cars for young kids being plastic, low to the ground, unable to go too fast, and very safe and durable. These are meant for evenly paved ground. Those for older children to adults are more built for racing, sit higher, usually are built from metal parts, and can travel over rougher terrain. Pedal car prices range from $50 to $300.

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