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Best Ride-on Toys

Updated November 2023
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Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Power Wheels BBQ Fun Jeep Wrangler
Power Wheels
BBQ Fun Jeep Wrangler
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Durable & Rugged
Bottom Line

A strong, durable jeep built to ride on different kinds of terrain—will keep your child entertained for hours on end.

Pros

Features rugged tires that work well on grass and hard surfaces. Can hold up to 130 pounds and seats 2. Includes a play grill and food pieces. Has a parent-controlled lockout to prevent the car from moving or going too fast.

Cons

Assembly is fairly time-consuming and difficult.

Best Bang for the Buck
Little Tikes Cozy Coupe 30th Anniversary Car
Little Tikes
Cozy Coupe 30th Anniversary Car
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Trusted Brand
Bottom Line

Loved for generations, this push-car favorite is great for customers who want a safe, reliable toy for their child at a good price.

Pros

Removable floor for when children want to push themselves. Back of car includes a handle for easy parental steering. Comes with a steering wheel. Front wheels spin 360 degrees for simple maneuvering.

Cons

Difficult assembly. Steering wheel can snap off with excessive use.

Radio Flyer Red Rider Trike
Radio Flyer
Red Rider Trike
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Best for Beginners
Bottom Line

A classic tricycle designed to grow with the youngest of riders. Its trunk is particularly popular for carrying cherished toys.

Pros

Tricycle designed for kids ages 2 and a half to 5 years. Adjustable seat lets this model grow with the child. Kids especially love the trike's storage bin, for carrying snacks and treasures. Quiet tires give adults a moment of peace.

Cons

Several customers reported their box was missing pieces. We recommend checking as soon as it arrives.

Kid Trax Toddler Disney Minnie Mouse Electric Quad Ride On Toy
Kid Trax
Toddler Disney Minnie Mouse Electric Quad Ride On Toy
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Popular Character
Bottom Line

This ride-on can be used indoors or outdoors and comes in a number of Disney themes beloved by younger children.

Pros

Stable ride-on available in several popular Disney character themes. For indoor or outdoor use. Push-button operation makes this toy simple enough for the intended age group, ages 18 - 30 months, to operate. Respectable battery life.

Cons

Some customers question this toy's durability and longevity.

Retrospec Cricket Baby Walker Balance Bike
Retrospec
Cricket Baby Walker Balance Bike
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Great for Learning to Walk
Bottom Line

This walker for toddlers helps them get the hang of their legs as they grow and learn better coordination.

Pros

The seat is cushioned and the handlebars are limited on how far they can turn to prevent accidental falls from too sharp a turn. The wheels are slip-resistant. It comes in 12 designs, four of which have an alternate set of handlebars.

Cons

Some toddlers' legs are too long or short to use it comfortably.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
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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Buying guide for Best ride-on toys

When it comes to toys that hold universal appeal for kids of all ages and personalities, ride-ons are the undisputed champions. Whether they're motorized or kid-powered, have four wheels or two, ride-on toys are among the most highly cherished items in every kid's playtime arsenal. Once all the stuffed animals have been cuddled and cast aside, balls kicked about and lost, or dolls dressed and put away, most little ones inevitably return to their ride-on toys time and time again.

No child's toy collection is complete without at least one ride-on, but with so many options on the market, choosing the right set of wheels can feel like an uphill race. If you could use a jump-start to get rolling in the right direction, you've come to the right place.

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Ride-on toys certainly are fun, but they can also help teach little ones the basics of coordination, balance, direction, and speed.

Key considerations

Type

Today’s ride-on toys come in a wide array of styles, ranging from the traditional to the seemingly outlandish. With ever-evolving designs, there’s always something fresh in the ride-on toy market. Mixing and matching a handful of styles gives kids the opportunity reap the benefits of learning to move in different ways.

  • Powered: Always a hit, powered ride-on toys give kids a taste of what it's like to drive their very own vehicle. These toys are usually powered by rechargeable batteries and come in a variety of designs, including cars, bikes, quads, and trucks.

  • Push-along: This enduring type of ride-on toy features a design that's low enough to the ground that kids can scoot themselves along using their feet. Push-along ride-ons are sometimes referred to as parent-powered bikes, cars, or trikes with push handles.

  • Pull-along: Pull-along ride-on toys usually accommodate more than one child and feature a long handle that can be pulled by a parent or older sibling. These are great for long walks, and once your kids are big enough they can have oodles of fun carting all their things about. However, pull-along ride-ons don't deliver the same level of independence as other types, and this can be a major deal breaker for kids who long to be in the driver’s seat.

  • Pedal-powered: Everyone is familiar with trikes, bikes, and go-carts. Pedal-powered ride-on toys can help little ones work on coordination while giving their legs a great workout at the same time. Pedal-powered toys come in sizes for all ages, so remember to check age, height, and weight suitability before you buy.

  • Roller coaster and track: If your child already has a traditional ride-on toy or two, a roller coaster or track ride-on offers an exciting change of pace. Some of these ride-ons come with cars that can only be used with the track. For greater playtime versatility, we recommend choosing a set with a push-along ride-on toy that can be used independently of the track.

  • Centrifugal: These unique ride-ons require no scooting, pushing, or pedaling. Instead, they’re propelled by wiggles and twists. Depending on the design, centrifugal ride-on toys can require wiggling of just the handles or both the hips and hands at the same time. If you're looking for something a little different, these are well worth investigating.

Child’s age

Age is one of the most important considerations when choosing a ride-on toy. While older kids generally have sufficient motor skills, coordination, and muscle strength to propel anything from a foot-powered push-along to a pedal-powered ride-on, toddlers and smaller kids might need some help. For younger children, adaptable ride-on toys with push handles that go from being parent-powered to kid-powered are a safe and economical buy.

Size

Size matters for a number of reasons. Maneuvering, riding, and getting on and off a ride-on toy should be safe and comfortable for kids. Unless you'll be doing the driving for a few months, always make sure that your little one’s feet are able to reach the foot pedals or the ground. Also, consider the size of your yard and available storage space before you buy. While the average ride-on toy doesn’t demand much room in order to deliver hours of fun, some powered ride-ons are large and require more space to ride and store.

Weight limit

All ride-on toys have a maximum weight limit. This can give you some indication of how long your child will be able to enjoy a particular model and also how suitable it is for your child's age and size. If your little one already weighs close to the maximum weight limit, you might want to consider a larger ride-on with a higher weight capacity. If you're purchasing a two-seater for siblings or companions, checking the maximum weight limit is even more important.

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Expert Tip
If you live in a hot climate or want to take the ride-along on some long walks, consider a model with a roof or canopy.
STAFF
BestReviews

Ride-on toy features

Adjustability

An adjustable design that grows with your child is hands-down one of the most valuable  features a ride-on toy can offer. Whether it's a removable push handle, movable seat, or floorboard that can be taken out for foot-powered driving, some level of adjustability can help see to it that your little one's ride-on toy goes the extra mile to deliver years of fast-paced fun – a win/win deal for both parents and kids.

Storage

Regardless of size, one or two onboard storage compartments can take a ride-on toy’s appeal to a whole new level. For parents, storage means practical convenience – after all, having a built-in spot for drinks, snacks, or a change of clothes means you’ll have one less thing to carry on outings. Even if you don't plan to leave your yard, chances are your little one will appreciate the novelty of having a place to keep much-loved knick-knacks or treasures found on outdoor adventures.

Horns, bells, and sounds

Kids are noisy by nature, and having a horn to honk, a bell to ring, or music to play can be great fun. Horns and bells can also help prevent collisions if you have more than one kiddo tearing up your driveway at a time. If you're considering a powered ride-on, a built-in radio is a nice feature to look out for.

Realistic touches

Not only do a handful of realistic details make a ride-on toy more enticing, but they also provide opportunities for kids to learn. For instance, an ignition switch and other buttons that can help little ones work on fine motor skills while turning lights on and off is a fantastic example of cause and effect. Even if your child already has these skills and concepts down pat, some level of realistic styling never goes amiss.

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Caution
Don’t leave your child's ride-on toy outside. Exposure to the elements can cause fading, rust, cracks, and permanent damage to electronic components.
STAFF
BestReviews

Ride-on toy prices

With such a huge variety of ride-on toys on the market, it's easy to find something for every budget. Depending on size, features, and whether or not it's motorized, a ride-on toy can set you back anywhere from  $30 to over $300.

Inexpensive

Basic push-along ride-on toys or those that are designed for the younger crowd with a low weight capacity can be found for around $30 to $40.

Mid-range

If you're looking for something that will grow with your child, or you simply want a first ride-on toy with at least a handful of cute details, expect to pay between $40 and $60.

Expensive

Flashy features, track and car sets, large and sturdy models that offer years of use, or powered ride-ons can cost anywhere from $70 to $300 and more.

"Some powered ride-on toys take hours to charge. Having an extra battery on hand can help keep little ones from becoming frustrated when it's time to recharge."
STAFF
BestReviews

Tips

  • Choose an age-appropriate toy. Purchasing a ride-on toy that's too large or too fast for a younger child can be dangerous. On the other hand, trying to squeeze a bigger kid into a small model can put a strain on moving parts, potentially leading to breakage and accidents.

  • Check the ride-on toy before your child uses it. Take a few extra minutes to make sure that all the parts are assembled and fastened correctly before you hand your kiddo their driver's license.

  • Provide proper protective gear. Your little one should wear a helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads when riding a powered ride-on or if there's a chance of falling off any type.

  • Supervise your child at all times. Most kids are fearless and enthusiastic drivers and can find a way to reach breakneck speeds even on a push-along ride-on toy.

  • Run regular maintenance checks. Look for any loose parts, cracks, or general wear and tear that could cause a problem.
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While some ride-ons are suitable for a variety of different surfaces, others are strictly designed for indoor or on-track use. Check manufacturer specifications before you buy.

FAQ

Q. What's the best option for a first ride-on toy?

A. That depends on a number of factors, including your child's age, level of coordination, and the age recommendation of a particular model. In general, little ones who are sitting independently and learning to walk fare well by starting out with ride-on toys that have a push handle for parent-powered driving. Younger children might also require additional safety features like a deep seat, low body, and seat belt.

Q. Are powered ride-on toys safe for toddlers?

A. Most toddler-friendly powered ride-ons have a low maximum speed and automatic braking to help prevent accidents and collisions. However, it’s still wise to outfit your tot with safety gear like a helmet and elbow and knee pads.

Q. My child hasn't reached the maximum weight capacity but looks too big for his ride-on. Is it still safe to use?

A. If your child hasn't yet reached the maximum weight limit and still feels comfortable using the ride-on, there shouldn't be a problem. However, when it comes to pedaling, being too tall for a ride-on can interfere with motion and balance, leading to bruised knees at best or toppling over if it's a two-wheeled model.

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