Getting your child a ride-on toy will give them a new and fun reason to explore the world. They not only enhance your child’s physical fitness from the exercises but also improve their coordination and motor skills. A ride-on toy varies from a rocking horse to a push car, to a trike all the way to a pedal car to ensure you always have something for your little one irrespective of their age or skills.
While we cannot overlook the benefits of play time with our kids and their toys in general, sometimes we have a hard time picking one for our child given the multiple options the market has to offer. Today we look at the top ride-on toys in 2022 based on their design, safety and additional features that will keep your little one happy with every ride.
- Features to Consider in Good Ride-on Toys
- Top 10 Best Ride-on Toys 2023
- 1. Step2 Whisper Ride II Ride On Push Car
- 2. Power Wheels Dune Race
- 3. Power Wheels Thomas & Friends Train on Track
- 4. Little Tikes Princess Cozy Truck Ride-On
- 5. PlasmaCar the Original Ride On Toy
- 6. Ju-Ju-Be Legacy Collection B.F.F. Convertible Diaper Bag
- 7. Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Scooter
- 8. Little Tikes Go and Grow Lil' Rollin' Giraffe Ride-on
- 9. Fisher-Price Harley-Davidson Tough Trike
- 10. Inflatable Bouncy Horse/Pony – ToysOpoly
- Best Ride-on Toys Buying Guide
- Final Words
Features to Consider in Good Ride-on Toys
Size
Ensure the ride-on toy is the right size for your child. First, your child should find it easy to get on and off the toy by themselves. Their feet should comfortably touch the floor to ensure balance. If it is a ride-on car or truck, consider their height and ensure they fit into the toy and that their knees do not touch the steering wheel.
Safety
Most toys pose a lot of dangers and injuries to children and that’s why your child’s safety should always be your top priority. Ensure the toy meets the required safety standards. The base should be broad and the toy close to the ground to enhance stability. For rocking toys, the seat should have a good grip, and the toy should not rock too far to the front or too far to the back to ensure your child does not slide when riding.
You can test the toy’s stability by pushing it from the sides to ensure it does not tip over. Also, pick a motorized toy with easy to initiate brakes for emergencies. All in all, supervise your child while on ride-on toys until they are old enough to handle themselves.
Balance
Balance is vital for safety reasons. Ensure the ride-on toy does not topple over when your child is playing on it.
Adjustable Parts
Your child will grow fast, and you do not want to replace their toys after a few months. Consider one with adjustable seats and handlebars to grow with your child.
Durability
You do not want to incur replacement costs after a few months. Choose a toy with sturdy construction to hold up for years.
Top 10 Best Ride-on Toys 2023
1. Step2 Whisper Ride II Ride On Push Car
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The large push car is one of the options toddlers can play with for hours. They can sit in it while their parents push them around the house or they can push the car themselves. Furthermore, pushing the car themselves allows toddlers to enjoy a better perspective on balance and control while taking the first steps.
With a maximum weight capacity of over 22kg, it is one of the durable toys which can be played with my siblings as well. Without doubt, it is also one of the most interesting of its class as it also comes with included storage space. There’s room for extra toys under the hood.
Pros
- Kids can ride the car
- Toddlers can push the toy car
- Great for learning to walk
- Includes toy storage space
Cons
- Needs cleaning from time to time
2. Power Wheels Dune Race
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Design
The Power Wheels Dune Racer is a powerful toy that can ride on all surfaces with ease for maximum adventure. Your child can drive on harsh terrains, hard surfaces or take it on wet grass without worrying about getting stuck. It offers your child a forward speed of up to 5 mph and 2.5 mph reverse
Your child will be comfortable throughout thanks to the included metals on the side that offer hand support. Your child will love the roomy cockpit that gives them enough space while onboard and also allows them to hop in with a friend.
Safety
It features sturdy steel construction to offer maximum safety to your child. The frame supports a weight of up to 130 lbs. It sits close to the ground and you can be sure your child will not topple over at any time. The interior of the car has smooth curves and curved edges so you won’t have to worry about your child getting cuts and scratches while in the car. It features an electronic pedal brake that is easy to initiate in case of emergencies. The Velcro seat belts enhance safety at all times.
Additional features
It comes with a 12-volt battery and a charger for your convenience. It can comfortably support children between 3 to 7 years of age so you can be sure it will grow with your child. It features a storage compartment under its hood to allow your child to hide their valuables and all they need while out playing.
Verdict
If you are looking for a powerful ride-on toy for 7 year olds, this could be your best bet. It has remarkable traction thus perfect for outdoor riding. The wheels run on rough and hard surfaces as well as slopes and wet grass without getting stuck. It has an easy to initiate brake to ensure safety and is roomy enough to hold up to two drivers. It is sturdy making it a perfect toy to grow with your child.
Pros
- Features powerful wheels that can run on any surface
- Has a roomy cockpit
- Extremely stable and durable
- It supports up to 130 lbs.
- Includes an easy-to-initiate brake
- Comes with a strong hand support
- Offers multiple color options
Cons
- It takes time to assemble
3. Power Wheels Thomas & Friends Train on Track
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Design
We all love Thomas Friends, and you can be sure that this train from Power Wheels does not disappoint either. It is easy to operate as all your little one needs to do is push a button to start their train and use the button again when they want to stop. The train allows your child to ride it on and off its track. When young, they can safely enjoy riding on the track that takes them round and round non-stop. Once they master steering, you can take it off the track and let them have fun in other places in the house.
It comes with a 6-volt battery to keep your child going for hours. The included footrest keeps your child comfortable throughout their ride.
Safety
The Thomas Friends train offers a maximum speed of 1 mph while on the track and 2 mph when riding on other surfaces so you can be sure your child is safe irrespective of where they are riding on. The wide tires guarantee stability whether on or off the track. It has been tested for safety to give you peace of mind.
Additional features
Your child will love the Thomas design. It also features a yellow whistle that offers phrases and sounds once pressed to keep your child entertained. It is easy to set up to give you an easy time. The wheels are sturdy to ensure years of use.
Verdict
The Thomas Friends train features an amazing design that both you and your child will love. The sounds and phrases make it a great selection if you are looking for a toy to keep your toddler entertained. It works both on and off its track to give your child the freedom to take it wherever they want. We love that it helps develop fine motor skills as well as balancing.
Pros
- Includes an easy to assemble 18-feet track
- Easy to start, stop and steer
- Works both on and off its track
- Includes a rechargeable 6-volt battery
- Develops motor, reasoning and balance skills
Cons
- Some parents find its motor too noisy
4. Little Tikes Princess Cozy Truck Ride-On
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Design
The Little Tikes Princess truck has a drop-down tailgate and a flatbed at the back that allows your child to hide their toys and other valuables. Its wheels are rugged to enable your child to use the truck on all kinds of terrain with ease. The truck’s driver’s door opens and closes to allow your child to hop in and drive off.
It comes with a floorboard that you can use when you want to push your child around. The board comes off to allow your child’s feet to touch the ground so that they can propel the truck by themselves. Your child will love using the horns to get attention when on the road.
Safety
The four wheels are big to offer stability. The floorboard protects your child’s feet when you push them around. It features strong construction and will hold your child until they are 50 lbs.
Additional features
Your child will love the included gas tank that has a cap to allow them to open and close it when refilling their tank. The incorporated cup holders come in handy to hold your little one’s drinks when you are out of the house. The handle at the top allows parents to push their child without much bending. Your girl will love the pink color.
Verdict
The Little Tikes Princess truck is an excellent choice for girls. The rugged wheels offer smooth riding on any surface to allow your child to explore. The removable floor makes it perfect for 18 months to 5 year old children. The truck design with horns, driver’s door that opens and closes, an opening tailgate and the gas tank with a cover makes this a remarkable toy that any child will love.
Pros
- Both a push and foot-powered ride-on toy
- Has a storage compartment
- Offers smooth riding on most surfaces
- Includes 2 cup holders
- Has a working horn
Cons
- Does not come fully assembling but has a manual to guide you
5. PlasmaCar the Original Ride On Toy
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Design
The PlasmaCar ride-on toy does not require batteries and pedals to operate thanks to the sharp steering. It is fast on flat surfaces and your child can reach a speed of up to 6 mph. It is quiet to allow your child to use it indoors and it can also be operated outdoors when they want to explore. The deep, smooth seat keeps your child comfortable and secure throughout.
Safety
The ride-on car features a robust construction that can hold adults weighing 220 lbs. and you can be sure it will support your child for a long time. It meets government safety standards so you can be sure your child is secure. The Polyurethane wheels offer stability and the bearings provide smooth turning.
Additional features
You will love that it is easy to assemble and your little one will be up on it in no time. It offers eight color options to allow your child to choose their most preferred toy.
Verdict
The PlasmaCar ride-on toy gives your child full control without worrying about recharging their toy. It is sturdy and will grow with your child from 3 years to adults weighing 220 lbs. It can be used both indoors and outdoors thus a perfect toy for exploration.
Pros
- Does not need to be charged
- Offers multiple color options
- Easy to assemble
- Holds up to 220 lbs.
- Can be used both indoors and outdoors
Cons
- Suitable for hard and flat surfaces only
6. Ju-Ju-Be Legacy Collection B.F.F. Convertible Diaper Bag
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Design
How about a ride-on toy that goes beyond offering just fun? The VTech Alphabet Train comes with 13 double-sided letter blocks and a six-page alphabet book to teach your child letters at a young age. It also features five piano keys that teach numbers and colors. Your child will love that it comes with over 100 songs they can sing along to keep them entertained during playtime.
The train can be operated when your child is sitting on the floor, or they can pull it, or ride on it giving them full control and freedom to choose how they want to play with their toy. It features motion sensors that trigger sounds once your child starts moving to keep them entertained throughout. Your child will also enjoy the drop-space at the top of the engine that directs the blocks from their train to the back carriage.
Safety
The VTech Alphabet Train is sturdy so you won’t have to worry about your child toppling over while on the train.
Additional features
The train offers various modes of operation thus suitable for children between 1 to 3 years old. It comes with a detachable elephant at the front which produces some noise when touched, a walkie-talkie, and includes 3 AA batteries in the package. The batteries stay charged for long so you won’t have to worry about recharging. It is lightweight so you can easily carry it from place to place.
Verdict
The VTech train offers a great way to learn colors, numbers, and letters thus perfect for toddlers and preschool children who are getting ready to start school. Your child can pull, push, ride on it or play with the toy on the floor offering them entertainment as they grow. It features limitless songs to keep your child entertained irrespective of how they choose to operate the toy. We love that it develops your child’s coordination, motor, language and reasoning skills.
Pros
- A fun way to learn numbers, letters, and colors
- Colorful design
- It grows with your child
- Features endless sing-along songs
- Develops fine motor skills
Cons
- It has a lot of parts and can be bulky to some people
7. Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Scooter
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Design
Your child will love the multiple ways they get to learn from the time they are 1 year old until they turn 3. It comes with three learning stages; explore, encourage and pretend to keep your child engaged as they grow. It includes three differently shaped buttons that will help your child to learn numbers, colors and other exciting things at a young age.
Your child will love that they trigger sounds when they move the scooter. This will encourage them to keep going to activate more songs.
Safety
The scooters wheels all touch the ground to ensure stability. It is also sturdy to allow your child to get on and off without toppling over.
Additional features
It is light to give your child full control when propelling their toy. It comes with batteries in the package.
Verdict
The Fisher-Price Smart Stages scooter comes with three learning stages that teach your child shapes, colors, among other things thus perfect for children preparing to start school. It is safe for your child and grows with them until they turn 3 years old. We love that it helps develop your child’s motor and reasoning skills.
Pros
- Develops fine motor and reasoning skills
- A fun way to learn alphabets, numbers, and shapes
- Features over 50 songs
- Grows with your child
- Suitable for 1 to 3 year old children
Cons
- It does not roll easily
8. Little Tikes Go and Grow Lil' Rollin' Giraffe Ride-on
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Design
If you want a ride-on toy that will grow with your child, this toy from Little Tikes is your best bet. The flexible seat allows it to grow with your child so you won’t have to get them a new toy at every height. It features large wheels both at the front and back to ensure stability wherever they go. Also, the front wheels are widely spaced to enhance steadiness.
The large ears on the giraffe offer an excellent grip to allow your child to balance easily while on the toy. It is strong and can hold up to 50 lbs. Its design enables your child to get on and off easily without needing your help.
Safety
The large wheels keep your child safe from toppling over. The toy is made of non-toxic materials thus safe for children. The plastic and lightweight construction ensure your child is safe when the toy tumbles or falls on them.
Additional features
The Little Tike Giraffe ride-on features bright colors that any child would love. It is easy to assemble and your child will be rolling in a few minutes. Your child can ride it both indoors or outdoors so you can either let them move from room to room within the house or take their favorite toy to the park for more adventure.
Verdict
If you are looking for an easy to operate ride-on toy for 1 to 3 year olds, this will make a good choice. It is lightweight thus easy for both you and them to move around. The adjustable seat ensures the toy will grow with your child until they weigh 50 lbs. It is stable, easy to assemble and easy to get on and off thus perfect for short kids. It helps improve your child’s motor and balancing skills.
Pros
- Features a remarkable design
- Can be used both indoors and outdoors
- Features an adjustable seat
- Lightweight
- Offers great stability
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- It is small in size thus not suitable for grown kids
9. Fisher-Price Harley-Davidson Tough Trike
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Design
The Fisher-Price Harley-Davidson tough trike has rugged tires to allow your child to take them wherever they want for increased adventure. The tires are also durable to ensure long years of use, therefore, your child can ride them on any terrain at any time without worrying about damaging them.
The easy-to-grip handles and the wide foot pedals give your child full control over the trike when riding. Its seat is also comfortable to keep your child happy throughout the ride.
Safety
The trike from Fisher-Price comes with wide wheels to enhance the toy’s stability for your child’s safety. It is pedal powered, stable, with easy to grip handles to give your child an easy time while on the trike even when they are young.
Additional features
It has a storage compartment beneath the seat where your child can hide their valuables when playing. Your child will love the black and orange colors. It comes with a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty so your child can ride their toy in peace.
Verdict
The Fisher-Price Harley-Davidson Tough trike is easy to maneuver thus perfect for 2 year olds and still strong enough for 6 year olds. It is pedal-powered therefore helps develop your child’s motor skills as well as exercise their leg muscles. It comes in cool colors, offers excellent stability and allows your child to ride it both indoors and outdoors ensuring years of fun.
Pros
- Has a storage compartment beneath the seat
- Comes with easy-to-grip handlebars
- Has wide wheelbase
- Features large-foot pedals
- Has durable tires that can take on any surface
Cons
- Requires assembling but this can be a great and fun time for both you and your child
10. Inflatable Bouncy Horse/Pony – ToysOpoly
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Design
Nothing will keep your child busy like this bouncy pony from ToyOpoly. The rubber construction is thick to guarantee years of service and still soft enough to ensure your child’s comfort while on the horse. It takes only 2 minutes to inflate and maintains its shape for days to allow your child to have endless fun for long. The included foot pump inflates faster than a hand pump saving on time.
Your child can ride the horse both indoors and outdoors. You can let them ride in the kitchen when you are cooking dinner or carry it to the park for outdoor adventure. It is easy to operate therefore your child will learn to operate it by themselves in no time and let you do other things.
Safety
It is made of thick rubber that can hold up to 100 lbs. so you can be sure your child will be safe rocking this horse irrespective of their size. The pony’s ears offer an easy to grab handle to your child for increased balance and coordination. It is stable, so you won’t have to worry about your child toppling over. It is free from toxic substances with no choking parts for your kid’s safety.
Additional features
The pony comes with an air pump at no extra cost. You will love that you can use the pump on exercise balls and other inflatables. The toy also has a white plug-in that keeps air in or out making it easy for you to deflate it for storage and transportation. It is easy to clean to ensure a new ride during every play time. Your child will love that it comes in blue, green, red and pink so they can select what works best for them whether boy or girl.
Verdict
If you are looking for a ride-on toy for 1 year olds and above, the bouncy pony from ToysOpoly makes an excellent choice. It is sturdy with easy-to-grip handlebars to give your child an easy time coordinating and balancing. It can be used both indoors and outdoors thus a great way to have fun. Riding on the horse helps develop your child’s balance, coordination, and motor skills.
Pros
- The package comes with a foot pump
- Requires no assembling
- Offers multiple color options
- Can be used both indoors and outdoors
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Safe and eco-friendly
Cons
- We wish it came in exciting styles
- Smaller compared to other rocking horses
Best Ride-on Toys Buying Guide
What Factors Should You Consider When Buying a Ride-on Toy?
Now that you have decided you want to get your little one a ride-on toy, there are many things you should consider before making your selection. Let’s have a look;
How Old Is Your Child?
The age of your child plays a significant role in the kind of ride-on toy you should get them. Different toys are made for different kids based on their balancing, coordination as well as height. If your child is under 2 years old, get them a toy that allows their feet to touch the ground so that they can propel the toy using their legs.
A battery-powered ride-on toy will work well if your child is between 2 to 3 years old when they have mastered steering skills. Once your child turns 5 years, get them a powerful toy such as motor-powered cars that can run on all surfaces including wet grass without getting stuck. The cockpit should also be spacious to allow them to sit comfortably.
Some ride-on toys feature different modes of operation and will grow with your child so you won’t have to get them a new toy.
Here is how to make your child’s motor-powered toy move faster when they are old enough for increased fun.
Style
What does your child love? You do not want to invest in a toy that will end up in the garage just because your child does not fancy it. Take time to learn their preference so that you get them a toy they will love using. Toys come in different. Get them one with their favorite cartoon character and you can be sure they will not put it down.
Also, consider toys that allow your child to imitate real life situations such as driving a truck or train, riding on a horse and more to keep them entertained. Some ride-on toys feature extra activities other than riding such as entertaining and educative songs that your child will love.
Where Are They Going to Ride It?
Consider the place your child will ride the toy from before purchasing it. Some toys can only be used indoors which will be a bummer when your child wants to explore outdoors. Some allow your child to go outdoors but will only work well on flat surfaces. Consider a toy that does not limit your child such as motor-powered cars that can take any terrains.
How Are They Powered?
Ride-on toys can be motor-powered or manually powered. A manually powered toy needs to be pushed or pulled to gain momentum. Your child will use their feet to propel a push ride-on toy while you or their sibling needs to lug them around for a pull ride-on toys.
A pedal-powered ride-on toy requires pedaling to create momentum. They are as fast as your child pedals giving your little one full control over their toy.
Motorized ride-on toys are the most loved and are suitable for older kids. They are either electric or battery powered. The higher the battery voltage, the more powerful and fast these toys are. The downside of these toys is that you have to recharge them or replace their batteries after use.
Assembling
How fast can you assemble the toy? You do not want a ride-on toy that will take up most of your time to set up or one that needs an extra hand to put up.
Here is a guide on assembling a PlasmaCar ride-on toy.
Maintenance
Consider a toy that is easy to maintain and is durable to ensure years of use. Check on the parts of the toys and ensure it features a sturdy construction that can take on anything without breaking.
Safety Gears
Get your child safety gears if you plan on buying them scooters, motorized cars or toys whose speed can be increased. Also, watch them while playing until you are sure they can perform some activities such as initiate brakes or get on and off the toy without you helping.
Budget
We recommend working with a budget when purchasing items for your child. Ride-on toys come in different styles and sizes at varying costs. Decide on the much you are willing to spend to give you an easy time once you start choosing the toy.
Final Words
We believe you now have all it takes to get the best ride-on toy for your child. A good toy will not only offer your child fun but also teach them valuable skills they will need in their day to day life. We have put together a list of the best ride-on toys in 2022 to make it easy for you to pick one. We have also looked at the features and factors you should have in mind before purchasing the toy for your little one to ensure you select only the best. And, avoid toys with small parts especially if your kid is at that stage where they want to put everything in their mouth because suffocation and chocking from such parts is very common.