The 10 Best Ride-On Toys of 2020

Best Overall: Little Tikes Cozy Coupe 30th Anniversary Car

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You'd be hard-pressed to find a household with children that don't have this classic toy at home. For 30 years this car has been delighting children with its easy to maneuver style and open and close doors. Built for children 18 months and up, this toy will have them racing around the backyard with their feet (think Fred Flinstone). It also has storage space for bottles, cups, and snacks and is easy to wipe down and clean when messes happen. And don't think this will only be fun for little ones. As your child grows up they'll still get a kick out of rolling and pushing this car around. Their older sibling may even want to take a spin!

Runner-Up, Best Overall: Radio Flyer Deluxe Steer and Stroll Trike

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The Radio Flyer wagon is an American icon, and this three-wheeler matches its classic design with the easy-riding fun of a tricycle. Perfect for kids from 2 to 5, the Radio Flyer Deluxe Steer and Stroll Trike is easy to customize to fit your child’s age and level of riding confidence. A rear-mounted handle allows the parent to steer and push, but it can be removed when your young one is ready to take to the pedals and handlebars themselves. An adjustable seat can be raised as your child grows, and an attached storage bin makes it easy to bring some favorite toys along for the journey.

Parents love that you can guide your child’s ride using the handlebar, and then eventually remove it as they grow and develop their motor skills—it gives the toy an unusually long lifespan. While some write that assembly can be challenging, the brand’s customer service is stellar, and once it’s constructed you can’t beat the bright red look and classic sense of Americana.

Best for Toddlers: Fisher-Price Harley-Davidson Tough Trike

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Give your little biker the hog of his or her dreams with the Fisher-Price Harley-Davidson Tough Trike. Decked out with the Harley-Davidson logo and some gnarly flame graphics, this three-wheeler is perfect for pedal-powered trips around the block. The wheel-base is wide and stable, for an extra-safe ride, and the handlebars are easy to grip. A storage compartment under the seat fits some toys or treats for the road, and the large-size foot pedals make it easy for your toddler to propel themselves without fear of slipping.

Customers write that the Fisher-Price Harley-Davidson Tough Trike is a favorite of their toddler—it’s just the right size and provides hours of pedaling fun, with a streak of rebellious Harley style. It’s easy to put together, and a breeze for little ones to scoot around on.

Best Battery-Powered: Best Choice Products 12V Kids Battery Powered Remote Control Toyota Tundra Ride On Truck

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For slightly older kids (3 and up in this case), a battery-powered ride-on toy provides the thrill of getting behind the wheel while maintaining a safe, controllable experience. Designed to resemble a Toyota Tundra, this ride-on toy features in-car steering, LED headlights, and even a built-in media player with an AUX input so kids can play their favorite jams on the road. The car has two-speed settings and can be commandeered by a parent-held remote control for an extra-safe ride.

The Battery-Powered Remote Control Toyota Tundra Ride-On Truck includes a rechargeable 12V battery, can get moving after 8-12 hours of charge time. It’s the attention to detail that makes it a real winner—kids love operating the headlights and horn, and its overall speed level is exhilarating for tots but safe for play under a watchful parent’s eye.

Best for Truck Lovers: Peg Perego John Deere Ground Force 12-Volt Tractor Ride-On

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If your child is obsessed with all things trucks, he or she will love the Peg Perego John Deere Tractor. This electric tractor is perfect for ages 3-7 and can hold up to 85 pounds. It features two speeds, 2.5 and 5 miles per hour, and can even go in reverse. Plus, it has a built-in FM radio so your kid can blast his favorite tunes as he does all that much-needed yardwork. An adjustable seat with armrests makes for a comfortable ride and the rechargeable 12-volt battery allows for hours of fun. The detachable trailer lets your child haul his or her favorite toys all across the lawn while “helping” mom and dad with chores. 

Reviewers say that while it does require a good deal of assembly, it’s worth it. Children of all ages and genders love riding on a John Deere tractor that looks like the real thing.

Best Playset: Step2 Up & Down Roller Coaster Ride On

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This playset from Step2 combines the fun of a traditional ride-on toy with the excitement of hopping on a roller coaster, all in your own backyard. A safe riding car with a high back and handrails sits atop a three-piece plastic track with 10 feet of gentle slopes to the finish. The design of the track holds the car in position as it makes its way toward the end, and ensures it stays in place when your child climbs in at the top. The whole playset simply snaps together, and non-slip steps provide access to the car from either side. All in all, it offers a safe, exciting ride your child will want to take again and again.

Customers say the Step2 Up & Down Roller Coaster Ride-On provides hours of enjoyment and is great for kids from as young as 2 all the way up through 8 or so. Kids love experimenting with different ways to ride it, but the high sides and handlebar keep it safe as long as they’re being adequately supervised.

Best for Trips: Trunki Original Kids Ride-On Suitcase and Carry-On Luggage

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Here’s a ride-on toy with a twist: a rideable suitcase to keep your child entertained at the airport or an overnight trip. This lightweight suitcase features a set of wheels, a seat-like top, and a pair of horn-like handles—just let your kid hop on, and they’ll be happily rolling around wherever their travels take them. It’s a great way to bust boredom at the airport, and an included strap makes it easy for parents to give their tot a tow when they start to feel tired.

Of course, the Trunki is also a fully functional suitcase, with 18 liters of capacity, an internal pocket, and some elastic straps to keep items secure.

Best Two-Wheeler: Costzon Ride-On Motorcycle

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While a true two-wheeler is too difficult for most toddlers, but the Costzon Ride-On Motorcycle gives the illusion of riding on two wheels while providing the safety of three. With an authentic motorcycle look, this battery-powered bike runs via a foot pedal and reaches speeds up to 1.8 miles per hour. The third wheel is tucked away in the back, so from the side and front, the toy really does look like it’s running on two wheels. It’s even got a built-in music and horn button and working headlights.

Customers love this small, cute battery-powered motorcycle, writing that it’s perfect for kids aged 3 to 7. The motorcycle-inspired design is very cute, and kids love playing with the music button to set the tone for the perfect afternoon ride.

Best Princess-Themed: Huffy Disney Princess Royal Horse and Carriage Girls 6V Ride-On Toy

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If your child is obsessed with everything princess, check out the Disney Princess Royal Horse and Carriage. This ride-on toy comes with a 6V battery and can go both forward and reverse at 2.5 miles per hour. It features sounds and music fit for a princess and it even comes with its very own royal horse to carry your princess wherever she desires. A heart-shaped steering wheel, intricately detailed carriage doors, a beverage holder and a secret glove box all add to the fun of being a real princess. 

The Disney Princess Royal Horse and Carriage Toy takes about 30 minutes to put together, and customers say it’s a delight for all children. Some mention that the horse doesn’t steer as well on grass or dirt, but it’s perfect for driveways and sidewalks.