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The Spruce / Chloe Jeong
Though there are tons of picks out there to keep toddlers and babies busy, a ride-on toy is a great option to consider if you're looking for something that'll entertain your little one for hours both indoors and outdoors.
We researched the best ride-on toys for toddlers, assessing the size, durability, safety, and recommended age of each. Our favorites include the classic Little Tikes Cozy Coupe, the sporty Rollplay Porsche Macan, and the Peg Perego John Deere Tractor.
Here and the best ride-on toys for toddlers.
Little Tikes Cozy Coupe 30th Anniversary Car
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Courtesy of Walmart
Classic design
Suitable for various ages
Storage space included
Difficult to assemble
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. 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.
Users warn that assembly can be difficult, so be sure to read all of the instructions fully before beginning. Luckily, after it is assembled, this high-quality toy will last for years. In case of dirt or mud, simply wipe down the plastic toy to have it looking like new.
Rollplay Porsche Macan 6-Volt Battery Ride-On Vehicle (Blue)
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Rollplay
Sophisticated design
MP3 connector with speakers
Battery life indicator
Expensive
Little ones can cruise in style with this Porsche Macan ride-on toy complete with LED headlights, a working horn, and realistic engine sounds. Toddlers and even older kids can jam out with cruising forward or backward with the included MP3 connector to play your favorite tunes. While this vehicle runs on a 6V battery, there is a battery life indicator included so you know when you need to recharge.
Fisher-Price Bounce and Spin Interactive Puppy with Lights and Sounds
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Courtesy of Target
Great for toddlers to burn off energy
Easy assembly
Sturdy
Some users found it made an unexpected noise
Safety is a big concern for parents when considering what ride-on toy if right for their child. This stationary option if perfect for nervous parents. Bouncing kiddos stay in one place without risk of riding out of eyeshot, and the sturdy frame and high-quality ensure the structure stays still. Babies and toddlers will love jumping and spinning on the adorable puppy without any batteries required.
Step2 Up & Down Roller Coaster Ride On
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Courtesy of Buy Buy BABY
Suitable for indoor or outdoor use
Multiple ways to play
Suitable for various ages
Reviewers found it can be difficult to stop the car at the end of the track
Transform your backyard into an amusement park with this thrilling toy. This ride-on coaster takes about 30 minutes to assemble and can be used indoors or outside. The 10-foot long track has a car (that can be used alone) with a high back and handrail for hours of fun.
Peg Perego John Deere Ground Force Tractor with Trailer
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Courtesy of Walmart
Easy to purchase replacement parts if needed
Steers easily
Radio requires additional battery
They’ll be plowing up a good time on this John Deere tractor from Peg Perego. This mean, green ride is powered by a rechargeable battery, and kids operate it with foot pedals, just like a real car. It works on grass, dirt, gravel, and pavement, and it even features a working FM radio. Talk about a sweet ride.
Hape Scoot Around Ride On Wood Bike
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Courtesy of Amazon
Easy to put together
Suitable for indoor use
Sturdy
Not adjustable for different sized children
If you love the old-fashioned look of wooden kids' toys, you'll love this scoot around rider from Hape. It features four rubber-coated wheels, and little ones push off the ground to get it going, which improves strength and balance. It makes for a great starter set of wheels.
Little Tikes Princess Horse & Carriage
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Courtesy of Target
Durable
Floorboard is easily removable
Horse makes noises
Long assembly time
Who wouldn't love a horse and carriage ride? Well, this kinda gives your child that experience. This manual ride-on toy can be controlled by both kids and adults, with cup holders for both. The horse seamlessly glides and turns as the carriage is being steered, and even makes realistic clip-clop sounds.
Best Choice Products Kids 12V 2-Seater Licensed Land Rover Ride On
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Courtesy of Amazon
Remote controlled
Comes with seatbelts
Added storage compartments
Users found wheels did not hold up over time
Kids will ride in style in this battery powered Land Rover. Allow your little one to drive the car on their own or you can use the remote control to help them out. The max speed is 3.7 miles per hour and the 4-wheel suspension makes for a smooth ride. A device can be connected to the dashboard to play music, plus, there are working lights and even the sound of an engine starting.
Radio Flyer 4-in-1 Stroll 'N Trike
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Courtesy of Walmart
Easy to assemble
Folds and stores easily
Comes with parental control
Can be difficult to maneuver
Part stroller, part tricycle, this pick from Radio Flyer grows with your child. It converts from a seated stroller that mom and dad can push to a classic trike for when they’re ready to take off on their own. It can hold kids up to 49 pounds and has useful features like a cup holder, tray, and storage compartment.
Strider 12 Sport Balance Bike
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Courtesy of Amazon
Great for transitioning to a two-wheeled bike
Easy to assemble
Lightweight
No brakes other than feet
Young kids can tear things up on two wheels with this balance bike from Strider. It’s specially designed to keep younger kids upright and riding along without training wheels. The inseam height is easily adjustable between 12-20 inches, so it grows with your child.
AppleRound Blue Horse Hopper
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Courtesy of Amazon
Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
Children of many ages can enjoy
Easy to balance
Users found it smaller than expected
No wheels here! Instead, this jumping horse lets them bounce about on their adventures. It's easy to inflate with the included pump, and then kids are ready to take off. It’s designed for kids who are 3 to 5 years old, and parents say it’s great exercise and a super fun alternative to traditional ride-on toys.
Step2 Whisper Ride II
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Courtesy of Amazon
Included seatbelt
Fun alternative to strollers
Can be loud and rattle
When toddlers still need a push from time to time, this Step2 is a great option. With a steering wheel, a horn to beep, and other car features, it’s more fun than a traditional stroller, and a seat belt keeps them securely in place during the ride. It’s recommended for kids up to 50 pounds.
YBIKE Ride On Toy and Walking Buddy
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Courtesy of Amazon
Perfect for babies learning to walk
Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
Easy to assemble
Only usable on smooth surfaces
This option is full of fun possibilities that will grow as your child develops. As they begin to explore walking, it can be used as a “walking buddy,” and as they grow, it converts to a ride-on toy. It has won awards for its innovative design that helps toddlers develop motor and cognitive skills while they play. The wide, long base ensures it won’t tip over as toddlers move about.
As long as there’s a smooth surface, it can be used inside or out and has non-marking rubber wheels, so you don’t have to worry about scuffs on your floors.
Prince Lionheart Wheely Bug, Ladybug, Small
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Courtesy of Amazon
Unique design
Available in two sizes
Suitable for various ages
Can scratch hardwood floors
This ride-on toy is as cute as a bug—a ladybug that is! The body is cushioned and a handlebar helps them hang on while they use their legs to scoot forward, backward, and around in circles. It comes in two sizes—small (for kids 18 to 36 months) and large (for kids 3 and up). It also comes in versions featuring other fun animals like a bunny, a pig, and a hedgehog.
Kiddieland My First Minnie Ride On
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Courtesy of Amazon
Recognizable character
Perfect for toddlers learning to walk
No assembly required
Interactive with buttons and sounds
Users found it smaller than expected
Little ones can ride with one of their favorite Disney friends on this ride featuring Minnie Mouse and Mickey Mouse. It has four wheels, and little legs power it by pushing off the floor. Extra features like music, a telephone, and a honking horn make for more fun on the go.
Costzon Ride-On Motorcycle
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Courtesy of Amazon
Suitable for various ages
Working headlight and interactive buttons
Long assembly time
Kids as young as 3 years old can enjoy this battery charged ride-on motorcycle. A single charge provides up to 40 minutes of fun. The foot pedals make take off easy and the three wheels provide stability. There's a horn button and even a working headlight.
VTech Sit-to-Stand Ultimate Alphabet Train
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Courtesy of Amazon
Easy assembly
Multiple ways to play with included activities
Users reporters missing pieces
Talk about a smart ride. This train from VTech has all sorts of learning and fun opportunities. It features a storybook, clock, alphabet blocks, and more, and it can transform from a floor toy to a walker to a ride-on toy and even a wagon for kids to haul around their treasures. It has plenty to keep kids interested for hours. All aboard!
Lil' Rider Ride on Wiggle Car
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Courtesy of Amazon
Durable
Easy to turn and maneuver
Suitable for indoor or outdoor use
Assembly instructions can be unclear
This car by Lil' Rider is controlled by wiggling the steering wheel back and forth instead of by pedals or pushing. Kids steer with the handles up top, and there are no bells and whistles and batteries needed—just pure, kid-powered fun. It can be used on any flat surface, indoors or out, though parents say it doesn’t work so well on carpet.
Lascoota 2-in-1 Kick Scooter with Removable Seat
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Courtesy of Amazon
Adjustable
Suitable for various ages
Light-up wheels
Included helmet
Pricey
This is a scooter with some serious staying power. For little ones starting at about age 2, it works as a ride-on toy, but as they grow older and stronger, the seat comes off, and it works as a traditional scooter. In all modes, the wheels light up as they go for a fun, flashy ride.
Radio Flyer Scoot-About Sport
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Courtesy of Walmart
Suitable for indoor or outdoor use
Does not scratch hardwood floors
Easy to assemble
Not adjustable so kids can quickly outgrow it
Long before you are ready to purchase a bike for your child, they can start practicing on this Scoot-About. It has four wide-set wheels, which are powered by little legs pushing off the ground. It has a wide seat that lifts up to store blocks, stuffed animals, and more.
Fisher-Price Harley-Davidson Tough Trike
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Courtesy of Amazon
Easy to assemble
Sturdy
Fun design
Reviewers found the seat can flip up and come off
For motorcycle-obsessed tikes, there’s this Harley-Davidson-inspired trike from Fisher-Price. Designed for kids ages 2 to 5, it's powered by simple pedals on the front wheel. Large, sturdy wheels and hand grips help them tear up the town safely. And as for the cute factor, it’s off the charts!
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The Spruce / Sarah Vanbuskirk
VTech 2 In 1 Learn & Zoom Motor Bike
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Courtesy of Walmart
Easy assembly
Interactive with lights, sounds, and buttons
Can be difficult to maneuver
Vroom, vroom! They’ll zoom into fun with this motorbike from VTech. Not only does it provide a great ride, but it can also play music and help them learn colors, shapes, and even road safety. It’s recommended for ages 1 to 3 and can be converted from a bike to a tricycle for kiddos who are still mastering balance.
Little Tikes Rocking Horse
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Little Tikes
Great for babies and young toddlers
Sturdy
No assembly required
Product can have sharp edges
The best ride-on toys don't actually have to go anywhere to be fun. Made of durable plastic with easy-to-grip handles, this rocking horse is perfect for toddlers (it's recommended for ages 12 to 36 months). It comes fully assembled so it’s ready to ride right out of the box.
Mega Bloks Ride On Caterpillar with Excavator
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Courtesy of Walmart
Storage compartments included
Fun design
Makes realistic construction sounds
Not adjustable for differently sized toddlers
Little builders will go wild for this ride-on caterpillar that comes complete with an excavator and shovel. It comes with ten blocks to scoop up, and there’s a compartment under the seat to store them, along with other treasures. Parents say it’s a great toy for indoor or outdoor use.
What to Look For in a Ride-On Toys For Toddlers
Recommended Age
When shopping for toddlers, you want to make sure that the one you pick is age-appropriate, says Kristin Morency Goldman, senior advisor of strategic communications for The Toy Association. The age recommendations on toy packaging are a good judge of how safe and engaging a toy will be and will help steer you away from toys that may be too advanced for toddlers.
Safety
When it comes to ride-on toys, safety is of particular concern. Toddlers should always wear a helmet when using toys like trikes, bikes, and scooters, says Dr. Natasha Burgert, a pediatrician in South Overland Park, Kansas.
Durability
Because ride-on toys are often kept outdoors, look for toys that can be safely used in these environments and that are built to withstand the elements. As any parent knows, even if you have the best intentions of putting your child’s toys away at night, they’ll inevitably get left out from time to time.
Longevity
Toddlers motor skills are rapidly developing. Because ride-on toys can be very expensive, it’s a good idea to look for options that will grow with your child, like a balance bike or scooter with an adjustable seat or handlebar or a car that can be used as a walker and later a ride-on toy.
Designed to be either self-propelled or electric-powered, these toys are great for fostering motor skills and hand-eye coordination, says Sanam Hafeez, PsyD, a neuropsychologist in New York City. Some of these toys—like the ones with different levers, knobs, and switches—can also help children learn about cause and effect. Even older kids who just want to zoom around will be stimulated by ride-on toys.
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How do you store ride-on toys?
Ride-on toys should be stored indoors in a covered area such as a garage, basement, attic, toy room, storage room, or mud room. This is particularly important for electric-powered ride-on toys whose components can be easily damaged by wet weather.
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What age kid can use a ride-on toy?
Ride-on toys come in many shapes, sizes, and styles. They range from simple self-propelled models designed for toddlers as young as 18 months to electric-powered versions for older children. Be sure to consult the recommended age ranges for ride-on toys before purchasing to make sure it’s age appropriate.
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How do you clean ride-on toys?
Ride-on toys are made for kids and should be easy to wipe clean with a damp cloth. For stubborn stains or dirt, a bucket of soapy water, or an eco-friendly mix of water, vinegar and baking soda should do the trick. Take care not to use too much water so that you don’t damage electrical parts or leave behind excess moisture that could cause components to rust. For the same reason, refrain from using your hose to power wash them even when tempted to do so.
Why Trust the Spruce?
This article was written by Julia Fields, a lifestyle writer for The Spruce covering all things surrounding toys, gifts, and the holidays. She's also covered similar topics in other roles, including toy reviews, product round-ups, interviews with experts, and more.
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