Ride-on toys for kids have always been a huge hit when it comes to fun, imaginative ways that kids love to play. Thanks to continued advances in modern technology, today’s ride-on toys for kids blow the old school self-propelled dinosaurs we had as kids out of the water.
Best Ride-On Toys For Kids of All Ages
Our top picks for both battery-powered and foot-fueled fun
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Ride-on toys come in a wide array of options. From manual toys that have to be pushed by parents or adults, to top-of-the-line, high-tech motorized vehicles that mimic real-life cars and trucks and everything in-between, there is sure to be something to suit your needs and wants for the child you have in mind. According to experts at North Shore Pediatric Therapy in Illinois, ride-on toys for kids can promote the development of gross and fine motor skills, balance, exercise, exploration, independent play, and more.
What should you consider before buying a ride-on toy for kids?
- Age Recommendation: All ride-on toys for kids come with a recommended age range. This is based on safety factors and should be adhered to because of such. The age recommendations have nothing to do with your child’s development, intelligence, or skillsets.
- Size and Weight Restrictions: Be sure to check the maximum size and weight capacity of the ride-on toy you’re considering prior to purchase. Remember that your child will most likely still be growing and you may want to size up a bit to accommodate for that.
- Safety Certifications: Ride-on toys for kids in the U.S. have to be independently certified to meet strict safety standards. Look for certifications such as ASTM F963. This ensures that the toy is free from lead, phthalates, sharp corners and edges, pinching points, small parts, and more.
- Adult Supervision Required: For younger kids, some ride-on toys pose a higher risk of injury than others, so it’s a good idea to have your child operate these toys with adult supervision.
- Warranties: Consider purchasing a ride-on toy that comes backed by a solid manufacturer’s warranty. This ensures protection against unforeseen defects or problems, but also says that you’re buying from a company that believes in the durability and reliability of its product enough to stand behind it for a given length of time. And let’s face it, kids are rough on toys.
Here, we highlight some of our top favorite ride-on toys for kids so that you can have an idea of what to look for in a top-quality option for the child in your life.
For more toy recommendations, check our top picks for the best robot toys, best play kitchen sets, and best family board games.
Our Top Picks
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Pros
- Designed to grow with younger kids
- Promotes outdoor activity and exercise
- Doesn’t require any batteries or electricity to run
Cons
- Bulky
- Not available in many color choices
Product Snapshot
This Little Tikes ride-on trike is designed to grow with your child through the toddler years. It features detachable footrests for smaller children and non-slip pedals for older toddlers. A 5-point harness and substantial armrests attach to the adjustable seat to keep smaller children safe and protected. This model also comes equipped with an adjustable and detachable handle that is able to be driven single-handed by parents. The extra-large storage basket with a dumping feature is a great way to carry accessories like diaper bags or other toys. One drawback, although hardly a dealbreaker, is the fact that this model comes in very limited color options.
Specs
- Maximum Weight Capacity
- 50 pounds
- Age
- 9 months-3 years
- Warranty
- 90 days
- Item Weight
- 18.31 pounds
Best Ride-On Toy For Younger Children
Swagtron K2 Three-Wheel Transforming Scooter & Balance Trike
Manufacturer :
SwagtronPros
- Transforms into two separate ride-on toys
- Fully adjustable to last kids a long time
- Lightweight and durable
Cons
- Available in limited color options
- Not the best for kids with larger feet
Product Snapshot
For smaller children, the K2 transforms quickly and easily from a balance tricycle to a stable scooter. It’s a highly affordable and durable item that’s great for growing with your kids as they develop and improve their motor skills. The three-wheel set-up is stable and safe for kids as they learn to work on improving their balance. It’s been rated ASTM F963 for safety. This ride-on toy features an adjustable stem that can lengthen as your child grows. This scooter is constructed from rugged and lightweight carbon steel, plastic, and aluminum alloy, so it’s easy to carry and transport. One thing that could be improved on this model would be to make the deck a bit larger to accommodate kids with larger feet.
Specs
- Maximum Weight Capacity
- 44 pounds
- Age
- 2-5 years
- Warranty
- 90 days
- Item Weight
- 4.62 pounds
Best Ride-On Toy For Older Children
EzyRoller Drifter Pro-X Ride on Toy
Manufacturer :
EzyRollerWhere to Buy
Pros
- Lower center of gravity decreases risk of injury
- Great for racing friends
- Smooth and fast motion
Cons
- Not suitable for younger kids
- Can take some time to learn how to properly operate
Product Snapshot
Older kids will love the award-winning EzyRoller Drifter Pro X. It features a fun and specialized back wheel design that lets you drift smoothly around all sorts of corners. The lower center of gravity allows riders to be safer and have greater control over the maneuverability of this toy than taller, stand-up two-wheel scooters and bikes. Responsive braking and hands-free steering are excellent features of this toy. Designed for kids 10 and up, this ride-on toy features an impressive maximum weight capacity of 200 pounds, making it a sturdy and reliable option for kids of almost any size. Because of its sharp turning radius, it’s recommended to have your older child wear a helmet during use.
Specs
- Maximum Weight Capacity
- 200 pounds
- Age
- 10 years old and up
- Warranty
- 2 years
- Item Weight
- 18 pounds
Where to Buy
Best Battery-Powered Ride-On Toy
Fisher-Price Power Wheels Racing ATV
Manufacturer :
Power WheelsWhere to Buy
Pros
- Realistic looking ATV styling
- Promotes hand-eye coordination and development in young riders
- Relatively long battery life compared to some other models
Cons
- Somewhat pricey
- Top speed is limited compared to some other models
Product Snapshot
This motorized ATV from Power Wheels is a highly-rated, fun, and reliable ride-on toy that is backed by thousands of positive and satisfied user reviews. It features a realistic ATV design and graphics. It’s equipped with a 3 or 6 mph maximum forward speed option, so it’s safe and easy for younger riders to maintain control. Other great features that make it a safe bet are the Power-lock brakes, low and wide frame, and Easy-grip handles. The fully charged battery offers 30-35 minutes of continuous use before needing a recharge, so consider purchasing an extra battery to have on hand for extended play.
Specs
- Maximum Weight Capacity
- 65 pounds
- Age
- 3-7 years old
- Warranty
- 1 year on toy, 6 month warranty on battery
- Item Weight
- 24.8 pounds
Where to Buy
Pros
- Suitable for a wide age range
- Wide wheels roll smoothly on different terrain
- Packed with tons of safety features
Cons
- Expensive
- Not the best option for kids with balance issues
Product Snapshot
If you want a top-of-the-line, ultra-high-tech ride-on toy that will provide hours of entertainment and excitement for your child, check out the Segway Ninebot S Kids Smart Scooter. It’s designed for use by kids ages 8 and up and features a top speed of 8.7 mph and a maximum range of up to 8 miles. It’s equipped with plenty of safety features to minimize the risk of injury to your child during use. It’s also got BlueTooth speaker connectivity that allows you to use your phone to remind kids to slow down, be careful, watch for traffic, etc. Suitable for riders ranging in height from 3 feet 6 inches up to 5 feet 9 inches and with a max weight capacity of 132 pounds, this is a versatile option that will last your child for several years. The one drawback: its price tag. This toy doesn’t come cheap.
Specs
- Maximum Weight Capacity
- 132 pounds
- Age
- 8 years old and up
- Warranty
- 90 days
- Item Weight
- 22.7 pounds
Compare
Best Overall Ride-On Toy
Best Ride-On Toy For Younger Children
Best Ride-On Toy For Older Children
Best Battery-Powered Ride-On Toy
Best Premium Ride-On Toy
Pros
Pros
Pros
Pros
Pros
Pros
- Designed to grow with younger kids
- Promotes outdoor activity and exercise
- Doesn’t require any batteries or electricity to run
- Transforms into two separate ride-on toys
- Fully adjustable to last kids a long time
- Lightweight and durable
- Lower center of gravity decreases risk of injury
- Great for racing friends
- Smooth and fast motion
- Realistic looking ATV styling
- Promotes hand-eye coordination and development in young riders
- Relatively long battery life compared to some other models
- Suitable for a wide age range
- Wide wheels roll smoothly on different terrain
- Packed with tons of safety features
Cons
Cons
Cons
Cons
Cons
Cons
- Bulky
- Not available in many color choices
- Available in limited color options
- Not the best for kids with larger feet
- Not suitable for younger kids
- Can take some time to learn how to properly operate
- Somewhat pricey
- Top speed is limited compared to some other models
- Expensive
- Not the best option for kids with balance issues
Maximum Weight Capacity
Maximum Weight Capacity
Maximum Weight Capacity
Maximum Weight Capacity
Maximum Weight Capacity
Maximum Weight Capacity
50 pounds
44 pounds
200 pounds
65 pounds
132 pounds
Age
Age
Age
Age
Age
Age
9 months-3 years
2-5 years
10 years old and up
3-7 years old
8 years old and up
Warranty
Warranty
Warranty
Warranty
Warranty
Warranty
90 days
90 days
2 years
1 year on toy, 6 month warranty on battery
90 days
Item Weight
Item Weight
Item Weight
Item Weight
Item Weight
Item Weight
18.31 pounds
4.62 pounds
18 pounds
24.8 pounds
22.7 pounds
FAQs
Are ride-on toys safe for kids?
While all ride-on toys in the U.S. must adhere to strict safety standards, there is always a small risk with any wheeled toy. Wearing protective gear like helmets or elbow pads during use will further enhance the safety of these toys.
What are the benefits of ride-on toys for kids?
Ride-on toys for kids help promote improved balance, hand-eye coordination, outdoor play, and imagination. They also foster an improved sense of independence among younger children, according to several sources.
Do ride-on cars work on grass?
While some ride-on toys are rugged enough to run through grass and uneven terrain, most are designed for use on flat, paved surfaces.