From classic kid-powered Radio Flyers to 12v Power Wheels, ride on toys for toddlers are perennial favorites. They are the perfect choice for any adventurous child, and they combine all of the best attributes of healthy, creative play, encouraging physical activity, dexterity, motor skills development, and, best of all, imagination.
Top 5 Ride-on Toys for Toddlers
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Bilibo: ActivePeople may have created the perfect toy: the Bilibo is “open-ended” and without bounds. Adults have no idea what to do with it, but put it before a child, and they have fodder for endless fun. It’s a helmet. No, it’s a sled. No, it’s a spinner. Or a turtle shell or toy carrier or doll cradleor spaceship. The Swiss-designed Bilibowas created after extensive research into children’s play habits and lets your child guide playtime. One reviewer puts it best: “Its best use is not as a single self-contained, self-explanatory activity, but as an accessory to any number of activities and imaginative games.” |
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Wheely Bug: Sometimes, the simplest toys are the most treasured. The Wheely Bug from PrinceLionheart combines two kid favorites: physical activity and adorable animals. Available in your choice of ladybug, bee, pig, cow, tiger, or mouse, and sizes small and large, you are sure to find just the right fit for your toddler. The Wheely Bug encourages motor skills and balance, while providing a comfortable, safe ride. The base is made of plantation timber, which is covered with a padded layer of sponge. This is protected by a layer of polyurethane leatheroid for durability and easy cleaning. This simple ride-on is far from basic. |
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Radio Flyer Classic Red Dual Deck Tricycle: When it comes to toddler toys, no one understands fun better than Radio Flyer. The Dual Deck Trike is a beautiful red classic with sturdy steel construction and real rubber tires. Built to last, the tricycle is also built for adventure. With a controlled turning radius, low center of gravity, chrome fender, double-deck, and rubber-coated handles, the Dual Deck Tricycle is safe, durable, and rugged enough for the roughest, toughest toddlers. Winner of multiple awards, this trike will be a fast favorite with any kid – and an old faithful at playtime. The sound of that chrome bell will always mean fun and Radio Flyer quality. |
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Cozy Coupe: Do you remember cruising in your cozy coupe? Wind in your hair, pavement under your feet, and endless adventure stretched out in front of you. The Cozy Coupe from Little Tikes was an instant classic 30 years ago, and it is still a favorite with today’s toddlers. The 30th anniversary edition includes new features, such as a removable floor and a handle for parent-powered rides. The seat back is high to prevent spills and falls, and the rugged tires provide a smooth ride. Other features include rear storage for snacks and buddies, a faux ignition switch, open-and-close gas cap, and 360-degree front wheels. Hop in! |
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Step 2 Up and Down Roller Coaster: You must be this tall to ride…if your toddler has been missing out on all the fun, Step 2 has the perfect solution. The Up & Down Roller Coaster features terrifying plunges, twisting turns, and 100mph action. Not really – but your child will love pretending! The bright molded plastic track measures ten feet and features gentle “hills.” The car is bright, sturdy, durable, and able to be used both on and off the track. Safety features include a recessed retainer wall, high backed car, foot rest, and handrail. The snap-together design means this is the shortest line your child will ever have for a roller coaster ride! |
Other Great Toddler Riding Toys
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Strider Balance Bike: One of the best toys for children is also one of the most intimidating. Bikes mean freedom and fun, but they also mean scraped knees and elbows. The Strider Balance Bike offers an innovative solution; instead of training wheels or trikes, your toddler can master balance and coordination with a “real, big kid” bike. This is a pedal-free bike; when your child begins to feel insecure, he will put his feet on the ground. No more spills and falls that can discourage bike riding. The Strider offers a welded steel frame, fork, and handlebars, as well as rugged EVA polymer tires and molded wheels. Learning to ride a bike was never so fun and easy! |
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Step 2 Push Around Buggy: For backyard fun or quick walks down the street, the Step 2 Push Around Buggy is a favorite choice among parents and toddlers alike. The molded plastic construction is virtually indestructible, and its four oversized poly wheels ensure a smooth, comfortable ride. You will be able to pass this treasure on to younger siblings and friends – but make sure your child is ready to let it go! Fun touches, like the steering wheel, seat belt, horn, ignition key, and storage compartment, make this a must-have for adventurous children. The extra-long handle ensures grown-ups can help out when little legs get tired. Another bright, cheery classic. |
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Rody Horse: Whether your toddler is a knight, a cowboy (or girl!), a jockey, or another horseback riding character, he/she will love Rody. The Rody Jumping Horse helps children stretch their imaginations while developing balance and coordination. Rody, which comes in great colors including lime green and vivid blue, is made of durable latex-free vinyl and inflates to a saddle height of12 inches. Great for creative, active play, the Rody Horse has a comfortable shape and easy-to-hold ears to help your child stay in the saddle. Easy to clean, durable, and able to hold up to 100 pounds, this will be a favorite in the playroom for years to come. |
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Little Tikes Push and Ride Racer: Many ride-on toys for toddlers are geared for longer legs and more developed motor skills; the Push and Ride Racer is made by Little Tikes for little tikes. Children as young as nine months can begin to use this great toy. It features a low seat, a wide center of gravity, a high back, and an easy-grip handlebar, making it a great fit for those new to ride-ons. They can even pack a buddy for moral support in the back seat. The Rush and Ride doubles as a walker, so first steps and first rides can be accomplished with the same friendly helper. |
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Power Wheels Lil Quad: If your child is ready to graduate from push-powered to battery-operated ride-ons, the Power Wheels Lil Quad provides a gentle transition. The ATV-style Quad offers simple push button operation, a low, wide center of gravity, easy access for little legs, and a maximum speed of 2.0 mph. Your child will love taking it off-road (on hard surfaces and grass), and fun touches like the cargo rack and rugged molded tires make playtime an adventure. The Lil Quad is the perfect way to introduce your child to power ride-on vehicles; he can learn to drive, steer, and balance safely. |
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Fisher Price Stride to Ride Dino: What better companion to your child’s first steps than this friendly, adorable dino? The Stride to Ride features a large wheel base and sturdy handle, which will help steady wobbly toddler legs. Dino is there to encourage these steps and reward them with 3 flashing lights, 3 sung songs, 2 upbeat tunes, and 5 fun sound effects. The Stride and Ride converts into a first ride-on toy easily and quickly by bringing the two legs together to form a comfortable, low seat. Perfect for the now-mobile toddler and for his/her excited parents! Fisher Price offers yet another winning toy. |
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Radio Flyer Pathfinder Wagon: Every kid needs a little red wagon! Radio Flyer has been creating some of the best toys in the industry for almost a century, and their classic wagon gets a fresh update with the Pathfinder. The body is made of smooth, durable, molded plastic for a safe, no-scratch ride. Other features include easy steering, no-tip turning, and unique Dura-Tred tires. Included are two seats, which can fold up or down depending on your load. Four molded cup holders, storage, an extra-long handle, and a bold shade of red ensure your child is riding in style. Recipient of multiple awards, the Pathfinder will be a sure winner in your home. |
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Little Tikes Rocking Horse: Little Tikes knows kids; this is why they created the super-durable Rocking Horse. Made of safe, smooth molded plastic, this horse will not only make it through any adventure unscathed, it will always be ready for another! Rocking horses are always a favorite with children, and Little Tikes’ version offers a smoothly rounded seat with a high seat back for comfort, as well as easy-grip handles and a low saddle for safety and stability. The seat is designed to keep your child from falling back or forward so she will stay in the saddle for hours of fun. |
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Mini Kick Scooter: Winner of multiple awards, the Mini Scooter is a rugged, durable scooter that is ideal for older toddlers (perfect for ages 2-5). Designed in Switzerland, with Italian-made wheels, the Mini is an international success with unbeatable construction. The lean-and-steer design provides the feel of a skateboard, while the handlebars provide an extra element of stability. Other features include spoon brake, lightweight build, and 3 quiet, nonskid PU wheels. This is a great learning tool, and your child will develop excellent balance and coordination as she zips and zooms along the driveway or sidewalk. Available in a variety of fun colors, this is a must for active children. |
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Radio Flyer Scoot-About: If you are looking for toddler toys that encourage younger toddlers to be more active, look no further than the Scoot-About. This great toy offers Radio Flyer’s legendary quality and signature style and an easy-to-use, friendly build. The Scoot-About features durable steel wheels with rubber tires for a smooth ride, and an adjustable seat to keep up with growing toddler legs. The sturdy steel construction ensures that the Scoot-About will be in top hand-me-down shape in a few years. Kid-friendly with stable, wide front wheels, a “furniture friendly” bumper, working steering, easy-glide wheels, red streamers and a ringing bell, this is a worthy addition to the Radio Flyer family. |
How to Find the Right Toddler Ride-on Toy
You cannot go wrong with any of the toys on this list. When you are searching for the perfect ride-on for your child, make sure to consider: quality, durability, safety, age appropriateness, appeal, and price. You can find a toy that balances each of these needs.
Start with the quality manufacturers on this list and consider the needs of your child: is she just learning to walk? Is she ready for something bigger and faster? Does she need extra stability? Do you want an adjustable seat or handlebars to allow for growth? Will this toy allow her to engage her body and her imagination? The perfect ride-on toy is out there, waiting for fun!
It is no wonder that the best ride-on toys for toddlers remain so popular. Even with all of the high-tech, expensive toys on the market today, children prefer to use their minds and move their bodies. You can encourage this healthy play with one of these excellent toys.
