10 Best Ride-On Toys, According to Toy Experts
Picks for babies and toddlers all the way to five-year-olds.
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One of the joys of being a parent is watching little ones grow and develop, and gain a sense of independence and freedom as they mature. As little ones are learning to balance, stand up, and eventually walk, ride-on toys can provide endless hours of play for kids.
Ride-ons can provide children with a great platform to develop gross and fine motor skills, refine balance, and help with coordination. They take many different forms:
- Push ride-ons are great for young toddlers to be pushed by their parents or caregivers.
- Foot-to-floor models are a step up developmentally, in which the toddler moves the vehicle forward learning balance as they propel forward with their own legs.
- Pedal-powered toys (like a bike or trike) are the next step for kids who have mastered balance and are ready for more engagement.
- Motorized toys (power-assisted by battery or electric power) are designed to be used by older kids who can developmentally and physically handle these sorts of toys.
The Good Housekeeping Institute Little Lab has evaluated thousands of toys over the years, looking at safety, construction, and ultimately the deciding fun factor, to find the ones that both kids and parents will love. We promise these ride-on picks will provide hours of entertainment and development for toddlers and beyond:
- Best Push Ride-On Toy: Step2 Whisper Ride II Ride On Push Car
- Best Battery-Powered Ride-On Toy: Power Wheels Hot Wheels Jeep Wrangler
- Best Electric Ride-On Toy: Kid Trax Real Rigs Toddler Recycling Truck
- Best Action Ride-On Toy: Step2 Up & Down Roller Coaster Rapid Ride & Hide Edition
- Best Grow-With-Child Ride-On Toy: Radio Flyer 4-in-1 Stroll 'N Trike
- Best Ride-On Toy for One-Year-Olds: Radio Flyer Scoot About Sport
- Best Ride-On Toy for Toddlers: VTech Sit-to-Stand Ultimate Alphabet Train
- Best Ride-On Scooter: Micro Kickboard Mini 3in1 Deluxe
- Best Stationary Ride-On Toy: Fisher-Price Bounce and Spin Puppy
- Best Educational Ride-On Toy: Little Tikes Go Green! Cozy Truck with Trailer & Garden Tools
Step2 Whisper Ride II Ride On Push Car
Pros
- Cup holder for child and parent
- Handle easily folds under for storage
- Lots of storage under hood
Cons
Little kids love to play pretend in this push-style ride-on. The second generation includes more interior space for a comfier ride. The steering wheel is pretend, but be prepared for the working horn! Its design makes it easy to clean, and its built-in features like cup-holders and under-hood storage make it fun for the tot, while convenient for the adult pushing.
Ages: 1.5-5 years old
Weight: Up to 50 pounds
Power Wheels Uenjoy 12V Licensed Mercedes-Benz
Pros
- Seats two children
- Wide-tread, rugged tires work even on grass
- Storage in trunk
- Helps teach kids cause and effect
Cons
Kids can cruise with an electric foot pedal or parents can help control the speed with the 2.4G wireless remote controller. Lots of realistic details make it feel like a more mature "toy" as kids gain confidence and motor skills.
Ages: 36 months - 8 years
Max Weight: 130 pounds
Kid Trax Real Rigs Toddler Recycling Truck
Pros
- Recycling theme great for introducing kids to sustainability
- Mechanical lever lets kids dump out
Cons
The Kid Trax Real Rigs Recycling Truck is sure to be a kid and parent fave! Kids will love that the electric ride-on incorporates over 100 sounds and lines. The front features a face to make the ride more interactive and compelling. And it includes accessories to teach kids about how to recycle, reinforced with positive commentary when they do.
Ages: 1.5-4 years old
Step2 Up & Down Roller Coaster Rapid Ride & Hide Edition
Pros
- Indoor or outdoor use
- Includes car and 9 feet of roller coaster track
- Coaster easily assembles and disassembles
- Track is easy to clean
Cons
Kids will be lining up for their chance to ride this thrilling addition to Step2's lineup of awesome ride-on toys. The set includes the track pieces and the ATV-style toy car, though kids can enjoy riding both on the track or off. The track includes step pieces so that kids can easily mount the car in a stable fashion from either side.
Ages: 2-5 years old
Joovy Joovy Tricycoo LX Kid's Tricycle
Pros
- Grows with child; 4 different ways to ride
- Rear storage basket
- Removable UV protecting canopy
- Removable accessories like snack tray and push handle
Cons
This is a trike that will transition with your child from early toddlerhood through about 5 years old. The youngest riders can use the toddler trike with the removable footrest, then as a steering trike (1.5-2 years old), then in learn-to-ride trike mode (2-3 years old) and finally as a classic trike (4-5 years old).
Ages: 6 months-5 years old
Max Weight: 49 pounds
Pros
- Storage under the seat
- Indoors or outdoors opeartion
- Ergonomically designed with wide-set front wheels
Cons
This ride-on provides little riders support in developing their stability and balance. The wide front base gives children's feet ample space to explore, and with working steering they can help develop motor skills needed for more advanced ride-ons. Kids testers loved hiding favorite goodies in the seat hidden compartment.
Ages: 1-3 years old
Max Weight: 42 pounds
VTech Sit-to-Stand Ultimate Alphabet Train
Pros
- Transitions from sitting to standing with child
- Helps promote fine motor skills
- Various modes of play includes a pull-along wagon
- Includes 13 double-sided letter blocks
Cons
Young ones can start exploring the Ultimate Alphabet Train during floor play and transition into ride-on fun as they grow and develop. The train includes ten activities to engage role-play (walkie-talkies!), encourage motor development (gears and blocks), and invite educational learning (numbers, animals, colors and more). The interactive train will keep your little conductor engaged with over 100 songs, melodies, sounds and phrases.
Ages: 1-3 years old
Pros
- 3-stage ride-on toy
- Non-marking wheels for inside use
- Use lean-to-steer method
- Quick assembly
Cons
We love that the Micro Kickboard 3-in-1 is a ride-on that can transition with your kid from 1-5, and switch between children if you have more than one. The tiniest tots (usually 1-2 years old) can sit and scoot using the ride-on seat with O-bar. From there, swap out the seat and transition to a stand-on scooter with the O-bar, which is easier to grip with smaller hands. And once kids are able, swap out for the included T-bar. A helmet and knee pads are recommended for safe riding.
Ages: 1-5 years old
Max Weight: 44 pounds (ride-on seat), 110 pounds (scooter)
Fisher-Price Bounce and Spin Puppy
Pros
- Plays music and educational content
- Spins a full 360º around
- Handle bar is easy for kids to grab and hold
Cons
The Bounce and Spin Puppy may be more of a bounce-on than a ride-on, but we've included it as it helps to similarly promote balance and getting on and off in a similar capacity! The puppy has different modes of play, allowing kids to rock out to the ABCs and 123s or learn the colors with the projecting lights.
Ages: 1+ years old
Max Weight: 55 pounds
Little Tikes Little Tikes Go Green! Ride-On Tractor
Pros
- Made from recycled plastic
- Packaged in recycled materials
- Foot-to-floor ride-on or pushed by parents
- Plenty of storage room for toys (or leaves!)
Cons
This tractor is a staple in people's backyards and on school playgrounds for a reason – it's safe, durable, and kids love it! This new-fangled version incorporates many of the beloved features that made the original such a success, and incorporates aspects to teach children about sustainability. We love that it is also constructed using more eco-conscious principles – the packaging and the truck itself uses recycled materials, which can be recycled at the end of life.
Ages: 1.5-3 years old
How to choose the right ride-on toy
When you're shopping for a ride-on toy, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Look for the safety validation. The ASTM F963 designation means that the toy has been reviewed for the necessary safety specifications set forth by the industry. Checks include that the toy does not have sharp edges, pinch points, or other potentially dangerous aspects.
- Check the specifications. Brands will often list sizing for the maximum height and weight restriction, as well as age guidelines for the toys. For instance, with ride-ons, children should be able to easily touch the floor if a balance toy.
- Consider your child's capabilities. While your child's age, height, and weight are key to help identifying the right toy and are often listed on toy packaging or instructions, as a parent you know best your child's balance and coordination skills.
- Supervision is necessary. Parental supervision is always paramount. Particularly for kids that are using a motorized toy, make sure they are comfortable and can properly control the speed and know how to slow down and stop.
Rachel Rothman was the chief technologist and executive technical director of the Good Housekeeping Institute for over 15 years, overseeing testing methodology, implementation and reporting for all GH Labs. She also managed GH's research division and the analysis of applicants for the GH Seal and all other testing emblems.
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