How do you store ride-on toys?

Depending on how you use them, ride-on toys can be stored inside or outside. Bigger toys that are used outdoors should probably be stored in an enclosed garage or storage shed to protect them from the elements. Indoor toys are best left indoors, but you may want to put them in a cabinet or closet when not in use for safety. "Parents want to make sure they properly store ride-ons, especially ones that charge and run on batteries, to prevent damage and to keep kids from wandering around potentially dangerous situations," says Maddie Michalik , senior editor at The Toy Insider .

What age is best for ride-on toys?

Ride-on toys can be used for a wide variety of ages, as long as they are used correctly. Push toys are appropriate for early walkers as a stroller alternative while bikes and scooters can be used by tweens and teens. Each age and stage has a ride-on toy that your kiddo will likely enjoy. Kristin Morency Goldman, senior communications specialist at The Toy Association , recommends always following the manufacturer’s age-grading on products, "this safety guidance is based on the developmental abilities of children at a given age, and the specific features of the toy. When a toddler uses a ride-on or another toy that is meant for older kids, they risk getting hurt or getting frustrated and discouraged."

Do kids need ride-on toys for development?

While not a necessity, ride-on toys are great for physical development, self-confidence, and independence. Goldman notes the multitude of health benefits including the promotion of motor skills, mobility development, and cardiovascular health. She says, "kids will develop the muscles in their legs, practice their coordination, and strengthen balance. The development of leg strength is important for mobility, including crawling, walking, and improving their running skills."

The 9 Best Ride-On Toys of 2023

Ride-on toys are a great way for kids to engage in play and develop gross motor skills, balance, and coordination. The best ride-on toys will match their developmental needs, can work indoors or outdoors, and are durable and easy to store.

Ride-on toys can range from bikes, scooters, cars, and more. Choosing which type of toy can be difficult since the best one is highly individual and will largely depend on their age and developmental level, such as if a child can ride a bike.

According to Kristen Morency Goldman, senior communications specialist at The Toy Association, you should follow manufacturer-specified age recommendations for ride-on toys. "This safety guidance is based on the developmental abilities of children at a given age, and the specific features of a toy," she says. " When a toddler uses a ride-on or another toy that is meant for older kids, they risk getting hurt or getting frustrated and discouraged. We evaluated ride-on toys for children as young as one year old for safety and, perhaps more importantly, age-appropriate fun that will stand the test of time.

Based on our research, these are the best ride-on toys for children of any age.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall and Budget:

Razor A Kick Scooter at Amazon

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Best Bike:

Fisher-Price Harley-Davidson Tough Trike at Amazon

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Best Splurge:

Peg Perego John Deere Ground Force Tractor at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Indoor:

Hape Scoot Around Ride On Wood Bike at Amazon

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Best Classic:

Little Tikes Princess Cozy Coupe Ride-On Toy at Amazon

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Best for Tweens:

Jetson Plasma Hoverboard at Walmart

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Best Remote Control:

Best Choice Products 12V Ride-On Car Truck at Amazon

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Best Motorcycle:

Kid Motorz Lil Patrol 6-Volt Motorcycle at Amazon

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Best for Two Kids:

Power Wheels 12v Dune Racer at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Family
More Toys for Kids

4.9

Amazon

Pros

Lightweight
Foldable
Adjustable handlebars

Cons

Not recommended for children under 5 years old
No lights

Recommend for kids ages 5 and up, these classic and affordable scooters are tons of fun. It's made of high-quality aluminum and urethane wheels, so it's lightweight but durable enough to withstand the outdoors and any rough handling it may face over the years. On the personalization side of things, it comes in various colors, so you can choose a color tailored to your child's preferences. It also has adjustable handlebars, so it can be adjusted to your child's height and grow with them as they become bigger. We also love that it has an easy folding mechanism, making it easy to transport or store the scooter when needed. Kids will gain balance skills and independence, all while scooting through their neighborhood or local park.

Price at time of publication: $49

^{Key Specs:
Product Weight: 4.62 pounds | Age Recommendation: 5 years old and up | Weight Limit: 143 pounds}

4.5

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Big pedals
Durable tires

Cons

Doesn't make any noises
Assembly required

Your kiddo will look so cool on this tricked-out trike that's a great introduction to ride-on vehicles (and bikes). Made for kids 2 to 5 years old, this ride-on vehicle is ideal to try before kids learn to ride a bike with only two wheels.

The extra big pedals make it easy for little riders to get rolling and easy-grip handlebars are perfect for little hands. Rugged, durable tires help your biker roll from adventures on sidewalks, park paths, and grass, and a secret storage compartment under the seat stashes snacks.

Price at time of publication: $40

^{Key Specs:
Product Weight: 8.2 pounds | Age Recommendation: 2 to 5 years old | Weight Limit: Not Listed}

Courtesy of Walmart

Pros

Parental controls
Rechargeable battery
Full-size detachable trailer

Cons

Costly
Large
Heavy

Take outdoor fun to the next level with a splurge-worthy ride-on toy made for workin’ the land. Best for kids from 3 to 7 years old, they’ll have a blast driving the John Deere tractor with a full-size detachable trailer.

The tractor moves at two speeds—2.5 or 5 miles per hour (plus reverse). Don't worry about your child zooming full speed before they're ready as the parental controls can block the faster speed. A rechargeable 12-volt battery is required and included, along with a charger. Weighing in at 43 pounds, this is a large toy that requires outdoor space for storage.

Price at time of publication: $299

^{Key Specs:
Product Weight: 43 pounds | Age Recommendation: 3 to 7 years old | Weight Limit: 85 pounds}

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Lightweight
Rubber wheels

Cons

Can only be used indoors

Kiddos ages 1 year old and up will enjoy moving and grooving on this four-wheeled, foot-powered wooden ride-on toy. Young riders will gain muscle strength and improved balance as they carefully scoot around on this classic wooden bike.

Made for indoor use, the rubber wheels are crafted to last as well as protect your floors. While this toy rides like a dream on wooden or smooth floors, it's important to note that it is not compatible with carpets and rugs.

Price at time of publication: $62

^{Key Specs:
Product Weight: 0.5 pounds | Age Recommendation: 12 months old to 3 years old | Weight Limit: Not Listed}

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

360-degree wheels
High back seat

Cons

Foot-powered

Parents may remember having their very own Cozy Coupe and will enjoy buying this well-loved classic ride-on for their own kids. Built to last, kids will love driving their very own car.

Safe for children up to 50 pounds, the car has some new upgrades that your kids will love. Wheels spin 360-degrees, the gas cap opens and closes, there’s a moving and clicking ignition, and with a high back seat and cup holders, your child will ride in style.

Price at time of publication: $55

^{Key Specs:
Product Weight: 17.25 pounds | Age Recommendation: 18 months to 5 years old | Weight Limit: 50 pounds}

Courtesy of Walmart

Pros

LED lights
Electric power

Cons

Costly

Tweens will love zipping around town on their very own hoverboard. They’ll look like they're gliding on air as the LED liquid light pattern flows through the hoverboard’s deck. The 16-pound board charges with electric power with a maximum speed of 10 miles per hour. Don’t forget your helmet!

Price at time of publication: $148

^{Key Specs:
Product Weight: 16 pounds | Age Recommendation: Not Listed | Weight Limit: Not Listed}

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Remote control device
LED lights
Adjustable seat belt

Cons

Heavy
Bulky
Costly

Wow the whole neighborhood with your kid’s very own ride-on truck. Kids drive the truck manually or parents control the remote control device to safely guide your driver. The remote has forward, reverse, and speed selection controls.

The maximum weight capacity is 65 pounds so your big kid will ride with an adjustable seat belt, bright LED lights, and a 12-volt motor with three-speed options. Max speed is 3.7 miles per hour and the big car comes with a charger and rechargeable battery.

Price at time of publication: $340

^{Key Specs:
Product Weight: 45 pounds | Age Recommendation: 3 to 5 years old | Weight Limit: 65 pounds}

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Suitable for children 18 months and older
Storage space

Cons

Low weight capacity
Maximum speed of 1.2 miles per hour

Young kids will hit their patrol route decked out on their very own police motorcycle. Suitable for kids 18 months and older, the maximum weight capacity is 33 pounds. The 6-volt rechargeable battery powers the realistic headlight, rear light-up siren, and forward and reverse gears.

With a max speed of 1.2 miles per hour, your tot will feel like they are in a high-speed chase. The well-designed motorcycle rests on two back wheels for stability and includes a storage space for snacks or toys.

Price at time of publication: $70

^{Key Specs:
Product Weight: Not Listed | Age Recommendation: 18 months old and up | Weight Limit: 33 pounds}

Courtesy of Walmart

Pros

Fits two children
Parent-controlled high-speed lockout
Hidden storage compartment

Cons

Costly
Bulky

Featuring extra-wide tires and a low-profile design, this mean machine is ready for tons of fun. The two-seater dune racer has a max weight capacity of 130 pounds and can zoom over hard surfaces, wet grass, or anywhere else.

Made with a sturdy steel frame, the racer drives 2.5 and 5 miles per hour forward and 2.5 miles per hour in reverse. The parent-controlled high-speed lockout keeps younger kids safe. A hidden storage compartment under the hood stores all your dune racer accessories!

Price at time of publication: $279

^{Key Specs:
Product Weight: 78.07 pounds | Age Recommendation: 3 to 7 years old | Weight Limit: 130 pounds}

Final Verdict

For younger kids, the Little Tikes Cozy Coupe Car (view on Amazon) is a perfect ride-on toy that will last a long time and provide tons of fun. For elementary aged kids, you can’t go wrong with a Razor A Kick Scooter for Kids (view on Amazon). They are a fun and affordable alternative to bikes and a good transitional ride-on toy for younger kiddos.

What to Look for in a Ride-On Toy

Styles and Developmental Needs

Ride-on toys can be age-appropriate for every age and stage. Most follow this progression:

Push toys: Parents push the kids on the ride-on
Foot to Floor: Using their feet, children move the vehicle (and themselves) forward
Pedal Power: A more advanced stage, kids use pedals to propel forward
Motorized: Made for older kids that can handle this more advanced toy

Indoors vs. Outdoors

Some toys, especially those made for younger kids, are best used indoors while others are only appropriate for the outdoors. Choose what’s best for your child’s age and stage as well as your space. If you have the backyard or neighborhood space to accommodate an outdoor ride-on toy, then that is the best option.

Longevity

Kids grow quickly. Check the age range, ask friends, and read reviews of the ride-on toy you're considering buying. Some are big and expensive, so be sure your kid can use it for a while (or pass it on to a sibling), especially if it’s pricey and takes up a lot of space.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you store ride-on toys?

Depending on how you use them, ride-on toys can be stored inside or outside. Bigger toys that are used outdoors should probably be stored in an enclosed garage or storage shed to protect them from the elements.
Indoor toys are best left indoors, but you may want to put them in a cabinet or closet when not in use for safety. "Parents want to make sure they properly store ride-ons, especially ones that charge and run on batteries, to prevent damage and to keep kids from wandering around potentially dangerous situations," says Maddie Michalik, senior editor at The Toy Insider.
What age is best for ride-on toys?

Ride-on toys can be used for a wide variety of ages, as long as they are used correctly. Push toys are appropriate for early walkers as a stroller alternative while bikes and scooters can be used by tweens and teens. Each age and stage has a ride-on toy that your kiddo will likely enjoy.
Kristin Morency Goldman, senior communications specialist at The Toy Association, recommends always following the manufacturer’s age-grading on products, "this safety guidance is based on the developmental abilities of children at a given age, and the specific features of the toy. When a toddler uses a ride-on or another toy that is meant for older kids, they risk getting hurt or getting frustrated and discouraged."
Do kids need ride-on toys for development?

While not a necessity, ride-on toys are great for physical development, self-confidence, and independence. Goldman notes the multitude of health benefits including the promotion of motor skills, mobility development, and cardiovascular health. She says, "kids will develop the muscles in their legs, practice their coordination, and strengthen balance. The development of leg strength is important for mobility, including crawling, walking, and improving their running skills."

Why Trust Verywell Family?

Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of a 10-year-old son, 7-year-old son, and 3-year old daughter. With three active kids, her garage is full of ride-on toys, housing a few Cozy Coupes, multiple scooters, bikes, trikes, and more.

More Toys for Kids

When it comes to toys for kids, our team has you covered. The Verywell Family team of editors (who are parents or have nieces and nephews of their own) have tested, gifted, and personally recommend every item we feature. Find more of our top toy picks for every developmental stage and personality phase here: