The 12 Best Ride-On Toys for Kids of 2021

Best Overall: The Original PlasmaCar by PlaSmart

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The Plasmacar tops our list of ride-on toys for its creative design and the rave reviews of thousands of people who have purchased it for the kids in their life. There are no batteries nor pedals to push them along, but rather kids make it go by twisting and turning, so they have to learn how to move and groove their body to get it to go, go, go. It comes in an array of bright color combos, and it can be used outdoors or indoors on most surfaces (not recommended for wood floors).

We also love just how many years of use families can get out of it. Designed for kids ages three and up, it can hold anyone up to 220 pounds. That means mom and dad may even want to take it out for a spin. It’s great exercise, easy to put together and, above all else, kids can’t get enough of it.

Best Budget Ride-on Toy for Kids: B. toys Buggly Wuggly

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For a versatile ride-on toy at an affordable price, there’s this adorable Buggly Wuggly. As your little one races around, this cute bug squeaks and makes other noises to add to the fun. A compartment in the seat lets them take along toys, treats, and other treasures. Recommended for ages one and up, it can hold up to 30 pounds and requires two AAA batteries.

Parents say this ride-on is cute as a bug, and that kids adore it. They say it’s perfect for little kids who are just figuring out how to scoot along. They say it’s easy for kids to master and a great way to help them get exercise and burn off energy indoors and out.

Best for Toddlers: Fisher-Price Harley-Davidson Tough Trike

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If your kid is ready to put the pedal to the metal this adorable Harley-Davidson trike is just the thing. two to five-year-olds can cruise around the neighborhood in style as they learn how to petal and burn off some of that endless toddler energy. The pedals are extra wide so it makes it easier for your kid to start his engines. It also has extra thick tires which can handle all sorts of terrain while also keeping them grounded.

Best Remote-Control: Best Choice Products 12V Ride On Car Truck

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There are bells and whistles aplenty with this cool ride-on truck from Best Choice Products. It runs on a 12-volt motor, and kids can hop in the driver’s seat and head off for their own adventures, or if mom and dad want a bit more control of those adventures, they can control it via remote control.

Talk about riding in style. It has working headlights, three adjustable speed options (low, medium and high), and it even has built-in tunes and a radio. If they want to listen to their own jams, they can plug in a device via an AUX cord (included). It’s recommended for kids ages three to eight, and it can hold up to 65 pounds.

Online reviewers say this vehicle holds up on all sorts of terrain and that it’s sturdy and reliable. Some wish that it had another seat so kids could take a friend or sibling along and some note problems with performance, but the majority of online reviewers say this is a well-made, head-turning ride-on that kids adore.

Best Value: Little Tikes Cozy Coupe 30th Anniversary Car

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If you want something that will go the distance, why not try this cute car which has been on the market for 30 years. You may have even ridden in this when you were a wee-kid. The new version has added features like a removable floor and parent handles in the back so you can easily push it.

It's suited for children 18 months to five years and has a weight limit of 50 pounds so your kids (and their siblings) will be sure to use this for many years. Reviewers agree this toy will last a long time in the household, but many say assembly can be quite grueling.

Best Balance Bike: Strider 12 Sport Balance Bike

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Balance bikes start the foundation for learning how to ride a bike because they teach you how to balance yourself as you coast along. It suits children 18 months to 5 years old and has adjustable handlebars and a seat to adjust as they grow.

Parents agree that this bike is great because it grows with your child. They especially love how lightweight it is and think it is a great learning tool.

Best Tractor: Peg Perego John Deere Ground Force Tractor with Trailer

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Little farmers can ride around in green style with this John Deere Tractor from Peg Perego. It comes complete with a detachable trailer for hauling around all that toddlers want to hall around Designed for ages two to seven, it has an adjustable seat, and it runs on a 12-volt rechargeable battery, which is included. While they go about their “chores” they can listen to tunes on the built-in FM radio. It can go forward and backward, and there are two speeds, which parents can lock if they choose.

Hundreds of customers say this tractor is the cream of the crop when it comes to ride-on toys. Besides the obvious adorable factor, they note that it’s sturdy, runs well and is easy for kids to maneuver.

Best Wooden: Hape Scoot Around Ride On Wood Bike

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For the classic look and solid construction of wood, there’s this ride-on toy from Hape. Four rubberized wheels provide a smooth ride indoors or out, and it’s just right for toddlers with it being suitable for one to three-year-olds. Durable and safe, this ride-on toy has won numerous awards, and parents rave about it. They say it doesn’t mark up their floors and that it’s well-made.

Some wish that the height of the seat could be adjusted (it’s 8.98 inches off the ground) and say that assembly can be a bit tricky. Most, however, find it to be a fabulous first ride that parents feel good about letting their little ones spend countless hours on.

Best Scooter: Micro Sprite Kick Scooter

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When your child is ready to graduate to bigger and faster toys a scooter is a good pick. Not only does it teach them balance and coordination it also makes walks to the bus stop a lot faster. Scooters can work for many age ranges and are generally suited for toddler and older. This pick is for older kids with an age range of 8+. The Micro brand has many different models suited for all types of ages and needs.

This particular model gets praised by big kids and parents alike for its ability to grow as your child does and its smooth ride. Many fans of the smaller Micro scooters find an easy transition into this Sprite Kick model.

Best Classic: Radio Flyer Deluxe Steer and Stroll Trike

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When they want to take to three wheels but aren’t up for pedaling full-time, there’s this Steer and Stroll Trike from Radio Flyer. In the company’s classic red, this trike is sleek and stylish and outfitted with a bell to let the world know they’re coming. When they’re a little tuckered out, however, mom and dad can step in to push them along with the handle in the back after putting the pedals in the locked position. Once they’re ready to go solo full-time, the handle can be removed. It’s designed for kids ages two to five and up to 49 pounds. The seat is adjustable so it can grow with them, and there's a covered storage compartment in back to hold toys, snacks and more.

Parents say it’s everything you would expect from Radio Flyer—sturdy, well-made and dependable—and they love the flexibility it offers.

Best for Babies: Pewi YBike

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Babies don't have to miss out on the ride-on toy fun. Designed for kids between nine months and three years of ages (maximum suggested weight is 44 pounds), kids can push it along as they learn to walk, then ride on it once they’re a little steadier on their feet.

It comes in several different colors and has an aluminum frame and molded plastic seat. It can be used indoors or out, and it weighs just four pounds, so it’s easy to move, but its stable design ensures it won’t tip over. Parents say it’s a great alternative to traditional walkers and that their kids get years of use out of it.

Best Ride-on Push Toy: Step2 Whisper Ride II Ride On Push Car

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When little legs aren’t up for doing the work, there’s this car from Step2 that lets mom and dad push things along. A safety belt keeps them securely seated, and there’s a horn to keep them busy. The handle folds up, so it’s easy to store or to throw in the car for trips to the park or mall. Under the hood is storage space for toys and other treasures, and there are cup holders for both the pusher and the pushee. Designed for kids ages 18 months to four years old, it also comes in blue.

Parents love this option for toddlers and say it’s a fun alternative to a stroller. Some note that it can be noisy (beep! beep!) and a bit bumpy when going over less-than-flat surfaces, but overall, kids love it, and it keeps them happy when out and about.