The 9 Best Ride-On Toys of 2021

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Ride-on toys can range from bikes, scooters, cars, and so much more. They’re lots of fun and helpful for gross motor skill development, balance, and coordination. Depending on the ride-on toy, they can be used indoors or out. Keeping safety, preferences, and child’s age in mind will help you select the right ride-on toy for your little adventurer.

Find the right ride-on toy for your kid, living situation, and budget with these top choices.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall and Budget:

Razor A Kick Scooter for Kids at Amazon

Lightweight and foldable, it features adjustable handlebars to grow with your kiddo throughout the years.

Best Bike:

Fisher-Price Harley Davidson Tough Trike at Amazon

A great ride-on vehicle before transitioning to a two-wheeler, the extra big pedals make it easy for little riders to get rolling.

Best Splurge:

Peg Perego John Deere Tractor Ride-On at Walmart

Best for kids from 2 to 7 years old, they’ll have a blast driving the John Deere tractor with a full-size detachable trailer.

Best Indoor:

Hape Scoot Around Ride-On Wood Bike at Amazon

Little ones can ride safely indoors with this four-wheeled, foot-powered toy that will encourage balance and strength.

Best Classic:

Little Tikes Princess Cozy Coupe Ride-On Toy at Amazon

Kids will love driving this durable car, complete with 360-degree wheels, a high back seat, and cup holders.

Best for Tweens:

Jetson Plasma Hoverboard at Walmart

Best suited for tweens, this hoverboard features LED lights and a maximum speed of 10 miles per hour.

Best Remote Control:

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

Kiddos will own the neighborhood streets with this truck, which has both parental and manual control.

Best Motorcycle:

Kid Motorz Lil Patrol 6-Volt Motorcycle at Amazon

The battery powers the headlight, rear light-up siren, and gears, moving your kiddo at a max speed of 1.2 miles per hour.

Best for Two Kids:

Power Wheels 12v Dune Racer at Walmart

Siblings or best friends will have a blast riding this two-seater dune racer over hard surfaces, wet grass, or anywhere else.

Pros

Lightweight
Foldable
Adjustable handlebars

Cons

Not recommended for children under 5 years old
No lights

Lightweight, affordable, foldable, and fun, this scooter does it all! Recommend for kids ages 5 and up, these classic scooters are tons of fun. Well-made, this ride-on will withstand the test of time and holds up well through the years.

The adjustable handlebars will meet your kids at the right height. Kids will gain balance skills and independence, all while scooting through their neighborhood or local park.

Product Weight: 4.62 pounds | Age Recommendation: 5 years old and up | Weight Limit: 143 pounds

Pros

Big pedals
Durable tires

Cons

Doesn't make any noises
Assembly required

Your kiddo will look so cool on this tricked-out trike. Made for kids 2 to 5 years old, this is a great introduction to ride-on vehicles before your kiddo graduates to a two-wheeler.

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.

Product Weight: 8.2 pounds | Age Recommendation: 2 to 5 years old | Weight Limit: Not Listed

Peg Perego John Deere Ground Force 12-volt Tractor Ride-On

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.

Product Weight: 43 pounds | Age Recommendation: 3 to 7 years old | Weight Limit: 85 pounds

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.

Product Weight: 0.5 pounds | Age Recommendation: 12 months old to 3 years old | Weight Limit: Not Listed

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.

Product Weight: 17.25 pounds | Age Recommendation: 18 months to 5 years old | Weight Limit: 50 pounds

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!

Product Weight: 16 pounds | Age Recommendation: Not Listed | Weight Limit: Not Listed

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.

Product Weight: 45 pounds | Age Recommendation: 3 to 5 years old | Weight Limit: 65 pounds

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.

Product Weight: Not Listed | Age Recommendation: 18 months old and up | Weight Limit: 33 pounds

Power Wheels 12V Dune Racer Ride-On Vehicle

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!

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.

FAQs

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.

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