Raising Kids Gear and Products The 9 Best Ride-On Toys of 2022 The Razor A Kick Scooter is durable and will last for years By Maya Polton Maya Polton LinkedIn Maya has more than 15 years of experience in digital media and communications and specializes in writing about family, food, and lifestyles. Learn about our editorial process Updated on April 01, 2022 Fact checked Verywell Family content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Marley Hall Fact checked by Marley Hall LinkedIn Marley Hall is a writer and fact-checker who is certified in clinical and translational research. Her work has been published in medical journals in the field of surgery, and she has received numerous awards for publication in education. Learn about our editorial process Print We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. 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. Reviewed & Approved The Razor A Kick Scooter is our top pick because it's affordable, durable, easy to store, and is appropriate for a large age range of kids. If you're looking to splurge on a motorized option, we recommend the Peg Perego John Deere Ground Force Tractor with Trailer. 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. 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 Best Bike: Fisher-Price Harley-Davidson Tough Trike at Amazon.ca Best Splurge: Peg Perego John Deere Ground Force Tractor at Amazon Best Indoor: Hape Scoot Around Ride On Wood Bike at Amazon Best Classic: Little Tikes Princess Cozy Coupe Ride-On Toy at Amazon Best for Tweens: Jetson Plasma Hoverboard at Walmart Best Remote Control: Best Choice Products 12V Ride-On Car Truck at Amazon Best Motorcycle: Kid Motorz Lil Patrol 6-Volt Motorcycle at Amazon Best for Two Kids: Power Wheels 12v Dune Racer at Amazon In This Article Expand Our Picks What to Look For Why Trust Verywell Family Best Overall and Budget: Razor A Kick Scooter 4.9 Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Kohls.com 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. Product Weight: 4.62 pounds | Age Recommendation: 5 years old and up | Weight Limit: 143 pounds Best Bike: Fisher-Price Harley-Davidson Tough Trike 4.5 Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon.ca View On EBay 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 Best Splurge: Peg Perego John Deere Ground Force Tractor with Trailer Courtesy of Walmart View On Amazon View On Buybuy BABY View On 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. Product Weight: 43 pounds | Age Recommendation: 3 to 7 years old | Weight Limit: 85 pounds The 9 Best Scooters for Kids of 2022 Best Indoor: Hape Scoot Around Ride On Wood Bike Courtesy of Amazon View On 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. Product Weight: 0.5 pounds | Age Recommendation: 12 months old to 3 years old | Weight Limit: Not Listed The Best Indoor Toys & Games for Active Play Best Classic: Little Tikes Princess Cozy Coupe Ride-On Toy Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart 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 The 9 Best Bikes for Kids of 2022 Best for Tweens: Jetson Plasma Hoverboard Courtesy of Walmart View On 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! Product Weight: 16 pounds | Age Recommendation: Not Listed | Weight Limit: Not Listed The 20 Best Gifts for 10-Year-Old Girls Best Remote Control: Best Choice Products 12V Ride-On Car Truck Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart 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 Best Motorcycle: Kid Motorz Lil Patrol 6-Volt Motorcycle Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart 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 Best for Two Kids: Power Wheels 12v Dune Racer Courtesy of Walmart View On Amazon View On 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! 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-onFoot to Floor: Using their feet, children move the vehicle (and themselves) forwardPedal Power: A more advanced stage, kids use pedals to propel forwardMotorized: 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. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Get expert tips to help your kids stay healthy and happy. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit