Ride-on toys are a popular and enjoyable way for toddlers to learn new skills and explore the world around them. Whether it’s a push car, a scooter, a bouncy horse, or a roller coaster, ride-on toys are a great way to encourage physical activity and provide a fun, hands-on experience for young children.
These toys come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and designs, each with its own unique features and benefits. From promoting balance and coordination to helping children develop their gross motor skills, ride-on toys offer a wealth of opportunities for children to learn and grow while having fun.
We’ll take a closer look at some of the best indoor and outdoor ride-on toys for toddlers and how they can help your child develop essential skills.
Our Top Picks
- Best Bike Ride-On Toy: Fisher-Price Harley-Davidson Tricycle
- Best Push Ride-On Toy: Radio Flyer Scoot About Sport
- Best Interactive Ride-On Toy: Radio Flyer Busy Buggy
- Best Car Ride-On Toy: Little Tikes Cozy Coupe 30th Anniversary Car
- Best Battery Ride-On Toy: Peg Perego John Deere Ground Force Tractor
- Best Indoor Ride-On Toy: Hape Scoot Around Ride On Wood Bike
- Best Walker To Scooter Ride-On Toy: Skip Hop 3-in-1 Push Walker to Toddler Scooter
- Best Plush Ride-On Toy: JOYIN Unicorn Bouncy Hopper
- Best Push Car Ride-On Toy: Step2 Whisper Ride II Ride On Push Toy Car
- Best Unicorn Ride-On Toy: labebe – Baby Rocking Horse
- Best Roller Coaster Ride-On Toy: Step2 Up & Down Roller Coaster
In This Article
HappyBabyHub’s Best Ride-On Toys For Toddlers Picks
Fisher-Price Harley-Davidson Tricycle – Best Bike Ride-On Toy
- Well-constructed bike
- Easy to assemble
- Very sturdy plastic construction that makes wiping off very easy
- Great for outdoor play
- The child can get his/her foot caught between the pedal and the wheel
The trike has a convenient hidden storage compartment where your child can stash their toys, snacks, and other essentials while they explore their surroundings. With a wide and sturdy base, easy-grip handlebars, and large pedals, even the youngest riders can pedal their way around the yard or neighborhood.
The comfortable seat and durable tires ensure hours of comfortable riding, while also helping to improve balance, coordination, and gross motor skills. Plus, this trike provides a fun way for your child to get some exercise and burn off energy!
- Age range: 2 -5 years old
Radio Flyer Scoot About Sport – Best Push Ride-On Toy
- Very easy to assemble
- Perfect size for a toddler
- Very durable
- Unisex design
- Can be outgrown quickly
The Scoot About Sport from Radio Flyer is the ultimate scooter for kids who want to have fun and stay active. Designed to improve balance, coordination, and gross motor skills, this scooter features functional steering that lets children steer with ease.
The ergonomic design ensures a comfortable and effortless ride, with a clear kick-path that allows for smooth scooting. Equipped with easy-glide wheels, this scooter provides stability and is perfect for use both indoors and outdoors.
Plus, the under-seat storage is the perfect place to store favorite toys and essentials on every adventure.
- Age range: 1 – 3 years old
Radio Flyer Busy Buggy – Best Interactive Ride-On Toy
- A lot of sensory activities
- The great bar on the back can allow them to use this as a walker
- The seat opens and has a compartment
- Toddler-size
- The steering wheel doesn’t actually turn the front two wheels in any direction
The Busy Buggy ride-on toy from Radio Flyer is a fantastic way to encourage your child’s active playtime and foster the development of their fine and gross motor skills. As a push walker, it helps your child develop their balance and confidence as they start to take their first steps. With 17 engaging sensory activities, your toddler will be entertained and captivated for hours on end.
This amazing ride-on features interlocking gears, a clicking spare tire, foldable side mirrors, a spinning steering wheel, and other interactive elements that provide non-stop fun. The spinning beads introduce letters and numbers to your child, which is an added educational bonus. Plus, the under-seat storage is perfect for your little one to bring their favorite toys along on all their adventures.
- Age range: 1 – 3 years old
Little Tikes Cozy Coupe 30th Anniversary Car – Best Car Ride-On Toy
- The removable floor means that it grows with your child
- A nice design for both boys and girls
- Range of entertainment
- No music, noise, or batteries needed
- The assembly can be a little loud
The Cozy Coupe has been a staple in families for 40 years and continues to be a favorite for both adults and children.
It has a handle on the back for push rides under parental control, as well as a detachable floor piece that adds an extra level of security and control. The Cozy Coupe travels smoothly on its tough and long-lasting tires, and its front wheels are designed to rotate 360 degrees, providing a smooth and easy ride.
Plus, your child can store toys, drinks, and snacks close at hand with the rear storage compartment.
- Age range: 18 months – 5 years old
Peg Perego John Deere Ground Force Tractor – Best Battery Ride-On Toy
- Decent battery life
- Lockout on speed
- Good traction
- The seat is comfortable for toddlers and two settings accommodate growing legs
- Not the easiest to assemble
The John Deere Ground Force Tractor is a perfect way to take outdoor playtime to new heights! Children will be delighted to operate this big and impressive tractor, complete with an extra-large stake-side trailer that can be removed. They can fill the trailer with their toys and imagine delivering them to exciting locations.
The adjustable seat is designed for maximum comfort, with foldable armrests that can be adjusted to fit each rider’s needs. The tractor also features a reverse function and two speeds, moving at 2 1/4 or 4 1/2 mph, so children can go fast or slow depending on their mood. You can use the second-gear lockout mechanism to regulate the speed and keep your child safe.
This tractor comes with a 12-volt rechargeable battery and charger, making it simple to keep the tractor charged and ready for action. As a bonus, your toddler can listen to their favorite tunes on the built-in FM radio while they drive.
- Age range: 3 – 7 years old
Hape Scoot Around Ride On Wood Bike – Best Indoor Ride-On Toy
- It is made of a very good quality word and is very sturdy
- The color combination of various arts is very attractive and appealing to kids
- Easy to assemble
- The movement of the wheel axis is smooth and one can ride it with minimum efforts
- A little pricey
The Hape Scoot Around is the perfect first-push bike for toddlers. With its rubber wheels that are gentle on flooring and durable enough for outdoor adventures, this scooter is a great toy to bring along to the park or for indoor play. This can also be used as a push or pull toy, providing a fun and interactive way for you and your child to spend quality time together.
- Age range: 1 – 3 years old
Skip Hop 3-in-1 Push Walker to Toddler Scooter – Best Walker To Scooter Ride-On Toy
- Your baby will improve his motor skills by moving his feet and turning the handlebar
- No sharp parts
- Lightweight
- Very versatile and well made
- The height of the chair is a little low (also depends on the size of the baby)
With three levels of use, this ride-on toy can grow with your child as they develop. Early walkers can use stage one, where they can push and pull the wagon and store their favorite toys. Stage two transforms the wagon’s storage tub into a seat for ride-on mode.
In stage three, simply remove the seat, raise the toddler-sized handle, and let your child scoot around with the added fun of sound effects like a headlight, tunes, and beeping sounds. The bright and colorful design of this ride-on toy will provide endless hours of entertainment for your little one.
- Age range: 1 – 3 years old
JOYIN Unicorn Bouncy Hopper – Best Plush Ride-On Toy
- Suitable for toddlers
- Very bouncy
- Easy to inflate
- Pretty durable
- Will be outgrown
With vibrant colors and plush material, this bouncy unicorn hopper will bring a touch of magic to your child’s playtime while also promoting important skills like coordination and balance.
Made from top-quality, durable materials, this inflatable ride-on toy has undergone extensive safety testing to ensure it meets all US toy standards. And with its sturdy legs, you can trust that your child will stay secure and stable while they bounce and play to their heart’s content.
- Age range: 3 – 5 years old
Step2 Whisper Ride II Ride On Push Toy Car – Best Push Car Ride-On Toy
- Folds up very easily to fit in your car to take on the go to the park or wherever
- Cup holder for the adult and 2 cup holders for the baby
- Extra storage at the front of the car
- The wheels are quiet
- Tires are hard which offer no shock absorption compared to pneumatic tires
Your child will feel like a real-life superhero behind the wheel of this spacious and comfy ride-on toy. The under-hood storage area is perfect for carrying snacks and drinks, while the parent and child cup holders keep beverages close at hand.
This outdoor toy is built with Whisper Wheels that keep road noise to a minimum, and a foldable handle that makes storage and transport a breeze. Constructed from durable, double-walled plastic, this toddler toy is designed to withstand the test of time and is resistant to chipping, fading, cracking, and peeling. Plus, it’s super easy to clean, with just a quick wipe-down needed to keep it looking like new.
- Age range: 18 months – 4 years old
labebe – Baby Rocking Horse – Best Unicorn Ride-On Toy
- Sturdy
- Soft
- Cute design
- Safety-oriented
- The included Allen wrench is quite small
Designed with strong hardwood frames and sturdy wooden handles for a secure, comfortable, and quiet ride, this adorable pink unicorn is sure to be a hit with children and adults alike.
Made from soft plush materials, the unicorn’s mane is made of incredibly soft cotton strings, and the base rails and handles are painted with sturdy burlywood paint for a charming look. With its kid-friendly design and plush textures, this rocking horse is perfect for providing hours of fun and imaginative play.
- Age range: 6 months – 3 years old
Step2 Up & Down Roller Coaster – Best Roller Coaster Ride-On Toy
- Easy to assemble
- Fits together to store
- Nicely made
- Very light
- It’s quite fast
Your child will have a blast climbing aboard the bright red ATV-style coaster car and zooming down the 9-foot track. This indoor/outdoor toy provides the perfect opportunity for your child to develop their gross motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and imagination.
The coaster car features a high backrest, handrail, and footrests for a safe and comfortable ride. It can also be used as a stand-alone riding toy when it’s not on the track. Your child’s energy powers this coaster car, which is securely held in place by recessed retention wells until they’re ready to start their journey.
- Age range: 2 – 5 years old
How To Choose Ride-On Toys For Toddlers?
- Safety: Make sure the toy meets all relevant safety standards and has features such as a high back, handrails, and footrests for stability. Plus, its worth checking the CPSC website for recalls.
- Indoor/Outdoor: When choosing ride-on toys for toddlers, it’s important to consider the space available for play. Some toys are designed for indoor use, while others are meant for outdoor use. Make sure to select a toy that aligns with your child’s age, development, and the space you have available. If you have a spacious outdoor area such as a garden or neighborhood, an outdoor ride-on toy would be the ideal choice.
- Pedals: Before purchasing any pedal-activated toys, ensure that your child is of the appropriate height, and consider bringing them with you to the store to ensure their feet can rest flat on the floor to avoid accidents or injuries resulting from a lack of control (1).
- Longevity: The physical abilities of toddlers develop rapidly, which is why it’s important to invest in a ride-on toy that can grow with them. To maximize your investment, consider options that offer multiple functions, such as a toy that can be used as both a walker and a ride-on in the future or a balancing bike or scooter with an adjustable seat or handlebar.
- Play Value: Consider the types of play that the toy will encourage and if it will help to develop important skills such as gross motor skills, balance, and coordination (2).
- Fun Factor: Look for toys that are interactive, have engaging features, and will hold your child’s interest over time.
What Are The Different Types Of Ride-on Toys?
- Ride-on cars and trucks
- Balance bikes and scooters
- Rocking horses and bouncy animals
- Push and pedal cars
- Roller coasters and track rides
- Electric ride-on toys
- Inflatable ride-on toys
We included most types on this list so you can be sure to find one that you like.
How Do You Store Ride-on Toys?
Ride-on toys can be stored by folding them up and placing them in a dry, secure place, such as a garage or closet. If the toy is too big to be stored in this manner, you can place it in a corner or against a wall where it won’t be in the way. To ensure the longevity of the toy, it’s also important to keep it clean and free of debris and to store it in a cool, dry place away from extreme temperatures and moisture.
What Age Is Best For Ride-on Toys?
Ride-on toys are typically recommended for toddlers and young children between the ages of 1 to 5 years old. The appropriate age for a ride-on toy depends on the child’s motor skills and ability to balance, as well as the specific toy’s recommended age range. Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines and supervise children while they are using ride-on toys.
Are Riding Toys Good For Toddlers?
Yes, riding toys can be good for toddlers as they provide opportunities for physical activity, the development of gross motor skills, and coordination. However, it is important to choose age-appropriate toys that meet safety standards and to supervise young children while they play.
Do 1-Year-Olds Know How To Steer A Bike Or Ride-on Toy?
At 1 year old, most children do not have the coordination or strength to steer a bike or ride-on toy (3). It is recommended to wait until a child is older and has developed their motor skills and coordination before introducing them to ride-on toys.
