Children can develop their motor and social skills in a fun and stylish way with a ride-on toy. Furthermore, if your youngster requests one, don't be shocked—it's practically a trend these days. Having said that, you should look for and purchase a high-quality toy, putting your child's safety first.
For this reason, we'll go over the essential factors you should think about in this article. Moreover, obtain a list of some of the best children's ride on toys that you can take into consideration. Lastly, get some valuable tips to ensure your kid can safely enjoy using them once you get one.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Ride-On Toy
To make an informed decision, consider these aspects and tips during the choosing process:
Weight Limit
Not every toy can support just any weight or load. So, you must ensure that your child's ride-on toy can safely bear and uphold their weight. Riding one which they’re too heavy for could result in serious issues. First off, they wouldn’t be able to use it for a good performance. Second, the toy might easily break when mishandled. Also, it wouldn’t be able to go as far if it can’t carry the load.
So, check the manufacturer’s maximum weight recommendation. See if it matches your kid’s weight. If you want, you can also get one with a higher weight limit to ensure that your kid can use it as they grow up.
Movement and Operation
These toys come in four main designs based on how they’re operated:
- Push Ride-On Toy
This type of ride-on is ideal for kids, especially toddlers, who are just learning and starting to walk. These toys often have handles for parents to push and help their kids while they enjoy the ride. This will make it easier for them to develop balance and coordination skills.
- Pedal-Powered
This is perfect as your kids transition from a push ride-on and if your kid has already started walking. This is because these pedal-powered toys require more strength, coordination, and balance. Buying your kid this type will help them learn how to pedal and steer, which are both necessary if they want to ride a bike in the future.
- Electric Ride-On
This is the most advanced type as it can go faster than the other ride-on types. Electric types use batteries that do the movement for the kids. They also often have cool features like lights, sounds, and more vehicle-like appearances.
- Rocking
This is a stationary type that kids can use to enjoy a soothing back-and-forth motion. Rocking ride-ons often include rocking horses that will help your kid develop their balance and coordination skills while having fun.
Toy Speed
If you want to buy an electric ride-on toy for your kid, you have to consider this factor. While high or fast top speed is a good feature, it could pose some dangers. Going way too fast can result in accidents and serious injuries. So, make sure to check the speed indicated for your electric ride-on toy options.
A good speed range is about 5 mph to 10 mph. These would be perfect for young and small kids and those without prior experience riding an electric kid’s toy like this. This speed range is fast enough to give kids the feeling of speeding but is also slow enough for them to stop safely.
Brake System
An electric ride-on should also have brakes. To ensure safety, always check this and their functionality. Any position is fine but front brakes are more common. But, take note that this can result in a few more abrupt stops, which can take inexperienced riders by surprise.
Age Suitability
Aside from the weight, certain toys are designed for specific age ranges. This is why manufacturers indicate an age recommendation range for their products. Remember that different types of ride-ons are ideal for different ages, allowing and ensuring them to easily ride and operate it.
That’s why, make sure to check the indicated age suitability of the ride-on toy you’re eyeing. Ensure your kid’s age falls within the range to ensure their skills and growth are enough to safely use the toy.
Quality and Durability
The toy must be made with durability in mind. Check what materials are used to build it and how durable they would be when used extensively. The grip and stability of the materials are equally important, especially for the handlebars or steering wheels. For example, materials like rubber and silicon are ideal for handlebars because they offer good grip.
Additionally, it would also be ideal if there are handlebars for parents to offer support. This is especially true for push-on and pedal-powered ones. Or, if you’re getting an electric type, it would be a good idea if the unit has a remote control the parent can use.
Design
This is important as kids tend to focus more on the design of things they’re using. So, expect that this would apply to the ride-on toy they will use as well. Make sure to consider their likes and interests, such as their favorite color, cartoon characters, games, etc.
Try to pick one with a design that falls in those areas. Or, you can ask your kid directly what design they want. This can make the choosing process easier. Simultaneously, you have to make sure that the design is safe for the kid's use. It shouldn’t have any sharp edges that can harm your kid.
Price
Finally, compare the prices of your selections. To make it easier to determine which option to buy, set a budget and use it to guide your decision. It could be a budget range or a specific number. The average price of a ride-on can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
But, remember, that this price range can go higher and lower based on different factors. The price can be affected by the toy's brand, quality, and even its design.
Top 3 Ride On Toys For Your Kids
Get a headstart in your shopping journey with these ride-on toy options:
1. Freddo Range Rover HSE 24V
This is the perfect choice for a kid who loves adventure and is asking for some realistic ride experience. Most importantly, it has a cool design that is inspired by an actual Range Rover. It even comes with LED lights, radio functions, and MP3 capability. Your kid will definitely feel like they have their own car with this toy. Plus, for parents, this ride-on toy comes with a Bluetooth remote control that you can use, especially for a slow start.
Specifications:
- Operation Type: Electric
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 57.9 x 37 x 26.8 inches
- Minimum Age Recommendation: 3 years old
- User Capacity: 2
2. Amboss Toys Primo Classic Italian Scooter
If your kid is more of a scooter type but can’t handle an electric scooter yet, this classic ride-on scooter is a good alternative. It has a classic and timeless design that is even awarded by ASTRA as the “Best Toy” in 2019. Made with durable metal materials and a comfortable cushion, this ride-on toy will allow your child to safely have fun and stimulate their skills.
Specifications:
- Operation Type: Push-On
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 30 x 12 x 17 inches
- Minimum Age Recommendation: 1-year-old
- User Capacity: 1
Freddo Excavator 12V
Get a more versatile ride-on toy with this mini excavator for kids. Not only can your kid use it to ride around but they can also use it for pretend plays. Like an actual excavator, it’s designed with seats and tires that can withstand frequent use. It also has LED lights and radio functions for a more unforgettable experience.
Specifications:
- Operation Type: Electric
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 57.5 x 22.8 x 23 inches
- Minimum Age Recommendation: 3 years old
- User Capacity: 1
Safety Considerations For a Kid’s Ride-On Toy
Getting the best ride-on isn’t enough, you need to know the right safety guidelines and considerations to ensure safe riding. Here are some valuable tips to ensure that:
- Know Proper Maintenance and Care
Make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions on this, especially how to maintain and care for the toy. Follow them and do them regularly. This way, you can ensure that it is always in the best condition when your kid uses it.
- Always Check the Brakes
If you’re getting an electric type, before your kid uses it, make sure to check the brakes or stop functions. Always test them first and check if they’re responsive and work properly. If they aren’t, repair or replace them when you think it’s necessary.
- Consider the Riding Environment
Always ensure that the location and space where your kid uses the toy are safe. Examples of safe spaces include parks, bike routes, and even your own paved backyard or indoors. You can also let them use it in your neighborhood. However, be sure that either you or someone else is watching over them. In addition, never allow youngsters to ride it near water, on busy roads, on sidewalks, or on uneven terrain.
Find Your Kid’s Perfect Toy Today!
Making sure the ride-on toy is made to fit your kids' needs is crucial when selecting the best option for them. It would also make the process easier if you consider the design your kid wants and your budget.
For more options and other needs, you can visit our ride on toy collection. We offer ride-on toys that come in different designs and other kid’s toys for you to choose from!