The 10 best ride-on toys for your adventurous toddler

With well over a century of experience creating classics, it’s no surprise Radio Flyer makes the list. They’ve got a variety of styles, but the Scoot About Sport is our top pick for littles. The wide front wheels keep it extra sturdy while a slim back silhouette keeps the path clear for kicking. Easy glide wheels make it suitable for use indoors and out and a compartment under the seat is the perfect place to store their treasures. Ideal for ages 1-3 and up to 42 pounds.

An award-winning style that’s as adorable as it is functional, the padded Wheely Bug from Prince Lionheart features four swivel wheels that take it in every direction. The u-shaped handle is perfect for little hands and the leather-like surface is easy to wipe clean. Choose from a variety of adorable styles and two sizes which are appropriate for little ones ages 1-3+

The Italian-designed La Cosa ride-on from Italtrike is in a class of its own. Revered by reviewers for its high-quality and durability, it can be used from age 1 all the way to age 6. A straight handle and 360 degree maneuverability allows it to turn on a dime while the just-wide-enough construction makes it easy to ride without tipping. It’s available in a variety of designs including an ambulance and VW van and even features a compartment under the seat for storage. (And bonus for its ability to stack if you’ve got a fleet!)

Recommended for children 18 months and over, the Smooth Rider from B. Toys is perfect for the little one already eyeing their first bike. Made with the environment in mind, (packaging is 100% recyclable), this wooden bike has 4 sturdy wheels and handles perfectly-sized for little hands. One other plus? No assembly required (a blessing for all parents).

Step2 offers a twist on the classic ride-on toy (since it comes with its own 10.25 ft. roller coaster track!), so you can see why I couldn’t pass this toy by. Perfect for indoor or outdoor play, your toddler or preschooler will practice gross motor skills as they zoom down the track safely, since the ride-on toy features a high back, handrail, and footrests for a safe, secure ride down the track.

Though pricey, the 4-in-1 Joovy Tricycoo 4.1 offers an impressive bang for the buck. For the tiniest tots (6 months+), the adjustable padded seat, five point harness, surround arms and parent push bar allow you to use it like a stroller. As they grow you can add and remove parts to  use it as a push trike and eventually a classic trike style. The maneuverability is easy for all stages and the wide footprint makes it one of the most sturdy designs on the market. 

For the toddler who needs a little extra help from mom or dad, I love this ride-on push car from Step2, featuring “whisper ride” wheels for a smooth and quiet ride. Safety is top of mind, as the car comes with a safety belt to secure toddler inside. I also love the kid-powered car horn and storage located under the hood for any treasures your toddler finds along the way, as well as the cup holder for both child and adult doing the pushing. Nice thinking! When not in use, the handle folds easily. Maximum weight limit on this ride-on: 50 pounds.

This Little People ride-on toy, suggested for ages 1-3, features all the bells and whistles (literally). With the touch of the keyboard, the Music Parade ride-on plays any of the featured five marching tunes. You can also switch to play mode, so your toddler can create their own music by pressing on different instruments, including the trumpet, tuba, saxophone and drum. Other noises include an engine start and revving sounds when it’s turned on. While I love that this toy is so musically-inclined, keep that in mind if there’s a baby in the house, or say, neighbors who don’t love a lot of noise. Requires 3 AA batteries to operate, which are included.

This award-winning and classic ride-on toy is appropriate for ages 3 and up and offers easy movement—just prop your feet up on the footrests and turn the steering wheel to begin moving. It will even support an adult (up to 220 lbs), so parents can give it a go as well! With a patented safety seat, the PlasmaCar exceeds all US, Canadian and European safety standards.

Radio Flyer has done it again with Socks, their newest rolling pony, perfect for ages 1-3 years old. EZ-Glide wheels allow your toddler to create their own motion and the ability to move in any direction. Safe for indoor and outdoor use, we also appreciate the durable, easy grip handles for little hands and super soft fabric when giving Socks a hug after their ride.