Best Toddler Ride-On Toys

This two-in-one toy is a walker and a ride-on toy all rolled into one, making it ideal for older babies and younger toddlers as they learn to walk. Once they’ve started toddling, they can use the Busy Buggy as a traditional ride-on. There are also 17 sensory activities, under-seat storage to hide those toddler treasures and a honking horn on the steering wheel.

This pony-themed ride-on toy is another versatile pick that will take you from the baby to the early toddler years. It works as a push walker, a bouncer and a ride-on toy and also features lights, sounds, songs and more to keep your little one entertained. Parents rave about all the fun add-ons that keep even the busiest of toddlers occupied.

With an innovative design, this modern ride-on toy is one of the most versatile on our list. Pre-walkers can hold onto the stationary, easy-grip handle and use the YBikwe as a push toy, but it will last much longer than that. Once your toddler is ready, it works both indoors and outdoors as a push-powered ride-on toy up to about three years old.

Don’t underestimate the longevity of this ride-on car. Yes, you’ll need to push your toddler around in it, making the Cruiser perfect for younger toddlers who don’t quite yet grasp how to push off with their feet, but even older toddlers who have reached this milestone will still love to hitch a ride. It’s a fun alternative to a stroller for short walks and spins around the driveway and features a horn, moveable steering wheel and under-the-seat storage.

The Cozy Coupe is a classic baby and toddler toy that is as loved today as it was when it first came out in 1979. Kids love pushing, steering and cruising around in this iconic car. There’s a removable floorboard to protect your little one’s feet before they master pushing off independently. Once they do, take it off and watch them fly.

Made from natural wood, this toddler ride-on toy has a Montessori feel and is a nice alternative to the usual plastic options. It features a sturdy handle, a comfortable, cushioned seat and rotating wheels for smooth maneuverability. There are other animals available, too, like this fun zebra.

A balance bike is like a two-wheeler minus one main thing: pedals. (They’re also missing a chain and brakes.) They’re designed to help little ones develop balance through an intuitive process of first walking while seated then scooting, running and gliding with lifted feat—no parental assistance required. The Retrospec is an early toddler take on the balance bike, with four wheels instead of two for added stability for the youngest riders. It’s both indoor- and outdoor-friendly and has a limited steering range to prevent your toddler from tipping over.

Best Ride-On Toys for Two-Year-Olds

The sleekest ride-on on our list, Baghera’s Twister is just as cool as it is fun. The retro look makes it stand out from the crowd and the compact design, padded seat and easy steering make it a good choice for a toddler who’s ready to cruise.

While some kids may master scooting earlier, most are ready for a scooter somewhere around two years old. The Micro Kickboard Mini is our favorite toddler scooter pick. The frame is lightweight but strong, the learn-to-steer turning is intuitive and effortless and the handlebar adjusts to grow with your little one. Your toddler will love the smooth ride and all the fun color options.

This ride-on from Strider is our pick for the best toddler balance bike because of its size and design. Notable features include an adjustable seat and handlebar, a lightweight frame and never-flat tires. There’s also a built-in footrest.

Best Ride-On Toys for Three-Year-Olds and Up

Construction-loving toddlers, we see you—and this ride-on will make all of your dreams come true. It moves forward and backward, yes, but the best part is the excavator arm with a digging shovel that scoops and dumps dirt just like the real thing. The digger rotates 360 degrees and deserves a parking spot in any construction-obsessed toddler’s yard or sandbox.

The unique PlasmaCar isn’t only an indoor ride-on toy, but we love how much fun it is for cruising on hardwood floors and other smooth indoor surfaces. There’s no pushing required here—just sit with both feet on the footrests and turn the steering wheel back and forth. The car glides smoothly on almost any flat surface and is a fun way to build coordination and balance. And with a weight limit of 220 pounds, it’s a ride-on toy that will be around for the long haul.

Want to level up your toddler’s ride-on experience? This battery-powered rechargeable Jeep Wrangler looks just like the real thing and cruises up to five miles per hour. It works on hard surfaces (think sidewalks or driveways) and grass and boasts fun features like a voice-amplifying microphone and sound effects. It’s an investment, but perfect for a group or grandparent gift.

The Ponycycle is the most unique ride-on on our list. Powered by your toddler’s own up-and-down motion, it mimics riding a real horse with no batteries or electronics required. (The horse’s legs even move forward and backward in a galloping motion.) It’s great for older toddlers and even better for budding equestrians.