Gear

The Best Toddler Ride-On Toys To Help Them Master Balance and Coordination

Let them work off some of that crazy energy.

by Hudson Lindenberger
Updated: 
Originally Published: 
A toddler ride-on toy scooter set against a yellow backdrop.

Toddler ride-on toys don’t just look cool, although many of them do. They also serve a pivotal role in child development. The best toddler ride-on toys help young kids develop both fine and gross motor skills, while also building their confidence as they master the ability to propel themselves forward while remaining balanced. They learn to take turns, and burn off some energy.

And let’s be real here. Toddler electric cars are fun and make for great social media posts, but the Consumer Product Safety Commission advises that toddlers, meaning kids between the ages of one and three, get ride-on toys that are self-propelled with no pedals or motors. The ride-on toys should have a stable base that does not tip over, and if wheels are involved, there should be at least three of them evenly spaced. All edges of toddler ride-on toys should be smooth, with no sharp points, and they should be sturdy so no parts can come loose. And make sure you pay attention to weight limits, so you can get more than a month’s use out of the thing.

The Best Toddler Ride-On Toys

Go and Grow Lil' Rollin' Giraffe Ride-On Toy for Toddlers by Little Tikes
$35.43
3-In-1 Toddler Ride-On Toy by Wishbone

This wood stunner converts from a baby walker to a push-trike to a balance bike, and can be used as either a two-wheeler or a three wheeler. It's gorgeously made, and the weight limit is 60 pounds. In other words, this will last not just years, but generations.

$249
Kickboard Mini Deluxe Plus Toddler Ride-On Scooter by Micro
$187.99
Scoot Around Ride-On Toddler Toy by Hape
$65.04
TinyTot Toddler Ride-On Toy by Kinderfeets
$157.61
Rocking Horse Ride-On Toy by Little Tikes
$49.96
Blaze Interactive Riding Horse by Radio Flyer
$159.99
Foldable Rocking Horse by Plan Toys

Conversely, if space is an issue, get thyself this beauty, which is almost, almost too pretty to ride. It's made of wood and folds up when your kid is done riding it. It's portable and made from birch wood, and when not in use looks like something an interior designer dreamt up.

$149
Rattan Poppie Rocking Horse by Poppie Toys

The simple rocking horse is made from sustainably sourced and renewable rattan and looks like an actual showpiece. It's funky, it's offbeat, and it has a weight limit of 77 pounds. That's a lot of kid.

$189
Plush Rocking Horse by Qaba Kids
$64.98
Lusitano Rocking Horse by PlanToys

With soft, curved edges, this wooden rocking horse is a great way for your kid to have fun while staying safe. This particular one comes with its own saddle and is built with leverage for easy rocking. The weight limit is 130 pounds.

$200
Trackie Toddler Ride-On Toy by Chillafish
$59.99

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