Little kids love to imitate big kids on their bikes. They see their older siblings, cousins, or neighborhood kids zipping around and want to be part of the fun. When it comes to choosing a ride-on toy for a toddler, the choices can be overwhelming.
Here is my list of the best ride-on toys for 2-year-olds. The most challenging part of this task will be finding the time to read this list while taking care of a 2-year-old.
Why it’s great: This awesome tricycle grows with your child through different riding stages! Start when they are 9 months and go all the way to 5-years-old. The removable accessories allow this tricycle to grow with your child. The accessories include a UV canopy, wrap-around tray, headrest and seat belt, footrest, and parent push handle. This is perfect for outside with its high-density foam tires that provide a quiet, smooth ride. The parent-controlled steering is ideal for the younger set but can be removed when the child is ready to take off on their own.
Keep in mind: The footrest only comes with the Classic model, not the Base model.
Good for: Parents who want their kids to grow into a regular trike.
Why it’s great: This ultra-cool tricked out Harley Davidson pedal-powered trike is sure to make quite the impression with the neighborhood gang! With its oversized pedals for little riders and a stable wheelbase and easy-grip handlebars, little riders are sure to have a blast. The cool Harley decals make this a stand out big wheel.
Keep in mind: Younger riders may have difficulty reaching pedals. Also, Harley sunglasses and attitude are not included.
Good for: Kids who want to look super cool.
Why it’s great: This friendly giraffe design makes this scoot toy a winner with the younger set. With the oversized wheel in the back and 2 wheels in the front, this toy provides stability for the child. This toy also includes a wheel guard for safety. Let your child have fun and learn coordination, balance, and large motor skills on an animal-themed ride-on toy. This toy can be used indoors and outdoors. Bonus: Comes with customizable “spot” decals!
Keep in mind: The child cannot steer the toy.
Good for: Little ones who just learned to walk.
Why it’s great: Any young kid is sure to be delighted with this fun ride-on toy complete with realistic landing and lift-off sounds! Not to mention the moving propellers and the moving Mickey every time the music plays. It also has shifting gears and revving noises.
Keep in mind: Batteries are required.
Good for: Kids who love lights and sounds with their ride-on toy.
Why it’s great: This huggable rocking horse is made with luxurious boucle’ fabric, making it extra soft for your little one. The super-soft scrunchy faux suede mane and tail are just right for a youngsters’ development as they feel the different textures. A sturdy wooden frame comes with detachable footplates, which can be removed as your little one grows. Bonus: Some models come with little plush pals who live in the pocket on the side. Awe.
Keep in mind: The weight limit is 44lbs.
Good for: Kids who want a plush rock.
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Why it’s great: This ride-on toy interacts with your child and responds to whatever level they are riding. If you go slow, you get the slow sound, go a bit quicker, and you get the trot. Take it all the way and listen to the gallop! What fun! The innovative steel frame and EZ climb step allows easy on and off for riders. The springs are also covered to prevent pinched fingers, legs, and toes. Accessories like a comb and a carrot are included. PLUS, the carrot activates chewing sounds when fed to the horse.
Keep in mind: Adult assembly required. Batteries are also required.
Good for: Kids who love to hear to the sounds of the ride.
Why it’s great: This ride-on tractor toy is perfect for a little one just learning balance. With 2 wheels in the back and 2 in the front, it’s tailor-made for a smaller child. Bonus: Easily assembled.
Keep in mind: Take note of dimensions. Is made with smaller children in mind.
Good for: Little kids who love to self-propel their ride-on toy.
The Radio Flyer 4-in-1 Stroll ‘N Trike, Red Toddler Tricycle is our overall top recommendation. It's the highest quality product we have found with the most affordable price making it the best value on our list..
Such a great question. Once your child is 1-year and older, you can start looking at push ride-on toys. These toys also help a child with balance, coordination, and gross motor skills. A rocking toy is also suitable for a 1-year-old. Just make sure that your child can hold their weight when they sit up.
Generally speaking, if a toy has pedals and is operated outside, you should wear a helmet . A rocking horse is a gray area and is up to the parents’ discretion.
The same rules that apply when playing with your toddler every day apply when your toddler is on a ride-on toy. A close eye is always a good idea when your toddler is on a ride-on toy. Whether it’s a rocking horse or self-propelled toy, toddlers can get into trouble in the blink of an eye. It’s always best to stay close no matter what your little is up to. Also, make sure that your child is ready for a ride-on toy.
A sense of balance is essential for this type of toy. Being able to steady oneself and sit upright is key to enjoying a toy that can rock or move.
The good thing about kids is they don’t keep their feelings to themselves. Generally, if a child doesn’t enjoy a toy anymore, they will let you know either by not playing with anymore or by flat out letting you know. Gotta love kids. Self-propelled ride-on toys mostly appeal to the younger set between 2-3 years of age. As kids grow, they yearn to pedal themselves on a tricycle or a big wheel. A smaller rocking toy is also suitable for smaller kids, but a larger rocking horse can grow with a kid up to 6-years-old.
Most ride-on toys can be used outside with no problems. Just keep in mind that if your toy uses batteries storing electronics outside may not be a great idea due to bad weather.
I completely understand your concern. Rest assured that most ride-on toys come with very easily understood directions, even for someone who wouldn’t consider themselves handy. In some cases, there are online tutorials that can help you assemble the toy.
Whether you choose a rocking horse or a ride-on toy for your 2-year-old, this kind of toy is sure to bring many hours of joy to your child’s life. With so many choices out there, it’s often best to think of your child first before buying the first toy that appeals to YOU.
What kinds of toys does your child like? Does your child like to zoom around, or does he/she prefer to rock instead? Do they like quiet time, or would they prefer an interactive toy with all the bells and whistles?
Another thing to consider will be if you want to deal with batteries. Many ride-on toys on the market require them, so if that’s not your style, you should perhaps gravitate toward a quieter, plusher toy.
Once you figure what’s best for your kid, it’s only a matter of time before they are having a blast.
You’ll be amazed at your child’s imagination and the world’s they can create once you give them a toy that can move! Happy exploring!
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