Product Type: Toys
Age: Toddlers
Categories: Active Physical Play
Subcategories: Ride-Ons and Ride-Ins
2013 Awards
(Step 2 $59.99 Score:
) Our testers spent several happy afternoons driving around in this new kiddie car that runs on foot power. It has a front castor wheel for added maneuver-ability. With a working horn and ignition key there are miles of pretend fun with the Easy Turn Coupe. As an added bonus, it can be used with younger riders that an adult can push along, however, there is no safety belt. There's a removable floorboard to protect little feet when they are being pushed. Also nice, this has a front trunk storage area and cup holders for both child and adult. 1 ½ & up.
Age: Toddlers, Preschool. Award Year: 2013. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.
2012 Award
(Wonderworld $99 Score:
) Toddlers can't wait to climb on board this wooden red ride-on with four-wheel drive for stability and a steering wheel for maneuvering. Low to the ground this pedal free ride on is powered by foot to the floor action. It has rubber tires for better traction indoors or out. This is one of those basic toys that older toddlers, with their new-won mobility are going to enjoy for a short but important stage when they are not ready for pedals or complicated ride-ons. This has a small beep-beep horn in the steering wheel and will be good for early pretend play as well as satisfying the need for using those big leg muscles. 2 & up.
Age: Toddlers. Award Year: 2012. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.
2012 Award
(Mega Bloks $49.99 Score:
) Finding a low-to-the-ground ride-on that actually steers but doesn't tip over is not so easy. At last, we have good news! This yellow construction truck is a combo fun for beginning walkers it can be used as a push toy and for foot to the ground riding. Sound buttons on the steering wheel will make a hit with toddlers and happily for adults, it has a volume control. It also comes with a detachable toolbox for beginning pretend play-for the older tots. The seat is more comfy than the company's earlier ride-on dump truck. This is really basic gear for active play and building big muscles. They say 1 & up. We say this is best for toddlers who are steady on their feet, which is often a little later.
Age: Toddlers, Preschool. Award Year: 2012. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.
2011 Award
(National Sporting Goods $60 Score:
) One of our pet peeves at the moment is that most ride-on vehicles do not have the ability to move from side to side. Steering has gone out the window. So we were particularly thrilled with the PEWI - it has caster wheels - allowing your child to move freely in any direction. Our two year old testers gave positive feedback. Our three year old tester found that her legs were too long for this one. (We should note that this toy is also marketed as a push toy for toddlers. Since it has casters that move freely, this can only be used with toddlers who are completely steady on their feet. It will not work as a "walker" for wobbly, just learning how to walk tots.) The manufacturer's age range is from 12 months to 36 months (maximum weight of 44 pounds)...but we'd really suggest this is more for true walkers. Comes in blue, pink and red...we'd always go for the red.
The company has signed a verification form complying with our safety requirements. We did not independently test this toy in a lab.
Age: Toddlers. Award Year: 2011. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.
2009 Award
(International Playthings $120 Score:
) Scaled for tots, here’s a giraffe with colorful spots and taggie mane all stitched to an orange and yellow soft ride-on rocker. It has hot pink licks on the crinkle ears and a happy smile of safe-stitched features. This is one friendly looking ride-on. O.K., the neck is not long like a giraffe—call it a pony. Toddlers will not care. It’s soft and low to the ground for easy on and off. Built with a mild rocking motion for kids who are steady on their feet. Ones will need help to get on and holding while they go. Older toddlers will love the gentle motion and take charge action of this cute critter, whatever you call it.
The company has signed a verification form complying with our safety requirements. We did not independently test this toy in a lab.
Age: Toddlers. Award Year: 2009. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.
(Kettler $119.99 Score:) This gender-proof primary-colored line of trikes comes with a push bar you can control the trike like a stroller. This line tends to run small and fit younger, smaller preschoolers. Our recommendation with all bikes is to take your child and try them out first.
Age: Toddlers,Preschool. Award Year: .
2005 Award
(Radio Flyer $69.95 Score:
) Our fifteen-month-old testers loved the push-button sound effects, lights, and vibrating motion on this low-to-the-ground ride-on. This vehicle is less wide and lighter than Radio Flyer’s Red Roadster, and easier for tots to get on and off of. Age: Toddlers. Award Year: 2005.
2006 Award
(Step 2 $40 Score:
) Reintroduced, this all-plastic fish has been an old favorite for toddlers. The seat is narrow and pretty easy to mount. Can be used indoors or out. But a warning: supervision is needed as rapid rocking can lead to spills. This is bigger than your average rocker and has been known to tip. (800) 347-8372. Age: Toddlers,Preschool. Award Year: 2006.
2007 Award
(Radio Flyer $150 Score:
) Our testers enjoyed giving this sturdy, foot-powered red car a ride. Comes with a steering wheel that turns (and there's a working horn). The only drawback is that the steering wheel does not function. There is no connection to the front wheels. There is a set of smaller caster wheels at the front end which make it easier for kids to move around. The "no-steering" is part of larger and unfortunate trend in the ride-in category. That said, this is still a beautiful ride-in for steady on their feet toddlers.
Age: Toddlers. Award Year: 2007.
2008 Award
(Radio Flyer $39.99 Score:
) He's back! Two versions of the classic toy are vying for your inchworm dollars. Playskool had the original green and yellow Inchworm in the '70s but have modified the design a lot with their new Bounce'n'Go Inch-Along. Radio Flyer's Inchworm is truer to the original design but done now in green and red. It is larger than Playskool's and more aesthetically pleasing. In our head to head competition, testers preferred the jaunty, springing action of the Radio Flyer. Both are novelty ride-ons and will not replace a basic ride-on. Age: Toddlers. Award Year: 2008.
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