Best Ride-on Toys for Toddlers 2024

Toddlerhood is filled with curiosity and fun as your child figures out the world around them through books, music and toys. Similar to toddler scooters, one way to keep your little one's brain and body moving is a ride-on toy.

Aimed at helping with gross motor skills and imaginative play, they're a valuable toy that will get tons of playtime. We rounded up the best ride-on toys for toddlers, including manual and electric models at different price points. We even test-drove one of them—the Peg Perego John Deere Mini Tractor passed with flying colours.

What to look for in the best ride-on toys for toddlers

Amanda Vierheller, CEO and Co-Founder of Playgarden says ride-on toys build self-confidence in preschoolers. They encourage independence and spatial reasoning, which builds core strength and coordination for kiddos.

"It can also help them grow motor skill development and practice following rules and respecting boundaries through play," she says. "They can support and encourage social development by allowing little ones to go on adventures together. Children can learn to problem solve, negotiate space and communicate while riding with peers."

When choosing a toy for your preschooler, ensure their feet are flat on the floor (especially if it's not battery- or parent-operated) and they can reach the steering wheel comfortably.

For outdoor ride-on toys, ensure they're made of sturdy and waterproof materials and have quality wheels with texture.

The best ride-on toys for toddlers 2024

Best manual

RadioFlyer Ziggle Wiggle Car

One of Vierheller's top picks is this Radio Flyer Ziggle Wiggle Car — and we agree.

It features four caster wheels that spin 360 degrees, allowing children to twist and move. The seat can adjust to up to age eight and it can be used indoors and out. Smaller toddlers can scoot along with their feet until they get used to riding it. The max weight capacity is 81 pounds, making it a great option for a wide range of toddler sizes.

Pros

• Highly rated on Amazon
• Good for gross motor skills
• Wide handlebars
• Ideal for indoor and outdoor uses

Cons

• Best for older toddlers

Best budget manual

Little Tikes Dirt Diggers Garbage Truck Scoot

Vierheller loves this truck because it has an imaginative play aspect built into it — it features a back storage compartment for "hauling" things. The scoot style allows kids to control how they move, and the seat flips up to hold even more storage.

Ideal for toddlers aged two to five, this toy truck features realistic parts like a working horn and free-rotating wheels to get kids moving.

Pros

• Budget-friendly price
• Best for toddlers ages two to five
• Highly rated on Amazon
• Scoot style
• Allows kids to be in control of how they move
• Includes plenty of storage for pretend "garbage"

Cons

• Not ideal for larger toddlers

Best budget electric

Peg Perego John Deere Mini Tractor

Our parent tester and her daughter adore this affordable John Deere ride-on toy. An electric ride-on doesn't have to cost a fortune, and this model is one of the most affordable on the market.

This tractor features engine sounds, headlights and three fun songs, including Old MacDonald Had a Farm. It's compact and easy to store with intuitive, easy-to-use controls. It's designed for ages 1.5 to 3 years old and up to 44 pounds. See our in-depth toy review for more testing insights.

Pros

• Budget-friendly compared to other electric models
• Lifelike design with engine sounds and headlights
• Three fun farm-inspired songs
• Easy for toddlers to use
• Doesn't take up much space

Cons

• May be too small for larger or taller kids

Best two-seater

ELEMARA Toyota FJ40 Electric Ride-On

This officially licensed Toyota FJ40 will have little ones squealing with delight, first because of its battery-operated, life-like driving system, and second because it can hold them and a friend.

It features six LED lights, an MP3 player, Bluetooth, a USB portal and a 12V battery to keep them riding long. The car can be put into two driving modes and three adjustable speeds via remote control, or children can drive themselves on two speeds. What's more, a low-battery voice prompt lets parents know when it's time to charge!

This ride-on toy is designed for ages 3-8.

Pros

• Lifelike Toyota-licensed electric ride-on toy
• Can hold two passengers
• Features tech-savvy additions like an MP3 player
• Includes 12V battery and low battery voice prompt
• Can drive in two modes and three speeds
• Two-year warranty

Cons

• Holds up to 66 pounds combined
• Not suitable for younger toddlers

Best electric

Best Choice Products Land Rover Ride-On Car

Stylish toddlers will want to be seen in this licensed Land Rover SUV ride-on toy car. It fits two children comfortably and can hold up to 128 pounds. There's an option to allow your child to drive manually, or to use the 2.4GHz remote to guide them.

Two-wheel suspension and tread tires offer a smooth ride, and speeds from 1.8 mph to 3.7 mph. There's even an AUX input, working LED headlights, a horn and startup sounds that mimic a real car engine. It's suitable for ages 3-8.

Pros

• Available in four colours
• Licensed Land Rover-style
• Two-seater model
• Holds up to 128 pounds
• Can be driven manually or via remote control
• Includes technology such as an AUX cord, working LED headlights and a horn

Cons

• Some parents say the battery doesn't last as long as other models
• Not suitable for younger toddlers

Best luxury electric

Ryder Toys Lamborghini Aventador Drift

If you're looking for a ride-on toy for your older toddler to grow into, this high-end option is seriously cool. Your little one and a friend can cruise around in this Lamborgini sports car from ages 3-8.

It's packed with premium features for a realistic effect, including adjustable leather seats, functional swinging side doors, LED headlights and tail lights and an MP3 player. This ride-on offers dual-drive terrain with a drift function and speed ranging from 3-9 mph. The 24-volt battery lasts for 90 minutes on a single charge.

Pros

• Comes in four colours
• Holds up to 133 pounds
• Two-seater model
• Can be driven manually or by remote control
• Impressive battery life
• High-end features such as leather seats, swinging doors and LED lights

Cons

• Not suitable for younger toddlers
• Priciest option on our list

Best rated

Little Tikes Cozy Coupe Dinosaur

A classic for a reason, a new generation of toddlers will adore riding in Little Tikes' Cozy Coupe in a dinosaur theme — toddlers can be pushed or drive themselves!

There's a handle on the back of the car for parents to push if needed, and there are removable floorboards if toddlers can't reach the ground yet.

Pros

• Parent-controlled mode or toddler-controlled mode
• Includes removable floorboards
• Life-like features such as a gas cap and moving ignition

Cons

• Requires assembly

Best farm-style

TOMY John Deere Sit N' Scoot Tractor

Farm enthusiasts will freak out over this life-like John Deere ride-on tractor. A sit-and-scoot style, it's got a wide wheel base for stability. Lightweight yet durable and stable, it can take corners well, whether inside or outdoors!

These tractor toddler ride-on toys hold up to 60 pounds and is suitable for children beginning at 18 months.

Pros

• Sit and scoot style
• Lightweight and durable
• Wide wheelbase
• Suitable for toddlers 18 months and up
• Holds up to 60 pounds

Cons

• Some find it too small for their toddler