Generally, ride-on toys for toddlers are simply called ‘ride-ons’. They can also be known as ‘scooters’ or ‘scoot-abouts’. They take their names from the idea that the children mount the toys and ride around on them. Some toys can also be called ‘gliders’, or ‘balance bikes’, however it all depends on the product itself and the features it represents.

The most commonly used term is ‘ride-on’.

What are Ride On Toys?

Ride-on toys were developed to help kids have fun both outside and inside. They are meant to help your child develop basic motor skills since a young age. For example, some ride-ons are either educational or just for simple riding. Both types are very beneficial to your child’s development!

Educational ride-ons will play songs as you child scoots around, helping them learn things like the alphabet, numbers, shapes and road safety as they ride. Other ride-ons are simple, and are made purely to help your child learn skills like balancing, walking and to help strengthen their legs.

If your child is easily bored, it’s recommended to choose the educational ride-ons, since they help stimulate the imagination more.

If your child is younger and still needs to learn to walk, the simple ride-ons should be a good choice. They usually have handles that help the child push them as they learn to balance and walk. In later stages, your child will be able to sit on them and use their legs to scoot around.

How to Choose Ride on Toys for Kids?

Choosing ride-on toys for your children can be difficult. Every child likes different themes and colors. However, many companies have made it their goal to satisfy the needs of every growing child. No matter what your child likes, whether it’s motorcycles, horses, princesses, Disney characters or animals, there is a ride on that will satisfy their needs on the market.

Research

The best thing you can do is take your child to a local toy store, and ask them to explore and decide which ride-on they like most. After they experiment and choose, you will be able to measure the dimensions, examine the design and get a general feel of what your child is drawn towards. This will help you make an easier decision when you will be buying a ride-on online, where there are plenty of options to choose from!

Battery & Manual

It will also make a difference whether your child likes battery-powered or manual ride-on toys. Manual toys don’t require as much maintenance as battery-powered toys, and are less expensive.

Features

To sum up, we recommend focusing on design, structure, age range and weight capacity. Looking at these simple features before committing to a single product will help you choose a product for your child that they will love and enjoy as they grow.

How to Care for Ride On Toys for Kids?

Depending whether your child has a battery-powered or manual ride-on toy, the maintenance will be different.

If your child has a battery-powered ride-on toy, then it’s recommended to leave it indoors and not outside, where it’s exposed to the elements. It’s also not wise to have the toy go through puddles or damp grass, unless otherwise stated by the manufacturer. Sticking to the guidelines and instructions that come with the toy is important, since it will help your child enjoy the ride-on for a longer time.

When talking about manual ride-on toys, it’s advised to clean the toy after outdoor use. This is especially important if your child is going through damp grass or through puddles. Some ride-on toys have a lot of metal or plastic parts, and if they are exposed to damp surroundings for too long they can begin to rust or lose color.

How to Store Ride On Toys in the House?

It can be hard to store ride-on toys in the house, especially if they are bigger than the average toys your child uses every day. It also can be difficult if you live in an apartment, therefore it’s recommended to choose a storage place for the ride-on before you buy it. That’s also one of the reasons as to why websites list the dimensions of the toy online.

Regardless, it’s important to store the toy in a dry place. Especially if the toy needs to be charged near a socket, or if it’s battery-powered in general. The same goes for manually-powered toys, since they can lose their designs and start rusting if they are exposed to dampness.

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