Kid’s Ride-On Cars: Age Range Guide (2024)

The most suitable ride-on cars for 1-year-old kids are manual push-along toys that are safe, sturdy, and easy to operate.

In this early stage, kids are still developing balance and motor skills, making them more prone to tumbles and falls.

Ideal for young children who can sit upright and are steady on their toes, the driver propels this type of vehicle with their feet or pedals, encouraging physical activity through play. Plus, most have a handle that the parent can push as an extra safety precaution, allowing them to control the toy’s speed and direction.

For tiny babies, stick with a four-wheel ride that’s low to the ground and easy to hold on to — a headrest is also a big plus!

The best ride on cars for 2 year old kids are balance bikes or small 6v battery-powered vehicles with adult supervision.

However, choose a ride-on with plenty of safety features, such as adjustable seats and safety belts. A parental remote control is also a must-have, allowing you to take control of the toy if your child is struggling. To create a safer driving environment, use the car indoors on flat surfaces and remove obstacles that might obstruct your little one’s route.

The best ride on cars for 3 year olds are 6v or 12v toys with a parental remote control.

At this age, children are bursting with curiosity and wonder. They have also developed the necessary coordination and reflexes to safely operate a battery-powered vehicle, making them the ideal choice for gifts that promote exploration and learning.

Start with a 6-volt vehicle, as these have a lower maximum speed of 2 to 3 miles per hour (MPH) and are more manageable for younger children.

The best ride on car for 4 year old kids is a 12v toy. It’s recommended to use these cars indoors or under strict parental supervision outdoors.

These cars have a maximum speed between 3 and 5 mph, so keep an eye on them as they whizz around and consider purchasing a helmet for extra protection. Top tip — choose one in a design they love to prevent tantrums when asking them to wear it!

For something different, steer away from classic designs and go for a waltzer. Your kid controls this 12v ride-on bumper car using a joystick to spin 360 degrees for hours of dizziness and giggles. They also include onboard music and flashing lights for an authentic fairground experience. They feature a soft bumper surround to stop them from scuffing up your skirting boards.

The best ride on cars for five and six-year-old children are larger 12v vehicles such as jeeps and SUVs. Consider a 2-seater model, so kids can ride with a friend.

Construction toys like lorries, tractors and forklifts are also brilliant options for getting your little one outdoors. While an Audi, Range Rover, or Lamborghini licensed vehicle looks like a smaller version of the real car and is guaranteed to provide hours of fun and thrills.

Larger 12v kid’s electric cars can reach maximum speeds of 6mph. They often up the realism by featuring functional dashboards, speed settings and multiple gear options for models with dual motors. Encourage career ambitions by choosing an emergency services vehicle like a police car or fire engine, with sirens and flashing red and blue lights.

The best electric cars for 7, 8 and 9 year old kids are 24v toys. Providing plenty of power and endless thrills, we suggest they wear helmets and strap themselves in using the car’s safety belts before zooming off on their driving adventures.

It’s also the perfect age to teach them how to maintain their favourite toy. After every drive, encourage your child to remove snacks and drinks, wipe down the surfaces and take the car indoors for safe storage.

And just because your kid wants power doesn’t mean they must sacrifice style and additional fun features. Similar to other ride-on electric cars, these battery-powered beasts have LED headlights, EVA rubber wheels for traction, onboard handles and foot pedals and a USB MP3 music slot for plugging in their favourite tunes.

The minimum age children can safely use a ride-on car is generally considered one years old. However, this can vary depending on the child’s size, specific toy and manufacturer.

Typically, electric cars are recommended for kids two years and up, but always check the product specifications to ensure the toy is age-appropriate. Additionally, adults should always supervise very young children using electric ride-on cars.

Hannah Hill

Entrepreneur, and mother of three. Hannah is a toy expert with 20+ years in the online toy industry, founding the Kidaroos website that sells 10,000+ toys per year. Hannah is always looking for new, innovative ways to keep everyone's kids active and energised in a world full of screens and social media and has been featured in publications such as Authority Magazine.