Updated: 28.5.24
Many parents have been asking themselves the same question:
What is the best electric toy for my kids?
Kids are at different stages of their lives, so it's important to know what type of vehicle will work best for them.
In this article, we'll cover Kids Electric Toys Age by Age Guide and help you decide which one is perfect for your child.
Thanks to Stitch76 for the video. If you're into modified kids electric toys, then please go and check out his channel.
What age is appropriate for ride-on toys?
As you're well aware, kid's electric ride-on toys come in all shapes and sizes.
There are small push-along toys all the way up to BIG Super Sport XL 2 seater cars.
They have a variety of different features and it's hard to know exactly which one would suit your kid for now and into the future.
What we will say is, the age is a factor, but, one of the most important details is more to do with size.
This is because kids come in all shapes and sizes, so it's important to consider the size of your child.
If they're small and petite, then a push-along toy will be perfect for them.
On the other hand, if you have a big sporty kid who loves speed, the Sport XL could be just what they need.
Let's first break it down by age:
Kids Ride On Toys For Kids Age 0-2
Babies in this age range may not have developed their motor skills and sense of balance- making them susceptible to tumbling and falling.
That's why you should be cautious when picking the correct ride-on toy for very young children.
Your pick should contain special safety features and if it is an electric toy, a handy parental remote control system is necessary.
For young children, we recommend manual ride-on toys such as balance bikes and foot-to-floor (push) ride ons.
This can help your baby develop their balance while push ride-ons are great for your child’s motor skills. Push ride-ons, as the name suggests, need to be pushed by the kid's own feet.
Push ride-ons are a great way for young children to explore their environment and learn about speed and distance.
Ride-on toys for toddlers come in a vast range. See our full selection of Ride-On Toys for Toddlers.
These toys will be the cheapest in the range.
Kids Ride On Toys For Kids Age 3-5
By age 3, most children have developed the motor skills, balance, coordination, and reflexes required for handling an electric ride-on toy.
If your child is in this age range, they’re filled with an urge to wander and ask curious questions and so encouraging them to explore the outdoors in an electric ride-on toy is a great idea.
Toddlers are more observant than you might think so aesthetics matter when shopping for a vehicle.
Choose one with detailed bodywork, glossy paint, and added security features such as seat belts and a remote-control parental system.
For children aged three and up, you'll find that the features of the toy will increase with things like working headlights, engines sounds, and MP3 players to lay their favourite music.
Whether you choose a 6V or 12V ride-on toy (6V vs 12V Ride On Toys - What’s The Difference?), the speeds they go up to will be very similar. The only difference is the efficiency in which they charge and how long they take to charge.
At this age, most of the toys will be equipped with a safety belt/harness and the vast majority will have a separate remote control.
Two-seater ride-on toys are totally fine for this age group.
Toys for this age range are priced moderately. The more features the toy has and whether it's licensed or not will be a factor when it comes to price.
Related: Are Ride On Toys Good For Toddlers?
Kids Ride On Toys For Kids Age 5-8+
Preschoolers are armed with buckets of energy, and they can operate more aggressive vehicles than younger children.
If you’re picking a toy for a child in this age range, paying attention to one that offers them a realistic feel of handling and power is key.
Most of the toys for this age range will have all the features you would expect and the voltage will likely be between 12v and 24v.
Related: Top 5 12v Battery Electric Ride On Cars Sold By RiiRoo, Top 5 Kids 12v Ride On Motorbikes Sold By RiiRoo, Check Out Our Top 24v Kids Electric Ride On Cars Sold By RiiRoo, Can 12 Year Olds Still Play With Toys?
24V
At this age, you can consider one of the larger 24v toys or even quads and UTV's. These toys are likely to be a bit more powerful and be able to go over much tougher terrain in the garden.
Petrol
From 8+ upwards you could also consider purchasing a petrol ride-on toy.
For this, you get the choice of cars, motorbikes, quad bikes, and buggies.
Just remember that these petrol toys are a lot more powerful and cost more than any other toy in the age range.
Recommended Electric Toys by Age Group
Age Group | Recommended Toys | Key Features |
---|---|---|
0-2 Years | Balance Bikes, Foot-to-Floor (Push) Ride-Ons | Manual operation, develop balance, motor skills, push by feet, parental remote control for electric options |
3-5 Years | 6V or 12V Ride-On Cars | Detailed bodywork, glossy paint, seat belts, parental remote control, working headlights, engine sounds, MP3 players |
5-8+ Years | 12V or 24V Ride-On Cars, Quads, UTVs | Higher voltage, realistic handling, can handle tougher terrain, increased power and speed |
8+ Years | Petrol Ride-On Cars, Motorbikes, Quad Bikes, Buggies | More powerful, higher cost, suitable for older kids, can handle various terrains |
Does Unlicensed or Licensed Make Any Difference?
What is the difference?
The difference between unlicensed and licensed kid's electric toys will mainly just be the design and the license held by the manufacturer. Licensed ride-ons are usually a lot more expensive due to licensing fees to the brand (i.e. Mercedes Bentley), but you can find cheaper versions of these toys that still have great features!
Makes no difference to the age range
Whether you purchase a licensed or unlicensed toy makes no difference to the age range it is appropriate for.
Related: What is the Difference Between A Licensed and An Unlicensed Ride On Car?
Does It Matter If I Purchase a One Seater or Two Seater
No, it doesn't matter what size the electric ride-on toy is. Kids as young as 2 years of age can ride in a two-seater ride-on. This is because a two-seater ride-on will come equipped with a safety seat belt and remote control unit.
So, even if they can't control the toy themselves yet, parents can.
Does it Matter What Seat Belt The Toy Has?
No, it doesn't matter what type of seat belt the toy has. Kids of all age ranges should wear a seatbelt when riding in an electric ride-on and it is your responsibility to make sure they are wearing one!
Whether it is a lap belt or harness, your kids will be safe when they are wearing either one. Check the description of the toy first to find out which one the toy comes with.
Wrapping Up
This age-by-age guide will help parents understand how to buy the right electric toy for their kids. It also teaches them about safety issues.
If you have any questions or concerns about your children's safety with these cars, please don't hesitate to contact one of our specialists today.
We're happy to answer all your queries and give recommendations based on what you need from an electric toy for your kid(s).
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