Why Buy A Ride-On Toy For Your Kid and What to Look Out For?

If you've ever had a small kid's ride-on toy before, then you know just how much fun they can be.

Not only do they provide hours of entertainment for your kids, but it's the perfect segue to teaching them about responsibility.

From a young age, they can learn the importance of taking care of their vehicle and respecting it. 

Whether you're looking for the sleekest and most stable of models or something a bit more adventurous, high-performance ride-on toys are sure to bring out your child's inner racer!

Not only will they have fun zooming around, but you can also be sure that their toy is made with quality craftsmanship and safety in mind.

This article will explore the whys and hows of purchasing a high-performance toy for your kid.

With the right vehicle, they'll be able to explore the outdoors, build coordination skills, and have a ton of fun!

So what should you look for when choosing one?

Check the Age Range

Most ride-on toy websites will display the age range for which the item is suitable.

It's important to remember this, as some children may find it difficult to control a more advanced toy, and specific models are made for younger or older kids.

Depending on how fast your kid is growing, you may want to opt for something that has a wide age range.

This way, you can buy a new ride-on as soon as your kid outgrows their current one.

Remote control units

Even though most ride-on toys are not designed for babies, remember that many ride-ons have remote control devices, which means you can control their speed and other settings.

This is especially useful if you're worried about your child going too fast or not being able to control the vehicle.

So even though the age range is set and at that figure, as long as you are happy to control the toy with a remote, you can still buy it for your kid.

If your child is old enough, they will likely enjoy completely controlling their speed and direction. So keep that in mind when looking around!

Battery Life

When shopping for a ride-on toy, check the battery life. Depending on size and weight, it should last for at least 1 hour.

You may need to dig deep into the small print to find the battery life, but it's worth ensuring you know this information before buying because you want your child to have juice in the middle of a fun ride!

Colours

Depending on a colour's popularity, one colour is more expensive than another.

Unless you have a burning desire to get a particular colour, you can save money by checking out the other options.

Also, check the colour of the interior. The colour in the pictures is sometimes different from the one you'll receive.

For instance, a ride-on toy that looks black on the inside may be delivered with an orange interior.

If the colour is different, the retailer will typically explain this in the description, so ensure you thoroughly read the information before making your purchase.

Licensed and Unlicensed

Did you know that not all toys are equal?

You can buy licensed and unlicensed ride-on toys that most customers need to be made aware of.

Let's take a look at the difference:

Licensed toys

Licensed toys are ones where the manufacturer has allowed the factory to use their brand, badges, and stickers.

This usually involves the factory paying a licensing fee to the brand to use them.

They are more likely to be associated with a show or movie character where the studio has permitted the toy manufacturer to use their branding.

These toys are more expensive as the licensing fee is passed onto the customer.

Unlicensed toys

On the other hand, unlicensed toys are ones where the manufacturer has not licensed a brand or any of its logos or symbols.

Unlicensed ride-on toys are a little cheaper but may lack certain features and accessories. You won't find branded badges for stickers on unlicensed toys.

As far as functionality is concerned, there is little difference between licensed and unlicensed toys.

They all have some form of media player—USB input, light-up lights, suspension, etc.

Note: There is absolutely nothing wrong with an unlicensed toy. The quality is the same, and the features will likely be the same.

The main difference is the licensed toy will have a BMW or Mercedes badge, and the unlicensed one won't.

The 6V vs. 12V Battle

Some major retailers like Very and deal sites like Wowcher and Groupon will offer you a 6V ride-on toy that will look exactly like a 12V ride-on.

The only difference is the size and strength of the battery and, of course, the price.

These retailers hide the size of the battery in the small print, so make a point of looking for this information before you buy.

Many unsuspecting parents and grandparents think they are getting a bargain when they buy a 6V ride-on from one of these retailers without knowing that the toy's shape, features, and looks are the same. However, the main difference is the size of the battery.

Look for Durability and Safety Features

When buying any ride-on toy for your child, it's crucial to ensure it is of good quality and has safety features.

You want to ensure that it will last a long time and won't break easily, as well as being safe for your child while riding.

Some important safety features include adjustable seatbelts, footrests, non-slip grip handlebars, and brakes.

Quality materials

Also, check the materials used to make the toy; it should be non-toxic and unlikely to break apart while your child is riding.

If they are high-performance petrol products, the frames will be made from metal, and the tyres will be rubber to ensure they can handle a variety of terrain.

You should also check if the manufacturer has any certifications or safety standards that it meets.

These are some of the main points you should consider when searching for a suitable ride-on toy for your kid. With this in mind, you'll

Brakes

Speaking of brakes, most high-performance toys have disc brakes and hand brakes.

These are the most reliable regarding safety, as they give your child more control over their vehicle.

Check the product listing description for the type of brakes included.

This will give you a better idea of how responsive and easy it will be for your kid to handle their new toy.

Guarantee

You will generally find the guarantee at the bottom of a retailer's website, but check it before making a purchase. You can compare the warranties on different models, as some may have longer ones than others.

This will give you peace of mind if the product breaks, in the unlikely event that it does.

Wrapping Up

Now that you know what to look out for when buying a ride-on toy for your kid, all that's left is to find the right one.

Ride-on toys come in various shapes, sizes, and brands, so you should compare different models before purchasing.

Consider all the above points and ensure it meets all safety standards before purchasing.

With a suitable ride-on toy, your kid will have hours of fun and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Happy Shopping!