Best Ride-On Toys For 1-Year-Old [2020]

Toddlers are anything but stationary. They need to be constantly on the go to explore the world around them. They’re crawling, climbing, and sometimes even tasting things they shouldn’t have. As a parent who sees the sheer joy on the face of their 1-year-old, you can’t but try and give them more tools to explore the world with.

While puzzle games and similar toys that can help your toddler become smarter are a necessity, you can’t forget about another part of the upbringing: physique and coordination. Toddlers need a physical activity through which they can train to balance, judge distance to objects, and plan their route not to hit people and objects. They need the best ride-on toys for a 1-year-old.

Every parent wants nothing but the best for their kid. But how do you choose the best ride-on toy for a 1-year-old? There are so many factors to consider. Does it have to have a handle for you to control your kid? Does it have to be a balance bike or a tricycle? Does it have to look like a cartoon character or just be bright to make your kid love playing with it?

Here’s Our Top-3 Picks of Best Ride-On Toys For 1-Year-Old

If you’re stuck with analysis paralysis, don’t worry. We have all the factors that go into understanding what the best ride-on toys for a 1-year-old are. Start with browsing our top-ten list of the best ride-on toys for a one-year-old. We have gathered ten products that have the best quality, the best durability, and the best price, in our opinion. These riding toys will last you a long time and bring your little girl or boy endless hours of joy.

If you want to learn more about how to choose the best ride-on toy for a 1-year-old, check out the FAQ section at the end of this article.

What is a ride-on toy?

Have you never heard about the term ride-on toy? If you want a refresher before you get down to choosing what you want to get your kid from this list of the best ride-on toys for 1-year-old children, here it is.

Ride-on toys or riding toys are the kinds of toys your kid can play with by riding on top of them. This definition is precise, but it doesn’t describe all the range of ride-on toys for 1-year-old kids you can buy.

One of the most popular riding toys that you can buy is the 4-in-1 stroller. It’s topping the charts because it’s a very flexible toy and you’re getting a bargain for the price you pay. When you assemble this riding toy, you get your typical stroller. It’s got a handle for you to push it around, a safe seat for the kid, and a sun cover to protect your one-year-old from overheating. Some models also include trunks and cup holders to make the trip cozier for you.

But it’s not all there is to 4-in-1 ride-on toys for 1-year-old kids. As your kid grows up, you can gradually remove some parts of the stroller to make a tricycle out of it! What is a trike or a tricycle? It’s a kids’ bike that has three wheels instead of two. This makes it more stable and makes sure your kid doesn’t hurt themselves when they’re riding around. It also teaches them to control speed before they hop on a two-wheeled bike.

If you don’t need a stroller, and want your kid to try out riding without your help, go for a standard tricycle. Some models presented on this list of the best ride-on toys for a 1-year-old are proper tricycles that can’t be transformed into a stroller. What’s the purpose of those if there are cheaper 4-in-1 solutions? They’re much more sturdy and typically include your regular bicycle wheels. This means they’ll last longer and you’ll be able to fix the wheels if there’s something wrong with them. Most are also adjustable so your child will be using these kids’ bikes right up to the age of 3 or even older.

The next type of riding toys is the balance bike. Those are the ride-on toys that your kid has to push around by their feet. They are great because they train strength, coordination skills, and teach your kid risk-taking. The downside is that they can go too fast and hurt themselves. However, the models presented on this list of the best ride-on toys for 1-year-old kids aren’t capable of going as fast as to actually be a danger for your kid.

Little Tikes 4-in-1 Basic Edition Trike Review

Little Tikes is probably one of the best ride-on toys for a 1-year-old on the market. It’s made of safe plastic and metal materials, comfortable and safe for your toddler to ride, and has an ace up its sleeve that makes it a bargain. What is that secret feature that makes it one of the best ride-on toys for a one-year-old? Find out in the cons vs. pros section.

Little Tikes 4-in-1 Trike Pros

• Handle. Strollers are among the most sought-after ride-on toys for 1-year-old kids. If you’re seeking one for your toddler, this Little Tikes model may be just what you’re looking for. It has an ergonomic handle that will let you control where your kid goes without too much effort. This handle will make sure your kid has some amount of command over the ride but stays safe at all times since it’s you who has the final say in their destination. You can also cue them to turn left or right to work on communication with your kid.
• Cover. Whether you live in a hot climate with lots of sunny days, or your local weather makes a slight drizzle a possibility at all times, you want your riding toys for 1-year-olds to protect your kids from the elements. This Little Tikes toy has a cover that can do just that. You can easily take the cover off or put it on depending on the weather. When you’re on the go, you can adjust it to cover your toddler entirely or to block only the sun ahead. That being said, it’s not the best idea to go out with this riding toy in a downpour, but drizzle is fine.
• Safety features. One-year-olds aren’t well known for staying in one place at all times. They always move about and want to get to things they like. This is why having robust security features on riding toys for 1-year-olds is a must. The Little Tikes model has a comfy three-point seat belt that holds your kid in place at all times. If you’re putting a one-year-old or even a younger kid on this ride-on toy, you can place another safety item there to protect them from falling off. It’s a grey rectangle that goes around the seat and can serve as an elbow rest or a place to feed your kid on the go.
• Leg rest. You can put a child younger than one-year-old on this ride-on toy. This is why it has a leg rest to make sure your toddler’s feet don’t just hang in the air. Even longer rides on this thing will be quite comfortable for kids.
• Parent pouch. Speaking of longer rides, you can put some spare things into a small parent pouch in the back of the ride-on toy. It’s not as big as the ones on the baby carriages, but as far as ride-on toys for 1-year-old kids go, this is the biggest pouch you can fit on one. You can also put your kid’s drink in the special cup just in front of them.
• Convertible. The thing that arguably makes this the best tricycle for a 1-year-old is the fact that Little Tikes is convertible. You can use this riding toy for kids aged one to three years. How does that work? You can disassemble the Little Tikes by taking off some parts like the handle and the cover to make it into the best tricycle for a 1-year-old. Adjust the seat to make up for your kid’s height, and they can use it until they’re about five.

Little Tikes 4-in-1 Trike Cons

• May not fit in a sedan. The only major problem with this 4-in-1 Little Tikes model is its size. It’s 44.50” x 20.00” x 39.50”, which means it may not fit onto your typical sedan trunk. But since this is one of the best ride-on toys for a 1-year-old boy or girl, you can place it in most trunks; you just have to disassemble it first.

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Step2 Whisper Ride II Ride On Push Car Review

Does your kid want to be just like you and own a car? This ride-on toy may be a great way to pander to your kid’s wish. It’s designed to look just like a car with a trunk and a horn. This Step2 car can become the best ride-on toys for a 1-year-old boy if your kid is okay with the pink color.

Check out the comparison of the pros and cons for more information about it.

Step2 Whisper Ride II Ride On Push Car Pros

• Push handle. Having a push handle makes this ride-on toy an excellent fit for parents who don’t want their children running around on ride-on toys for 1-year-old kids and endangering themselves. However, you do need to share control with your kid since they’re in charge of the steering wheel. The handle makes sure you’re always in control of the speed and can stop your toddler from running into harm’s way. Talk to them about turning the steering wheel left or right to create trust with your toddler, as it takes both of you to move this ride-on toy forward.
• Seatbelt. Safety is paramount for riding toys for 1-year-olds, even if we’re talking about falling from the height of 10”. Step2 added a safety belt to its ride-on toy to make sure your one-year-old is always safe.
• A trunk for kid’s toys. This ride-on toy for a 1-year-old will give your kid a sense of ownership and responsibility. It has a small trunk that your kid can put their stuff into. They can carry their toys on their own to start learning to treat their possessions right.
• Horn. Step2 ride-on toy also has a trunk that is entirely operated by your kid. They’ll feel in charge when they have the opportunity to honk at someone or something. However, make sure to teach your kid not to abuse this feature, or you’ll grow tired of constant honking really fast.
• Three cup holders. What most manufacturers of ride-on toys for 1-year-old kids don’t get is that parents don’t want to hold their kids’ drinks while playing. Should your kid grow thirsty at any time during your ride, they can quickly grab their drink from one of the two cup holders in front of them. If you don’t need both, use one of them as a place to store pencils at hand. The third cup holder is on the handle. That makes it easier for you to juggle all the toys or grocery bags you can have on you while you’re on a walk with your kid and have a space for an iced coffee at the same time. Make sure to put a lid on the cup; otherwise, you may spill your drink.
• Easy transportation. This ride-on toy for a 1-year-old is convenient on long trips. It’s rather compact, and you can fit it in most car trunks, even the smaller ones. Unlike with many other riding toys for 1-year-olds, you don’t even need to detach the handle as it folds under the toy.

Step2 Whisper Ride II Ride On Push Car Cons

• Push only. If you’re looking for ride-on toys for 1-year-old kids that would let your kid explore on their own, this Step2 push car isn’t the best ride-on toy for a 1-year-old for you. It’s wide enough to make moving it forward with two feet a struggle for any toddler. The only way your kid will be able to move about fast is if you push it.

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Little Tikes Cozy Coupe Dino Review

This good-looking push car may be one of the best ride-on toys for a 1-year-old. It has one of the best designs in this top-ten list, can be pushed by a parent or by the kid themselves, and is one of the safest kids’ bikes out there.

Want to learn more? Here are all the pros and cons of this ride-on toy.

Little Tikes Cozy Coupe Dino Pros

• Built-in handle. Most other items on the list of the best ride-on toys for a 1-year-old have a handle that lets you push the thing forward. It can become loose or damaged from repeated use, effectively making the whole toy useless. Here, however, the handle is built into the frame. It’s a great solution since you can push it without any problems, and it will last for a long time.
• Amusing design. Getting kids to engage with new toys and love them can be a trouble. This won’t be a trouble for you since the Little Tikes ride-on toys for a 1-year-old boy are made to excite your kid. Thanks to the anthropomorphic design that creates a cute little face on this push car, your kid will be delighted to play with it. It’s also made to look like a dinosaur. If your kid loves them, it can become one of your favorite ride-on toys for a 1-year-old boy.
• Horn. Toddlers love to make all sorts of sounds with their environment. Having a horn on their push car is a great addition to all the musical toys you might be getting them. It’s also a great way to let your one-year-old to feel like they’re riding in a real car.
• Mock ignition key. Another roleplay element you can find on this ride-on toy for a 1-year-old is the mock ignition key. It makes a clicking sound each time your kid turns the key to make them feel like they’re in an actual car.
• Removable floorboard. Little Tikes ride-on toys for a 1-year-old boy try to give both kids and parents some choice in how they’re playing with them. If your kid is too young to push the car on their own, you can put the floorboard inside the ride-on toy, and thrust the car yourself. If you trust your kid to be in control, remove the floorboard, and let them drive the car around with their feet!
• Safe frame. Little Tikes went out of their way to make this ride-on toy for a one-year-old as safe as it can get without compromising the design. This ride-on toy has a door with a safety latch, a roof, and a whole frame built around it. Essentially, it looks like a cute miniature car. It’s wide enough to be stable even with the most adventurous one-year-olds, but even if it ever falls down, the frame will keep the kid inside the car out of harm’s way.
• Amazon Exclusive. All Little Tikes ride-on toys for a 1-year-old are Amazon Exclusives. What does this mean? First off, you know that since Amazon is backing these products, the quality is going to be amazing. Then, there’s the thing with Alexa. Amazon’s Alexa will recognize these toys and create games for your kid with this ride-on toy.

Little Tikes Cozy Coupe Dino Cons

• The handle is low. Are you a tall parent? Then this may not be the best ride-on toy for a 1-year-old for you. The handle on this toy is too low for a person taller than 6” to comfortably push it while standing. You will have some trouble pushing it around outside if you want to take this toy for a walk. It’s best suited for indoor use for tall parents.
• Can’t fit in a trunk in one piece. Do you want to take this ride-on toy for a 1-year-old somewhere beyond your household? You may need to disassemble it to make it fit into your trunk. However, disassembling and assembling it is relatively easy and doesn’t require any special tools. Also, if you have a hatchback, Little Tikes ride-on toys for a 1-year-old boy will fit right in.

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Schwinn Roadster Kids Tricycle Review

Are you looking for the best tricycle for a 1-year-old? One of the Schwinn kids’ bikes may be the best thing you can buy for your toddler. What’s so great about it apart from the design? Find out in the comparison of all the pros and cons of this kids’ bike.

Schwinn Roadster Kids Tricycle Pros

• Great design. Design on its own may not be the most decisive factor in how you choose kids’ bikes, but it’s sure a significant one for your kid. Schwinn riding toys for 1-year-olds will make your kid feel amazing when they see their new possession. The sleek frame and the shiny chrome fenders make it look like a marvel to any kid. The flowing fabric tassels on the handlebars will make your one-year-old feel like they’re riding a chopper when they’re fluttering in the wind. It can become one of the best ride-on toys for a 1-year-old boy or a girl. If your kid doesn’t like its purple color, don’t worry. Schwinn kids’ bikes have plenty of color choices, including black, light blue, yellow, red, and magenta. That’s enough to satisfy everyone.
• A tool for exploration. Schwinn kids’ bikes are more suited to parents who fully trust their kids to go exploring on their own, even if with your oversight. It doesn’t have a handle to push the tricycle, and all the work is done by the kid. It’s the child who has full control over the bike, and that’s going to charm your one-year-old. They’ll be able to be responsible for themselves for a little bit, acting like grown-ups.
• Movable seat. The thing that makes this Schwinn kids’ bike the best tricycle for a 1-year-old is its adjustable seat. Move it back as your one-year-old grows, and it might be their favorite toy well up to when they’re three years old.
• Back panel. The back panel on this tricycle isn’t just pretty. It can be used to transport toys or other stuff. You’ll need to tie it up to the panel, though, as it doesn’t have a secure compartment. Perhaps, crafting a box for kids’ toys will become a project you can share with your child.

Schwinn Roadster Kids Tricycle Cons

• Little protection. Unlike many other toys on the list of the best ride-on toys for a 1-year-old, this Schwinn kids’ bike doesn’t have much to offer in terms of safety. It doesn’t have any barriers or seatbelts. Now, that won’t be a big issue since its stable wheelbase makes sure your kid won’t trip. However, getting your one-year-old a helmet and teaching them how to slow down and stop is necessary.
• No parent control. This kids’ bike may be one of the best tricycles for a 1-year-old, but it’s not fit for parents who want to control their kids’ play. You don’t get any handles that you can control the kid on this bike with, and the only way to get them to return is to ask.

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Schwinn Roadster Kids Tricycle, Easy Steer 4 in 1 Tricycle Review

Do you want to get the best tricycle for a 1-year-old, but don’t want to lose control over them and let them explore on their own just yet? This Schwinn kids’ bike may be the best choice for you. Schwinn 4-in-1 riding toys for 1-year-olds have a detachable handle to guide your one-year-old.

Schwinn Roadster Kids Tricycle Pros

• Handle. Thanks to its handle, this kids’ bike is essentially a push tricycle. You can guide your kid and be in control at all times. This means you don’t have to worry about your one-year-old going too fast or steering in the wrong direction.
• Two storage compartments. This ride-on toy for a 1-year-old has two storage compartments that allow you to take quite a lot of toys with you. The back compartment isn’t closed. This means you can carry large toys in it, freeing your hands. The compartment on the handlebars is smaller and allows your kid to store a bottle or some small toys.
• Cupholder. While your kid can store their drink in the storage basket in front, you get your own cup holder too. It’s placed on the handle so you can always reach for a drink, making tricycle one of the comfiest ride-on toys for 1-year-old kids.
• Sun cover. Schwinn tricycle has an adjustable shade right above your kid’s head. Put it up on a sunny day and fix it as you like to make sure your one-year-old doesn’t get blinded by the sun. On the downside, this cover is less sturdy than the ones other riding toys for 1-year-olds have. It won’t be able to protect your child from rain and may get broken by a powerful gust of wind.
• Comfy seat. On top of the regulated plastic seat, this ride-on toy for a 1-year-old has a comfy cushion. It makes sure kids younger than 12 months can ride comfortably. It doesn’t just make it soft for them to sit on but elevates them a bit, making it more comfortable to grip the handlebars.
• Leg rest. The leg rest is another element that makes it easier for younger kids to ride this ride-on toy for a 1-year-old. It makes sure their legs aren’t dragged down in the process.
• Protection. Safety is a vital thing in the ride-on toys for a 1-year-old. This Schwinn kids’ bike has all the safety features you could want from a bike. It features a seatbelt that straps your one-year-old down to the seat firmly. If you’re buying this ride-on toy for a 1-year-old or even a younger kid, you can put up the elbow guards on it to make sure the kid doesn’t fall off. They’re soft, so it will not hurt the little rider.
• Convertible. The thing that makes this kids’ bike one of the best ride-on toys for a 1-year old is the fact that you can detach some of its parts and make it into a tricycle. This kids’ bike can change as your toddler grows up, which is not just a way for the kid to love their toy even more, but a bargain for the parents.

Schwinn Roadster Kids Tricycle Cons

• Disassemble before putting into the trunk. This Schwinn ride-on toy for a one-year-old is too big to fit into a regular-sized trunk. You’ll need to take some parts off before it can fit into a sedan.
• Plastic wheels. One of the most significant drawbacks of ride-on toys for 1-year-old kids like this one is that it has plastic wheels. This means your kid won’t have that much traction off-road and might damage them too fast when they’re riding on asphalt.

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Kiddieland Disney Planes Fire and Rescue Dusty Activity Ride-On Review

Out of all ride-on toys for a 1-year-old boy, this Kiddieland toy is probably the most inventive one. After all, it’s an airplane that your kid can pilot! That alone would be enough to convince some parents that this is the best ride-on toy for a 1-year-old. However, that’s not all there is to it.

Kiddieland Disney Planes Ride-on Pros

• Great play potential. All ride-on toys for a 1-year-old boy are great for playing with different scenarios. This kids’ bike, however, is more than any toy. It’s a plane, and this makes for a huge variation in your kids’ play. Do they want to be a firefighter rescuing forests? A passenger airline pilot? A military jet pilot? Any scenario is possible with one of these riding toys for 1-year-olds.
• Leg fueled. You can push this ride-on toy if you want, but at the end of the day, this toy is meant to be propelled by the kid riding it. This means they get all the control they want and will burn off some energy while doing it. This can be great news if your one-year-old is a bit hyperactive. It can also serve as a part of your plan to feed them more veggies. After all, they’re a pilot now, and they need fuel to fly!
• Plays songs and airplane sounds. Kiddie Land ride-on toys for a 1-year-old boy are more than just a plastic airplane on two wheels. It can also sound just like a real airplane. When your kid presses a special button, the ride-on toy will play a sound of an aircraft landing or taking off. Of course, it’s going to be an imitation, not the real thing. These riding toys for 1-year-olds can also play some melodies for your kid when they press a corresponding button.
• Flash lights. If you want your toddler to be really amazed by what this ride-on toy for a 1-year-old can do, turn off the lights and get them to press the button that makes the propeller in front of the plane light up. When the propeller starts moving while the lights are flashing, your kid will be overjoyed.
• Easy steering. This ride-on toy isn’t exactly the best balance bike for a 1-year-old because it has four wheels, and you can’t steer it by shifting body weight. You can, however, steer by turning the steering wheel. It’s easy and intuitive, and most kids will have fun learning to do that on their own.
• Seat that doubles as a handle for carrying. Whenever your kid isn’t riding this ride-on toy for a one-year-old, they can rest on the seat and watch their favorite cartoons. The back of the seat has a handle that is very convenient for carrying it around.

Kiddieland Disney Planes Ride-on Cons

• Best for indoor use. This Kiddieland toy is one of the best ride-on toys for a 1-year-old when it comes to exploration and roleplay. However, it won’t do very well outdoors. It’s mostly meant to be used inside the house or in the backyard.
• Battery safety. Since these ride-on toys for 1-year-old kids have led lights and speakers, they use batteries. Before you let your kid play with it, make sure to explain to them what batteries are and why it’s a bad idea to taste them. Or make sure they are out of the child’s reach.

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Radio Flyer Little Red Roadster Review

Do you think your kid is ready to explore on their own with a ride-on toy for a 1-year-old, but don’t want to give them a balance bike just yet? This Radio Flyer kids’ bike may be just what you need. It has an appealing design and will serve as a fast but safe ride for your toddler.

Radio Flyer Little Red Roadster Pros

• Slick design. You may be basing your purchase on the amount of money this kids’ bike costs or on how durable it is. While this ride-on toy for a one-year-old is pretty durable, it’s not what your kid wants to see in it. They want to see a fast, shiny thing that makes them gasp for air in awe. Radio Flyer’s riding toys for 1-year-olds are just that: shiny red things that will fascinate your toddler.
• Leg fueled. Are you ready to trust your kid to use a ride-on toy for a 1-year-old in a safe way on their own? This toy doesn’t have a handle for you to push it or to stop your kid from going too fast. It can be a hassle when you let them play outside, and you’d be better off not letting the kid anywhere near dangerous places. However, when the risks are accounted for, these ride-on toys for 1-year-old kids are a great exploration tool for your child. Let them roam free on their own and look after them as they do that.
• Easy steering. Your toddler won’t be able to steer these riding toys for 1-year-olds by shifting weight, but there’s a good alternative. They can operate with the steering wheel. If they’ve never used one before, it’s going to be very intuitive to learn. It will help them learn motor skills as well. The steering on this model has a wider angle than your average ride-on toy, which makes for better maneuverability and narrower turns.
• Horn. To complement the fun with some sound effects, Radio Flyer added a working horn to its ride-on toy for a one-year-old. Your toddler will be able to honk whenever they want, imagining themselves as real drivers on the road.
• Rubber tires. Thanks to the tires made of sturdy rubber, this ride-on toy will perform well both inside and outside. They don’t have enough traction to handle the mud, but then again, you probably won’t let your toddler play with riding toys for 1-year-olds when it’s raining outside. The traction on these tires is just enough to make riding on asphalt and hard ground a breeze. Make sure you don’t let your kid near traffic or other dangers when they play outside with this ride-on toy for a one-year-old.

Radio Flyer Little Red Roadster Cons

• No safety belt. Are you an overprotective parent? This toy may be one of the best ride-on toys for a one-year-old out there, but it may give you a panic attack since there are no seatbelts. Apart from a few falls, your kid won’t be able to harm themselves with this toy seriously. However, if you want to have the maximum amount of precautions, you may need to invest in a helmet.

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smarTrike Zoom Toddler Tricycle for 1,2,3-Year-Olds – 4 in 1 Review

SmarTrike push stroller is one of the best ride-on toys for a 1-year-old if you have safety and durability in mind. This type of riding toys for 1-year-olds gives you all the control you need over your ride and helps the youngest kids learn to ride with your assistance. It will also become their first tricycle as they grow up.

smarTrike Zoom Toddler Tricycle Pros

• Handle. Having a handle on your ride-on toy for a 1-year-old is essential if you want to have a safe ride outside. This ride-on toy will become a tricycle when you decide to allow your kid to roam free, but for now, it can be a stroller.
• Protection features. Like most stroller ride-on toys for a one-year-old, smarTrike is meant to be used by kids from under a year to up to three years. This means the toy must have some precautions for the younger kids. This stroller has both a sturdy three-point seatbelt that straps your kid to the seat and elbow guards that surround your toddler, making it impossible for them to fall off the bike.
• One storage compartment. While smarTrike ride-on toys for 1-year-old kids don’t have the biggest carrying capacity on the list of ride-on toys for a one-year-old, it does have a pretty big storage compartment. It’s situated at the back and can fit large toys when open and small ones when closed. The fact that it can close is a nice feature because smaller toys can get lost, or you’ll end up having to pick them up every now and then.
• Sun shade. Whenever you get out with your kid to grab some groceries or just to have a walk, they’ll be protected by a sun cover on top of smarTrike riding toys for 1-year-olds. The cover is a piece of sturdy plastic, so it will last longer and won’t be affected by the wind. When it comes to rain, however, it’s not the best option.
• Decent wheels. SmarTrike is a 4-in-1 ride-on toy for a one-year-old, which means you can convert it into a tricycle as your kid grows up. However, if you’re buying a toy like that, you should be wary of the wheels on the kids’ bike you’re buying. If the wheels are flimsy, they’ll be gone before your kid can use the stroller as a tricycle. The wheels on this model are pretty good and will last you a long time.
• Front wheel suspension. The wheels are actually so good on this kids’ bike that the front wheel has suspension. That means your kid will have a more comfortable time riding across rough terrain, whether they’re doing it in a tricycle mode or the stroller mode.
• Convertible. The thing that makes kids’ bikes like these some of the best ride-on toys for a 1-year-old is that it’s not just a stroller or a tricycle. It’s a 4-in-1 solution. You can disassemble some parts of this kids’ bike and make a tricycle out of it. This means your kid will be playing with this ride-on toy for a long time, possibly up to the age of three.

smarTrike Zoom Toddler Tricycle Cons

• No cup holder. It’s a bit of a downer that this 4-in-1 kids’ bike doesn’t have a single cup holder on it. It’s not something that makes it unusable, but it’s nice to have some cupholders. You’ll have to carry your and your kids’ bottles in your hands or in the back compartment of the bike.
• Can’t fit into a car trunk. If you own a sedan, you won’t be able to fit this kids’ bike in it in one piece. On the positive side, disassembling one of these ride-on toys for 1-year-old kids it won’t be much of a problem. When you detach some parts, it will fit any trunk.

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Kid Trax Ride-On Quad, Battery-Powered Toy

If your idea about the best ride-on toy for a one-year-old is not a balance bike, this ride-on toy may be just what you need. It won’t give your kid the ability to burn off their energy by running around on it or riding it like a bicycle, but it will provide them with something even more fun. It will give them a battery-powered car!

Kid Trax Ride-On Quad Pros

• Great design. In terms of design, Kid Trax toys may be among the best ride-on toys for a one-year-old out there. This model is designed to be a ride for Minnie the Mouse, a Disney character your kids probably know and love. It has all the design features that make it look like a real quad but also a lovely dress-like element on top of that. If your son isn’t particularly interested in that kind of design, don’t worry. A Kid Trax kids’ bike can become the best ride-on toy for a 1-year-old boy too. The company has a quad designed like a Caterpillar!
• Battery powered. These ride-on toys for 1-year-old kids don’t need your one-year-old to run around to get it moving. It also doesn’t require you to push the toy around. The bike has a button that accelerates it up to 1.5 mph. It’s right on the steering wheel, very convenient for a toddler. Teach your kid to press the button and to steer, and they’ll have tons of fun with the thing. Kid Trike works on a 6V battery that will suffice for about an hour of riding, so keep that in mind when you’re taking the ride-on toy on long walks. It’s also not very easy to push around with legs for the toddler, so don’t forget to charge the batteries first.
• Outdoors adventures. This ride-on toy for a 1-year-old is just like a real quad. It doesn’t just work well inside your home but outdoors too. The plastic wheels have a rubber band that increases traction on rough surfaces. With this riding toy, your toddler will be able to get wherever they want and explore the backyard or any other place you take them to.
• Can fit in your trunk. Although these riding toys for 1-year-olds are essentially a racing car for your one-year-old, it’s not very big. Actually, it’s small enough to fit into most trunks. Since it has grippy tires, you can take it on an outdoor adventure with you.

Kid Trax Ride-On Quad Cons

• Doesn’t have a trunk. The only problem apart from having to keep the batteries charged is that this riding toy doesn’t have a trunk. It would be a welcome addition to the toy since it can carry stuff on its own.

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Hape Scoot Around Ride On Wood Bike Review

Is being eco-friendly an essential element to being the best balance bike for a 1-year-old? Hape riding toys are known as sturdy and more eco-friendly riding toys, so this may be a match for you. Here’s what you can expect from this toy.

Hape Scoot Around Ride On Wood Bike Pros

• Leg-powered balance bike. Balance bikes are great riding toys because they allow your one-year-old to exercise daily. Your kid will be able to run around on this bike faster than he’d been able before, and kids generally love that to bits. You’ll have fewer problems with them not wanting to go to sleep or eating veggies since they’ll be burning calories every time they play with this riding toy.
• Easy steering. This riding toy is designed to make steering easy for your one-year-old. The steering wheel has a huge radius that allows for narrow turns and trains your kid to control their surroundings well.
• Rubberized wheels. While this toy is mostly made out of wood, it has a pair of rubberized wheels. Why is this necessary? The rubber on the wheels makes sure they last for a long time and can handle outdoor surfaces well. Your one-year-old will be able to scoot around both at home, in the backyard, or on asphalt. However, you should remember that it’s better to check for dangers before letting them play with it.
• Constructor. Like many other ride-on toys for a 1-year-old kid, this one comes disassembled, and you need to put it together. However, unlike many others, this toy is really easy to assemble. It also looks like a giant working constructor. It can be an excellent opportunity to bond with your toddler as you assemble the thing together.
• Durable toy. Many ride-on toys for 1-year-old kids are made of plastic. If that plastic is on the cheaper end, they can get damaged rather easily. This riding toy is made of hardwood. It won’t break or chip, no matter how hard of a treatment it gets from your toddler.
• Award winning developer. Hape riding toys are not just deemed a good choice by Amazon. They actually have a great record for winning awards. This particular riding toy won an award in 2013 as the parent’s choice toy in the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award.

Hape Scoot Around Ride On Wood Bike Cons

• Hard seat. If you’re worried about your kid being super cozy in the seat of their riding toy, this one may disappoint you. Unlike most ride-on toys for 1-year-old kids, this one has a wooden seat. However, if you put a cushion on it, it will be just fine for any toddler.

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Best Ride-on Toy For A 1-year-old Buying Guide

What to consider when buying riding toys

A ride-on toy for a 1-year-old won’t set you back more than $100. Most toys on this list only cost around $60. However, this doesn’t mean you should just buy any toy. You want to do some research before buying a ride-on toy. Here are the most significant points you should consider.

•  Type of ride-on toy for a one-year-old. Out of all the things you should consider when buying a ride-on toy, this one is probably the most important. The first thing that you should consider is what type of ride-on toy you want to buy. Refer to the previous point to see more on what toys are out there or read this explanation instead. If you don’t want your kid to run around on their own or your kid is too small to be riding a tricycle, get a 4-in-1 stroller. It will allow you to go on a walk with them and be sure they’re safe at all times. Your kid will be in charge of the steering while you’ll be pushing them forward. It’s a perfect scenario for a walk in a park: both you and your kid are engaged in the process, and everybody’s safe. Do you want a toy to use at home or in your backyard? Then go for a balance bike. These are meant to be pushed around by your kid. They have to hop on it and drive it forward with their legs. This means they will go exploring on their own and won’t necessarily follow your instructions. That makes for a worse walk in a park, but a great time at home.
• Quality of material. Most ride-on toys for 1-year-old kids are made of plastic, and that plastic can get damaged quite easily. Make sure the quality is good; otherwise, the toy may break in a couple of months. Be extremely careful about it if your kid doesn’t treat their toys with much caution. The best way you can do that is by checking out Amazon user reviews.
• Safety. You want the ride-on toy for a 1-year-old that you’re buying to be safe for your kid. If you’re buying a stroller, it should have a three-point harness and protective elbow guards. If you’re buying a tricycle, make sure you get a helmet too. As for balance bikes, you can get a helmet for outdoor use, but they’re best used indoors.
• Design. When you’ve checked all the boxes, don’t forget about your kids’ tastes. They need to like the toy, so consider their interests. There are plenty of designs on this list of the best ride-on toys for a 1-year-old that will satisfy any kid: dinosaurs, Minnie the Mouse, and even a hotrod!

Benefits of ride-on toys for 1-year-old kids

Should you buy your kid one of those riding toys? After all, they may be dangerous, and even if your kid is super careful, they can get a bruise once or twice while using it. Well, there are plenty of reasons to buy this bike, even if you end up having to treat an occasional bruise.

• It’s fun. Let’s face it, riding one of these ride-on toys for a 1-year-old is pure fun. Your kid is walking or learning to walk, and having a means of going faster than usual excites them as nothing else does. If you want to see your kid giggling and laughing as they’re dashing across the room, getting this toy is a must.
• Exploration. Toddlers want to find new stuff to experience. Having a riding toy lets them get to places faster and explore more stuff. Also, the ride-on toy itself allows them to explore what their bodies can do.
• Motor skills. All ride-on toys for a one-year-old have a steering wheel. As they learn to use it to move around, they’ll have to learn motor skills as well. They’ll be more confident in how they move in space and improve walking skills as a result.
• Balance. Another thing that improves your toddler’s ability to walk is the ability to balance that any kid using a balance bike learns. You need to shift your weight to be able to ride these kids’ bikes, and it’s a skill they’ll develop as a result.
• Risk taking. Apart from physical skills, your kid will develop mental ones by using riding toys. They’ll be able to practice risk-taking in the safety of your home or any other safe place you allow them to play at.
• Responsibility. With risk comes responsibility. While all riding toys on our list are safe, a kid can trip or bump into something. Since they’re in charge of the vehicle, they’ll learn to be responsible for their mistakes and learn from them.
• Exercise. The last point is not about development but having a healthy kid. Doing puzzles may be fun, but when your toddler plays with one of these riding toys, they’ll get their exercise in. This will help them be more hungry when you want to feed them veggies and more sleepy when it’s bedtime.

Conclusion

A ride-on toy for a one-year-old can be a great addition to your collection of toys. They’re fun for your kid and can be as influential in development as brain games. So what is the final advice on what to choose?

The final choice, as always, is yours and only yours. Only you know your kid and your budget and can decide what to give your kid as a present. Here are general guidelines if you’re at a loss.

• If you need an all-purpose stroller, get the first item on the list, Little Tikes 4-in-1 Basic Edition Trike. It has the best sun cover on the list and will serve your kid a long time. It’s the only 4-in-1 stroller that has rubber wheels, which means they won’t give up on you before the kid can ride it as a tricycle.
• If you want a proper tricycle, Schwinn’s model is the optimal choice. The downside is that it’s not a 4-in-1 ride-on toy, and it’s better suited for a kid somewhat older than 12 months.
• Want something less extreme and very safe? Go for the Little Tikes bike. It will be a great choice, even for a kid younger than 12 months. Want something in between? Choose one of the ride-on toy like Radio Flyer Roadster or Hepa Scoot Around.

Did something else on the list of the best ride-on toys for a 1-year-old catch your eye? Don’t hesitate! Check the reviews on Amazon and get one. After all, the final choice is always yours.