The 10 Best Rideable Animals On Wheels For Kids

Editor's Notes

November 19, 2020:

For this update, we removed the Radio Flyer Peanut due to some design flaws that affected its operation and durability. Due to control issues that seemed likely to become a safety concern, we also removed the ECR4Kids My Wild Pony.

We added two manual operation models, the Medallion My Ride, and the Vroom Rider X. These are both fairly high-priced toys, but their quality and design make them attractive options. Instead of using any kind of battery or electrical power, they are designed to rock their front and rear legs, resulting in a galloping motion. Since there are zero electrical components to worry about failing or needing repair, these manual options tend to be much more durable than electric options.

Always supervise young children when using rideable toys, especially when they're being used outside near roads or traffic. Also, make sure to check that your child is within the age range of the toy you're purchasing. Putting a child on a toy intended for older users is extremely dangerous.

If your child is too small for one of these rideable animals, maybe one of these activity centers would be a better choice. They don't require the coordination that riding toys do, but they still provide a variety of physically stimulating accessories. If you're looking for something a bit more mobile, one of these big wheels might be a better option.

September 21, 2020:

Choosing the wheeled ride-on animal that's right for the kid in your life can be a challenge, if only because there is such a wide array of options to pick from and a number of variables to take into consideration.

Most rideable animals are made for children who have developed past taking their first steps, but there are still those designed for little ones to grow into over time. The Qaba Kids 2-in-1 Dinosaur, for instance, incorporates a backrest and belt that allow less independent children to be carted around safely until they can handle riding on their own. The Fisher-Price Stride-to-Ride Puppy may not be a good bet for solo riding with tykes who aren't quite steady on their feet yet, but it incorporates a range of activities that keep them entertained until they're ready to start scooting by themselves.

The non-electric models on this list all help with improving your child's balance, coordination, and motor skills, but the Little Tikes Go and Grow Lil' Rollin' Giraffe takes things up a notch with the incorporation of pedals. It can be a great way to introduce kiddos to tricycles before they graduate to a full-sized version.

While the majority of animal-themed riding toys are built for manual operation, a number of electric models have come on the market in recent years. Some, like the ECR4Kids My Wild Pony, are basic motorized devices with simple controls. Picks like the Hover Heart Plush Animal up the ante by incorporating features like decorative lighting. Like other electric riding toys, devices in this category can be a lot of fun but, because of the speeds they can hit, parents must use their judgment when assessing whether their child has the maturity and coordination to safely use them.

The PonyCycle selections we've included stand out thanks to their distinctive mechanics that simulate the feel of a horse's movement for the rider. Though more expensive than most on this list, both the standard and premium models are well-crafted enough to survive years of play. Their small size options are indicated for use starting at the age of three, but kids that young may struggle to get the hang of how to operate them.

Safety is a major concern when making a purchase like this one, which is part of why the thoughtfully-designed Prince Lionheart Wheely Bug has racked up awards from trade and family magazines. However, as is the case with most kinds of mobile toys, all of the items we've mentioned require some sort of parental supervision if you want to avoid injury. Another issue is the potential choking hazard presented by small moving parts. Because of this, it's critical that parents take the time to properly assemble the animals and periodically check on the tightness of washers that can loosen over time.