Once your little one gains mobility, it’s a game-changer. At my house, it seemed like we were intent on collecting ride-on toys to keep kiddos entertained. Read below to find out more about the best ride-on toys for a 1-year-old.
Best Ride-On Cars for 1-Year-Olds
Both the Little People Parade Ride-On and Costzon Push and Ride Racer feature sounds and music. The Costzon Racer is slightly larger than the Little People Ride-On.
Little People Parade Ride-On
The Little People Parade Ride-On was our original ride-on toy (but in primary colors). We got it for our oldest when he was one. When he was four or so, his little brother took over possession of it. Now that my youngest has outgrown it, one of my nephews is enjoying it.
Why It’s So Great
Even if your little one can’t walk yet, this toy is perfect! When your little one can sit, they can explore all the different songs, sounds from musical instruments, and car noises. Once they can walk, they can push the car around the room. When they’re ready to ride, they can take a seat and roll around the house.
There is a switch to change between five popular children’s songs and five notes from a keyboard. If you (as an adult) discover that you can’t listen to a certain song one more time, just slide the switch so you only have to hear one musical note.
Additionally, the Music Parade Ride-On plays noises from a trumpet and drum. There are also revving and engine start noises.
The seat lifts for ample storage. You will be surprised what goodies your little one can fit in this spacious storage area.
Technical Information
- Dimensions: 20.75 x 10 x 15.5 inches
- Item Weight: 7.13 pounds
- Maximum Child Weight: It doesn’t say, but I used to ride on this and race my oldest child pretty regularly. It survived through that, a second child, and is now being enjoyed by a nephew.
- Recommended Age: 12 months – 3 years
- Is Assembly Required?: No, but 3 AAs are included, so you may have to change the batteries at some point.
Possible Issues
- Warning: no volume control! This may be annoying if you can’t stand the music playing any longer.
Costzon Push and Ride Racer
The Push and Ride Racer is a licensed Mercedes Benz ride-on toy and push walker all-in-one. Featuring a backrest (which also serves as the handlebar for pushing), your child can safely sit on this racer without falling backward.
Why It’s So Great
As a ride-on toy, your toddler can sit comfortably and safely while playing with the realistic dashboard and pressing the two buttons on the steering wheel (one for music and one for a honking sound — 2 AA batteries needed). As long as baby can sit up on their own and hold on tight, they’ll love the openness and freedom of this car.
They can also use it as a walker or push-toy. With the handlebar/push bar, your child can push or pull the car wherever they’d like. Because of the anti-fall support that’s located on the backside of the car, you don’t need to worry about your child’s weight pulling the handle down and them toppling over.
A hidden storage area underneath the seat lets your child have fun packing their toys and snacks before they head off. The tires are wear-resistant and anti-skid, allowing your child to ride them on a variety of flat surfaces.
Technical Information
- Dimensions: 25 x 11 x 15 inches
- Item Weight: 5 pounds
- Recommended Age: 12 – 36 months
- Is Assembly Required?: Yes
Possible Issues
- Customer service might be a hassle to reach if you end up missing a part
Best Ride-On Toys for 1-Year-Old Girls
Little Tikes Horse & Carriage
I had to create a category just so that I could mention the Little Tikes Horse & Carriage. If your little one loves princesses, they need this ride!
Why It’s So Great
Your little one can be just like a princess by riding in this fabulous horse-drawn carriage. If your child is unable to move the carriage, a parent can guide the horse by the reins or push from the back.
There is also a floorboard that fits inside so you can be sure your little one’s feet will be safe when you’re on the go. Once your little one is big enough, you can remove the floorboard and let them use their feet to move the carriage.
The Little Tikes Princess Horse & Carriage is on four Easy-Riding wheels that allow for 360 degree turning. This makes it easier for either you or your little one to navigate.
The carriage also includes two cup holders (one for you and one for your little one), a parent console on the roof of the carriage, and a small trunk for any other necessities for the ride.
Additionally, the horse makes clopping sounds as the carriage moves and there is a door for your little one to get in and out with ease.
Technical Information
- Dimensions: 20 x 43.5 x 37.8 inches
- Item Weight: 11 pounds
- Maximum Child Weight: 50 pounds
- Recommended Age: 18 months – 5 years
- Is Assembly Required?: Yes
Possible Issues
- Any time you have to assemble something yourself, you run the risk that parts may be missing or stickers might be in the wrong places.
- The horse doesn’t come off. So it’s you with a horse and carriage for as long as you have this ride-on toy.
- This is primarily an outside toy because it’s just too big and bulky to be used indoors.
- Compared to other ride-on toys, this one is quite pricey.
Kiddieland Minnie Ride On
If your 1-year-old loves Minnie Mouse, they are going to love the Minnie Ride On toy! There’s also a Mickey Ride On as an alternative.
Why It’s So Great
This classic sit-and-scoot ride-on toy features feminine colors and fun buttons and slides along the front and sides of the ride-on. The dashboard features a horn and buttons for signal lights and music. Two AA batteries are required but are included to start.
Children can ride on this toy or push/pull it with the handlebar. The handlebar also serves as back support when the child is sitting on the toy — helping to keep them safe and from falling backward.
Many parents say their 1-year-olds love this Minnie ride-on!
Technical Information
- Dimensions: 19.63 x 9.5 x 18.5 inches
- Item Weight: 5.14 pounds
- Recommended Age: 1 to 3 years
- Is Assembly Required?: Yes
Possible Issues
- This ride-on doesn’t ride well on thick carpet or rugs. Flat surfaces will help your little one ride much better.
Best Ride-On Toys for 1-Year-Old Boys
The Little Tikes Truck is another take on the classic Cozy Car and the most popular ride-on toy compared to the Ride-On Excavator. With that being said, the Excavator has fun features and isn’t as simple as the Truck.
Little Tikes Truck Ride-On
You can’t beat a Little Tikes Cozy! Whether it’s the classic coupe or this rugged truck, these ride-on toys have been a favorite with children for years. It’s time to go off-roading with this Little Tikes Truck Ride-On.
Why It’s So Great
The Cozy Truck is perfect for one child to take the wheel and drive around. It has a door (driver’s side) that opens and shuts so your little one can get in and out independently.
There is a handle on the back so you can push the car when your little one is too small to operate the car by themselves. Also, there is a removable floorboard that you can use during this time. It ensures that you won’t have any accidents of a foot, leg, or entire child slipping out the bottom of the car while you’re pushing it.
Behind the driver is two cup holders that are large enough to hold standard-sized water bottles. There’s also a truck bed with a drop-down tailgate. He or she will love this feature, especially if mom or dad has a truck too!
Other features include an open-and-close gas cap, moving steering wheel, and horn button. If you’re familiar with the classic cozy coupe, you may notice that the cozy truck is designed with more rugged “off-road” tires.
Technical Information
- Dimensions: 36 x 17 x 35 inches
- Item Weight: 25 pounds
- Maximum Child Weight: 50 pounds
- Recommended Age: 18 months – 5 years
- Is Assembly Required?: Yes
Possible Issues
- You’ll have to attach the decals yourself which is a pain for some people.
- Depending on your skill level, the assembly may be annoying but most people find it to be reasonable.
POCO DIVO Ride-On Excavator
If you have a construction or truck lover in your life, they are going to love this Ride-On Excavator toy. It’s a 3-in-1 ride-on toy so your child can enjoy digging, scooting, or pushing/pulling from behind.
Why It’s So Great
First, your 1-year-old gets to get behind the wheel of a realistic excavator truck and that’s pretty cool in itself! With a rotating driver’s cab and handles, your child can move the arm up and down and all-around, just like a real excavator.
Second, the additional features make this ride-on toy even more fun. With a switch, music can be played from the steering wheel while lights flash, creating a sensory experience for your little one. In addition, a 3-piece garden toolset (rake, shovel, and watering can) is included!
While this is recommended for *ages 3 – 5 years, there are parents who have purchased this for their 1-year-old and say they love it! Even though they aren’t old enough to use the handles yet, they can pretend in the meantime or you can wait to assembly the arm until they get older.
Technical Information
- Dimensions: 41 x 11.5 x 18 inches
- Item Weight: 7.78 pounds
- Maximum Child Weight: 45 pounds
- Recommended Age: 3 – 5 years (*see the note above)
- Is Assembly Required?: Yes
Possible Issues
- There are a few reviews complaining about the quality of this ride-on. If your child is hard on toys, you may want to consider purchasing a different ride-on toy.
Best Ride-On Bikes for 1-Year-Olds
The Scoot 2 Pedal bike is the most suited for beginners and has the lightest weight max, holding kids up to 42 pounds. On the other hand, the XJD Balance Bike can hold kids up to 55 pounds and is more popular than the other ride-on bikes for 1-year-olds.
Radio Flyer Scoot 2 Pedal
It’s like a right of passage to give your child a Radio Flyer of some kind. The Radio Flyer Scoot 2 Pedal is the perfect option for your 1-year-old: it’ll keep them entertained now, but they’ll grow into the classic red trike.
Why It’s So Great
This durable plastic toy features a molded and shaped plastic seat that has your kiddo’s comfort in mind. There’s a hidden little storage compartment at the very back. It’s not huge, but big enough for a sippy and a snack and a small toy.
The handlebars are thick and easy for small hands to grab. They do actually turn, but the turning radius is very limited. This keeps a younger and less coordinated child from tipping the trike.
During the scoot stage, the front pedals get folded into the wheels. Your child can scoot around on the extra-wide and durable wheels to help build their leg strength.
In the trike stage, the front pedals fold out for use. You don’t need any tools to do this- they just click out and lock into place.
Technical Information
- Dimensions: 22.5 x 16.60 x 17.60 inches
- Item Weight: 6.5 pounds
- Recommended Age: 1 to 3 years
- Is Assembly Required?: No
Possible Issues
- This trike sits really, really low to the ground. The top of the seat is only 8.5 inches off the ground, so if you have a taller child or an older child, it might be too small.
- Advanced scooters will get frustrated. The way the bike is designed, your child might bump their feet into the back wheels as they scoot. It is definitely a better bike than a scoot-along toy.
- There is no push handle for parents like a lot of the other Radio Flyer designs. That’s kind of a bummer since this thing won’t go very fast on its own.
XJD Baby Balance Bike
Every child needs a tricycle at some point. The Baby Balance Bike is perfect- your tiny toddler can just hop on and scoot around to their heart’s content.
Why It’s So Great
This tricycle works really well for helping your child build their leg muscles. This helps out a lot when they are first learning to walk and run and jump around.
Your child can use this trike from 10 months all the way up to 2 years old.
The body of the bike is made from carbon steel for durability. The wheels and handlebars are both made from EVA plastic, which is soft to the touch and great for littles. The seat is soft too and it is made from PU plastic.
All of these materials meet the CPSC requirements. They are 100% safe for your child to play with! If you or your kiddo don’t like it, you can return it within 30 days for a full refund.
The handlebar only turns 45 degrees either way, and the trike won’t go more than 135 degrees when turning so that baby won’t tip it over. I like that safety concerned design.
Technical Information
- Dimensions: 17.6 x 10.1 x 7.7 inches
- Item Weight: 5 pounds
- Recommended Age: 10 months – 2 years
- Is Assembly Required?: Yes
Possible Issues
- This is on the expensive end of the spectrum for a 1-year-old ride-on.
- The tricycle doesn’t have any adjustability features, meaning that when your baby outgrows it, it’s done for.
- Some parents might not like the fact that this isn’t a name-brand product, so the overall quality of it is questionable.
YBike Walking Ride-On
This looks like an abstract sculpture of some kind, but the Pewi Walking Ride-On is actually highly-rated walking and scooting toy for young toddlers. Your child can stand and push or sit and scoot in any direction.
Why It’s So Great
This walking buddy is great for both indoor and outdoor play. It has 4 caster wheels that allow the Pewi to easily move in any direction. Your baby will love to use this for riding or pushing.
This award-winning ride-on toy has an aluminum frame with plastic accent pieces for durability. The seat has a soft foam pad for comfortable sitting.
The strange design helps your child keep their legs free of the legs and wheels as they scoot along. The front handle has a cute smiley face and lots of places for little hands to grip as they walk, scoot, or get pushed around the house.
The wheels and other parts are non-marking, so they won’t tear up your house as they learn to balance and coordinate.
This works for babies from 9 months (or the cruising age) up to 3 years old or 44 pounds, whichever happens first!
Technical Information
- Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.8 x 7 inches
- Item Weight: 4 pounds
- Recommended Age: 9 months – 3 years
- Is Assembly Required?: Yes
Possible Issues
- This can be prone to tipping, and since it sits up higher, kids can fall hard and become injured.
- The wheels are prone to stiffening up or locking unexpectedly.
- Plastic screw covers don’t stay put.
Best Ride-On Animals for 1-Year-Olds
Compared to the other ride-on animals below, the Lil’ Rollin’ Giraffe is by far the best-selling ride-on, holding children up to 3 years of age. The Stride-to-Ride Puppy is the second most popular ride-on and includes songs and phrases, unlike the Lil’ Rollin’ Giraffe.
Fisher-Price Stride-to-Ride Puppy
If your 1-year-old is like mine, then puppies are a favorite. The Stride-to-Ride Puppy combines learning, moving, and having fun.
Why It’s So Great
For starters, there are 2 ways to use this puppy. You can fold the seat up and use the handle as a walker for babies still learning to get around. If you want to develop those leg muscles, you can fold the seat down and use it as a ride-on toy. The wide wheelbase makes it really sturdy.
Babies can start using this at age 9 months, and then they can grow with it all the way up to 3 years. My older kids loved their ride-on toys as they got older, and this one would be a favorite of all kids.
The puppy does fun tricks when the wheels are moving. The ears and head wiggle and the nose and collar light up. The mouth also moves up and down. This is great for teaching your child action and reaction principles.
There are 3 buttons on the front to help you choose if you want ABC mode, 123 mode, or music mode. The puppy interacts with your child and teaches things like manners, body parts, and up to 50 songs!
Finally, this puppy has a built-in shape sorter. You can feed the shapes to the puppy and they’ll go into the belly of the ride-on. Or, your child can place the shapes in the holes on the side as they learn.
Technical Information
- Dimensions: 18.5 x 23 x 13 inches
- Item Weight: 7.85 pounds
- Recommended Age: 9 months – 3 years
- Is Assembly Required?: Yes
Possible Issues
- The plastic wheels do not work well outside, so this is best suited for indoor play.
- The seat can’t be put up and down by a child. This is a safety measure, but it would be nice if your older toddler could decide for themselves which mode they want to use.
- You can’t adjust the volume. Depending on your sound sensitivity level, this might be a good thing or a bad thing!
- It hogs batteries if your baby plays with it daily.
Little Tikes Lil’ Rollin’ Giraffe
The Lil’ Rollin’ Giraffe ride-on toy will send a smile across your 1-year-old’s face instantly! With 3 wheels and 2 handlebars, your little one can scoot around on their pet giraffe.
Why It’s So Great
First, you can’t beat the bright colors and instant fun factor this rideable giraffe toy has. Most children love animals, let alone one they can ride around (your dog will thank you).
Second, you know this is a high-quality and safe ride-on toy given its Little Tikes brand! In addition, the large back (third) wheel allows the giraffe to remain stable and balanced as your child scoots along.
With an adjustable seat, you can find the right fit for your little one. Whether riding inside or outside, the maximum weight recommendation is 50 pounds, allowing your child to ride for quite a while. There are even “spot” decals you can place on the giraffe yourself for a personalized look.
Technical Information
- Dimensions: 15.5 x 22 x 16 inches
- Item Weight: 4.73 pounds
- Recommended Age: 12 months – 3 years (or up to 50 pounds)
- Is Assembly Required?: Yes
Possible Issues
- Even though it is recommended for children up to 3 years, some buyers feel it’s simply too small for their child. Keep those dimensions in mind.
- The third back wheel is supposed to keep the giraffe stable, but some say it still topples over too easily.
Kid Trax Unicorn Ride On
A cute toy that grows with your child and is durable enough to actually survive the adventure? The Kid Trax Silly Unicorn Ride On is that ride-on toy! It’s an adorable unicorn with roller skates ready to wheel children around the house.
Why It’s So Great
Kids will love the lights on the roller skates that turn on as you move the unicorn around. It’s inflatable too and holds a single rider. Also, it’s lightweight plastic weighing just 6.55 pounds.
While this item doesn’t have stages it does have two options. If you don’t want a unicorn, then choose a bear wearing blue roller skates making it a good choice for boys or girls too.
You will need to assemble the toy and inflate it. Kids can hold on to the ears and the tail helps to keep kids positioned properly on the back. Furthermore, it’s soft and durable made of long-lasting rubber.
An air pump comes with the purchase and makes it easy to inflate the toy. Overall it measures 15.87 x 10.87 x 7.13 inches. Use it for children ages 12 months old to 3 years.
Our favorite part of this toy is the imagination. Kids need a noble stead to carry them around the house and fuel their creativity. No other ride-on toy offers such mythical fun and inspiration. And you can deflate it to store to make it take up less space than other ride-on toys too.
Technical Information
- Dimensions: 15.87 x 10.87 x 7.13 inches
- Item Weight: 6.55 pounds
- Recommended Age: walking up to 3 years
- Is Assembly Required?: Yes
Possible Issues
- Anything that is inflatable can pop.
- The lightweight design means that this ride-on tips over easily if there isn’t any weight in or on it.
- Requires assembly and batteries. Not hard, but it does take extra time and money!
iPlay Bouncy Pals Cow
Many times, when people are searching for a ride-on toy for a 1-year-old, they may only be thinking about toys with wheels. It’s important to remember that your child can ride on a bouncy toy like the iPlay Bouncy Pals Cow.
Why It’s So Great
This bouncy cow is perfect for your little animal lover! Let them climb on and bounce to their heart’s content. Simply climb on, grab your cow by the horns or ears, and bounce.
While your child is bouncing, they are developing leg strength and important skills necessary for balance.
The bouncy cow comes with a two-way hand pump for easy inflation.
Technical Information
- Dimensions: 22 x 11 x 22 inches
- Item Weight: 3.95 pounds
- Maximum Child Weight: 45 pounds
- Recommended Age: 18 months and up
- Is Assembly Required?: No assembly, but you do need to inflate it. A pump is included.
Possible Issues
- As with any inflatable toy, there’s a possibility that it may break.
- The toy could arrive with a small hole in it.
- This bouncy toy is on the smaller side and is best for smaller/younger toddlers.
- Because of the nature of this toy, your child will probably fall off at some point. You should always be nearby when your child is on this bouncy hopper cow.
Prince Lionheart Wheely Bug
With casters that allow for easy movement and several fun animal characters to choose from, your little one will love the Prince Lionheart Wheely Bug.
Why It’s So Great
This fun ride-on toy helps promote gross motor skills and balance. As your little one rolls around and plays, they’re actually building the strength needed to reach crucial developmental milestones.
The multi-directional casters allow your child to make sharp turns and move in squiggly lines, and the foam handlebar allows your child to keep a good grip to stay on top of the wheely animal.
With seven fun animal designs to choose from, including a mouse, pig, tiger, and more, your child will surely love riding on these colorful animals.
The base of this ride-on toy is wooden with a padded, polyurethane-covered seat. This means that the toy is quite sturdy and will last for years of use. Because the seat is polyurethane-covered, you can wipe up any spills that may happen.
Because this ride-on toy comes assembled, you can simply take it out of the box and enjoy it!
Also, Prince Lionheart also offers a one-year limited manufacturer’s warranty on this product.
Technical Information
- Dimensions: 15 x 9 x 8.75 inches
- Item Weight: 0.32 ounces
- Maximum Child Weight: 50 pounds
- Recommended Age: 18 months and up
- Is Assembly Required?: No
Possible Issues
- Depending on your floor surface, you might find that this ride-on toy moves a little faster than you anticipated.
- Double-check that the casters won’t scuff or scratch your floor before you completely turn your little one loose.
- Because this company offers two different sizes of some bug styles, you’ll want to ensure you choose the correct size for your child. Make sure to read the sizing information from the company before you order.
Comparing Ride-On Toys for 1-Year-Olds
The table below compares only the recommended products on this page. A low or high Price means it is low or high compared to the other products listed. The Popularity Score reflects how often readers click on and buy the product. The Quality Score is our assessment of the overall performance and satisfaction with the product compared to others in the table.
| Little Tikes Horse & Carriage | 9.0 | 9.4 | 109.99 |
| Prince Lionheart Wheely Bug | 8.5 | 9.6 | 99.99 |
| Little Tikes Truck Ride-On | 9.8 | 9.4 | 80.99 |
| POCO DIVO Ride-On Excavator | 6.0 | 8.6 | 75.24 |
| Costzon Push and Ride Racer | 6.1 | 9.0 | 69.99 |
| Fisher-Price Stride-to-Ride Puppy | 9.0 | 9.6 | 59.99 |
| YBike Walking Ride-On | 9.5 | 9.6 | 58.95 |
| Kiddieland Minnie Ride On | 9.3 | 9.6 | 43.99 |
| Kid Trax Unicorn Ride On | 5.4 | - | 40.77 |
| XJD Baby Balance Bike | 9.4 | 9.2 | 39.98 |
| iPlay Bouncy Pals Cow | 9.9 | 9.4 | 33.99 |
| Little Tikes Lil' Rollin' Giraffe | 8.4 | 9.2 | - |
| Radio Flyer Scoot 2 Pedal | 6.0 | 9.2 | - |
| Little People Parade Ride-On | 3.9 | 9.6 | - |
FAQs – Ride-On Toys for 1-Year-Olds
When can a baby use a ride-on toy?
We would recommend that you only use a ride-on toy for a baby when it’s safe to do so. That means that baby is coordinated enough to stay sitting up and hold on to the toy while it is moving.
For example, a 9-month-old can probably sit up and hold on to the handlebars, but they’ll topple over when it moves because they don’t’ have the required strength to hold on. At 12 to 15 months, your baby probably will start to develop the needed skills to use a ride-on toy. The best ride-on toys for a 1-year-old at this age are the ones where baby can sit and just scoot himself around.
Between 18 and 24 months is a great time for a baby to get a more advanced ride-on toy. We wouldn’t recommend a motorized ride-on toy before this age.
Can 1-year-olds learn to ride a bike?
Yes and no. Your 1-year-old is not going to be peddling around the driveway on his trike anytime soon. It’s not impossible, but it’s not very likely, either!
On the other hand, if you get your baby a banana bike or balance bike, they can learn how to sit and scoot around on a bike without falling. There’s a huge coordination leap that happens between one and two, and learning to balance and “ride” a bike happens more easily the older the baby gets.
Do 1-year-olds know how to steer a bike or ride-on toy?
When an adult sees a steering wheel or a set of handlebars, we immediately know what it is and what to do. Babies are more like “Hey look, a cool wheel! I’m gonna turn it around and around!” or “Those handlebars move, so I better wiggle them a lot just to see how they work.”
A younger 1-year-old won’t know how to steer. So don’t be surprised if you put your baby on a ride-on toy or push toy and they just keep smashing into things. But as baby grows, you can show them the cause and effect of steering and how to turn the vehicle to where they want it to go.
How fast should a ride-on move for 1-year-olds go?
At most, a riding toy for a 1-year-old should go 3mph. Anything over that is just asking for trouble! Ideally, stick to the 1mph or 2mph range to get a toy that moves enough to be fun without being dangerous.
