Ride-on cars range from single seater startup cars to large 2 seater licensed cars. Age range, skills needed, safety, power and many other factors come into play when choosing the right ride-on car for you.

Look for Safety Features All ride-on cars pose some risk of colliding with obstacles. Minimize these risks by checking out the safety features before buying. Simple ride-on toys often lack brakes, but they move slowly enough that kids can stop on their own before any trouble. Most good ride on cars (KidsWheels) have a remote control option. Here a parent can control the motorised ride on car from a distance. In motorized ride-ons, the battery box should be positioned in such a way that children can’t access it even if they try. Seat belts are also a common feature for all good cars. No matter what safety features a ride on car has, kids should always wear protective gear, especially when driving the ride-ons outside.

Kid-Powered side on cars Ride-on toys may be powered by a kids feet through pushing or by a battery-powered motor. Self-propelled toys should be stable especially for young kids Baby racers are foot to floor type of push cars for 1-2 year olds. Baby racers are steady and will not tip or wobble.

Battery powered ride on cars Power is the main concern when buying a battery powered ride on car. Mosts cheap cars are only powered by a single 6V motor and should be avoided. These cars will not last and have poor traction. The 12V power twin motor system is the best option when choosing a ride on car. KidsWheels offer all their cars as a 12V 2 motor system, which allows the car to be driven by both back wheels. Remote control ride on cars are available as an option, so that Mom and dad can control the car for the little ones who can’t yet steer

Choose Age-Appropriate Toys Different types of ride-on toys are designed for different ages. Choosing the right car depends not only on a child’s age, but also on his or her skills when it comes to balance and coordination.

1-2 years Foot-powered toys Kids who aren’t yet ready to pedal can push themselves around on toys that require the use of their feet for power. Baby racers allow the child to straddle the car and push off allowing them to push themselves around.

2-3 years Battery-powered vehicles Miniature cars, trucks, planes, and more may be driven and steered by young children. Toddlers can steer but need to be supervised to avoid collisions. Remote control is only a switch of a button away for parents to take control

5+ years The larger 2 seater cars are fabulous fun for 5-6 year olds. Make sure you buy 12V twin motors. Unfortunately these 2 seater cars do not come with the remote control option, but the older kiddies will be able to control them Look out for large wheels if you need to ride them on grassy terrain, but remember this takes some time off the battery time

Spare parts Make sure that your supplier keeps spare parts. KidsWheels do have representation in South Africa and you will be able to get spares is needed. Batteries, chargers, remotes could be lost from time to time and you will simply be able to get your hands on a spare. Pretend Play All ride-on toys offer the opportunity for pretend play. Imagining that a ride on car toy is a real animal or vehicle gets kids thinking creatively. Creative thinking skills come in handy later in life when children start school and continue to play a big part in decision making and problem solving throughout their lives. Whether motorised and battery powered or manual, ride-on cars are a lot of fun for kids. Any child can begin playing with ride-on toys at a young age and move on to bigger, more complex toys as he or she grows.