TheToyZone is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more!
Hero image

10 Best Ride-On Toys for 1-Year-Olds

Updated 07 October 2020

This post may contain affiliate links.

Author
Author avatar
Daniel Booth

Daniel is our primary content producer here at TheToyZone. He is a big kid at heart and a self confessed geek. His mission is to find toys that kids will treasure, researching and writing about toys he wants to play with himself.

One thing we’ve noticed about one-year-olds is that they don’t like to stay still for long and with so much to explore, why would they?! Introducing ride-on toys will not only allow them to cover more ground, it will improve their balance and motor skills and strengthen their muscles. Plus they are really, really fun!

Finding the right one online that is both durable and safe can be hard, so we’ve looked at 10 of the best on the market in 2020. Using our method of listening to real recommendations from parents who have the toys, we also cancel out any fake reviews. Will your little one be cruising on a fire truck, flying a Minnie plane, or zooming around on a motorbike? Four wheels or two, there’s plenty of choice for you.

  • 1Little Tikes Cozy Truck Ride-On with removable floorboard

    B004HKQI9G-Little Tikes Cozy Truck Ride-On with removable floorboard

    This ride-on truck is designed to look like an actual truck, including a steering wheel and a working horn. The floorboard is removable, which means that it can be powered by kids when it is out or pushed by someone when it is in.

    What we love

    • It comes with rugged off-road wheels for outside
    • It has a drop-down tailgate and removable floorboard for when kids grow

    What We Don't Like That Much

    • It requires assembly but doesn't come with any tools
  • 2Little Tikes Go and Grow Lil' Rollin' Giraffe - Amazon Exclusive

    B008MTYTHQ-Little Tikes Go and Grow Lil' Rollin' Giraffe - Amazon Exclusive

    This is one of the best ride-on toys for one-year-olds because it is designed to help them learn how to balance and it has an adorable giraffe shape that kids will love. Plus, it is made from high-quality material and has an adjustable seat that allows the child to continue to use it as they grow.

    What we love

    • This toy can be used outdoors and indoors
    • The back wheel is larger for stability

    What We Don't Like That Much

    • The giraffe spots are stickers and can be pulled off
  • 3Hape Scoot Around Ride On Wood Bike | Award Winning Four Wheeled Wooden Push Balance Bike Toy for Toddlers with Rubberized Wheels, Bright Green

    B00BHEEHP2-Hape Scoot Around Ride On Wood Bike | Award Winning Four Wheeled Wooden Push Balance Bike Toy for Toddlers with Rubberized Wheels, Bright Green

    This is a beautifully detailed wooden bike. It has a simplistic design that makes it easy for one-year-olds. Plus, it has rubberized wheels that will allow them to ride it inside or outside without worrying about messing up the flooring.

    What we love

    • It is designed to help kids with mobility and active motor skills
    • It is finished with non-toxic paint and finish for safety

    What We Don't Like That Much

    • We wish that the seat was adjustable
  • 4Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Scooter 22.5 x 10.1 x 13 inches

    B00VJKT15K-Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Scooter 22.5 x 10.1 x 13 inches

    This ride-on toy contains smart stage technology that is designed to grow along with the one-year-old. It has motion switch activities that activate as they move the ride-on bike across the floor.

    What we love

    • It plays more than 50 learning phrases, tunes, and songs
    • It has features that help to teach numbers, colors, and shapes

    What We Don't Like That Much

    • It should be used inside rather than outside
  • 5VTech 2 in 1 Learn and Zoom Motor Bike, Pink

    B013I7Q1Z4-VTech 2 in 1 Learn and Zoom Motor Bike, Pink

    With this VTech motorbike, kids can start out with three wheels if they need help balancing, but the wheels can be pushed in to make the motorbike a two-wheeler. Plus, this bike comes with motion sensors and makes different sounds and playful music.

    What we love

    • It has an interactive activity panel
    • It can be used both by those who do not balance well and those that have better balance

    What We Don't Like That Much

    • The wheels could be more durable
  • 6Disney My First Minnie Plane

    B01M7PBRZD-Disney My First Minnie Plane

    This ride-on toy is designed to look like an airplane and it even has a Minnie Mouse pilot figure to make it more festive. The horn is active and makes a honking noise and the propellers can rotate and light up while they are driving around.

    What we love

    • It has realistic lift-off and landing noises
    • It has a handle on the back for easy pushing

    What We Don't Like That Much

    • It requires two AA batteries, but they are not included
  • 7Paw Patrol Chase Cruiser Ride-On Vehicle

    B071HYHQML-Paw Patrol Chase Cruiser Ride-On Vehicle

    This is one of the best ride-on toys for one-year-olds because it has a handle on the back that makes it convenient to help people lead kids who are still learning. It has various sounds and tunes that make it an interactive experience.

    What we love

    • The seat has a hidden storage compartment
    • It is designed to look like the Paw Patrol chase cruiser

    What We Don't Like That Much

    • It could use an adjustable seat for longer use
  • 8Baby Balance Bike Toddler Tricycle Bike No Pedals 10-24 Months Ride-on Toys Gifts Indoor Outdoor for One Year Old Boys Girls First Birthday Thanksgiving Christmas (Blue)

    B07CPNZDL9-Baby Balance Bike Toddler Tricycle Bike No Pedals 10-24 Months Ride-on Toys Gifts Indoor Outdoor for One Year Old Boys Girls First Birthday Thanksgiving Christmas (Blue)

    This tricycle is designed to help kids learn to balance with a soft-grip handlebar and it is capable of turning 135 degrees, which helps to ensure that the child does not fall over. The frame is made from high-quality carbon steel for durability and it doesn't have any pedals, which is perfect for a beginner.If you are looking for the best toddler tricycle with push handles then be sure to check out our recently updated guide.

    What we love

    • It is easy to assemble
    • The wheels are fully enclosed to help avoid feet clamping

    What We Don't Like That Much

    • Could benefit from an adjustable seat
  • 9Pidoko Kids Ride On Fire Truck - Wooden Push and Pull Walker Cart - Balance Wagon Toy for Toddlers Boys & Girls age 18 Months and up

    B07DD2T3ZS-Pidoko Kids Ride On Fire Truck - Wooden Push and Pull Walker Cart - Balance Wagon Toy for Toddlers Boys & Girls age 18 Months and up

    For kids that love fire trucks, this is one of the best ride-on toys for one-year-olds that you can find. Not only is it a ride-on toy, but it also has different cut-out blocks and shapes to help improve their fine motor skills.

    What we love

    • It is made from high-quality wood for durability
    • The inside of the truck can act as a storage for other toys

    What We Don't Like That Much

    • It could include more wooden pieces
  • 10Little People Music Parade Ride-On, Purple

    B07FBCRMTV-Little People Music Parade Ride-On, Purple

    With this ride-on, one-year-olds are capable of getting around easily. It is low enough which makes it easier for kids that are still learning to walk. It makes various noises and tunes that will also help to keep them entertained.

    What we love

    • It has a handle on the back for parents to push the kids or that allows them to push it rather than riding on it
    • It includes five different marching tunes

    What We Don't Like That Much

    • It needs three AA batteries, but it only comes with demo batteries