Finding a ride-on toy for a 2-year-old is a challenge. Some toys are too small and not exciting enough, while some toys require a bit too much coordination and battery power for a small toddler. So I’ve done some research and come up with what I think are the best ride-on toys for 2-year-olds. They’re educational, help develop gross motor skills, and have outstanding reviews!
Best Ride-On Toys for 2-Year-Olds
The VTech Sit-to-Stand Ultimate Alphabet Train has multiple uses such as a walker, riding toy, or just an activity toy with a wagon that includes blocks, piano keys, spinning beads, gears, plays songs, and the entertainment list goes on and on. The Kiddieland Mickey Mouse Ride-On Plane allows your child to move this toy with their feet but also has a handle for someone to push them, and it includes features like lights and sounds, a light up propellor, moving Mickey, and roller bar.
VTech Sit-to-Stand Ultimate Alphabet Train
The Specs
The VTech Sit-to-Stand Ultimate Alphabet Train has two pieces. The front is the engine, which has all the lights, sounds, and fun. There are piano keys, a turning clock hand, spinning beads on a bar, a book, and turning gears. There’s a number pad with a fun little walkie-talkie that can be removed. There’s also a spot to place the included 13 block toys for interactive learning fun! This front piece plays over 100 different songs, sayings, and words. Your child will learn about everything from the weather to animals to trains!
The back of the train is a fun wagon. This is the ride-on part. Toddlers can sit on the seat top, which can then be folded up to be used as a handle if your child wants to have a free-standing wagon. The included blocks, or other toys, fit nicely inside the wagon. When attached, there’s a chute that the blocks can go down to be placed in the wagon.
This toy can provide a couple of years of use. It works for kids from 1 to 3 years. It will hold up to 40 pounds (though I’ve seen it hold 50). It can be a stand-alone toy, a walker (minus the wagon), and of course, a fun ride-on for your 2-year-old.
Good to Know
I might have a soft spot in my heart for this toy because we own it! And the Ultimate Alphabet Train has been a hit in my house, from the 11-month-old to the 4-year-old.
There is a lot to love about this toy. It’s our go-to for a bored child. It’s big for my nearly 1-year-old, so I think the ride-on would be perfectly sized for a 2-year-old. It is light and a bit narrow, so I could see some crashes happening.
I love that the volume can be adjusted. I don’t love that this train will randomly go off unless you shut the whole thing down. It has scared us to death on a few occasions.
Other than that, this is a great toy that will help a toddler learn- both physically and mentally.
Little Tikes Go and Grow Lil Rollin Giraffe Ride On
The Specs
This Little Tikes G0 and Grow Lil Rollin Giraffe Ride On is probably geared more towards the just-turned-2 year olds. Although this ride-on can hold up to 50 pounds, it doesn’t have too many bells or whistles, so an older child might become bored.
The two front wheels are wide to provide wobbly kiddos with extra balance. The back is held down by one large wheel. This wheel is covered to prevent any pinches or smashes.
This giraffe features an adjustable seat that can be scooted forward or backward to help your child reach the ground. The ride-on toy is also steerable. The handlebars can turn either right or left, which turns the front wheels in the same direction.
You can use the Go and Grow Lil Rollin Giraffe inside or outside. It’s a basic ride-on that lets your kiddo work on their gross motor skills while actively playing and moving with their little giraffe friend.
Good to Know
Like I mentioned above, this is a great starter ride-on toy for those younger toddlers. Older kids, closer to 3, will probably be too big and advanced to bother with this toy. And although the seat does move up, it won’t work well for tall babies.
This ride-on giraffe does require focus and muscle to get put together. And beware- improper assembly makes it really tippy!
It doesn’t exactly have power steering, so small movements only. And make sure to teach your kiddo how to place their legs so that they don’t get run over. It’s easy to squish toes if your kiddo is going backward.
Kiddieland Mickey Mouse Plane Ride On
The Specs
I love how this Kiddieland Mickey Mouse Plane is an airplane – it’s a refreshing take on a ride-on toy! This is designed for kids 1 to 3 years. It has a flat seat for them to sit and steer the airplane. There’s also a small handle at the back for pushing and pulling by a sibling or friend. There are 4 sturdy wheels.
In the cockpit, there’s a steering wheel with buttons that get the lights and sounds to work. There’s realistic revving, take-off, and landing noises. There’s also a gear shifter toy, a roller bar, and a fun radio.
At the front, there’s a Mickey Mouse figurine that dances along to the songs and sounds. There’s also a light-up propeller that really can turn. When it moves, the propeller lights up, creating fun patterns that keep kids interested.
Good to Know
Kids love Mickey, and they’ll love the Mickey Mouse March Song that plays. You do have to have 2 AA batteries for the lights and sounds. And depending on how often your child plays with this, these could go fast.
Also, be aware that this is on the smaller end of the ride on the spectrum. It can work for a kid up to 3 years old, but I’m sure that a very large 2 year old will have a short play life with this ride on.
If you need a smaller ride-on toy, check out our Best Ride-On Toys for 1-Year-Olds.
It’s a great toddler toy because they’ll like the lights, the sounds, and the ability to move. They will love to watch Mickey as they scoot and sing. Plus, it’s a plane, which is fun and different from a lot of other ride-ons.
Best Ride-On Cars for 2-Year-Olds
Step2 Whisper Ride II Ride On Push Car
The Specs
Some ride-ons require a little extra push from mom or dad. The Step2 Whisper Ride II Ride On Push Car for 2 year olds is actually powered by an adult. There is a large handle located at the back of this car for parents to push. It’s got a parent cup holder. The handle can be folded down under the car for smaller storage.
This car features 4 wheels that are whisper quiet, hence the name. The cab of the car is spacious and roomy for a toddler. There are 2 cup holders, a storage compartment under the car’s hood, and a horn for your kiddo to honk. A safety belt keeps your kid in the car during rides.
This large ride-on toy is a cute car. It’s great for your kiddo to play on by themselves, or to go for a ride with you. The design makes it look like a real car, which 2-year-olds love! It weighs about 17 pounds and is quite big. It will fit your child up until age 4 or about 50 pounds.
Good to Know
This is a great outdoor toy. There are holes in the floorboards so that you can hose them out to clean them. One downside is that there is nothing to shade your kiddo, so get that sunscreen ready.
Another downside- the wheels don’t turn. The steering wheel is for decoration only, since all the wheels are nearly fixed. You have to pop a wheelie to turn in a tight radius.
There are a couple of small issues, like the cup holder being tiny and the complications of assembly. But otherwise, the Step2 Whisper Ride II is a quiet, sturdy, and fun ride-on toy for a 2-year-old who loves cars!
Kiddieland Lightning McQueen Racer Ride-On
The Specs
I’m so happy that Disney/Pixar Cars is back in style. It’s such a fun show, and this is a perfect gift for little fans. The Kiddieland Lightning McQueen Racer Ride On will fit kids from 12 to 36 months.
The car is push-operated by little toddler feet. Fun sounds emit from the racer like an engine sound when the ignition button is pressed. There are even lights! Your child can steer the wheel and hear real-life driving sounds such as brakes, acceleration, etc.
A high back bumper helps prevent the ride-on from tipping backward. Wheels are textured to help the car from sliding and slipping on smooth surfaces.
Good to Know
There may be some issues with the horn not playing a traditional “horn” sound. This could be confusing for children if you’re trying to teach them corresponding sounds to vehicles.
As for the seat, some buyers have complained about it being too wide and slightly uncomfortable for their child to sit on. This could possibly be worse for boys than girls. The height of the vehicle is 14 inches high so your child may outgrow it fast.
Find all the best power wheels for 2-year-olds.
Best Ride On Pony for 2-Year-Olds
Rockin Rider Charger 2-in-1 Pony Ride-On
The Specs
I wanted to end with something a little different. That’s why I picked this adorable pony – the Rockin Rider Charger 2-in-1 Pony Ride On. It’s a good ride-on option for 2-year-olds because it’s so soft and cuddly. It will work for kids from 1 to 3, or up to 40 pounds. And it’s fun to ride!
The pony itself is plush with a nice mane and tail. The eyes are embroidered and not creepy. It has easy-grip wooden handles and if you pinch the ears, it sings and mouths a cute “I’m a Little Pony” song and says other phrases. Toddlers love that their horsey’s mouth moves when it talks!
The ride on itself has 4 wheels and scoots easily around. With this 2-in-1, you can change it up by locking the horse into the rocker base, instantly changing it into a rocking horse. The base/footsteps of the rocking horse are non-slip for easy gripping and safety.
Good to Know
This Charger 2-in-1 Pony doesn’t work great on hardwoods for one reason: it damages them. So consider having your child ride this on a rug so that your wood floors don’t get scraped up. And if you have other floorings, the wheels might not turn well.
This leads me to the final consideration. This toy is kind of cheap. Like not quality built. It’s adorable and a great thing for kids, but the wheels are finicky, the hair falls out, and it’s cheap plastic overall.
It will work well for a 2-year-old because of the size, the softness, and the fact that it’s a pony. But it might not last long because it’s on the smaller side and it’s sort of cheap. At least it’s inexpensive.
Best Motorized Ride On Toys for 2-Year-Olds
Power Wheels Thomas and Friends Train with Track
The Specs
Raise your hand if your toddler LOVES Thomas and Friends! I know mine did and do! Take that love and use it to get them a ride on that they’ll adore.
This motorized Thomas and Friends Train with accompanying track is a lot of fun. The weight limit is 40 pounds, and I guarantee that your kids will want to ride on this until they reach that weight.
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The train is powered by a 6-volt battery that allows it to go up to 1 mph on the track or 2 mph on hard floors. That doesn’t sound like a lot, but when you’re a 2-year-old, that’s practically racing speed! It has wide wheels that can work both on and off the included 18 feet of track. You can also buy extra track to make a bigger play space. The track works well for younger kids that haven’t mastered steering yet.
And speaking of steering, it has a handle on either side that can allow your kid to have free range once they can steer. It has a push-button stopping and starting so it’s not complicated. It has fun noises and sayings from Thomas as it goes. Your kid can ride comfy with the single rider seat and the footrests.
Good to Know
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Having a battery is an inconvenience. You’ll only get a few hours of ride time each time you charge the battery. And it takes a long time to charge up. Plus, you have to unscrew the seat every single time you need to charge it. Big pain, but worth it to see those big smiles.
Worth noting are the noises. It does make a loud sound when going on the track, and the noises from the toy itself are pretty loud. Doable, but it does drown out the TV and might wake up sleeping siblings.
Best Outdoor Ride On Toys for 2-Year-Olds
The Radio Flyer Red Rider Trike is a classic tricycle when your little one is ready for their first experience with bike riding using foot pedals, however, the Hape Scoot Around Wooden Bike is a fun toy for your little one who is not yet ready for pedals but can use foot power to make the little trike move from place to place.
Radio Flyer Red Rider Trike
The Specs
There’s not a lot that can be said about this old-school Radio Flyer Red Rider Trike. It doesn’t have a ton of bells and whistles. Okay, so there’s one bell and no whistles. But it works for kids up to 42 pounds in the 1 to 3 year old age range.
It’s made of steel and plastic. The steel frame is solid, while the plastic bumpers and wheels protect your furniture and walls (if you’re crazy enough to let them use it inside). The steel chassis has wide-set back wheels to make steering safer and easier.
Your kid can sit on the adjustable seat and steer with real handlebars. The seat is plastic and can be moved closer or farther from the handlebars. In the back is a little storage “trunk” perfect for toys and whatever else your child wants to take along with them.
Good to Know
I love how well-made this toy is. It’s sturdy and weighs just 10 pounds. This is a great way to introduce kids to bike riding and using bike pedals.
My favorite part? The size. Many ride-ons were short-lived in my house because my kids are so big for their age. This particular ride on is fantastic for bigger kids. And I love that it’s an indoor/outdoor toy that can withstand hard play outside.
Hape Scoot Around Ride On Wood Bike
The Specs
For a small price, you can add a new family heirloom to your child’s playroom. The Hape Scoot Around Ride On Wood Bike is adorable and solid made of wood to last for your child’s life and down the family line. It’s also adorable not just in shape but also in color with natural wood and several shades of green ready to delight children.
While this is only a ride-on scooter, it’s got the feel of a big boy bike ready to delight little tots. It works for children aged 1 to 3 and has a weight limit of 45 pounds.
Let’s talk about the fun stuff first. The scooter has easy-to-grip handlebars with circles on end to keep little hands on. Next, it has rubber-rimmed wheels so it won’t lead marks on your floor when your tot spins it around the living room. The push-along scooter can help to develop muscle strength and balance.
Many ride on scooters also work as walkers too, but this one does not function as anything but a scooter to ride on. However, this is perfect for precocious toddlers who started walking young and are ready for the next challenge.
Good to Know
The only problem with this ride-on scooter is it’s really small. While this is great for very active tiny tots, taller children may want to pick another option. Also, if kids are careful, they may run over their own feet, but this can happen with any scooter and new riders not used to the new motion.
Otherwise, it’s a truly great toy that grows with your kid. They’ll get more than one way to ride on this toy, and you’ll get your money’s worth.
Comparing the Best Ride-On Toys for 2-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.
| Power Wheels Thomas and Friends Train with Track | 5.8 | 9.6 | 163.34 |
| Little Tikes Go and Grow Lil Rollin Giraffe Ride On | 6.5 | 9.2 | 121.00 |
| Rockin Rider Charger 2-in-1 Pony Ride-On | 3.9 | 9.0 | 83.99 |
| Step2 Whisper Ride II Ride On Push Car | 9.8 | 9.4 | 81.75 |
| Hape Scoot Around Ride On Wood Bike | 9.4 | 9.4 | 63.74 |
| VTech Sit-to-Stand Ultimate Alphabet Train | 9.8 | 9.6 | 55.20 |
| Radio Flyer Red Rider Trike | 9.9 | 9.4 | 49.99 |
| Kiddieland Lightning McQueen Racer Ride-On | 9.5 | 9.4 | 43.99 |
| Kiddieland Mickey Mouse Plane Ride On | 9.8 | 9.6 | 38.99 |
FAQs – Best Ride-On Toys for 2-Year-Olds
What are the different types of ride-on toys?
The list is endless when it comes to ride-on toys. You can begin with a toy that they can sit on or in (such as a trike with a handle or a wagon) and someone else pushes or pulls them. After that stage, you can look for a toy that they can use their feet to move a toy that has wheels such as a sit-and-go scooter.
Eventually, your little one will be ready for a trike or toy with pedals that they use their leg strength and coordination to biking. And finally, there are motorized ride-on toys that may require a bit of skill to steer and brake. There are many options nowadays for all ages and skills too.
Do ride-on toys help my child develop?
Absolutely. As your child learns to operate ride-on toys, they are using their large motor skills to help them develop physically. The ability to learn how to scoot a bike with their feet and later pedals will help them gain independence and confidence in their ability to learn new skills. Plus it is just healthy for them to move their bodies, be outdoors, and experience new adventures.
What should I look for when choosing a ride-on toy for my 2 year old?
I would say one of the biggest factors is choosing a toy that is age appropriate. You do not want to get your 2-year-old a 2-wheeled bicycle that they could not use. You want to find something that will not cause frustration when using so find a toy that is safe and age-appropriate for them to enjoy. There are many toys that can grow with your child or offer several different features such as included activity panels to offer a multi-use for your child. Two-year-olds have a small attention span and often an increased frustration level so keep that in mind when looking for the right ride-on toy.
