Ride on toys for toddlers: 12 best buys, including the iconic Cozy Coupe

Suitable from: 12 months | Batteries required: None

It's brightly coloured, has a shape sorter and it's shaped like a llama - need we say more? This wooden ride-on toy is a great alternative to plastic, has ergonomic handles that are easy for tiny hands to grasp, and is sturdy enough to help support your little one as they explore the world around them.

Suitable from: 12 months | Batteries required: None

Embodying cute bug characters, from a bee and butterfly to a grasshopper and a beetle, the bright colours and cute face of this bestselling tricycle will definitely appeal to your little one. Once they've finished zooming around on three wheels, the tricycle folds up neatly for easy storage.

Suitable from: 3 years | Batteries required: None

If you're looking for value for money when it comes to a ride-on toy, then this three-in-one option offers just that. When all parts are assembled, it's a rocking 'shark', remove the base and it becomes a push-car, and the base can be used as a balance board. Kids will love the shark character, and design-conscious parents will love the muted colourway.

Suitable from: 3 years | Batteries required: 2 x AA batteries (not included)

This three-wheeled ride-on tractor will go down a treat with those obsessed with tractor toys. It's got anti-slip pedals to help ensure secure operation, and once you add the batteries, it also makes fun tractor noises and the horn sounds too. Better still, it comes with a trailer that can be filled with whatever your little ones needs to transport from A to B.

Suitable from: 18 months | Batteries required: None

It would be impossible to round up the best ride-on toys without including the iconic Cozy Coupe. It has a removable floorboard, so that when you're little one is big enough, they can use their feet to propel themselves wherever they want to go (until then, you can manoeuvre them yourself). Kids will love playing pretend and testing out the working horn.

Suitable from: 15 months | Batteries required: None

This tricycle is great for a growing child - while they're young, you can disengage the steering and pedals and direct their motion with the long handle. It's got a comfortable seat, quiet wheels and a little bucket on the back for all of their essentials, and as they grow, you can reengage the pedals and steering so them can move independently.

Suitable from: 18 months | Batteries required: None

This strong wooden baby walker and ride-on toy combo is a great choice for toddlers who are building up their gross motor skills and becoming more mobile. With it's spinning picture blocks, shape sorter and space to bring other toys along for the ride, it's no wonder this made our list of the best baby walkers.

Suitable from: 18 months | Batteries required: None

To really build up strength in their leg muscles, this inflatable hopper toy will also help to promote balance and coordination too. With four inflatable legs, it's stable enough for the most excitable toddler. We love the giraffe, but it comes in other variations too, including a dinosaur, lion and unicorn.

Suitable from: 12 months | Batteries required: None

Even if Peppa Pig grinds your gears, there's every chance your little one loves her. This wooden ride-on scooter is suitable from 12 months up until the age of six, and will help to improve their gross motor skills and problem-solving as they navigate their way around obstacles.

Suitable from: 10 months | Batteries required: None

To help strengthen your child's motor skills and improve their balance, this balance bike is worth considering. It has a cute character design that will delight kiddies, four modes - Balance, Push, Walk, Ride - as well as wide wheels for stability. It's easy to assemble, and light enough to carry if your tiny human decides they want to walk instead of ride.

Suitable from: 3 years | Batteries required: 4 x C batteries (not included)

This ride-on fire engine went down a treat with my nephew when he got it for Christmas when he was three-years-old. To start with he preferred to sit on it and scoot around without the sound effects, but once he was used the battery-powered sounds and movements, he loved it. It also comes with a plastic fireman's hat which adds to the role play fun.

Suitable from: 12 months | Batteries required: None

A classic ride-on toy - the iconic rocking horse. Designed for indoor use, this one is made from wood, and looks like wood, with a sweet and recognisable horse design. It also has additional safety supports for around your child's waist to keep your little one secure as they enjoy their rocking horse ride.

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