Ride on Cars - Imitating Adults
One of the ways children learn is by imitating adults. As such, they like to have the opportunity to copy everything their adult role models do. It's extremely common for this role model of theirs to drive, therefore, they want to drive to! Ride-on toys have changed immensely since their first introduction, and have developed into several different styles and models.
Battery Powered Ride-on Toys
Battery powered ride-on cars are the most fun, because they take no physical effort to drive. These cars also look the most like a car an adult would drive, letting the child feel as though they are actually driving just as mom or dad would. These toys generally fit one or two children, and travel at a maximum speed of 2 or 3 mph. Most of these toys include a recharger.
Wooden Ride-on Toys
Wooden Ride-on toys have a similar effect, however, don't have the realistic effect of battery powered toys. Wooden ride-on toys don't generally move too much, therefore they can be used indoors! If you choose to invest in a wooden ride-on toy that will be used outdoors, be sure to keep it indoors when not in use, as the humidity and the precipitation can damage the wood.
Tricycles
Tricycles are often a child's most remembered ride-on toy. Trikes are used by children who can't yet balance on a bike, but want to be able to race around outdoors. When buying a tricycle, look for a metal framed one, rather than plastic. My metal framed trike is still around, and has gone through me and all of my younger brothers and sisters.
Bikes
Bikes are good ride-on toys for children who are a little bit older. Most children that are old enough to ride a bike have developed their motor skills further, and are now comfortable moving in more fluid motions than in short jerky ones. When buying bikes for children, be sure to include all of the proper safety equipment (helmets, elbow and knee pads, etc.).