TDmonthly’s Top-10 Most-Wanted Ride-Ons

The Original PlasmaCar continues to intrigue and fascinate. Powered by kid power; no batteries, gears, or pedals needed. Just sit, put your feet up, and turn the steering wheel to propel yourself forward. The patented safety seat design places riders in a safe, comfortable position and minimizes tipping. Moves up to 6 mph on any smooth, flat surface. Supports up to 220 lbs. Visit www.plasmacar.com to see all the wonderful colors available.
— In a March 2015 survey, two out of 10 retailers told TDmonthly that Plasmacar is a best-selling outdoor toy.
—  As of 05/13/2011 this product had 4.5 out of 5 stars from 122 reviews on Amazon.com. Cons: Does not work well on surfaces that aren't completely smooth.
— This top-seller in specialty stores earned a TDmonthly Top Toy 2007 award for its distinctive aerodynamic design and ease-of-use. TDmonthly believes it has the potential to become a classic due to its fresh, contemporary appeal and application in a child’s formative years.
Awards: 2012 Parents Choice Awards Recommended, 2009 Green Parents List Check Mark, 2009 DisneyFamily.com Top Action Figures and Toys for Toddlers, 2009+2008+2005 The National Parenting Centre Seal of Approval, 2008 iParenting Media Toy Award, 2008 Fat Brain Toy Award Active Play, 2006 TIA Outdoor Toy of the Year - Specialty Toy of the Year, 2006 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award, 2005 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Award, 2005 Dr. Toy Best Vacation Products, 2005 Creative Child Seal of Excellence, 2001 International Patent Fair, Hong Kong Gold Medal

The low center-of-gravity, wide rubberized tread with 9" front and 6-1/2" back tires, and steel frame make this Kettrike™ virtually tip-proof. All Kettrikes include a scratch- and fade-resistant synthetic powder coat that will keep them looking sharp through years of riding. Features include a comfortable, four-position, adjustable, high-back seat with an "S"-type frame that has five adjustable positions to grow with any child, parental-control locking mechanism, slip-resistant pedals, a rear step-plate and a push-bar. The bike is even tandem adaptable for additional riders.
— Over eight percent of retailers who spoke with TDmonthly in early 2008 shared that tricycles by Kettler International were their best-selling ride-on toys.
— “Kettler Trikes, across the brand,” David Hesel, owner of The Toy Shop of Concord in Concord, Mass., told TDmonthly, when asked what his best-selling ride-on was. “[We sell] about 80 units per year.”
— Lisette Demars, manager of Mrs. Tiggy Winkles in Tucson, Ariz., told TDmonthly that her store sells three Kettler tricycles per month.

What kid doesn’t want to fly his or her own plane? The press of a button on the steering wheel can activate the captain’s voice, realistic takeoff and landing sounds, or even music for the flight. The bin under the seat provides space to transport precious cargo, while flashing lights on the soft propeller keep kids engaged. The detachable rear handle transforms this colorful ride-on into a walk-along for the beginning walker.
— Of 45 retailers who spoke with TDmonthly in early 2008, over six percent shared that this item was the best-selling ride-on toy in their store.
— International Playthings was named by over 13 percent of retailers – who spoke with TDmonthly in early 2008 – as the manufacturer of the best-selling ride-on toy.
— Diana Glaser, owner of the The Green Caboose in Stroudsburg, Pa., told TDmonthly that her store sells two to three units of this item every month.

This winner of the Dr. Toy Best Classic Toy Award allows kids to hop on the injection-molded polyethylene seat, throw their feet on the steel handle bars and use their hands to swing the handlebars side to side. The momentum caused by the child powers the ride. A great indoor or outdoor toy, the Flying Turtle can handle tough play and up to 150 pounds. It even comes pre-assembled.
— Of 45 retailers who spoke with TDmonthly in early 2008, over eight percent shared that this item was the best-selling ride-on toy in their store.
— “Flying Turtles by Mason…we sell at least one a week,” Cassidy Conway, owner of Heights Toy Store in Little Rock, Ark., told TDmonthly.
— “We sell one or two a week,” Bob Colbert, owner of The Toy Box in Searcy, Ark., told TDmonthly.
— “Good enough for Montessori schools — good enough for your home,” Owner Diana Nelson of Kazoo & Company in Denver said of this best seller in her store in early 2009.

This colorful bike folds up for easy portability and storage, and has an easy-to-carry handle grip. It comes fully assembled for instant riding, and features sturdy steel construction, a low center of gravity for maximum stability, and a controlled turning radius. It is suitable for ages 18 months and up. The Fold 2 Go received the 2007 Outdoor Toy of the Year Award from the Toy Industry Association.
— Though Radio Flyer is known for its line of wagons, two retailers that spoke with TDmonthly specifically cited Radio Flyer tricycles as winners in the ride-ons category.
— “The RadioFlyer tricycle is a traditional ride-on that still sells very well,” Matt Sahagian, owner and manager of Learning Express of Action in Action, Mass., told TDmonthly.

The ride-on is intended for toddlers over the age of 18 months. The ride-on features a unique spring system that links the two-level seat, a curved seat for security and caster wheels that make changing direction easy. The ride-on can fold into a fraction of its original size, making it convenient for parents to carry and store. Launch date: December 2007.
— “Fropper by International Playthings…we sold every one as soon as they came in and we have them on back order,” Kathy Byrd, owner of Fantasy Island Toys in Fairhope, Ala., told TDmonthly.
— “Fropper is new and doing well,” Josh Darby, manager of Toy Up in Little Rock, Ark., told TDmonthly in early 2008.
— Two of 45 retailers who spoke with TDmonthly in early 2008 singled out the Fropper as their stores’ most popular ride-on. The Fropper continued to be a favorite into spring 2010, cited by two of 37 retailers during a TDmonthly survey on best-selling ride-ons, with sales of two to 10 per month.

Past videos: WTHRA 2009

The dual-footboard scooter features dual rear skids, a front-caliper hand brake, an MX-style front tire, a non-skid footboard, a dual rear urethane wheel and a foam handlebar pad. Minimal assembly is required.
— “Skoooches by California Chariot…we sell about four a month” Nancy Hay, owner of Toy Works in Fort Worth, Texas, told TDmonthly.
— This item is one of the two best-selling ride-on toys in Tucson, Ariz.’s Mrs. Tiggy Winkles, manager Lisette Demars told TDmonthly.
— Two of 45 retailers who spoke with TDmonthly in early 2008 singled out the Skoooch as their stores’ most popular ride-on.

Ideal for learning balance and coordination, the Rody Horse allows children to hop around and can even be attached to a base that transforms it into a Rocking Rody Horse. The soft ride-on is often used in therapy for handicapped children, and is made of super-strong, latex-free vinyl. It inflates according to the size and weight of a child with a hand or foot pump. The maximum inflated height to “saddle” is 12".
— “Rodys have always sold well for us. Over and over, people tell us they were the hit of the party,” Elaine Hackney, owner of Boing! JP’s Toy Shop in Jamaica Plain, Mass., told TDmonthly in summer 2007.
— Nobody can resist a bounce or two on this high-quality rubber toy from Italy. Rody comes in assorted colors and has been a steady seller in specialty stores for more than a decade. The combination of high quality, great play value and universal appeal earned this toy a TDmonthly Classic Toy 2007 award.
— “We sell a ton of Rodys by TMI. This is one of the best sellers in the store,” Peg Scholtes, owner of Capitol Kids Ltd. in Madison, Wis., told TDmonthly in March 2008.

Where to Buy: Really Great Toys

The ride-on toy features a colored steel body, detailed chrome accents, a working horn, a working steering column, plastic fenders and rubber tires.
— Nadine Walsh, manager of Yikes Toys in Tucson, Ariz., told TDmonthly that “push cars by Schylling” are the most popular ride-on toys in the store.
— For Susan Pruett, manager of Kilmarnock Toy Store in Kilmarnock, Va., Schylling’s ride-ons are her stores’ best-selling ride-ons. They sell on “average about three a month,” Pruett told TDmonthly.
— Two of 45 retailers who spoke with TDmonthly in early 2008 singled out the Schyllilng when asked which manufacturer’s ride-ons were most popular. In March 2009, Jessica Jeffrey, manager of Red Balloon Toy Shop in Orleans, Mass., told TDmonthly this is her best-selling ride-on, reporting sales of one to two per month.

This updated version of the classic kid-powered car includes a high seat back and rear storage. The front wheels enable a small turning radius to make the car very easy to maneuver. The car’s additional features, such as a clicking key and a fully functional door and horn, increase its play value. This product is a Dr. Toy Spring 2007 Best Products Award winner.
— For Gary Timmerding, manager of Johnny’s Toys in Covington, Ky., this item was the best-selling ride-on toy in his store. The store sells “probably ten a month,” Timmerding told TDmonthly.
— “The longevity and durability of this product have allowed it to become one of the most recognizable on the market,” Little Tikes Inc. Public Relations Coordinator Reagan Holmes told TDmonthly.
— The coupe is available in other versions as well, including Ride & Rescue and Princess.