Riding a toy is a stylish and fun way for your kids to learn independence while having fun. Toys like ride-on cars are fulfilling for most young kids and toddlers, but for parents, there’s the eternal question: Are they safe?
Many parents worry about whether their kids will get hurt. After all, ride-on cars can be fast and powerful toys. Not to mention, it’s scary letting your little angels play on their own for the first time!
But you have nothing to fear. Riding a toy car is as safe as it is exhilarating. With the right care and safety protocols, your kids should be totally fine.
We’ll put your mind at ease with some expert tips to keep your kids safe while they ride their new toy.
Why Are Ride-On Cars So Popular?
They’re fast, fun, and educational! Ride-on cars can even help encourage kids to play outdoors, away from the temptation of their screens. Toy car driving is also great for teaching kids about the importance of road safety.
Ride-on cars are cars that kids can drive around in, and they’re extremely popular in Australia right now. They come in many different forms, from ride-on go-karts to officially licensed ride-on Lamborghinis: so there’s something out there for everyone.
How Can I Keep My Kid Safe On a Ride-On Car?
Keeping your kids safe is easy. Here are a few things you can do to protect your children and prevent accidents when they’re playing with a ride-on car:
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Supervise your kids.
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Create a hazard-free zone.
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Pick a safe, suitable ride-on car for your kids to play with.
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Use protective gear as much as possible.
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Make the most of safety features, speed limits, and parental controls.
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Check the vehicle regularly and keep it in good condition at all times.
Still not sure how you can keep your kids safe when they’re driving toy cars? Read on for a breakdown of all those tips, so you can protect your kids and reduce their risk of accidents.
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Supervise Your Kids
Kids are notorious for getting into scrapes the second your back is turned, and playing with ride-on cars is exactly the same. Make sure your kids are always being supervised by you or another responsible adult that you trust when they’re playing.
This is especially important for very young kids, who should never be left alone with a ride-on car. If your child gets confused, lost, frustrated, or just anxious, you can be right there to support them and reassure them. Riding a toy is fun, but it’s all too easy to get overwhelmed without warning.
Keeping watch also reduces the risk that your kids will ignore the safety rules you’ve put in place for them. They’re a lot less likely to misbehave if you’re actually watching them.
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Create a Hazard-Free Zone
This one might seem obvious, but it’s easy to forget about if you’re in a rush. Before your kids start playing, check the surface they’re about to drive on for sharp objects (like rocks or garden toys), obstacles (like toys or furniture), and slippery spots.
Whilst some ride-on vehicles (like quad bike ATVs) are designed for bumpier, steeper terrain, you should still check for sharp objects that could pierce a tyre or damage an electric component. Toy car driving is unpredictable, so it’s best to take danger out of the equation first.
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Pick a Safe, Suitable Ride-On Car
You also need to pick the right ride-on car for your kids.
Not sure where to start? Here are a few factors you should consider:
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Maximum weight capacity: Always check that your child’s ride-on car can safely support their weight.
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Safety features: The more safety features a ride-on car has, the better. You can usually check for the safety features you want in a model’s product description.
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Speed limits: Think about what speeds your child is likely to be able to handle. Slower ride-on cars are best for younger or less experienced kids, and older kids typically prefer faster models.
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Power values: Battery-powered ride-on cars always come with a power value, usually shown as a voltage value. The higher the voltage, the faster a ride-on car can go, and the more powerful its motors can be.
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Use Protective Gear
Protective gear is incredibly important: it prevents injuries, puts your mind at ease, and reminds your kids to be careful while driving around in a ride-on car.
For most models, you just need a helmet, knee and elbow pads. They can help cushion a fall and protect your kid’s most vulnerable joints from harm if something goes wrong. Some parents also choose to get kid-sized leathers for ride-on motorbikes to prevent chafing and make driving the bike more comfortable.
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Keep Things Under Control
This is easier said than done, but it can help!
Above all, set clear boundaries, and make sure your kids know the consequences for breaking them.
Children who understand how fast they’re allowed to go, how long they can play for, where they can go, and how far away they can go are more likely to be able to stay safe whilst playing.
Some models also come with remote parental controls, allowing you to take over if something goes wrong or your kid breaks a rule you’ve set. They often have directional controls, speed limit adjusters, and brakes.
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Check For Damage Regularly
Ride-on cars are durable, reliable toys that don't usually break. However, it's best to do a routine inspection before your kid starts riding a toy, just in case. You should consider checking:
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Electric components: Check for exposed wire, signs of damage, or error messages that suggest they're not working as intended.
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Tyres and wheels: Check the wheels and tyres for damage. If one of the tyres is way more deflated than the others, make sure it hasn't been pierced by something, then re-inflate it before playtime starts.
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Battery and power: Check that the car's battery is still installed correctly and in the right direction. Make sure any caps or covers on the charging port are appropriately secured.
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Additional features: You can also test the entertainment features to ensure they work correctly. You should also make sure any remote parental controls are connecting properly before playtime begins.
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Body and structure: Finally, check the car's body for sharp edges or broken parts. Wipe away excess dirt to prevent rust from building up over time.
Can You Buy Safe, Affordable Ride-On Vehicles In Australia?
Absolutely! Ride-on cars are more popular than ever in Australia at the moment. They come in a huge variety of types, so there’s something out there for everyone.
Whether your child is into luxury-branded Mercedes ride-on cars or rugged monster trucks for kids, they’re sure to find something they love.
Not to mention, ride-on cars are much more fulfilling than screen-based toys or devices (which, according to the University of Sydney, can make kids more anxious and damage their self-esteem). They give kids a chance to explore the outside world in style.
Secure, Stylish Ride-On Cars From MC Wholesalers
Want to get your kids outdoors? Get them a ride-on car today!
At MC Wholesalers, we take safety seriously. Our ride-on vehicles have several safety features and are made with durable materials, keeping your kids secure and happy throughout playtime.
We have an extensive collection of ride-on vehicles for all families and budgets, whether your kids are into ride-on sports cars or two-seater buggies.
Explore our range of high-quality ride-on cars today!