Ride-on toys are a great way to keep your kids active and entertained. However, they can be quite expensive. Buying a ride-on toy, especially the more popular brands, can add up quickly. Here are a few tips on extending the life of your ride-on toys so that you can get the most bang for your buck.
Getting Quality Ride-on Toys Regardless of the Price:
This one seems slightly out of order. But we can’t stress this enough. A good ride-on-toy is a worthwhile investment, especially if your child is on the younger end of the age requirement. The last thing you want is your child to be constantly breaking their toy or, even worse, getting hurt because of a cheaply made product.
Caring for the Batteries:
One of the most important parts of extending the life of your ride-on toys is taking care of the batteries. Most ride-on toys these days are battery-operated. And while they may last a long time if used correctly, they will need to be replaced eventually. When it comes to batteries, always ensure they are properly charged and never leave them charging overnight. Additionally, it’s important to check the terminals regularly to ensure they are clean and corrosion-free.
Storing Your Ride-on toys Properly:
It’s also important to store your ride-on toys properly when they’re not in use. This means keeping them in a dry, cool place out of direct sunlight. Additionally, you’ll want to ensure that the batteries are removed, so they don’t leak and damage the toy.
Ride-on Recalls:
A recall is when a toy manufacturer takes a toy off the market because it could be dangerous. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issues recall for toys with defects that could hurt kids.
Ride-on toys can be recalled for a lot of different reasons. Some recalls are issued because the ride-on toy can tip over and injure the child riding it. Other recalls are issued because the ride-on toy has small parts that can come off and choke a child. And still, other recalls are issued because the battery in the ride-on toy can overheat and cause burns. If you have a recalled ride-on toy, you should stop using it immediately and contact the company to see if you can get a refund or replacement.
Here are Some Recent Recalls of Ride-on Toys:
- In February 2019, Peg Perego USA recalled about 11,000 ride-on toy vehicles because the battery can overheat and catch fire. Peg Perego received seven reports of the battery overheating, including one report of a minor burn to a child.
- In January 2019, Radio Flyer Inc. recalled about 53,000 electric ride-on wagons because the wagon’s handlebar can detach and cause children to fall out and be injured. Radio Flyer received nine reports of the handlebars detaching, resulting in six bumps and bruises to kids.
- In December 2018, Power Wheels recalled about 44,000 ride-on toy cars and trucks because the accelerator pedal can stick, posing a crash hazard. Fisher-Price received 11 reports of the accelerator pedals sticking, resulting in four minor injuries.
- If you have a recalled ride-on toy, stop using it immediately and contact the company to see if you can get a refund or replacement.
- While these tips are handy when extending the life of your ride-on toy, it’s also important to understand when a ride-on toy is done, you can’t do anything but exchange or get a new one. When do you know its time to get a new ride-on toy:
- When the toy is starting to show signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, missing parts, or exposed wires: When it comes to ride-on toys, it’s important to nip any potential hazards in the bud. If you notice that your child’s ride-on toy shows signs of wear and tear, it’s time to get a new one.
- When the battery is no longer holding a charge: Most ride-on toys these days are battery-operated. And while they may last a long time if used correctly, they will need to be replaced eventually. If you notice that the battery in your child’s ride-on toy is no longer holding a charge, it’s time to get a new one.
- When the toy is no longer age-appropriate: As your child grows, their interests will change, and so will their need for different types of toys. If you notice that your child is no longer playing with their ride-on toy or that it’s now too small for them, it’s time to get a new one.
- Understanding the best ways to take care of your ride-on toys goes a long way to ensuring their longevity. However, there are times when you should just give up on them. During these situations, it’s always a good idea to either recycle or donate your ride-on toys to someone who still has use for them. But if your ride-on is too old to fit both those options, you might have to get rid of it.
