12V Kids Ride On Excavator Truck with Front Loader Digger, 2.5 to 5 km/h, Seat Belt and Twin Batteries, 58 Inch, Yellow

The worry with a first battery toy is the moment it takes off and the adult is left jogging behind it. Most listings never print a number, so there is nothing to judge.

This one prints its range: 2.5 to 5 km/h. An adult walks at about 5 km/h, so on the low setting a parent stays ahead of it at a stroll, and the high setting is still only walking pace.

The working end

The loader arm reaches out in front with a toothed bucket on it. The child sits behind the arm, so the lever and the bucket are both in view while digging.

Where the child sits

A high backed moulded seat with a headrest and a belt. The seat sits well back over the rear wheels, which is what keeps the nose down when the bucket is loaded.

The wheels underneath

Wide plastic wheels with a deep block tread. The maker calls them wear-resistant. Tread like this helps on a packed path and on sand, but hard plastic is always happier on a flat surface than in long grass.

Controls and the beacon

A steering wheel with a horn button, a switch panel and a red beacon light on the fender. Everything a child needs sits within reach of the seat.

The arm and bucket are worked by a hand lever, so the loader lifts, carries and dumps for real.

2.5 to 5 km/h, which is the manufacturer's own figure. Walking pace at the top end.

The package list gives two motors and two 6 V 7 Ah rechargeable batteries, which together make the 12 V system in the title.

A padded seat with a belt and a wide foot pedal. Supervision is still the rule with any powered ride-on.

Forward, reverse and stop, with a high or low setting so a first timer can start slowly.

A charger is included. The maker states 8 to 12 hours per charge from the side port.

Ships from a Canadian warehouse. Free shipping on orders over $150. Some remote areas, PO boxes and surcharge regions may be excluded or cost extra.

Return within 14 days of purchase, unused, in original condition and packaging.

Covered directly by the manufacturer under their warranty terms for material and manufacturing defects.

The loader only pays off if there is loose material to move. Sand, pea gravel or fresh snow all work.

The speed range, the battery size and the load limit are all printed here, which is more than most toy listings give you.

A 66 lb limit and a solid plastic body mean it can be handed down once the first child moves up to something faster.

What we stand behind

• The speed, the load limit, the battery specification and the charge time are all the manufacturer's own published figures.
• No recommended age range is printed on this listing, so we do not state one. Use the 66 lb load limit and your own judgement.
• No safety certification is claimed on this record, so we do not repeat one.
• This is a toy for supervised play on private property, never on a road, a sidewalk or a bike path.
• Ships from a Canadian warehouse, free shipping over $150, 14 day returns unused and in the original packaging.

How fast does it actually go?

The manufacturer publishes 2.5 to 5 km/h. For comparison, an adult walking at an easy pace covers about 5 km/h, so even the high setting is walking speed rather than running speed.

What age is it for?

This listing does not print an age range, so we will not invent one. Go by the 66 lb maximum load and by whether your child can work a pedal and a lever at the same time. Ride-on guides put 12 V toys in the three to six year band as a rule.

How long does it run and how long does it charge?

The maker states 8 to 12 hours of charging. Canadian retailers put a 12 V toy at roughly one to two hours of continuous running from a full charge, and less on grass or with a heavier rider.

Does it come with the batteries?

Yes. The package list is one ride-on vehicle, one charger, two rechargeable 6 V 7 Ah batteries and two motors. Nothing separate has to be bought to run it.

Can it dig in snow?

The loader will scoop light, fresh snow the same way it scoops sand. Packed or icy snow is a different job, and slush is worth avoiding since the drive gear and the battery compartment are not sealed.