12V Kids Ride On Bumper Car with Flashing Light Ring, Wide Backrest Seat, Dual Joysticks and Parent Remote, Ages 2 to 5, Blue

Most small ride-ons give a toddler a flat seat with no back. They slump, they lean, and the belt ends up doing all the work of holding them upright.

This one has a moulded seat with a full backrest and an adjustable belt across it. The seat is 12.5 in by 8.5 in, which is sized for the 2 to 5 year band the maker states.

The shape and the lights

A round base with a lit strip all the way round, a raised white seat and two yellow joysticks either side. The light ring is the first thing a two year old notices and the last thing they get bored of.

The published table

22.5 in long, 29.5 in wide and 16.5 in tall, with a 44 lb maximum load, an age range of 2 to 5, a charge time of 8 to 12 hours and a top speed of 1.3 mph. Everything a parent needs in one panel.

Seat and belt

The seat shell curves round the child's back and the belt adjusts to fit. At 12.5 in by 8.5 in it is a toddler seat, which matches the stated age band rather than stretching past it.

Three things the maker points out

The wide backrest seat, the decals and the flat pedal area in front. That pedal area is where a small child's feet go, and having a proper platform rather than a footwell is what keeps them out of the wheels.

A moulded seat measuring 12.5 in by 8.5 in with a full back and an adjustable belt.

Two levers rather than a steering wheel, which is how a two year old drives it.

Coloured lights around the base, alongside built-in music and a horn.

An adult can take over whenever needed, on top of the child's own joystick controls.

A padded bumper around the base and a start that eases in rather than jumping.

14.5 lb on the manufacturer's own figure, so it moves indoors or into a car boot easily.

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.

Joysticks rather than a wheel, a backrest and a belt. The maker's band is 2 to 5 years.

At 1.3 mph and 14.5 lb it belongs indoors as much as out. A soft bumper takes the knocks.

Light enough for one adult to lift into a car, which is not true of most powered ride-ons.

What we stand behind

• The speed, the 44 lb load, the 2 to 5 year age range, the seat size, the charge time and the net weight are all the manufacturer's published figures.
• The manufacturer states this car has passed ASTM and CPSIA certifications. That is their claim, and no certificate number is published.
• No run time per charge is published, so none is quoted.
• The handle on this listing still reads 6v although the title, the record and this colour's own specification panel all say 12 V. It has been left alone because the maker's artwork on the purple version of the same car prints 6 V, so the supplier's own data contradicts itself.
• A toy for supervised play. Never on a road, a sidewalk or a bike path.

How fast is 1.3 mph?

Slower than a toddler walks. It is the manufacturer's published figure and it is what makes this suitable from two years old.

What is the weight limit?

44 lb, published by the manufacturer, against an age range of 2 to 5 years. Most children reach 44 lb around five.

How does a toddler steer it?

With two joysticks rather than a wheel and pedal. Push both to go forward, one to turn. An adult can also drive it on the remote.

Can it be used indoors?

Yes. At 22.5 by 29.5 in with a soft bumper and a 1.3 mph top speed it is designed for indoor use as much as outdoor. Keep it away from stairs.

How long does it take to charge?

8 to 12 hours on the 12 V 500 mA charger supplied. No run time per charge is published for this model.