Riding Toys for Kids, Tweens, and Teens

Imagine your elliptical trainer cruising down the sidewalk and you'll have some idea of what the WingFlyer is like. Its "wings" are pedals that you step on and pump, and it has a hand brake and gears like a bike. But you ride upright like a scooter. The WingFlyer Z150 model is shown here.

Combine the speed of a scooter with the curves of a skateboard and you get the Pulse Slither, a fun ride-on for kids ages 7 and up. The Slither's large front wheels, paired with a smaller, swiveling wheel in the back, allow it to corner much more tightly than other scooters and to do spins and other tricks like a skateboard. You can even propel it by swiveling the handlebars from side to side.

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With no pedals, chain, or batteries, just how does this bike/scooter hybrid go? Even the youngest kids (3 and up) catch on quickly. All they have to do is press their feet against the push bar, alternating right and left to create a surprisingly fast, sinuous motion. Older kids can use the EzyRoller too—it's safe for riders up to 150 lbs.

The RipRider may look like a tricycle, but it's way cooler than a kiddie bike. The RipRider's rear caster wheels allow it to spin completely around (hence the 360 in the name) and then keep on going. While the RipRider was designed for younger kids (5 and up), it's sturdy enough for teens to ride. I'm betting they'll want to give it a spin too.

How's this for a hybrid: The California Chariot is a cross between a scooter, a skateboard, a bike, and a … shopping cart? So says the manufacturer, referring to its ease of use; it's recommended for ages 6 and up. But if this is a shopping cart, it's certainly not your grandmother's grocery buggy. The unusual design allows for both a smooth ride and speeds topping out at 18 miles per hour. Quick—send your kid out for a quart of milk!

This hot wheelie is a cross between a skateboard and a snowboard—the wheels can rotate 360 degrees and the deck pivots too. Kids can speed up or turn just by transferring their weight from side to side. (Be sure to pair this with a helmet if your child doesn't already have one.) Recommended for ages 8 and up.

Your feet never touch the ground with this three-wheeled scooter. To get started, push both feet out as far as you can and then pull them in. The scissoring motion will propel you forward. You can also push each foot independently for rollerblading-style action, or plant both feet firmly on the decks and shift your body like a slalom skier. It's an intense cross-training workout for kids ages 8 and up—and adults too.

This one's perfect for kids who wish they could skate everywhere they go: The one-foot Sole Skate. It has three sturdy wheels and is designed to fit snugly around a child's shoe, allowing him to pivot, swerve, and roll across any flat surface. Once he arrives at his destination, the Sole Skate fits easily in his backpack. Ages 8 and up; weight limit 220 lbs.

Part skateboard, part inline skate, part something-altogether-new! Orbitwheels are simply wheels you wear on your feet, no straps or buckles required. They are suitable for a variety of surfaces and with practice, rides can master lots of cool tricks. They're also lightweight enough to stuff in a backpack or locker when riding time is up. For ages 8 and up.

The super-popular Razor scooter gets a hot new twist: a patent-pending mechanism that actually shoots sparks when the rider activates it. Available in blue, red, and clear/black, the Spark Kick features the same folding system and rear brake as the original Razor kick scooter. New for 2011 is the Razor Graffitti (compare prices), which lets riders draw chalk lines instead of shooting sparks! For kids ages 8 and up (Spark; Graffitti is suitable for 6-year-olds and up).

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Whatever riding toys for kids you choose, make sure your riders are protected with a helmet. One way to encourage helmet wear is with these cool helmet covers. There are over 40 designs available—everything from princess crowns to dinosaur spikes to dozens of different animals and insects. Tail Wags covers fit over all makes and models of bike, ski, skate, and equestrian helmets.