Manufactured by Italian outfit Peg Perego and marketed in the UK by Mamas & Papas, known to all parents as a stylish high end childrens product retailer, the Corral T-Rex is a beautiful toy aimed at children in the 3 to 7 or 8 year old age bracket.

Being manufactured and marketed by acclaimed organizations with fine Italian pedigrees, the toy invariably has style designed into it from conception, but it is also designed with safety in mind. From a reassurance point of view, it is important to recognise that Peg Perego S.p.A. is an ISO 9001 certified company and that Peg Perego toys conform with the safety requirements provided by the Council of the EEC, of the T.Ü.V.; of the I.I.S.G. Istituto Italiano Sicurezza Giocattoli, and the U.S. Consumer Toy Safety Specification F963.

The Corral T-Rex has a fully enclosed chassis and is easily assembled by an adult following the clear instructions in the user manual. The quad comes with a reverse and two forward gears, but second gear is disabled by a parental locking guard plate, which can be easily modified so that the child can learn to progress on this quad bike before you let them loose. The acceleration is provided by a foot pedal and the braking is automatic: when your child lifts their foot off the pedal no more power is applied and the vehicle stops. The chunky tyres ensure good grip up reasonable slopes. All reassuring safety features for parents.

This Peg Perego Quad has pretty decent performance, for use up modest hills, on tiles and slopes ideally up to 10% and is also suited to use on bumpy paths. The chunky tyres are plastic, which may not start too well on paving or concrete if too much juice is applied too quickly, but handle outdoors on grass and rough ground well. The second forward gear gives that extra burst of power, but don’t forget that there is a gear lock to prevent your child from using more power until you are confident that your little adventurer can handle the faster speeds and still maintain control.

Those gears give a first gear speed of 3.2km/h or 2mph and the second gear tkes the quad up to a maximum of 6.5km/h or 4mph. The reverse speed is 2mph, so parents will be able to keep up comfortably whilst the child learns the basics in first gear, but you might need to get a shuffle on to keep up with 4mph, as the average walking speed for adults is around 3.3mph.

The power in that performance comes from a 12v 8 Ah battery driving two motors, so this quad has two wheel drive like on a real car. The battery playtime life is around 40 mins. If you want your child to be able to play unhindered for longer, then we would recommend a second battery rather than risking overloading using a higher capacity battery for longer single battery use. The batteries are colour coded for the power voltage and capacity, with the plug also colour coded for ease of identification.

All Peg Perego/Mamas & Papas battery-operated vehicles are complete with a single battery and a charger for recharging.

As with all of the Peg Perego range, the styling is very strong, with a bright yellow and black livery with metallic effect touches, flashy well designed decals and one or two nice finishing touches for that authentic look, including the protective hand guards.

At 99.5cm (39ins) long and 63.5cm (25ins) wide the Corral has a modest footprint, and at 64.5cm (25ins) in height it will not take up too much overall space on storage.

Just like all of the other Peg Perego models the Corral T-Rex has a downloadable user manual which has all of the part numbers clearly identified. If, on the off chance, your little one bashes something in, which they can do playing boisterously on an electric ride on quad, then spare parts are available. Complete assembly instructions are given in the manual, so parts can easily be replaced.

As a single seater quad, the Coral T-Rex is suitable for use if your child is between the ages of 3 to roughly 7 or 8 years and up to a maximum weight of approximately 40kg, 88lbs, or 6st4lbs. We would recommend this toy for purchase for a three year old up to a five year old to ensure a decent lifespan for the toy. Choose a larger model if your child is around six years and up.
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Verdict

Can be found online for around £230, which is at the bottom end of the price range for a stylish, well made electric quad toy. If you want a petrol engined, rubber tyred real quad for kids which will buzz up steeper hills much faster than you can keep up with, then you will pay an awful lot more.

If on the other hand, you are looking for an outdoors type childs toy for your little Bear Grylls adventurer to play on, then the Peg Perego Corral T-Rex is highly recommended.

Can be found at Halfords in the UK under Mamas & Papas branding.

That said we do believe this is a marvellous toy for the correct age and size child, this little ‘racer’ will ensure your young one enjoys hours of fun at a safe speed.

Designed and manufactured by Italian giant Peg Perego and available under the Mamas & Papas brand in the UK, the mini racer is compliant with the European Safety Standards for toys, with the “US Consumer Toy Safety Specification” and is approved by the Italian Toy Safety Institute.

The mini racer comes in fire red with bright colourful racing decals. There is an alternative little girls model in pink for a princess, but this runs at a few pounds more for no real benefit other than than it looks more like a girls model than what is really just a unisex toy.

The steering wheel has two big red drive buttons, one to each side for forwards and backwards control. Below those, are two big bright orange buttons with built in LED’s. These buttons can be pushed individually to produce eight tunes, but if pushed together produce three car sounds, engine roar, horn and brakes.

As a safety feature, the car has an automatic stopping system. When the two drive buttons on the steering wheel are released, the car comes to an automatic stop.

To ensure a reasonable lifespan for the car, which you would want with a car designed for a fast growing two year old, the little red racer has a comfy seat which can be adjusted into three positions to accomodate different heights and growing bones.

The tyres are Peg Perego’s ‘eva’ tyres which ensure a much quieter use domestically and increases the durability of the wheels.

The single forward gear is enough for very young ones to get used to, consequently the car really only reaches a slow walking speed (4kmph or 2.5mph) so mum or dad can always be close at hand.

Just like all of the other Peg Perego models this racer has a downloadable user manual which has all of the part numbers clearly identified. If, on the off chance, your little one bashes something in, which they can do playing boisterously on an electric ride on car, then spare parts are available. Complete assembly instructions are given in the manual, so parts can easily be replaced.

The mini racer is ideal for use on smooth surfaces: asphalt, cement, tiles and slopes up to 5%. The 6v battery will run for around 60 minutes without a recharge, but with a second battery pack charging up, your little one can have literally endless fun. Comes with a single 6v battery and charger.

This mini racer is small compared to most of the other toys we have reviewed, but bearing in mind that this is aimed at the 2+ years market that is not surprising. The car measures just 91cm (36ins) in length, by 49cm (19ins) wide, so it has a fairly small footprint for storage, and just 52cm (20.5ins) in height.

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Verdict

If you want to give your little one an early start helping to develop their hand eye coordination skills, motor skills and balance that comes from learning basic driving skills such as steering and manoeuvering capabilities in a competetively priced package that will allow them to learn in a fun and unassuming way then this little racer is ideal.

Can be found online for around £130. A very affordable model for a young child. There is a pink version aimed at young girls which can be found at about £160.

Visit Halfords for both racers at the time of writing.

This fun electric ride on car is an officially licensed Barbie product manufactured by Injusa of Spain, probably one of the most experienced makers of these fantastic little toys. Injusa began life by making toys in the 1940′s but by the late 1970′s had began manufacturing a range of battery powered jumbo kit vehicles and at the turn of the century started production of these almost fully assembled ride on cars. This experience has led to Injusa becoming one of the most respected names in the field of electric ride on toys.

The styling is unmistakable. Bright Barbie pink with authentic decals all over and lilac purple complementary features in typical Jeep styling, such as the anti roll bar, front grill and wing mirrors.

The Barbie two seater jeep is made for children from aged 2 years and upwards and as such is designed with ease of use in mind. It features forward and reverse gears and an automatic brake which stops the jeep when your child lifts off the accelerator pedal.

The jeep has a solid steel framework with a moulded plastic body ensuring that the vehicle remains effectively scratch free or minor knocks can be buffed out.

A smooth ride is ensured every time with large durable plastic wheels mounted on a wide axle wheelbase for added stability and safety. The jeep will run best on hard flat surfaces but the design of most of these ride on toys means that they will run comfortably on a modest gradient or grassy surfaces.

Performancewise the jeep has a powerful 12V battery system which will give children the thrill of speeds of up to 5kmph (or 3mph), which is just fast enough to excite your children, but slow enough to allow parents to keep up, if needed, with novice or very young ‘drivers’.

The battery and charger are included in the package, just remember to charge the battery prior to the big day so that the jeep is ready to use and there are no tears or tantrums while daddy charges it up. The first charge of these heavy duty batteries can take up to 18 hours. Follow the manufacturers instructions if in any doubt.

In terms of size, make sure you have enough space to store this vehicle, the car measures (l x h x w) 177 x 84 x 77cm or in Imperial 69.5 x 33 x 30 inches. The jeep weighs a sturdy 18.4kg, or around 40lbs.

These ride on toys are all excellent for child development, enhancing your childs hand eye coordination, large and small motor muscle skills, improving balance and encouraging imaginative outdoor play. The two seater arrangement in particular, allows children to develop a sense of sharing and having fun with friends.

The stylish design of this Barbie ride on jeep and the fun to be had from this delightful car make this an all round winner.

Can be found online for around £400 in the UK. See Halfords.

This exclusive ride on electric car is a spectacular example of what can be achieved within Toys Toys state of the art facilities in Italy. The California has been designed in conjunction with Ferrari’s own engineers to be premium quality and maintain the standing of the Ferrari brand.

The styling of the California is instantly recognisable – it has Ferrari written all over it. The designers have replicated every detail in the real thing in the production of this marvellous electric ride on car. The instantly recognisable brand ensures that your Ferrari ride on car stands out from the crowd, but what about the features is there any substance behind the styling?

Of course there is … the engineers have painstakingly crafted every detail with great precision into this car. The standard Toys Toys features all apply to the Ferrari California ride on electric car as you would expect.

Deep injected paintwork – allows scratches to be easily buffed out.

Polyethylene bodywork – very strong but still flexible, if collisions occur the car will not dent and the furniture will not be damaged.

Steel chassis – the well built, strong chassis which will withstand years of your child leaping in and out of the car.

Little assembly – in this case the steering wheel is all that needs to be attached and your car is good to go.

Other features include alloy-like wheels, sports steering wheel, all the authentic real car badges and stickers and wing mirrors.

This is a Ferrari so what about performance? Well children will love the forward and reverse gears, the progressive acceleration takes the car up to a maximum speed of 5mph (8kmh) by the 12V battery. The battery will run for about 1.5h until a recharge is required, but both the battery and recharger come as standard.

For parents peace of mind the California comes with foot brake which will override the accelerator pedal if both are pressed together. If your child lifts off the accelerator the car will stop automatically.

So why else would you want a Toys Toys ride on car?

EVERY car has its electrics tested at the factory, which ensures the lowest failure rates among ride on toy cars.

The construction ensures that if anything does need replacing after the car has been hammered by little tykes, then a full range of spare parts is available to ensure the ride-on remains in great condition. Most spares can be obtained within a week of ordering.

This top of the range model is a designed for children from around 3 up to 5 or 6 years of age. It is a sizeable toy, although not as large or heavy as some in the Toys Toys range, weighing 17kg and measuring 126 x 56 x 40cm or in Imperial measurements weighing 37.5lb and measuring 49.5 x 22 x 15.7 inches, so make sure you have the storage space to house this beauty.

To sum up this is one of the best exclusive luxury brand ride on electric cars on the market. The styling is incredibly authentic with regard to the adult version, the car is packed with an array of features which give it the look and feel of the real thing, the top notch design ensures the car is safe for your little ones and the after sales ensures peace of mind that the car will last.

The California can be picked up for around £380 online. Comes with a 1 year guarantee.

To buy from one of our partners:

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Hamleys – the finest childrens toy shop

This large premium quality European designed and built child’s 12V battery car is made in Italy by Toys Toys under license from BMW and designed in conjunction with their own engineers to re-create the exact look and feel of the real thing.

Consequently the build quality is absolutely superb with a steel chassis covered with tough but flexible polyethylene bodywork finished in highly polished silver paintwork which has been deep injected to allow scratches to be simply buffed away.

With incredibly realistic features, including the alloy-like wheels, rubber tyres, wing mirrors, horn, sports steering wheel, speedometer and adjustable seat, children will love the look and feel of this top of the range ride on electric car.

Parents on the other hand will love the security of knowing that the car is fitted with a brake which will stop the car even if the accelerator is pressed at the same time, but if the childs foot is lifted off the accelerator the car will stop smoothly anyway.

With forward and reverse gears and progressive acceleration, the car feels just like the real thing to a child, but the electric motor will only take the car to a maximum speed of around 3mph.

The 12V battery will power the car for around an hour and a half before a recharge is needed, but this time will depend upon a number of factors including the surface, inclination, your childs weight etc. Smooth flat surfaces such as a tarmac driveway will ensure maximum effective running time. The charger is included along with the battery pack.

This model is quite heavy and some size by most ride on electric car standards, weighing in at 27.4Kg (60lbs) and measuring 149 x 67 x 51cm (or almost 5 feet long and over 26 inches wide), so make sure you can store this beautiful car comfortably and safely.

The car is intended for children of around 3 to 6 years, but assume a safe maximum height and weight of 3ft6ins and 4st9lbs (65lbs or in metric terms 106.5cm and 29.5Kg).

All cars manufactured by Toys Toys to exacting specifications also have a full range of spare parts available to ensure that the ride on remains in great condition even after extensive use. The electrics are reported to have the lowest failure rates in the industry, which is why aspirational brand leaders such as Ferrari, BMW and Porsche are happy to collaborate in the manufacture of these exclusive branded toys.

The RRP for the BMW M6 ride on electric car is £449.95 and worth every penny for the quality, but much more importantly for look on your childs face.

Can only be bought through recognised dealerships as the distributors typically do not sell direct to the public. Try Kiddies-Kingdom for price match promise, free delivery and a wide selection.

The cars features include progressive acceleration via an electronic 2 speed gearbox, but for obvious safety reasons the car will stop when your childs foot is taken off the accelerator. The brake will stop the car even if the foot is still on the accelerator pedal.

The 12V battery pack will deliver a safe maximum speed of around 5mph (can be limited to 3mph with the adult controlled speed limiter), over a drive time of about 1.5 hours, depending upon the surface, the gradient, your childs weight and the drive speed etc.

The strong and flexible protective bodywork is made from highly durable polyethylene and the paintwork has been deep injected to withstand the roughest of rides and means that any scratches can be easily buffed out.

The Ferrari F1 ride on electric car is trimmed with all the obvious features of any racing car – grooved rubber tyres on realistic alloy-like wheels, wing mirrors, front wing and a rear spoiler – all mounted on a steel chassis. Your child will love the look and feel of the adjustable sports steering wheel.

Batteries and charger come fully included, the car is almost fully assembled – ironically only the sports steering wheel needs to be fitted – just like the real thing.

This is a large toy car – almost 5 feet in length and around two feet wide - or with metric dimensions of 147cm x 66cm so be sure you have the storage space.

When considering purchasing this toy consider the size and age of your child – this is a toy that a mature 4 or 5 year old may grow out of fairly quickly. The car is suitable for children roughly between the ages of 3 to 6 years, but a better guide is the reported maximum safe rider height of 3’6″ tall (106.5cm) and maximum rider weight limit of 65lbs (29.5Kg).

If you ever dreamt of yourself as a Ferrari F1 driver, then this is your chance to give your child the dream toy to play with. That dream does come at a price however. This top of the range toy comes with a top of the range Ferrari price tag. Can be found for around the RRP of £460 online.

All in all the Ferrari F1 electric ride on car is a superb toy for any child of the correct age range and size if you have deep enough pockets.

To buy from one of our partners:

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Hamleys – the finest childrens toy shop

Kiddies-Kingdom –  for a price match and free delivery at the time of writing.

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