We understand that there are often lots of options when choosing which product is right for you and your child. So to offer a helping hand, we have created a number of product guides to help you through.

Each guide discusses common features found on those products, how to decide which product to choose and advice on how to use those product safely.

We hope you find them useful

Go Karts

Pedal go karts have for a long time been a childhood favourite, bringing the race track to the back yard!

We stock a great range of Go Karts here on Playtimes, with some of the most well known brands including Kettler and Ferbedo.

Go Kart Features

All of the go karts on Playtimes come with strong tubular steel frames, with moulded plastic seats for durability and comfort.

The chains that drive the rear wheels are covered for safety, with some models featuring the ability to adjust the chain should it loosen with use.

All go karts come with forward and reverse gearing with most also featuring a free-wheel or ‘neutral’ drive.

Speed is controlled via a hand operated brake that applies braking friction directly to the rear wheels, helping bring the go karts to a safe and controlled stop.

Tyres range from solid rubberised wheels, to full pneumatic tyres for the ultimate on comfort and road holding.

Which Go Kart to Choose

Size is one of the most key factors to consider when choosing a go kart; too small a go kart and it will be difficult for your child to comfortably operate the go kart, too large and your child will struggle to reach the pedals.

You should also consider where your child will be playing with their go kart.  If rougher ground is likely to be encountered, or your child will be reaching higher speeds and encountering corners, then fully pneumatic tyres offers a smoother ride and greater grip than the rubberised solid types of tyre.

Do ensure that the suggested age range for your chosen go kart is suitable for your child.

Go Kart Safety

Correctly fitted safety helmets, knee and elbow pad protection highly recommended.

Pay close attention to the age ranges stipulated for individual models of go kart, they are provided to ensure that the go karts are operated within their tolerances for load.

It is illegal and irresponsible to allow the operation of a go kart on public roads.

Pedal Tractors

These are some of our most popular toys, with kids all over the country wanting to help out down on the farm.

Our range of pedal tractors, made by officially licensed manufacturers Falk and Rolly, give your children the opportunity to sit to get behind the wheel of their favourite make of tractor, from Claas to Case.

Pedal Tractor Features

All pedal tractors are manufactured from a highly durable injection moulded plastic, meaning your child’s tractor should easily withstand the rough and tumble of life on the farm.

Most of our tractors are pedal powered, with the rear wheels being driven via chain/belt safely enclosed within the body of our tractor, but some are push along tractors more suitable for younger farmers.

The tractors have big rugged wheels, just like the real thing, allowing them to operate on rougher ground.

Realistic features such as trailers and front and rear lever operated loading arms make for realistic play.

Which Pedal Tractor to Choose

The two most important considerations are size of the tractor and the age of your child.

Choose a size that will suit your child, allowing them to ride the toy comfortably and safely.

All our tractors have prescribed age ranges that are detailed in the descriptions to help you choose the most appropriate.

After that, just choose your favourite make!

Pedal Tractor Safety

Pay close attention to the age ranges stipulated for individual models of pedal tractor, they are provided to ensure that the pedal tractors are operated within their tolerances for load.

Electric Scooters

Taking the scooter to a whole new level for older children, young teenagers and even the grown up kids in your household, electric scooters provide fast, furious and serious fun!
 

Electric Scooter Features

Electric scooters are propelled by powerful high torque 24V electric motors, connected via a strong chain to the back wheel, allowing for top speeds of between 10mph and 15mph.

Acceleration is achieved through a twist-grip throttle on the handle bars, with handlebar operated brake levers connected to either drum or disc brakes providing safe stopping power.

Electric scooters tend to have metal frames for greater strength and rigidity.  Wheels come either in urethane, rubber or with pneumatic tyres or a combination.  Pneumatic tyres allow for greater stability, steering control and grip at the higher speeds achievable on an electric scooter.

Broad footplates and removable seat posts are also common options to help increase the comfort of the rider, with most also height adjustable.

Rechargeable batteries can provide up to 40 minutes of continuous use, but this is dependent on terrain and the weight of the individual scooter and its rider.  Some have the function for quick recharges so as not to limit the fun.
 

Which Electric Scooter to Choose

Being a more serious toy there are greater considerations when purchasing electric scooters.
 
We recommend that electric scooters only be used by children 8 years and over.

Most models will have specific weight limits, ranging from those suitable for older children right through to adults, so check the specific model details for advice on restrictions.

Be conscious that electric scooters are often extremely tempting for adults who just “want a quick go”, then spend most of the day on the scooter leaving some very disgruntled children! So if this is likely to be the case, ensure you choose a model that is suitable for adult use.

You will require some wide open spaces to safely and fully enjoy an electric scooter, so you should have a place in mind such as a large garden or park.  
Be aware of the type of wheels on your electric scooter; smaller rubber or urethane wheels will require harder surfaces to operate correctly, whilst larger pneumatic tyres will work on grass.

Also choose a scooter with adjustable handlebars and, if applicable, seat post so that your child doesn’t rapidly out-grow their new scooter.
 

Electric Scooter Safety

With higher speeds and a two wheel configuration, safety must be an absolute priority with electric scooters.

High speed and in some cases the necessity of a hard riding surface increases the likely hood of serious injury in the event of an accident.  Correctly fitted safety helmets are a must, with knee and elbow pad protection highly recommended.

Pay close attention to the size and weight limits stipulated for individual models of scooter, they are provided to ensure that the electric scooters are operated within their tolerances for load.

Batteries can contain dangerous or corrosive chemicals and should not be tampered with.  Connecting the electric scooter to mains electricity for charging purposes should be supervised by an adult.

It is illegal and irresponsible to allow the operation of an electric scooter on public roads.
 

View our complete range of electric scooters

Push Scooters

Easier to master than riding a bike or a skateboard, scooters are old fashioned toys that have been brought right up to date.  
 
Propelled forward by the rider pushing or kicking off with their foot, scooters can help increase balance, coordination and confidence.

Push Scooter Features

Traditionally a two wheeled vehicle, three and even four wheeled versions are available to provide a greater level of stability for younger children.

Steering is through a direct handlebar that in most cases will be adjustable to grow with your child.

Brakes are a feature on those scooters designed to reach higher speeds.  Push scooters have brakes over the rear wheel activated by stepping on the brake, with braking force controlled by how hard you push down.  

Often frames are manufactured from lightweight materials such as aluminium, with urethane wheels providing durability whilst also lessening the harshness of the ride.  

Most will feature a folding mechanism to allow for easy storage.

Some even have dramatic features such as spark cartridges that send showers of sparks from the back of the scooter as the rider zooms past.

Which Push Scooter to Choose

Age is the key consideration.  Children under the age of five years will be safer and better able to operate the three of even four wheeled scooters, with smaller versions of the two wheeled variety also preferable.

The more sophisticated scooters are recommended for children who are five years plus, and are able to support riders up to a weight of 50kg (7.8 stone).  These scooters also have great durability and with adjustable height handle bars will last your child into their teenage years with proper care.

Also remember that scooters require a large hard surfaced area on which to ride, so consider where your child will be able to use the scooter.  Some do feature larger wheels which may be suitable for use on grass but this is not guaranteed.

Push Scooter Safety

As push scooters predominately require a hard surface in order to ride properly, this increases the risk of injury from falls.  It is highly recommended that riders where full safety equipment including a correctly fitted safety helmet, elbow and knee pads.

Pavements and public parks are often a popular place for using scooters; please be aware and courteous towards others in public areas.

Avoid steeply sloped areas as these can allow scooters to generate high levels of speed making them difficult to control and vastly increasing the risk of serious injury.

Scooters should not be used on public roads.

Use of scooters should be supervised by an adult at all times.

Electric Ride On Cars

Battery powered ride-on vehicles are an exhilarating toy that give a realistic edge to your child’s play.

The whirring of the electric motor will make them feel that they are behind the wheel of a proper vehicle, whilst you can be confident that speed is controlled to ensure safety.

Electric Ride On Car Features

Depending on vehicle type, battery powered vehicles are typically operated via accelerator pedals or twist-to-go throttles on the handlebars just like the real thing.  Most will have a front and reverse gear, with higher powered cars often including two speed controls.

Battery powered vehicles generally come in three power variations; 6V cars have a top speed of 3mph which is roughly walking pace; 12V cars have a top speed of 5mph which is a slow jogging pace; with 24v cars achieving speeds of 15mph which is roughly the average speed of an adult cycling.

Battery life can be between half an hour to two hours, depending entirely on the size of the motor (like normal engines higher powered vehicles use energy more quickly), the type of terrain being covered and the weight of both the child and the vehicle.  All vehicles are rechargeable, with most having external recharging points for ease of use.

Electric cars use strongly geared electric motors that act as brakes to ensure that once the accelerator is released the vehicle comes quickly and safely to a stop without skidding. Other safety features to look out for include safety belts and adjustable seating.

Most have large chunky tyres that mean that they can handle rougher ground. The 6V cars will run best on harder surfaces such as tarmac or concrete, with the extra torque offered by the 12V and 24V vehicles making them more capable on rougher terrain. However, these are not sophisticated all-terrain-vehicles so should not be used for significant off-road purposes.

The vehicles can come with a variety of additional features such as lights, mirrors and horns depending on specification.

Which Electric Ride On Car to Choose

When choosing your battery powered vehicle first consider the child or children you are buying it for.  We recommend that these vehicles be used from ages 3 years upwards as they will have the coordination and judgement to ensure they are able to safely operate the vehicle.  

Higher powered 24V versions are recommended for slightly older children who are more capable of operating them safely – remember, a 24V vehicle can reach speeds of up to 15mph, which requires a greater level of judgement and control.

Additional features such as lights and horns are at your discretion, but remember their use will reduce the battery life.

Electric Ride On Car Safety

If safety belts are a feature of the vehicle then it is highly recommended that they are worn.

On the faster vehicles we recommend that safety helmets be worn, along with long sleeve tops and trousers to protect against grazing in case of an accident.

Batteries can contain dangerous or corrosive chemicals and should not be tampered with.  Connecting the electric scooter to mains electricity for charging purposes should be supervised by an adult.

These vehicles can be used “on” and “off” road; however they are just toys and should not be used to attempt more difficult off-road terrain.  We also recommend that the vehicles do not attempt slopes either vertically or horizontally of greater than a 10% (or 1 in 10) gradient.

It is illegal and irresponsible to allow the operation of these vehicles on public roads.

All use of battery powered ride on vehicles should be supervised by an adult at all times.

Pedal Cars

Pedal cars have been long been a children’s favourite, varying from toys based on favourite cartoon characters, to detailed reproductions of modern and classic vehicles.

Pedal Car Features

Materials can vary from plastic, to wood through to professionally painted (lead free) and finished metal work, with prices varying accordingly.  

With proper care they will all be durable with plastic requiring the least care, but a well maintained metal pedal car can become a classic that will be enjoyed and treasured for generations.

Which Pedal Car To Choose

Size is the most important consideration when purchasing a pedal car with most becoming a little tight once a child is around the age of 6, but it really does depend on the size of the child.

Pedal Car Safety

Pedal cars tend to be low to the ground and very stable, so use of safety equipment such as cycle helmets are at your own discretion, but we always recommend that children a supervised when using pedal cars.