How many times have you had to coax your children to put down the game controllers and go outside to soak up some Vitamin D and play? Probably more times than you’d like to admit. It’s par for the course in this day and age—why would kids want to go outside and play make believe when they can stay inside and become part of a plethora of different worlds, thanks to gaming consoles?
Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be that way anymore, thanks to ride on toys. Now, they may not instantly transport your child to another world and they’ll have to use their imagination, but they are quite a lot of fun! For example, the Berg Toys Junior Buddy is a ride on toy can be their very own police car, fire truck, trusty steed, or rocket ship, with a bit of creative of course.
If you are interested in finding out more about the Berg Toys Junior Buddy, keep reading our review. We are going to touch on some of the key features of the ride on toy and then we’re going to look at some of the things parents have said about the toy. Then, we’re going to make our recommendation on whether the toy is something you may want to invest in, or not.
About The Ride On
When it comes to simplistic design with hours of fun, the Berg Toys Junior Buddy is a prime example. Notable features of this ride on cart include:
- Features Powder Coated Tubular Steel Frame- Which Offers Strength Without Undue Weight
- Includes BFR Hub (Brake, Forward, Reverse) Which Allows Driver to Pedal Forward, Coast With Pedals Static, and Pedal Back Slightly to Pedal In Reverse/ Coaster Brake/ Swing Axle-Allows Front of Frame to Pivot for Control on Uneven Surfaces and Less Stress on the Beautiful Robotic Welds
- Pneumatic Tires- Which Provide a Controlled Ride With Superior Traction and Durability
- Features Sealed Bearings in Each Wheel Keep Kart Rolling Effortlessly
- Recommended for Ages: 2-8 Years/ Max Weight: 150 lbs
Because this kart uses a BFR (Brake, Forward, Reverse) Hub that relies on pedal power to work, your child is going get lots of exercise and burn off all that extra energy they may have. Unlike other pedal carts, the Berg Toys Junior Buddy can be pedaled in reverse, meaning they won’t have a difficult backing up if they go too far.
You needn’t worry about the durability of this cart because it’s is made of a strong tubular steel frame, but it isn’t excessively heavy. So even if your child has an accident with the cart, the structural integrity won’t be compromised—meaning they can hop back on with no problem!
What Customers Say
When we looked at the user reviews, we saw that 94% had great things to say about the ride on and left 4 or 5-star reviews. Of these reviews, people commented on the longevity of this cart. A few customers said they’ve had this cart for more than five years and it still works like it did the day they first purchased it.
Other customers were particularly fond of how easy it was to put together. There isn’t any chains or gear assembly to put together—all you really need to do is attach the wheels to the frame. Customers also said that they like that the seat can be adjusted to provide the rider with the right position so they can reach the pedals comfortably.
So what did the remaining 6% of customers who left 3-star or below reviews have to say? Though there weren’t many complaints about the Berg Toys Junior Buddy, we felt like the concerns the customers had were worth noting. For example, a couple customers felt that the Berg Toys Junior Buddy was overpriced, especially if their particular item arrived with incorrect, missing or defective parts.
Another customer said the pedals were much too short and their child really had to struggle to get the heavy metal cart uphill. Others said that there should be a gear mechanism on the cart so the children don’t have to work so hard to go faster. Finally, one customer said their 4-year old child injured their foot while riding the toy, although they didn’t go into detail.
Our Recommendation
Looking for a toy that is going to have the power to get your children away from the television set or their gaming console and go outside can be a little overwhelming, simply because there are so many options available on the market today. However, that’s the point of reviews like these!
With that said, after looking at the reviews from other parents who purchased this ride on for their child, we can’t deny that with a 94% approval rating, it seems like a wonderful gift. Does it warrant the price tag just under $300?
We think so. It’s made from a sturdy powder coated tubular steel. It features pneumatic tires to ensure maximum traction and durability no matter the terrain your child is riding on, and we can’t forget the BFR hub that allows your child to control the ride on with the pedals.
We understand that the price may be a bit steep for some folk, but when the ride on is taken care of, it can stay in the family for years to come. So, if you have a pre-school child and give this to them, they can fully enjoy the toy for several years. By that time, their infant sibling will then be old enough to enjoy it! You can’t go wrong with a toy that has proven to be able to get years of use out of.
So if you want to think about it in terms of longevity vs. money, it is definitely worth the investment. Let’s not forget that you just can’t go wrong when your child is excited for a new toy that they can enjoy for hours at a time.
