This lawnmower toy was tested by our son who turned four last month – it’s described as being suitable for ages 18 months-plus; the height of the handle will likely mean younger children won’t be able to push this mower. It was reviewed outside and it allowed him to copy me while I cut the grass.
Pros
- Let's little ones mirror mum and dad and 'mow' the lawn with their own mower
- Has a range of noises and features but doesn't require batteries
- Great for a range of ages, from 18 months upwards
- Sturdy and durable
Cons
- Is best value for money when it's on offer
| Suitable from: | 18 months |
| Toy Type: | Role play |
| Teaches: | Imagination, life skills |
| Dimensions: | 21.00''L x 11.25''W x 20.50''H |
| Weight: | 3lbs |
- Sounds are mechanical, no batteries are needed
- Removable gas can
- Fun to use indoors or outdoors
Testing the Little Tikes Lawnmower
The mower also includes a red jerry can and fuel filler (hence the Gas ‘n’ Go name) plus a pull cord that mimics the noise of an engine starting when pulled. Pushing the mover causes a piston within the mower to move up and down and the small, brightly-coloured beads behind a Perspex cover to jump around.
Batteries aren’t required as there are no buttons for any additional sounds or lights. When using the mower, our son made his own ‘vroom vroom’ noises. Although he didn’t play with the mower for prolonged periods, he did often return to it several times throughout the week of testing to play with it.
Assembly is straightforward, requiring the parent to clip into the handle the clicking key and throttle lever before slotting the handle into the mower itself – in all, it took less than two minutes.
Weighing approximately 1.3kg, it is light enough for our son to lift and carry though younger children may require a parent to move the mower for them if they get stuck.
The age rating reflects that it is a toy to be used by experienced walkers; if a child attempts to use the mower to support themselves the front wheels rise up. Although it is a toy that will improve a young child’s motor skills, it is more about sparking their imagination and pretend play doing a job that they see their mum and dad do.
Final verdict
It feels solidly constructed and likely to withstand the abuse of being thrown into a garden shed or similar with other outdoor toys. We can easily see it offering years of service, the stickers likely the first things to eventually degrade. As a toy intended for use both inside and outdoors, it’s been designed to be cleaned with soapy water. The retail price for Little Tikes Gas ‘n’ Go Mower is £25.99, though we found that through certain online stores this falls to between £14.99 and 24.99 – for the features on offer, anything below £20 feels like good value.
FAQs
How can my child play with the toy?
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With the removable gas can, kids can pretend to fill up the mower.
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As it is pushed, the colourful beads will pop around the top.
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Engine sounds are heard when the cord is pulled.
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It can easily be used indoors and outdoors.
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There is a clicking key and moveable throttle.