Airplane Riding Toy

[Coop]

I’ve been asked to build an airplane that a 2 yo can ride in and YouTube offers little info. Anyone been tasked with this and can share their build? 

[wtnhighlander]

So in general, a soap box racer with wings? Given the pilot's age, what is the expected means of propulsion? A pull rope?

Sorry, no previous experience to share, just spitballing ideas.

[wtnhighlander]

@Coop, this example may be too simplistic,but at least provides some ideas and scale.

 

[Mark J]

These folks sell kits.  I think they sell plans, too.

https://pedalplanekits.com

 

[fcschoenthal]

On 3/2/2026 at 7:34 AM, Mark J said:

These folks sell kits.  I think they sell plans, too.

Wow! Those are nice and look very detailed. I looked at a couple of the kits and they sell the plans only for around $30. They also sell different parts of the kits (hardware, sheetmetal, plywood, etc), I'm guessing for what you can't, or don't want to make.

[legenddc]

Did they want a rocker or a ride-on toy?

https://www.woodmagazine.com/rocking-truck-downloadable-plan

I was going to make this for my daughter but we found a similar one cheap. She didn't use it enough for how much space it took up so I'm glad I didn't make it.

[Trevnnsko]

For a toddler build, I’ve had good luck using laminated pine for the body and plywood for wings so the whole thing stays light but sturdy. Rounded edges everywhere and a wide wheelbase help keep tip-overs away. I’ve even brought small projects like this as gifts on trips, and booking through https://travelbusinessclass.com made those flights easier on my wallet so I could splurge a bit on materials.