A method and apparatus by which an adult accompanying a child riding a mobile ride-on toy (120), can continuously determine if the child is free to fully operate the toy (120), The adult can force the toy (120) to slow down, or to stop or to otherwise control the ride-on toy (120) in order to protect the child's safety. The adult can gain control by operating a wireless remote-control unit (110). Furthermore, the adult can limit the distance between the ride-on toy and the adult, so that the child cannot drive too far away from the adult, i.e., the toy (120) stops as soon as the predetermined range limit is reached. The ride-on toy (120) can be used as long as it is under the control of the adult, but it automatically stops when the adult loses control over the ride-on toy (120).