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Sorry for the sentimentality, but I’m going to get nostalgic here for a second. My red-framed, black-and-white-wheeled tricycle was the toy of my childhood. I rode it every day for a month – no joke – pretending to be a salesman, peddling imaginary wares to my aunts, uncles, mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, whoever was around. My tricycle gave me confidence, taught me responsibility, and it was fun as heck to drive.
Fast forward nearly thirty years down the road and, thanks to the efforts and ingenuity of companies like Fisher-Price, Radio Flyer, and Fly Bike, the best toddler trikes available today make mine as outdated and prehistoric – and ultimately as uncool – as an Atari next to a PS4. Canopies, lights, large wheels, racing flags, and post-modern designs.
The accessories and add-ons are plenty, and each design is with enough up-to-date safety specifications that nervous mothers and fretful fathers need not feel anything except A-Okay about letting their little ones ride around in one – under a watchful eye of course. And, not only are they fun, but they’re pretty darn practical as well. As crawling is to walking, trikes are to riding bikes.
They’re a rite of passage, a must-have for anyone, 2 to 10 years old, as they provide the foundation for life on the move – from three wheels to two, and then back up to four.
Check out our review for the best toddler tricycles to enable you to decide the model that would be best for your kid.
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Top Pick
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Runner-Up
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Budget Pick
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Best Convertible Pick
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Best Convertible Pick
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Best Canopy Model
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Best Canopy Modell
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1.Top Pick: Radio Flyer 4-in-1 Stroll ‘N Trike
Pros
- Removable footrest
- Adjustable push handle and seat
- A protective canopy that shields the kid from direct sun rays
- Four unique ways of riding the trike
- Well-padded seat
- Removable tray with cup holder
- Covered storage bucket
Cons
- The removable parts might be difficult to dismantle
You might know Radio Flyer from their high-quality, retro-style wagons (see our wagon review). But, believe it or not, they appear to put forth just as much time and effort into their trike construction as well. Just take a look at the super versatile Radio Flyer 4-in-1 Trike – the best toddler tricycle, in our opinion.
Its ability to transform into four different vehicles, an infant trike, a steering trike, a learn-to-ride trike, and the ever-necessary “classic” trike, means that the Radio Flyer 4-in-1 covers all the bases in the world of trike training.
And, not only that, but it grows with your little one, from 9 months to 5 years.
Safety features include a wrap-around tray that doubles as a drink and snack holder, as well as an adult steer and stroll handle, for when they’re not quite ready to ride on their own. There is also a grow-with-me style adjustable seat, a canopy for UV protection, a comfortable headrest, and, of course, a 3-point harness for the bumpier rides.
It also comes equipped with a covered bin for extra storage – either for you or your little one – and a solid steel frame for advanced durability.
The weight capacity is 49 pounds.
2.Runner-Up: Schwinn Easy Steer Tricycle
Pros
- Adjustable footrest
- Removable push handle
- High back saddle
- 3-point seat belt
- Front and rear storage bins
Cons
- Assembling it might be challenging for some people
The Schwinn Easy Steer has a unique steering design with a sturdy frame that ensures longevity. It also features a removable push/steer handle that adults can use to control the speed of the trike. This removable handle is useful when the kid has not learned how to ride the trike independently.
The trike also comes with a large rear storage bin for carrying toys, snacks, and other supplies. There is another storage bucket in the front, which is quite smaller but equally useful. With its wide EVA tires, riders can enjoy stability as they pedal and steer smoothly.
The Schwinn tricycle is equipped with a high back saddle that allows the kid to sit comfortably and enjoy the ride. With a 3-point seat belt that holds your child securely, you no longer have to worry about them falling off as you push the trike.
3.Budget Pick: Fisher-Price Nickelodeon PAW Trike
Pros
- Headlights
- Secret handlebar storage compartment
- Adjustable seat
- Preset sounds
- Easy-grip handlebars
Cons
- Some products come with defective headlights
Versatility is the name of the game when it comes to trike construction because, as with the Radio Flyer 4-in-1, the Fisher-Price Nickelodeon PAW Patrol offers an exciting experience for all stages of toddler-dom – and beyond. Is this the best toddler tricycle? We pretty much think so.
If your kid can’t push the pedals, no problem, just attach the parent-push handlebars to the super-sturdy, thick plastic frame and push them along like a lawnmower. Do they want to rock? Well, they can do that too using the same apparatus. (The parent-push handlebars attach to the undercarriage for some back and forth fun – no tools required!)
Its extras are somewhat lacking, especially when compared to other trikes, relegated to a footrest for the rockers and the riders, but with such bang-for-the-buck, grow-with-me value, it’s hard to argue.
It is suitable for kids aged 1½ to 5 years old and has a weight capacity of 50 pounds. Some assembly is required.
4.Best Convertible Pick: XJD 3 in 1 Kids Tricycle
Pros
- Fully enclosed safety wheels
- Three bike modes
- Adjustable seat and handlebars
- Easy-grip handlebars
- Sturdy carbon steel frame
Cons
- It may be too big for some 1-year-olds
Like most tricycles, the XJD trike requires assembly and comes with an instruction manual that makes the entire process an easy one. It is ideal for kids that are 1-3 years old. The three-wheel mode is excellent for toddlers who love being on the move. They get to enjoy its stability while learning to ride.
You can convert the trike to a two-wheel balance bike mode, which is often preferred by your kids as they grow. The seat and handlebars are adjustable, ensuring that your kids continue to use them as they increase in size.
With its carbon steel frame and widen silent wheels, your kids will surely enjoy the smooth ride that this tricycle offers. The seat and soft handle grips are also comfortable, and your child will love the XJD as a birthday gift.
5.Best Canopy Model: JOOVY Tricycoo 4.1 Tricycle
Pros
- UVF 50 canopy for protection from harmful sun rays
- Adjustable seat
- Removable push handle
- Pedal Locking System
- Removable surround arms
- 5-point harness for safety
- Fold-down footrest
Cons
- Might be challenging to assemble
The JOOVY Tricycoo is a fantastic model that comes with a canopy for protection from UV radiation. It is fully adjustable, ensuring that your toddler does not outgrow it very quickly. From 10 months, your kids can begin to ride on it until they get to 3 years.
This tricycle features a Push/steer handle for parents who want to control the movement of the trike. With the fold-down footrest and pedal locking system, kids can sit comfortably, while parents push the bike. It can also enable the kid to understand balance and coordination before they eventually start riding the tricycle without assistance.
There are removable surround arms with adequate padding to maximize comfort. The padded arms are washable to maintain proper hygiene. It also features a cup holder for holding drinks, as well as front and rear storage bins for carrying other supplies.
Things to Consider When Buying a Toddler Tricycle
Design: Each tricycle model is unique in design, with eye-catching color schemes that vary from product to product. You would want to buy a product with your child’s favorite color scheme, and making the pick with the kid ensures that you do not get the wrong one. The frames are also unique, hence the need to buy one that you believe would enable your kid to learn quickly.
Support: The build of the wireframe of these tricycles is of great importance, as it determines how supportive the model will be. Models with a low center of gravity tend to be more comfortable as kids get to lean back and relax while they enjoy the ride. They improve posture and are easily maneuverable without tipping over.
Size: Choose the right fit for your child. Parents often make the mistake of buying a bike a little bit larger than their child can easily use. Children grow so fast, and it’s easy to fall into the trap of buying two sizes too big so that they can grow into it. This common mistake leads to many troubles. Your child will quickly grow discouraged with pedals that are too far away to touch and handlebars that are too big to grasp.
By the time your child grows into the tricycle of their dreams, it would have been lost in the back of garages and sheds, long forgotten. That’s not to mention the many potential dangers of being too big for your tot to handle trike.
For the sake of safety and comfort, choose a tricycle that fits your child now. When he or she is seated, their feet should rest flatly on the pedals. There should also be enough room between their knees and handlebars to comfortably pedal and turn. To properly navigate their newfound freedom, ensure your child can adequately control their ride.
Extra Features: The additional functionalities should also be something you will want to keep in mind when searching for the perfect tricycle for your child. Some trikes feature a handle for adults to push the child along. While this is wonderful for a stroll down the block, it may prove to be much more taxing three hours later when you’re breathlessly panting behind your child.
If an adult handle is a feature you prefer, look to see how simple it is to have it removed and re-assembled when desired, as well as if the child has independent pedaling abilities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What age is the best to ride a tricycle?
There is no best age for a tricycle. Some kids can start riding at the age of 3years or even as toddlers. Once they show interest in riding bikes and meet the minimum weight requirement, then you should get them a good tricycle.
Can a 2-year-old ride a tricycle?
2-years-old children can ride a trike since they share the same characteristics as ride-on toys. Though they can still be learning to pedal while parents use the push handles to move the trikes. In time they will learn how cycling works and begin to ride and steer it themselves without assistance.
Can a 1-year-old ride a tricycle?
A 1-year-old may not have the balance and muscle coordination to ride a two-wheel bicycle. There are models with detachable push/steer handles that adults can use to control the trike. So, you can buy a tricycle for your child as he or she learns the dynamics and how to control it.
Should a toddler wear a helmet while riding a tricycle?
Yes, it is crucial and necessary that kids wear a helmet on a tricycle to reduce injuries. There have been incidents where children crash and hurt themselves while riding at top speeds. You do not want your kid to come home with a broken skull after falling off a trike.
When do toddlers learn to pedal?
Most children learn to pedal between the ages of 2 to 3 years. They might learn using a foot-to-floor ride-on, in which case, they usually learn to push back before they can propel the ride-on forward. As they improve, they may begin to look forward to the two-wheel balance bike mode.
Other Toddler Tricycles We Reviewed
1.Roadmaster Duo Deck 10-Inch Trike
Key Features
- The frame is powder-coated and rust-resistant
- The seat is adjustable
- Dual standing deck for an added passenger
- Rubber wheels
- Maximum weight capacity of 50 pounds
This tricycle is designed for riders between the ages of 18-months and older. One nice feature about this model is that the seat is adjustable for growing kids, and it includes a dual standing deck at the back for additional passengers. Also, the frame is powder-coated and rust-resistant while the wheels are made of rubber.
2.SmarTrike Zoom Toddler Tricycle
Key Features
- Detachable sun canopy to prevent kids from sun rays
- Large front swivel wheel with shock absorber
- A removable parent steering handle
- Rubber wheels
- Maximum weight capacity of 50 pounds
This tricycle was designed to help babies from 15 months to 3 years old to develop motor skills, confidence, and balance as they learn to ride independently. It features a safety bar, an adjustable 3-point harness, and patented shock absorbers, which helps to keep babies secure while riding. There is also a sun canopy that helps protect your child from harmful sun rays, providing shade when out in the sunshine.
3.67i Kids Tricycles
Key Features
- Adjustable seat and handlebars
- Sturdy carbon steel frame and supportive soft seat
- 60-degree steering
- It has three ways to ride
This tricycle will be the perfect choice for your kids as it will help build their flexibility, balance, and also help develop their coordination and make riding fun. It features a unique 3-in-1 design and an adjustable seat that is perfect for taking your child from 1-year-old to 3-years-old. Aside from that, the tricycle is built with a sturdy carbon steel frame and supportive soft seat, to give your kid all the safety needed
4.Radio Flyer Deluxe Steer and Stroll Trike
Key Features
- A removable parent steering handle
- Adjustable seat
- Durable molded wheels
- Solid steel frame and chrome bell
- Two ways to ride
With this tricycle, parents can steer or remove the handle for the child to ride alone. The adjustable seat makes it possible for kids to grow with it. It is ideal for kids between the ages of 2 to 5 years, and the maximum weight capacity is 49 pounds.
5.Radio Flyer Classic Red 10” Tricycle
Key Features
- Steel construction
- Spooked wheels
- Durable rubber tires
- Adjustable seat
- Ringing chrome bell
One nice feature this tricycle has is the fact that it classically styled with chrome handlebars, fender, and ringing chrome bell. Aside from that, it has steel construction and spooked wheels. The seat can be adjusted as your child grows.
6.Schwinn Roadster Kids Tricycle
Key Features
- Adjustable sculpted seat
- Aesthetic fabric tassels
- Chrome-finish handlebars
- Low center of gravity
- A rear deck made of genuine wood
With Schwinn Roadster Kids Tricycle, your child can take to the streets in style. It has a retro look, a steel trike frame, and the low center of gravity, making it easy to ride and perfect for young riders. The adjustable sculpted seat, which moves forward and backward with five lock-in positions, makes the tricycle a perfect fit for growing legs.
7.INFANS Lightweight tricycles
Key Features
- Double triangle structure
- Inflation free EVA tries for durable use
- Adjustable seat
- Rotatable handlebar with an adjustable height
- Lightweight design
- Anti-skid rubber handles
The INFANS Lightweight Tricycle is the ideal tricycle to promote the development of your child’s balance and coordination when it comes to cycling. Because it is only suitable for children from 2 to 5 years, the manufacturers adopted a double triangle structure to keep your child safe and avoid dumping caused by playfulness or external force. Since children love playing outdoors, high-quality EVA materials used in the tricycle tires make it durable enough for long time use.
8.High Bounce Extra Tall Tricycle
Key Features
- The seat is adjustable.
- Wheels made of EVA tires.
- It has a triangle-shaped metal frame.
- Made with extra sturdy materials.
With this tricycle, your kid can choose to ride either indoors or outdoors. The wheels feature EVA tires so that they are smooth on the ground and easy on the bumps. Another nice feature about this tricycle is the fact that it has a three-position adjustable seat, which means, even if your child grows from year to year, it will still be a perfect tricycle for them.
9.Baby Joy 4-in-1 Kids Tricycle
Key Features
- Adjustable seat
- It has a foldable design
- High-quality PVC frame.
- Durable wheels
- Dual Brakes
- Triangular safety belts
This tricycle is suitable for children at different stages as it is usable as an infant, steering, tern-to-ride, or classic trike. To secure your child and prevent him or her from falling, you can utilize the triangular safety belts and soft sponge guardrails. There is also an extra storage bag for easy carrying and storage of some of your child’s necessities like diapers, spare clothes, snacks, and other supplies.
10.Costzon Baby Tricycles
Key Features
- Built-in steering rod
- Removable canopy
- Safety belt
- It has a foldable design
- ABS foot pedals
- Durable wheels
Costzon Baby Tricycle is super easy to operate and safe to travel with its dual brakes and built-in steering rod. It can be used in different modes to suit the children at different stages. There is also a safety belt to ensure that your child is safe when he or she sits on it.
11. ChromeWheels 4-in-1 Kids’ Trike and Stroller
Key Features
- Durable aluminum frame
- Foldable footrest
- Detachable and adjustable canopy
- Easy to assemble
- Storage bin
This tricycle is an excellent outdoor and indoor companion for your growing kid. It comes with an adjustable and detachable canopy suitable for sunny and cloudy weather. There is also a large storage bin, which is great for storing some necessities like your kid’s toys, clothes, or other little things.
12. Chrome Wheels Baby Balance Bike
Key Features
- Storage basket
- Heed limit steering design
- Strong and durable
- Non-slip handle
- Ergonomic seat
- Easy pedals
This tricycle is perfect for babies aged 18 – 36 months with a weight limit of 20kg. It is robust, durable, and with a head limits steering design to prevent your baby from falling or rolling over. Also, it comes with a large back compartment for storing your kid’s necessities like toys, bottles, clothes, and other little things.
13. Besrey Kid 7 in 1 Baby Tricycle Stroller
Key Features
- Rear-facing infant seat
- Easily and detachable safety bar
- Dual brakes
- Lockable front pedals
- All-terrain rubber wheels
- Harness with safety bar
This tricycle stroller is designed in such a way that the saddle is adjustable, allowing you to rotate your baby to face and interact with you or observe nature. The all-terrain rubber wheels ensure that you have a smooth and effortless ride with your baby. As a parent, you can choose to lock the pedals to stop your baby from stepping out.
14. Avenor 2 in 1 Tricycle
Key Features
- Sturdy lightweight frame
- Easy to assemble
- Foldable modular design
- Durable wheels
This tricycle is designed for on-the-go toddlers who are too small to ride a proper bike. Due to its lightweight design, it is perfect for all-day usage, and you can easily throw it in a trunk of your car for use at the park, mall, or wherever your toddler will rather ride than walk. It equally comes with an extra safe handlebar grip, which helps to keep your baby in an upright position while riding.
15. Little Trikes Pack ‘n Go Trike
Key Features
- Cupholder
- Pedal locks to disengage wheels
- Steering lock
- Three-point safety harness
- Fold-away footrests
With this tricycle, you do not need to worry about your baby overgrowing it as it offers 3-in-1 grow with me stages. Aside from that, it has a unique folding design that allows for easy portability. There is also a cup holder and pedal locks to disengage wheels.
16. Qaba Recreational Tricycle
Key Features
- Sturdy steel frame
- The front wheel is easy to remove
- Seat with back support
- Designed with EVA wheels
- Quiet ride wheels and comfort grip handlebars
This Qaba model is a fun and authentic tricycle which can be used both indoors and outdoors. The front wheel is easy to remove, and the frame light but sturdy that it can hold up to everything your child throws at it. It is equipped with EVA wheels to help protect your baby from hurting his or her feet.
17. Qaba 2-in-1 Convertible Baby Tricycle Strollers
Key Features
- Removable safety bar and protective safety belts
- Detachable canopy for UV sun rays protection
- Adjustable handle
- Quiet ride wheels with brakes and comfort grip handlebars
- Height-adjustable push handle
- Sturdy steel frame construction
This model is a perfect fit for parents on the lookout for tricycles that will let their toddlers ride themselves, and then take over when they get tired. There is a removable safety bar and belt to ensure that your child is safe while riding. It also comes with rubber wheels and comfort grip handlebars, which allow your child to enjoy a quiet and comfortable ride.
18. INFANS 4 in 1 Stroll Trike with Adjustable Push Handle
Key Features
- Adjustable push handle
- User-friendly pedal and wheels
- Wheels are designed with high-quality EVA materials
- Adjustable canopy
- Detachable Guardrail
- Storage Basket
This tricycle comes with a multifunction design such that it can be transformed into four modes of use – push stroll, push trike, training trike, and classic trike. When kids cannot ride independently, parents can easily use the push handle to control their steering and speed. There is an extra perpendicular safety strap that will help to prevent your child from falling.
19. Bentley 6-in1 baby Stroller Trike
Key Features
- Multiple footrest positions
- Padded luxury and rotating seat
- Chrome Bentley logo on the metal frame
Inspired by the Bentley Continental supercars, this tricycle makes an impression wherever it goes as it exudes luxury and innovation in every element. It features multiple footrests, a rotating seat, freewheel, and handle clutches. With the help of the handles, parents can maintain control of the trike until their kids are ready.
20. Angeles My Rider Mini Trike
Key Features
- Self-lubricating nylon bearings
- Innovative Vario seat
- Heavy-duty hand grips
- Powder-coated welded steel frame
- It supports children up to 70lbs.
- Spokeless wheels
The Angeles My Rider is the kind of tricycle that will get kids excited that they will want to grab their helmet and jump on it. It is perfect for a beginner rider and features heavy-duty hand grips and an innovative Vario seat that will accommodate any growing child. To avoid rusts and scratches, it comes with a yellow powder-coated welded steel frame.
Final Thoughts
Always remember, properly fitting helmets, elbow and knee pads should accompany each purchase.
With each step of independence that your child makes comes a feeling of pride knowing you have given them all the tools, they need to be safe, to be fearless, and to pedal their little hearts out on their brand new tricycle!
Happy hunting!
I liked the radio flyer one. It sure seems fun for a toddler who enjoys outdoor activities
Pls I need one. How do I get it?
Check out Amazon or any other retailer. Our post includes links to all those products on Amazon.