5 Best Toddler Tricycles

two toddler bikes

Paddling a tricycle at an early age is a physical activity that brings a lot of fun and helps in physical and cognitive development. 

However, riding a three-wheeler at an early age is not free of risk; therefore, it is critical to determine the age at which a child can ride a tricycle.

That’s said,

Determining a specific age at which a child can ride a three-wheel bike is quite tricky as many other factors are involved. 

This article will help you in getting a better understanding of your kid’s riding abilities, including:

  • Why It’s Important To Ride A Tricycle At The Early Age?
  • 5 BestToddler Tricycles Review.
  • How To Choose a Toddler Tricycle?
  • ..and a lot More!

To help you figure out if your child is ready to paddle a tricycle, we have composed this comprehensive guide discussing everything you need to know about early years-tricycle riding, with our top picks of 5 toddler tricycles to choose from.

Read on Mommy and Daddy before you go for a ride with your child… 

Related: 8 Best Sensory Toys For Babies

Introduction

At What Age Can a Child Ride a Tricycle?

The gross motor skills start to develop after six months, and most children have fully developed motor functions at two years. 

Here is what you need to know…

Motor skill development is the growth of large body muscles that allow a child to walk, lift objects, grab things and run. 

Depending upon the physical health and diet, every kid has a different pace of growing motor skills. 

The ideal age at which a child can ride a tricycle is around three years

However, kids with well-grown bodies and motor skills may be able to paddle a tricycle at two years or 2.5 years.

Why It’s Important To Ride A Tricycle At The Early Age?

A tricycle is a well-balanced vehicle that allows the kids to paddle even when their leg and arm muscles are not fully developed. 

According to child healthcare experts, paddling trikes at an early age build confidence as a bit of balance is needed to ride a tricycle. 

Besides cognitive development, it is a physical activity that speeds up the growth of leg and arm muscles.

What Does A Child Need To Ride A Tricycle?

You need to consider certain factors before buying the first tricycle for your kid.

  • Physical Strength:

Riding any vehicle at any age needs a certain level of physical strength. Muscular and tendon strength are the most crucial factors that a child needs to paddle a tricycle. 

A child should be strong enough to paddle and steer on a toddler tricycle independently.

  • Height:

Height is a key factor in deciding whether your child is ready to pedal a tricycle. 

The child should be tall enough to access the paddles without stretching the legs. 

Since riding a tricycle at an early age brings a lot of hazards, you must focus on this factor to ensure that your child is safe.

  • Hand-Leg-Eye-Coordination:

Balance and coordination between different body parts are critical for a safe riding experience. 

Leg, eyes, and hands are directly involved in tricycle riding… 

That’s said, 

. . proper coordination between these body parts enables a child to respond to the hurdles, apply brakes and take turns. 

Hence, body coordination is critical for a safe experience.!

How Do You Know If Your Child Is Ready To Paddle A Tricycle?

If your little one is outgrowing the babyhood in the best of health, it is pretty easy to judge if he’s ready to ride a simple three-wheeler or a tricycle with push handle

That said, if your kid’s height and health are the same as the other healthy kids in this age group, you can think of buying a tricycle. 

You need to be very careful when buying a tricycle for kids between 12 to 30 months!

Interestingly, 52% of the tricycle injuries reported in 2017 belonged to this age group. 

You must ensure that your little one is strong enough to have a strict hold of handlebars.

Not surprising..

..every kid has a different pace of mastering motor skills, and therefore the parent’s observation plays a key role. 

Kids with good physical health, decent body coordination, and active response can ride a tricycle at 15 months. However, kids with slow-growth issues (genetic or hormonal) may not be able to paddle a tricycle even at 24 months. 

If you don’t want your kid to grow too big for a tricycle, it is recommended to encourage toddlers to ride tricycles.

RelatedBuckle Up With The 10 Best Baby Strollers

1 – Schwinn Roadster Tricycle for Toddlers and Kids

Best Classic Tricycle For Toddlers

Schwinn Roadster Tricycle for Toddlers and Kids

Value For Money

Assembly

Maneuverability

Sturdiness

Overall Score
4.5
Brand: Schwinn
Material: Steel, Wood Deck, and Chrome Finish
Item Weight: 24.4 lbs.
Recommended Age: 1 year to 4 years old
Weight Capacity: For kids 28-38″

Bottom Line: This Schwinn easy steer tricycle is a classic trike that is sturdy, adjustable, and easy to ride.

Pros

Durable and sturdy steel frame

It moves smoothly on on most terrains

There is a cute bell on the right side

Easy to steer 

Cons

No storage area

This Schwinn trike has a retro look with a steel frame for a better and sturdy structure, making it a favorite preschool tricycle for parents and kids. 

The best part?

It is a smart trike bike with a low center of gravity to make riding easy for little riders. 

Besides, the adjustable sculpted seat goes up to five different positions, where you can move it forward or backward to ensure a proper fit. 

However, it is not cushioned!

When talking about kids’ trikes, it is essential to consider the design, style, and colors. 

Starting with the mustache design steering bars, they are very comfortable and come with a bell on the right side that is super cute and exciting for toddlers to use. 

Oh, don’t forget the fabric tassels!

They not only make the trike appealing for kids but for adults too!

In addition, there is a wooden deck with the Schwinn logo print that gives a classic look with a branded ride.

In terms of maneuvering; the tricycle’s air tires are sturdy enough to ensure a smooth ride on almost all terrains. Last but not least, this tricycle is suitable for kids 2 to 4 years old.


2 – Fisher-Price Harley-Davidson Tough Trike

Best Toddler Tricycle For 2 Year Old

Fisher-Price Harley-Davidson Tough Trike

Value For Money

Assembly

Maneuverability

Sturdiness

Overall Score
4.25
Brand: Fisher-Price
Material: Plastic
Item Weight: 4 Pounds
Recommended Age: 2 – 5 years
Weight Capacity: 55 lbs.

Bottom Line: This big wheel tricycle is lightweight, sturdy, and comfortable for toddlers 2 years old and up.

Pros

The pedals are wide

The seat is also a storage compartment

Suitable for any terrain ride 

Made of plastic, lightweight

Cons

Time-consuming assembly

This lightweight plastic tricycle is super easy to steer by toddlers. 

Besides, the handlebars are designed with an easy-grip feature, helping your little one balance and coordinate easily. 

The best part? 

Since this Harley-Davidson three wheeled bike is suitable for children two years old (up to 5 years), it is interesting that it has pedals with wide foot sizes to ensure a comfortable ride, even for little kids.

Oh, don’t forget the storage…

The tricycle saves space by designing the seat as a storage bin for your kid’s small items. 

Now, like most big baby items, this tricycle needs assembling; it is easy but time-consuming for some. So, if you are looking for the best tricycle for 2 year olds, this one is highly recommended.


3 – Joovy Tricycoo 4.1 Kid’s Tricycle

Best Tricycle Stroller – (Stroll n Trike)

Joovy Tricycoo 4.1 Kid’s Tricycle

Value For Money

Assembly

Maneuverability

Sturdiness

Overall Score
4
Brand: Joovy
Material: Fabric
Item Weight: 14.4 Pounds
Recommended Age: 10 months and up
Weight Capacity: 44 pounds

Bottom Line: If you want to replace the stroller with a three wheeled bike to train your kid on riding one, this stroller tricycle is right for you.

Pros

It has a footrest for babies who can’t reach the pedals

Convertible from baby to big-kid bike

It has a push bar for parents to take over

Comfy and adjustable seat up to three positions

Cons

On the expensive side

The storage doesn’t have a cover

It has plastic wheels that don’t maneuver easily on all terrains

This Joovy Tricycoo is super versatile and comfortable for both; kids and parents.

The seat of this baby trike is cushioned, has balancing arms on the sides, and a five-point harness that is removable, making it perfect for little kids less than one year old. 

Added build-in characteristics are a plus…  

There is a sunshade canopy, a cup holder for the baby’s bottle or sippy cup, a big storage basket, and a footrest to rest!

The best part about this baby tricycle stroller is that the parents have complete control over it, with a comfortable telescoping push handle to steer and maneuver.

As the name suggests, this is a 4-in-1 tricycle stroller bike that grows with your baby over the years. 

Most of the extra features in this stroller tricycle are removable to adjust the design based on your kid’s age and riding abilities. Last but not least, the assembly is pretty simple, and you can get it done in around 15 minutes if you follow the instructions correctly.


4 – Radio Flyer Red Rider Trike

Best Tricycle For 3 Years Old

Radio Flyer Red Rider Trike

Value For Money

Assembly

Maneuverability

Sturdiness

Overall Score
3.75
Brand: Radio Flyer
Material: Alloy Steel
Item Weight: 10 Pounds
Recommended Age: 2 ½ to 5 years
Weight Capacity: 49 lbs

Bottom Line: This radio flyer classic tricycle is lightweight, adjustable, and adorable for toddlers to move around safely.

Pros

It has a back compartment with a cover

The seat is adjustable for two notches

Sturdy design

The wheels are pretty quiet when moving

Cons

Assembly is required

The seat doesn’t offer back support

This Radio Flyer tricycle is a convenient and fun way to teach your toddler how to ride a tricycle. 

It is suitable for kids two and a half up to five years old. However, it depends on how tall your kid is. 

I got this for my boy when he turned two, and he is around four years old now and still using it! 

The exciting feature of this Radio Flyer trike is that the seat is adjustable and has a 49 lbs capacity. 

Plus, it is available in two colors, red and pink, in shiny steel that is sturdy and durable to last for years!

Besides having easy-to-grip handles, a storage area at the tricycle’s back is super convenient for carrying the kid’s small items wherever he goes! 

The best part? 

The Radio Flyer’s wheels are pretty quiet when moving, making it ideal and comfortable for both parents and kids!

Another feature worth mentioning is having a handle for the parents to make carrying the tricycle around an easy thing to do! 

Keep in mind, though, the tricycle comes unassembled, and you can do that using 6mm and 13mm wrenches, a #2 Phillips screwdriver, and a hammer (which might be needed).

So, if you are looking for the best tricycle for 3-4 year old kid, we recommend you give this one a try.


5 – Little Tikes Perfect Fit 4-in-1 Trike

Best Toddler Tricycle With Push Handle – (Stroll n Trike)

Value For Money

Assembly

Maneuverability

Sturdiness

Overall Score
3.5
Brand: Little Tikes
Material: Polyester, Plastic, Rubber
Item Weight: 20 Pounds
Recommended Age: 9 months – 5 years
Weight Capacity: 50 lbs

Bottom Line: If you are looking for a push tricycle for a one year old that grows with him for a good age range, look no further.

Pros

The parents’ handlebar is adjustable and has a tray

The pedals are removable and not slippery

There is a storage area at the bottom

Cons

Less sturdy than other stroller trikes

It might be challenging to assemble for some

The storage bin doesn’t have a lid

The seat is not cushioned, which is uncomfortable

This 4 in 1 stroll n trike bike is one of the best tricycles for 1 year olds that converts into four different moods based on the kid’s age, weight, and abilities. 

You can start using this push trike for your nine months kiddo by strolling it with complete control over it. 

At one year old, your kid is ready to learn how to paddle. But you need to steer and control the front wheel using the parent’s push handle. 

Once your kid is at the age of 18 months or up, you can remove the protective waist bar and give him control over the steering wheel. But make sure to keep your hands over the pushing bar for a safe experience.

The last stage of this push three wheeled bike is suitable for kids 30 months old and up. At this age, your kid knows and is capable of paddling and steering the tricycle properly. 

This is a truly practical 4 in 1 tricycle..

Some of the features in this trike that comfort the baby include having a sunshade for summer rides, a waist bar with a 5-point harness to balance and protect the little kiddos, a try for snacks and drinks, and a footrest for those who still don’t know how to paddle. 

..and it doesn’t end here!

The design includes a storage bin for small items and a parents’ try for a drink with small compartments for keys or phones. 

Again, it is a large baby gear that comes unassembled. But, it is not a hassle. It might take 20-25 minutes to put the pieces together. 

I, personally, used the drill instead of the screwdriver for a quicker installation. But you gotta be careful not to break the plastic!  

View On Amazon

Buyer’s Guide: What To Look For In Toddler Tricycles

toddler tricycle

Tricycle Design:

It is recommended to choose a tricycle with big wheels and low to the ground. 

This geometry ensures the kid’s safety on independent rides. 

Besides, it is advised to look for bright colors to make the tricycles easily spottable and minimize the risk of accidents.

Your Kid’s Height:

Height is the main factor determining the size of the tricycle you need to buy. 

If the child can place the feet on the ground without stretching their legs while sitting on the tricycle, this is the perfect size to choose. 

The kids’ height between 2-3 years varies from 2’10” to 3’4″.

Tricycle Size: 

Toddler’s Tricycles have a 12-inch seam, and their wheels are 12-inches in diameter. 

You may not be able to find a perfect size; therefore, you should look for adjustable ergonomics! 

Tricycles with height adjustable footrests and seats are highly recommended as they grow with your child. 

FAQ

Q1: Can a 2-year-old ride a tricycle?

A 2-year old may or may not be able to ride a tricycle. If a 2-year child is healthy and taller than 2’5″, he can ride a low to ground well-balanced tricycle.

Q2: Should a 3-year-old be able to ride a tricycle?

Most kids are ready to paddle a tricycle at 3 years old. This is the age when children have fully grown motor skills and are tall enough to peddle a three-wheeler comfortably.

Q3: How to teach my toddler to pedal a tricycle?

The first thing you need to do is to find a safe area. Initially, hold the tricycle with one hand at the back and the other on the handlebar and then push it. Encourage your child to paddle independently to help him learn quickly.

Q4: When do kids learn to ride a tricycle?

The ideal age for toddlers to ride on a tricycle is 2 to 4 years old. However, kids at three years old ad up will enjoy the ride more than little ones. Also, the learning curve for using a three wheel bike for kids is different from one toddler to another.

Our Verdict: Best Toddler Tricycle

As you can see, 

There are many things that you need to be aware of before getting your kid a tricycle. 

The best toddler tricycle is the one that meets your expectations and fits your kid’s age and abilities. 

With that being said, this article talked about the proper age for riding a tricycle and reviewed the 5 best tricycles for toddlers to choose from.

We compared the trikes based on many parents’ feedback and our personal experience – as parents – and considered the trikes’ values included, assembly process, maneuverability, and sturdiness!

Take a look at the comparison results below to make your choice accordingly..

ProductRating out of 5
Schwinn Roadster Tricycle for Toddlers and Kids⭐ 4.5
Fisher-Price Harley-Davidson Tough Trike⭐ 4.25
Joovy Tricycoo 4.1 Kid’s Tricycle⭐ 4.0
Radio Flyer Red Rider Trike⭐ 3.75
Little Tikes Perfect Fit 4-in-1 Trike⭐ 3.5

Conclusion: Best Tricycles For Toddlers

This is the final part of the review.. 

All the mentioned tricycles are safe for kids of different ages. All you need to do before buying is consider your kid’s size and abilities. Then, we recommend you go through our buyer’s guide for a better choice!

Now, it is time to look at our Top Pick, Best Value, and Editor’s Choice options.

For a safe riding experience, it is advised to helmet up your kid and look for a safe play zone. 

I hope this post will help you determine the right time to buy a tricycle for your child, get him one, and make him ready to ride a balance bike later on..

Related: 8 Best Baby Car Seats