Riding a tricycle is a fun and exciting way to develop a wide range of motor skills. Toddlers can develop the muscles they need to find their balance and walk thanks to a ride-on tricycle, and older children can develop finer motor skills.
Riding a tricycle is also a social activity that your child can share with siblings or friends. Here is what you need to know about choosing a safe product, and some tricycles for kids to consider.
What to Consider When Choosing a Tricycle
The selection of tricycles and ride-on toys can feel overwhelming. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Your child’s age. It’s best to avoid tricycles with pedals before the age of three.
Fun factor. Look for additional features that will make the tricycle fun to ride, like built-in lights and sounds or a basket your child can use to transport toys.
Our Best Tricycles Recommendations
Here are the tricycles for kids we recommend.
I. Big Wheels for Kids
Big wheels deliver excellent grip and traction and can help your child maintain their balance.
1. Radio Flyer Deluxe Big Flyer
ChildFun Favorite
Ages: 3 to 7 Type of tricycle: Big wheel Maximum weight capacity: 65 lbs
Your child is going to love the retro design of this tricycle. The adjustable seat can be pushed back as your child grows older, and the low center of gravity of the tricycle is ideal for children who are learning how to ride.
Pros and features
Potential cons
16-inch front wheel
Pedals might be small for young children
Grip thread
Chrome handlebars
This big wheel tricycle is a ton of fun with its oversized wheel and seat that is low to the ground.
Ages: 7 to 13 Type of tricycle: Big wheel Maximum weight capacity: 160 lbs
This trike provides fun and excitement for older kids. You can ride it anywhere thanks to the rugged front tires, and the caster back wheels allow you to perform spinning and drifting tricks with the tricycle!
3. Mickey and the Roadster Racers 15” Fly Wheel Junior Cruiser Ride-On
Ages: 3 to 7 Type of tricycle: Big wheel Maximum weight capacity: 70 lbs
Your child is going to love the Disney-themed design of this tricycle! We like the large seating area, the low center of gravity, and the wide pedals. The plastic wheels are ideal for riding indoor or on flat surfaces, and you can adjust the seat position as your child grows.
Budge tricycles for kids can be a good option if you think your child will outgrow their tricycle quickly.
1. Fisher-Price Barbie Tough Trike
ChildFun Favorite
Ages: 2 to 5 Type of tricycle: Classic tricycle Maximum weight capacity: 55 lbs
We like this classic tricycle with its sturdy frame and wide plastic wheels that add stability. Your child is going to love the different themes available and the seat that opens up to reveal a storage compartment.
Pros and features
Potential cons
Choose from four themes, including Barbie, Thomas the Train, and others
You can’t adjust the seat
Sturdy plastic wheels
Large pedals
This tricycle delivers amazing value with its sturdy construction.
Ages: 1 to 4 Type of tricycle: Scoot tricycle Maximum weight capacity: 42 lbs
This tricycle is a fun mix between a ride-on toy and a classic tricycle. Your child can keep their balance easily thanks to the four wheels, and develop their muscles and motor skills by scooting around. It’s an exciting way to learn how to steer a tricycle and will prepare your child for riding a tricycle with pedals.
Ages: 2 to 5 Type of tricycle: Double-deck tricycle Maximum weight capacity: 49 lbs
Your child is going to love the classic look of this tricycle with its streamers and chrome bell. The double-deck feature allows your child to get on and off the tricycle easily. We like the large spoked wheels that can handle a wide range of surfaces and the wide pedals.
Learning how to ride with a push tricycle is a fun experience. You can push your child once they get tired or help then steer with the handle.
1. SmarTrike Breeze Toddler Tricycle
ChildFun Favorite
Ages: 1 to 4 Type of tricycle: Push tricycle Maximum weight capacity: 44 lbs
This fun and colorful tricycle is the perfect way to help your child gain confidence as they learn how to ride. It features a belt, safety bars, and a foldable footrest. You can lock and unlock the pedals to give your child the possibility to pedal while you control the trike.
Pros and features
Potential cons
Three stages
You can’t adjust the seat
Storage basket
Two-stage pedals
This push tricycle features removable sidebars for added safety!
Ages: 2 to 4 Type of tricycle: Push tricycle Maximum weight capacity: 42.5 lbs
This push tricycle is ideal for a child who knows how to keep their balance on a tricycle. The wide base will prevent the tricycle from tipping over, and you can adjust the seat height. We like the wide pedals and sturdy rubber tires.
Ages: 1 to 3 Type of tricycle: Push tricycle Maximum weight capacity: 40 lbs
This convenient push tricycle is packed with features. We think it’s an interesting alternative to getting a stroller tricycle since it features a harness and sun canopy. You can remove different elements to create four different configurations, and lock the wheels and handles to remain in control of the tricycle when you push it.
Pros and features
Potential cons
Two-stage pedals
Some shoppers say operating the parental control features isn’t easy
Is your toddler starting to get fussy when sitting in their stroller? A tricycle stroller is a perfect alternative since it gives them the possibility to be active during your walks.
1. Radio Flyer 4-in-1 Stroll ‘N Trike
ChildFun Favorite
Ages: 1 to 5 Type of tricycle: Stroller tricycle Maximum weight capacity: 49 lbs
This stroller tricycle is perfect for taking your toddler on adventures! The different removable elements allow you to gradually transform the stroller into a classic trike as your child learns how to steer and pedal. We like the harness, safety bars, and sun canopy!
Pros and features
Potential cons
Four different modes
Storage basket seems small
Adjustable push handle
Adjustable seat
This tricycle stroller will grow with your child, thanks to its four modes.
Ages: 1 to 6 Type of tricycle: Stroller tricycle Maximum weight capacity: 55 lbs
There are seven different configurations for this versatile stroller tricycle. We like the padded seat and harness that will keep your child safe and comfortable. You can lock to pedals and handles if you want to control the stroller.
Ages: 1 to 4 Type of tricycle: Stroller tricycle Maximum weight capacity: 44 lbs
You can transform this stroller tricycle into a classic tricycle by removing the seat and canopy. There are four different configurations, and you can transform the stroller tricycle one step at a time to give your child plenty of time to learn how to pedal and steer the tricycle.
Choose a tricycle with features adapted to your child’s age and experience with riding. Look for a push tricycle or a stroller tricycle if you want to go on longer rides around the neighborhood, and think about getting a tricycle with a plastic frame and wheels if you want something your child can ride at home!
Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided ‘As is’ and is subject to change or removal at any time. / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
