Best Tricycles For Toddlers
Here is my son (aged 1) on his trike. The trike had a pushbar we could push him in but converts to a pedal trike which kids can independently pedal.
When buying the best tricycles for toddlers consider the following features:
Do you want a tricycle that will grow with your child?
Many tricycles have features which mean that your toddler can use them from when they are small toddlers to almost five. If you're buying for a young toddler, look for a tricycle which has a push bar so you can push them around until they have mastered pedaling. They will probably have a stage of maneuvering around by pushing with their feet before they've mastered pedals too.The best tricycles for older toddlers are obviously ones in which their feet will be able to reach the pedals so they can pedal easily.
Adjustable trikes. Many trikes have height adjustments for the seat and handlebars so that they will be the right height for your child.
Sturdy and safe. Some trikes have low gravity points and other features to stop them tipping over. What does your chosen tricycle offer?
Durable. What material is the tricycle made of? Some are constructed of steel and will therefore last years. This is good if you want to pass them onto younger siblings or sell them after use. The advantage of plastic trikes is that they tend to be cheaper and more lightweight so easier to pick up and carry from place to place.
Tyres. Do you want air filled tyres on your trike or would you prefer plastic wheels? Pneumatic (air filled) tyres tend to be more expensive but do perform better - read this article for advantages of pneumatic tyres on trikes. However, plastic and rubber wheels tend to be cheaper and you don't have to worry about a puncture.
Storage. If you are tight on space, there are some trikes which will fold up.
Do you want a tricycle that will grow with your child?
Many tricycles have features which mean that your toddler can use them from when they are small toddlers to almost five. If you're buying for a young toddler, look for a tricycle which has a push bar so you can push them around until they have mastered pedaling. They will probably have a stage of maneuvering around by pushing with their feet before they've mastered pedals too.The best tricycles for older toddlers are obviously ones in which their feet will be able to reach the pedals so they can pedal easily.
Adjustable trikes. Many trikes have height adjustments for the seat and handlebars so that they will be the right height for your child.
Sturdy and safe. Some trikes have low gravity points and other features to stop them tipping over. What does your chosen tricycle offer?
Durable. What material is the tricycle made of? Some are constructed of steel and will therefore last years. This is good if you want to pass them onto younger siblings or sell them after use. The advantage of plastic trikes is that they tend to be cheaper and more lightweight so easier to pick up and carry from place to place.
Tyres. Do you want air filled tyres on your trike or would you prefer plastic wheels? Pneumatic (air filled) tyres tend to be more expensive but do perform better - read this article for advantages of pneumatic tyres on trikes. However, plastic and rubber wheels tend to be cheaper and you don't have to worry about a puncture.
Storage. If you are tight on space, there are some trikes which will fold up.
Tricycles With Pushbars
There are a wide range of tricycles for toddlers with pushbars.
Pushbars allow babies/toddlers to use the tricycles from as young as 1 year old, depending on the trike you get. They can sit on them and be pushed around. As they get older the pushbar will allow parents to guide toddlers on the trike and to help them learn to pedal. We had a trike with a pushbar given as a birthday gift for my son on his 1st birthday and we used it lots especially in the Summer. My son used to love being pushed around on his trike and it made a change from using a stroller.
Many of the pushbars can be removed as your child grows and become an independent trike.
There are other things you many want to take into consideration when buying your trike with a parent push handle.
Size of the parent handle - You want the parent handle to be at the right height so it's comfortable when pushing your trike. If this is a concern there are trikes that have parent handles that can be adjusted to be the right height for you. This is particularly good if you and your partner or other people who may push the trike are very different heights. The Radio Flyer trike below has an adjustable parent handle.
Storage, drink and snack holders - Although not essential a place to put a drink for your toddler or yourself can be very handy. Many trikes offer that facility. Also some trikes offer storage in the form of a bucket at the back or other compartment. This is great to put all your essentials so you have your hands free to push the trike.
* Please note we get a small commission for purchases made through links in this article
Pushbars allow babies/toddlers to use the tricycles from as young as 1 year old, depending on the trike you get. They can sit on them and be pushed around. As they get older the pushbar will allow parents to guide toddlers on the trike and to help them learn to pedal. We had a trike with a pushbar given as a birthday gift for my son on his 1st birthday and we used it lots especially in the Summer. My son used to love being pushed around on his trike and it made a change from using a stroller.
Many of the pushbars can be removed as your child grows and become an independent trike.
There are other things you many want to take into consideration when buying your trike with a parent push handle.
Size of the parent handle - You want the parent handle to be at the right height so it's comfortable when pushing your trike. If this is a concern there are trikes that have parent handles that can be adjusted to be the right height for you. This is particularly good if you and your partner or other people who may push the trike are very different heights. The Radio Flyer trike below has an adjustable parent handle.
Storage, drink and snack holders - Although not essential a place to put a drink for your toddler or yourself can be very handy. Many trikes offer that facility. Also some trikes offer storage in the form of a bucket at the back or other compartment. This is great to put all your essentials so you have your hands free to push the trike.
* Please note we get a small commission for purchases made through links in this article
Radio Flyer 4 in 1 Trike
 
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This 4 in 1 trike has an age range of 9 months to 5 years.
It easily converts from a stroller to a steering trike, learning-to-ride-trike, and finally a classic trike. Includes features for all ages so will last for years. For younger children there is a wrap around bar for extra safety as well as a 3 point harness. There is also a removable and comfortable headrest that provides support for young toddlers. It has an adjustable seat so will grow with your child. When the trike is pushed, the pedals become foot rests. |
There is also a cup holder and snack compartment for the little ones. I also like that the canopy protects them from the sun on hot days.
The parent handle is height adjustable so you can have it at the right height for you.
The trike also comes with a storage bin at the back.
The parent handle is height adjustable so you can have it at the right height for you.
The trike also comes with a storage bin at the back.
Fisher Price Tough Trike
 
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Fisher Price has some excellent trikes for toddlers ages 2 and up. The tough trike series features the Thomas the train, Barbie, Dora the Explorer and Harley Davidson trikes. At the time of writing they are only $34.99.
This trike has a wide, stable wheel base, easy-grip handlebars and big foot pedals Kids can ride smoothly with its comfort-ride seat, also lifts to reveal a secret storage compartment (toddlers will love a storage compartment on a trike. Durable tires with rugged treads for "off-road" fun - a good choice for toddlers who like to trike on the grass, in dirt etc. |
Many young toddlers may find pedalling hard. However, reviews suggest that many young children are able to use their feet to scoot along on this trike if they aren't able to pedal.
Push Along Trikes - From 1 Year Old
There are quite a few ride on style trikes that are suitable for kids from when they are able to push along with the trike along with their feet. The age they can do this will vary from child to child but many of these trikes are aimed at kids around 1 year old.
I think from around 18 months many kids should be able to scoot along on a push along trike.
Obviously these types of trike are smaller so the feet of little ones can push along the floor. Many can be used indoors out outdoors on a smooth surface.
I think from around 18 months many kids should be able to scoot along on a push along trike.
Obviously these types of trike are smaller so the feet of little ones can push along the floor. Many can be used indoors out outdoors on a smooth surface.
Radio Flyer Tiny Trike
  
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This trike is designed for children aged 1 to 3 years old.
It has extra wide front wheelbase and 4 wheels provide maximum balance, support, and safety for younger riders. It also has a padded seat and a ringing bell, that toddlers will love. There's no pedals on this one, so it's a good choice for younger toddlers but obviously it means it won't help them learn to pedal. Chrome handlebars with ergonomic handgrips, streamers, and a ringing bell. The padded seat is comfortable and safe |
