Your child’s first tricycle is a rite of passage. It is his first step toward independent personal transportation. Before you know it, he will be driving off in his own car, but that is more than a decade away. For now, let’s focus on finding the best tricycles for toddlers.
Top 3 Trikes for Toddlers
There are many different choices to consider, but some rise above the rest. Based on quality and performance, we’ve rated the top 3 and detailed them below:
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Radio Flyer Classic Red Dual Deck Tricycle: If you have always had a special place in your heart for the look and feel of the 1950s, you will absolutely love this trike. Radio Flyer is a well-known brand for young children on the move. This particular trike has a vintage look. When you look at the classic fire engine red color, the steel construction, and the chrome handle bars with streamers, you would swear you were looking at your parent’s old trike from years ago. (Well, a much nicer version of your parent’s trike.)
If your child has a best friend or sibling, he’ll love the fact that he can use the step on the back to ride a pal around. It is like having his very own scaled down version of a tandem bike. It comes complete with a shiny, old fashioned bell, an adjustable seat, and a front wheel fender to protect your tot from all the debris as he whizzes through the neighborhood. This high quality toy will be in your family for generations to come. |
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Fisher-Price Rock, Roll ‘n Ride Trike: The beauty of this amazing trike is that it changes and grows with your child. Instead of having to buy a different toy for each stage of growth, you can buy this trike and have no need for the rest. It starts as an in-door rocker. Then it progresses to a trike that parents can push. Lastly, it progresses to a traditional trike the child can ride on his own. It’s three of the best toys in one!
Fisher-Price is known for high quality children’s toys. They are constantly coming out with new toys that are fun for children, but also enjoyable and convenient for parents. The Rock, Roll ‘n Ride Trike is an example of that. Buy it for your two-year-old and keep it until he is ready for a two-wheel bike. That’s at least four years. Talk about getting your money’s worth. |
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Radio Flyer Scoot-About: A pared down version of the Classic Red Dual Deck, this trike offers many of the same features, but is a bit smaller and less expensive. (That’s always a bonus.) The biggest difference is that this “trike” isn’t really a trike, since it has more than three wheels. The extra wheel (which makes a total of 4) makes for increased safety and stability. Traditional three-wheel trikes can tip over easily, but not this one. You would have to tip it over purposefully to have an accident with this high-quality toy. The front bumper makes it a great choice for indoor riders who may have a few run-ins with the furniture.
Another thing that separates this trike from many others is that it does not have any pedals. Because it can take a while for children to master the coordination needed to pedal, it is smart to start with a ride on toy for toddlersthat allows them to push themselves along. This toy offers the look of a “big kid” trike without the complications. |
Other Great Tricycles for Toddlers
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Little Tikes 3 in 1 Trike: Not many trikes come with a sun canopy, but this one does. Don’t let the heat from a sunny day keep you and the kids inside. She’ll be nice and cool under the canopy. If she wants to actually feel the warm sun on her skin, just remove the canopy.
As the name of the trike implies, it can be converted into three different toys: one that a parent can push, one that the parent can guide, and one that she can control completely by herself. She’ll love the feeling of accomplishment when she graduates to the next stage. You will love to see her grow and progress. You will also love the smile on her face when she is finally able to pedal alone. |
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Radio Flyer Classic Red Tricycle with Push Handle: Sometimes, they are just not ready to ride alone. That’s when the Radio Flyer Classic Red Tricycle with Push Handle comes in. It allows the parent to get involved in the fun. He will feel like a big kid on his bike while you rest assured that he is safe from scary falls.
This trike also comes in pink, and the handle is adjustable so the parent can be comfortable as he pushes. This toy not only encourages increased parent-child interactions, but it also encourages outdoor play and increased physical activity. |
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Fisher-Price Tough Trike: Some tricycles for toddlers don’t stand a chance against the rough play of toddlers. That is why Fisher-Price created the Tough Trike. It is made of tough, hard plastic that can stand up to whatever kind of abuse your rowdy tot can dish out. The seat lifts to expose a hidden compartment, great for any other small toys your child can’t live without. The treaded tires allow it to go “off road” with no problems. Front yard, back yard, or neighbor’s yard:none of them are off limits with this sturdy trike. |
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Kawasaki Trike: Inspired by the popular motorcycle brand, the Kawasaki Trike has taken the traditional tricycle to the next level. This is no baby tricycyle. It is sleek, cool, and sure to be a hit with your child. He will love to be able to tell his friends he has a Kawasaki.
Even though it is made for speed, it is still very safe. It has no-slip pedals, easy-grip handlebars and fat, wide-set back tires to increase balance. You won’t have to worry about your little one falling as he zips through the yard. |
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KettlerKiddi-o Tricycle: This trike is as fun to look at as it is to ride. The multi-colored frame is attractive and comes in handy when you are working on teaching your child the colors. It comes with a parent pushing bar, so that you can join in on the fun if your little one isn’t quite ready to ride alone. The high-back seat is comfortable and allows your child to relax and sit back as he rides through the neighborhood. The attached storage compartment is handy for any trinkets he wants to bring along for the ride. |
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Alex Ready Set Go Trike: From ten monthsold to two years old, the Alex Ready Set Go Trike has got it covered. Imagine a stroller, a safety pre-trike, and traditional trike put together all in one. Oh, yeah, and a seat belt, a storage container, and sun canopy. This trike has everything a parent could ever need to ensure her child is safe and having fun, and it’s this versatility that makes it one of the best toys.
Around ten months, strap him in and push, just like a stroller—but cooler. As he gets older, you can let him pedal, but you will still have control. Then, when you both feel ready, remove the handle and let him go! |
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Radio Flyer Tiny Trike: Got a little one who wants a trike but is not big enough yet? No problem. Get her a Radio Flyer Tiny Trike. It is okay to be on the small size when you have a Tiny Trike. It has a smooth, solidwood body, four stable wide-set wheels, streamers, a bell, and front foot rests. She won’t have to worry about trying to pedal. She’ll have hours of fun just pushing herself. She will forget all about the fact that she is not quite big enough for a real trike. |
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Roadmaster Duo Deck: The Roadmaster Duo Deck is a traditional tricycle in every sense of the word. It is for older children who don’t need assistance. From the classic red color, to the old fashioned second deck, to the deep-curved handle bars, it is a beautiful sight to see. It has the classic look of a tricycle from long ago, back when toys where sturdy, fun, and innocent. He will love to ride for hours, getting vital exercise his little body needs. You will love the joy on his face as he masters riding. |
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Kettrike Happy Navigator Air: You may need to install a GPS tracking device in your child’s clothing after you get him a Kettrike Happy Navigator Air. He will be all over the yard (or neighborhood) in this user-friendly and safe toy. It has a seat belt, a low-set seat, high quality wheels, a back storage container, and an attachable handle for parent pushing. What more could you ask for? He will love the feeling of freedom as he rides through the yard. You will love the feeling of safety as you watch him enjoy his wonderful toy. It is a win-win for everyone. |
Safety Tips
It can be scary for parents to think about the fact that their child is approaching the age of independence. On one hand, you love to see that your child is growing and developing, but a small part of you feels a little sad they she won’t be needing you as much. Don’t fret. It is a normal feeling.
If you are worried about safety as you look for the best tricycles for toddlers, then be sure you start to follow these rules when making a purchase.
Four wheels: The traditional trike has three wheels, but that can be dangerous for a child who hasn’t mastered keeping his balance. Four wheels will make it much easier.
Low-set seat: The higher the seat, the more likely your child is to fall off and get hurt. If the seat is low, there will be less space between him and the ground.
No pedals: Pedals require feet to be off the ground. That can be hard when you’re first starting off. A push trike allows feet to stay down practically at all times, so balance will never be disturbed.
Safe, flat terrain: Regardless if your child is just starting out or a trike pro, you will want to make sure the ground he is riding on is free from steep bumps and debris.
A child never forgets his first trike. It is a memory that stays with him a lifetime. Be sure to consider the above mentioned trikes when you are doing your Christmas shopping this year. If you get one from this list, your child is sure to love it.
