Tricycles are typically used by children between the ages of two and six. But when the time of buying comes, you suddenly discover that there are hundreds of options out there. Like any dad, I want only the best for my kid, so I set out to find the best toddler tricycle. Keep reading to find out the results of my quest.
Best Trikes According to DadProgress
Winner of this study |
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Second Place |
Third Place |
Top Radio Flyer Tricycle |
Top Radio Flyer Tricycle |
Introduction to Toddler Tricycles
Tricycles or trikes have been around for over 200 years. They were popular already in the 19th century. If you happened to live in England in 1884, you could have chosen between over 120 models by 20 manufacturers.
There are many types available and tricycles for adults can have special purposes. For example, they may perfect for racing, transport or load carrying.
Trikes for Children
Trikes for children are usually less advanced. Most toddler trikes don’t have brakes nor gears.
If you wish to learn more about children's ride on toys then check out the DadProgress Quick Guide
When to Buy Your Toddler a Tricycle?
As I’ve said, trikes are usually used by children between the ages of two and six. That said, some models have a push handle so they can grow with your child.
My kid got his first trike for his first birthday so he could start learning. He’s already trying to pedal, but most kids can ride a trike properly when they are about three years old.
The balance and muscle development is quite individual, but the sooner you start, the sooner he or she will learn it.
How to Teach Your Toddler to use a Tricycle?
When it comes to toddler, you can really force them to learn anything. That said, little buddies are usually eager to learn about the world around them. So as soon as he or she gets interested in the tricycle, it’s the right time.
I’m surprised how quickly toddlers learn and riding a trike seems to come intuitively for most of them.
Remember to buy him a proper helmet and let her start learning.
If you have a trike with a push handle, then you can push her home if he gets bored or tired.
On the video below you can see how it goes for basically every toddler:)
What to Look for When Buying a Toddler Tricycle?
Materials:
Metal is generally more durable but more expensive than plastic. Living in a building without an elevator? Then trikes made of steel may not be the best option as they are quite heavy.
Drive:
Some models may have a chain drive to a single rear wheel. You get a more stable trike, but your wallet is likely to get lighter too. Most children trikes are with a front-drive (pedals directly drive the front wheel) though. All three winners of this study have a front-drive.
Tires:
Pneumatic tires have good shock absorbing qualities and trikes a lighter. Solid rubber or plastic tires are easier to maintain though. You don’t have to check for tire pressure, and there’s no possibility of puncture. That said, repairing a tire isn’t a big thing if you have the essentials.
Special features:
Some trikes have unique characteristics that may become handy.
Design:
Include your toddler in decision making (unless you want to surprise her of course). There’s a bewildering number of models out there, and many come in different colors
Some tricycles have one big wheel in the front. Others have three smaller wheels. Pick three best toddler tricycles and let your child make the final decision.
What's the Best Toddler Tricycle?
Because we want only the best for our kids, I went all out...
A meta-analysis is a study method where I use the results of many surveys for a more precise answer. My quest to find the best toddler tricycle started with heroically analyzing 15 „studies.“
47 different models were mentioned and...three of them were mentioned more than five times. You can see the names of the winner on the picture.
An honorable mention is Radio Flyer. They have a lot of different models, and these were mentioned 31 times altogether.
So 28% of votes went to Radio Flyer, but these votes got diluted among different models.
Radio Flyer 4-in-1 Stroll ‘N Trike was the only one to get over five votes.
Joovy Tricycoo Tricycle vs Radio Flyer 4-in-1: Joovy has a padded seat, a footrest for smaller children and the canopy is bigger.
The Best Radio Flyer Tricycles
So Radio Flyer 4-in-1 was the best Radio Flyer trike according to this study.
That said, many parents have found runner-ups better suited for their toddlers. Radio Flyer Classic Red Dual and Deluxe Steer got both 4 % of the votes.
So according to this study, they are the second best Radio Flyers. Red Dual is especially popular among parents.
Helen Parker (Chicago): „My toddler really loves the Red Dual!“
Top Toddler Tricycles For DadProgress Reviewed
Schwinn Roadster Tricycle (Check The Price On Amazon)
Weight: 26lb
This toddler trike was a clear winner of this study. It got 11% of the votes. It’s no surprise as Schwinn has been making bikes for over 120 years
PROS |
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CONS |
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Radio Flyer 4-in-1 Stroll ‘N Trike (Check The Price On Amazon)
Weight: 15lb
Radio Flyer 4-in-1 Stroll ‘N Trike got an honorable second place in this study. It got 7% of the votes
PROS |
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CONS |
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Joovy Tricycoo Tricycle (Check The Price On Amazon)
Weight: 14lb
The third place of this study went to Joovy Tricycoo Tricycle. This trike got 5% of the votes
PROS |
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CONS |
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The Final Verdict: The Best Toddler Tricycle Found?
So did my quest end with finding the best toddler tricycle?
I think all parent should pick a suitable trike for their needs.
Best Simple Trike
Schwinn Roadster Tricycle (check the price on Amazon) came out as the winner of my study. It’s a great pick if you want a simple tricycle for your kid.
The weight of this trike may be the biggest problem, but this also means it's very stable.
A great alternative is the Radio Flyer Classic Red Dual (check the price on Amazon). This trike got the fifth place but was voted as the second best Radio Flyer trike.
Best Trike With a Push Handle
If you want a trike that grows with your child, then the Radio Flyer 4-in-1 Stroll ‘N Trike (check the latest price on Amazon) and the Joovy Tricycoo Tricycle (check the latest price on Amazon) are both excellent choices. For an infant, the later is better as it comes with a baby seat.
Moving is exceptionally important for children. Hopefully, my study helps you to pick the right one so your child can have more fun outside.
Last Updated on June 25, 2024
