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There is no happier child than the one who rides on a tricycle for the first time. You can’t deny that these toys with wheels are great for all children, generation after generation. A tricycle is a toy that never goes out of style. However, it is often reinvented to adapt to new needs and styles. Just take a look at the newest models to see some of the latest innovations.
The special thing about tricycles is that they represent a child’s first vehicle. Although, at first, it is his parents who operate the toy, the reality is that the little one will quickly learn to use it and will have a great time on it. If you are considering purchasing one of these classic children’s toys soon, we encourage you to take a look at this guide with recommendations and factors to consider.
Contents
- 1 Key Facts
- 2 Ranking: The Best Tricycles on the U.S. Market
- 3 Shopping Guide: Everything You Should Know About Tricycles
- 3.1 What exactly are tricycles?
- 3.2 What types of tricycles exist on the U.S. market?
- 3.3 What are the benefits of tricycles for children?
- 3.4 What is the recommended age for children to start using a tricycle?
- 3.5 What precautions should be taken with children using a tricycle?
- 3.6 Are there any regulations that control tricycles?
- 3.7 What essential elements should a tricycle have?
- 4 Shopping Criteria
- 5 Summary
Key Facts
- There are basic and evolving type tricycles. The first are those that have a limited lifetime, while the second can accompanying the child in their growth.
- Tricycles or “trikes” provide numerous benefits to children. They support their spatial orientation, balance, coordination and strengthen their legs.
- Stability is an essential requirement for a tricycle. It doesn’t matter if it’s a larger or smaller trike, but you need to choose a model that doesn’t tip over easily.
Ranking: The Best Tricycles on the U.S. Market
Tricycles are the first contact of children with that wonderful thing called “speed.” Something that they will continue to appreciate when they are older with bicycles and, as adults, with cars and motorcycles, etc. If you want put a smile smile on a child’s face, you should get to know what some of the best tricycles on the market are, to choose the right one for the little trike rider in your life.
- No. 1: Radio Flyer 4-in-1 Stroll ‘N Trike
- No. 2: Radio Flyer Red Rider Trike
- No. 3: Radio Flyer Classic Red 10″ Tricycle
- No. 4: Schwinn Easy Steer Tricycle
- No. 5: Schwinn Roadster Tricycle with Classic
No. 1: Radio Flyer 4-in-1 Stroll ‘N Trike
At under $80, this bike is the #1 seller in kids bikes on Amazon and has great reviews. The 4-in-1 stroll ‘N trike is the ultimate grow-with-me trike that offers 4 ways to ride. It easily converts from an infant trike to a steering trike, learn-to-ride-trike, and finally a classic trike. The trike features removable wrap around tray with cup holder, Adjustable UV blocking canopy, and a 3-point harness for safety.
It also has wide rear wheels to provide a quiet ride, removable footrest for early stages, and an XL rear storage bucket. The parent steering push handle removes for older riders. The sturdy steel frame and adjustable seat ensure it will last for years. For ages 9 mo. – 5 yrs. Check out the reviews on Amazon and see if this is not the perfect bike for your tiny trike rider!
No. 2: Radio Flyer Red Rider Trike
At under $50, this sturdy trike by Radio Flyer is a cute variation on a classic, with a tractor-style seat for comfort and stability. The red rider trike offers convenience, comfort, and fun! this sturdy trike features steel construction, chrome handlebars, and “quiet ride” wheels.
The adjustable seat ensures your child will enjoy the trike for years. Plus, it comes with a fun, covered storage bin. For over 100 years, countless voyages of childhood fantasy have been launched with Radio Flyer toys. This trike is great for your own little one’s adventures around the yard or the park.
No. 3: Radio Flyer Classic Red 10″ Tricycle
A true classic among classics. Tried and true bike for under $80 by the famous maker Radio Flyer. Ride in style on the Radio Flyer Classic Red 10” Tricycle! This bright red tricycle is classically styled and includes chrome handlebars, painted fender, and ringing bell.
This sturdy trike also features steel construction, durable spoked wheels, a 10” front wheel and real rubber tires. The controlled turning radius prevents tipping for safe and confident riding. It also has a rear step for easy on and off. The adjustable seat grows with your child. Perfect first “real” bike for ages 2-4 years.
No. 4: Schwinn Easy Steer Tricycle
This highly versatile trike by famous bicycle maker Schwinn has excellent reviews and is under $90. Every child remembers their first bike. Make those special memories with the Schwinn Easy Steer Tricycle! Great features such as the trike’s high back seat and 3-point seat belt, provide the perfect combination of comfort and child safety.
The Schwinn Easy Steer Trike makes learning to ride fun and easy, while the wide, long-lasting EVA tires offer a stylish look your child is sure to love. With a removable push/steering handle, adults are able to walk comfortably as they control the steering and speed of the tricycle.
No. 5: Schwinn Roadster Tricycle with Classic
This adorably retro bike by Schwinn is for kids between 3 and 5 years old. The Schwinn Roadster Kid’s Tricycle is designed with a retro look and a steel trike frame, and its low center of gravity makes it easy to ride and is perfect for young riders. Its adjustable sculpted seat moves forwards and backwards with five lock-in positions, making it ideal for growing legs or different family members.
The rear deck is made of genuine wood with burnt-in Schwinn logo, while the scalloped chrome fenders provide a fashionable ride. A safety flag is included for added visibility. Take to the streets in style with cruiser handle bars and a classic bike bell. Flowing fabric tassels make this a great gift for kids who love classic biker style. This tricycle bike comes unassembled, has a lifetime warranty.
Shopping Guide: Everything You Should Know About Tricycles
Tricycles are toys that, sooner or later, will be considered for every child. The reason is that they are the beloved first vehicles of boys and girls, so why not make them happy and let them experience how easy it is to ride a tricycle? If you are seriously thinking of getting one, we recommend gathering some information about these children’s toys. Here are some of their key features.
Tricycles are great for stimulating a child’s psychomotor apparatus.
(Source: Tatyana Tomsickova: 108210162/ 123rf.com)
What exactly are tricycles?
However, the most common tricycles are those that, with the action of pedaling, allow transportation from one place to another. Depending on the model, it is possible for an adult to take control of the tricycle through an extendable bar that is pushed by the adult. When children are ready for greater autonomy, they can move by their own efforts.
What types of tricycles exist on the U.S. market?
Evolutionary tricycles are an increasingly popular type of trike. Their main virtue is that they can be used for several years because they can be reconfigured and parts added to adapt to the growth of children. Finally, there are tricycles with pedals that even incorporate a recliner and that function more like strollers.
| Type | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Tricycle | More manageable
Economical |
Without accessories |
| Evolving tricycle | Adaptable
With Accessories |
More expensive
Heavier |
What are the benefits of tricycles for children?
Another point in their favor is that with them, children gain security and improve their reflexes and sense of orientation and balance. Tricycles contribute to the children’s sense of their relationship to their surroundings, enhancing their conception of space and time. In short, they are great toys to stimulate children’s psychomotor development.
What is the recommended age for children to start using a tricycle?
Until the child can pedal on their own, it will be necessary to wait until around age 18 to 24 months, although there are those who recommend waiting until 3 full years. It is advisable, in this sense, to examine the manufacturer’s instructions and base your decision of when to start your child riding a tricycle on your child’s development, coordination level, and size. At 3 years, most kids will be perfectly able to handle the tricycle alone.
What precautions should be taken with children using a tricycle?
Although the wheels of the tricycles usually resist uneven terrain quite well, it is best to have the child ride through flat areas only, and of course, areas without any street traffic. It is necessary to verify that the tricycle does not have any sharp or pointy protrusions that could cause damage to the child. According to some specialists, lights and sounds on tricycles are distractions that should be avoided.
Are there any regulations that control tricycles?
ASTM F963-17, The Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Toy Safety, is a comprehensive standard addressing numerous hazards that have been identified with toys. In 2008, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) mandated that the voluntary toy safety standard in effect at that time become a nationwide mandatory children’s product safety rule. Don’t forget to check the age bracket recommended by the manufacturer and to exercise common sense by inspecting the toy yourself and thinking about the size, strength and coordination of your specific child.
Do not forget that safety is critically important, and always make sure your child is wearing a helmet.
(Source: Alexander Ermolev : 31397079/ 123rf.com)
What essential elements should a tricycle have?
Another element that can be critical is an umbrella or awning that protects the child from solar radiation. For children who are not yet ready to pedal, it is important that the tricycle has a push bar. Footrests are very useful pieces, especially for those moments when the child gets tired of pedaling.
Shopping Criteria
The world of tricycles offers more and more possibilities over time, so some users may find it difficult to identify the ideal model. To facilitate this task, we have prepared this list with some essential purchase criteria, such as age of child or design, which we detail below.
Age of Use
The first thing to consider before selecting a tricycle is, of course, the age of the child. It is not only essential to choose a model that is appropriate for the child’s age, but also their height. In general, the tricycles are accompanied by the manufacturer’s recommendations in this regard, so it should suffice to take a look at the packaging and owner’s manual for the article.
If you look at these materials, not only will they provide the recommended age, but also the recommended minimum and maximum height and weights recommended by the tricycle. All these factors should be taken into account in order to select an appropriate model. However, it may be the case that the child is taller or shorter than usual for his age and, therefore, needs another model more suitable for his size.
Safety
Safety must be a prioritized condition of the tricycle. It is clear that the child will be guarded at all times when riding his tricycle, but it is better to avoid accidents whenever possible. As for safety elements that the toy must have, we include a safety belt, which will keep your little one’s body well-secured to the seat.
There are other leading models that include a harness with five anchor points, just like other children’s items such as strollers or car seats. Another interesting piece is the side protection bars, which will prevent the child from falling off the sides. It is important that the pedals and handlebar are non-slip so that the child can grab safely.
Dimensions
The dimensions of a tricycle are, in a basic way, closely related to the recommended age. However, we must also ensure that the model in question fits our home. As with any children’s item of a certain size, it should be verified that it fits through the doors and is suitable for the corridors of the house, or wherever it will be stored and/or used.
Remember that many times a tricycle will be a toy to use at home, so make sure that the child has enough room for maneuver. If the tricycle will be used mainly indoors, in a basement or garage, for example there are small models that are very stable and robust, which translates into safer fun.
There are many tricycle designs, so you and your child can choose the one that suits them best.
(Source: Ozgur Coskun: 25616783/ 123rf.com)
Manageability
A key aspect about tricycles is their manageability. Sometimes, we can be blinded by very complete models and equipped with endless accessories. However, it is possible that the children have a hard time handling them due to the weight. Hence, sometimes a simpler and easier to ride tricycle is enough for them.
At first, it will be the parents who run the tricycle via the push bar, then, little by little, it will be the child who takes over. The child must be comfortable in the seat and must be able to reach the pedals for optimal operation. It is best if the handlebar is height-adjustable and ergonomic so that its driver can hold on to it securely.
Wheels
The wheels are fundamental elements of every tricycle. A satisfactory experience is will depend to a great extent on the wheels. Broadly speaking, we can say that the ideal wheels are large and wide, so that the stability of the child’s vehicle is more or less guaranteed. You should also examine their material to make sure it is not too brittle or slippery.
It is a good idea to be sure that the wheels are fairly quiet, especially if the tricycle is going to be used at home and you don’t want the neighbors to be disturbed. A detail to consider is that the tricycle incorporates brakes. As for the distribution of the wheels, the classic models have three, but there are also others with four for greater stability of the vehicle.
Design
Of course, design is a buying criterion that we cannot ignore. As far as possible, the tastes of the child must be taken into account. The first thing is to decide if we want a conventional tricycle or an evolutionary tricycle. The aesthetics of the former is much simpler, but that does not mean that they are not attractive to children.
As for the evolutionary models, they are usually very colorful, as they have numerous removable accessories that will capture the attention of children. On the market we can find vintage wooden tricycles, as well as more modern metal and plastic ones. Think about which one you would like the most in the house or yard.
Tricycles are classic toys that children just love.
(Source: Famveldman: 43360220/ 123rf.com)
Extras
Finally, we could not finish this list of shopping criteria without referring to some of the extras that may include tricycles. For example, it is easy to identify models that have an umbrella or sunshade to protect the child from solar radiation, ergonomic features, adjustable and reclining seats, a basket or footrest, among other elements.
Tricycles for children are usually accompanied by a push bar that, in many cases, is also adjustable. There are even models that include lights, sounds and other innovative extras that will undoubtedly contribute to enriching the child’s experience. Consider, then, the inclusion of one or more of these extras.
Summary
There are toys like tricycles that never go out of style. They were used by our grandparents, our parents, us, and now our children. Over the years they have adapted to the times, but the essence remains. Its structure is very simple, but the reality is that they offer abundant fun for children in their first years of life.
There are tricycles that, due to their characteristics, are designed to last several years. The durability of a trike will be conditioned by the quality of the materials and their stability. It is a good idea to consider the needs of the child to choose an appropriate tricycle. In this way, you will make sure that it is not just another toy, but a really useful toy.
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(Source of Featured Image: Famveldman: 30779420/ 123rf.com)
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