Make sure your child is ready to ride a tricycle, especially if they will be riding without your assistance. Consider your child’s size and the bike’s size as well to ensure they can comfortably ride with room to grow. We carefully considered age, height, and weight recommendations, tire type, size, value, and design when reviewing products. Use this guide to find the right tricycle for your lifestyle, budget, and needs. As your kid ages, you can gradually remove each element until they are riding all on their own. A UV-protected canopy protects delicate skin while they ride, the parent pouch stores keys and a water bottle, and the extra-large rear basket stores anything your kid needs to take on their trek. Price at time of publication: $120 Product Weight: 18.9 pounds | Dimensions: 28.7 x 22 x 41.3 inches | Age range: 9 months to 5 years old Schwinn recommends that your kiddo measure a minimum of 18 inches from the lower back to the floor in order to reach the pedals at the smallest setting. Price at time of publication: $140 Product Weight: 24.4 pounds | Dimensions: 24 x 14 x 12.5 inches | Age range: 2 to 4 years old Super lightweight, it’s easy to bring along and boasts adjustable handlebars and seat height. Price at time of publication: $70 Product Weight: 8.26 pounds | Dimensions: 19 x 23 x 17 inches | Age range: 10 months to 3 years old Once kids can pedal on their own, remove the bar, unlock the pedals, and they’re off. Three seat settings ensure the bike grows with your kiddo and a covered storage bin holds your essentials. Price at time of publication: $70 Product Weight: 14.6 pounds | Dimensions: 28 x 21.5 x 19 inches | Age range: 2 to 5 years old As your child grows, customize the bike stage-by-stage as the armrests, footrest, and parent push bar are eventually removed. Price at time of publication: $140 Product Weight: 14.4 pounds | Dimensions: 37 x 20 x 39 inches | Age range: 10 months to 44 pounds Travelers will appreciate that the bike is fully foldable, can fit in a plane’s overhead compartment, and comes with a travel bag. For younger kids, this could be a super alternative to a traditional stroller. Price at time of publication: $300 Product Weight: 14.8 pounds | Dimensions: 19.6 x 36.8 x 40.4 inches; 12.5 x 23.6 x 9.1 inches folded | Age range: 10 months to 3 years Made of plastic, some reviewers like this since it can be stored outside without worrying about the elements destroying the product. Price at time of publication: $40 Product Weight: 4 pounds | Dimensions: 29.5 x 22.5 x 22 inches | Age range: 2 to 5 years Some of the removable elements are even stored on the bike’s body. The only drawback, there is no parent push bar option for this one. Price at time of publication: $120 Product Weight: 11.2 pounds | Dimensions: 24.6 x 16.5 x 21 inches | Age range: 2 to 5 years Most importantly, make sure your child is ready to ride a tricycle, especially if they will be riding without your assistance. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), most children tend to be trike-ready around 3 years old. By 3, it is typically safe for kids to ride on their own (with a helmet!) versus with a parent steering them.
Convertibility
If your child is on the younger side, a convertible tricycle that comes with a handlebar for parents to push is a perfect starter bike. As your child ages, they’ll become more comfortable and confident and you can remove the handlebar. Think about your lifestyle and if you need the trike to fold for storage or be lightweight to trek around. Some versatile ride-on toys give you a stroller, scooter, balance bike, and tricycle with one purchase.
Size
While most bikes offer an adjustable seat and handlebar so that they can grow with your child, be sure to choose a bike that fits them where they are with room to grow. A tricycle is no fun if the kiddo can’t reach the pedals. Use the age and/or weight guidelines for each bike to pick something that works well for your kiddo.
Why Trust Verywell Family
Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of an 11-year-old son, 8-year-old son, and 4-year old daughter. Her older two kids loved riding on a trike with a push bar (who wouldn’t!?) and her independent daughter loves riding her own tricycle around the block.
