The Best Tricycle for 2023
Build your child's sense of balance as well as their motor skills.
Getting to nurture a child is one of life’s best gifts. One of our roles as nurturers is to expose the child to different activities that will aid in their holistic growth and development. These activities need to start as early as possible and because they may not understand your words, using visual and practical methods like toys is an excellent idea. One of the most important toys you can get for a child is a tricycle.
A tricycle is a perfect toy that your child can use to have lovely adventures, explore their nearest surroundings, and get some exercise. Riding a tricycle also helps your kids to build their confidence and it gives them a sense of independence. It’s the appropriate training for young children to master balancing. It is fun and this skill will come in handy once they are old enough to ride a bicycle.
Our Top Picks
Best Pick
Radio Flyer Deluxe EZ Fold 4-in-1 Stroll-N-Trike
It is designed specifically to cater excellently to the needs of your little ones.
$139.00
Most cost-effective
XJD 3-in-1 Kids Tricycle
A lightweight tricycle with a sturdy structure that guarantees top-notch balance.
Almost made the cut
Fisher Price Tough Trike
A pocket-friendly choice with a nostalgic vibe and wide seat.
$39.99
Our Picks For You
Best Pick - Radio Flyer Deluxe EZ Fold 4-in-1 Stroll-N-Trike
Best Pick
Radio Flyer Deluxe EZ Fold 4-in-1 Stroll-N-Trike
It is designed specifically to cater excellently to the needs of your little ones.
Deluxe EZ fold 4-in-1 Stroll-N-Trike by Radio Flyer features four modes that your kids can ride. It has quiet ride tires that don't make noise or damage your lawn or any indoor floor covering. It has removable and adjustable accessories which means your child will grow with this tricycle. It has a canopy that will shield your child from direct sunlight.
Who it is for
Radio Flyer Deluxe EZ Fold 4-in-1 Stroll-N-Trike is perfect for kids as young as nine months old and as old as five years old. As your kid grows, you can easily remove some elements until they are fit to ride by themselves.
Why it is great
Radio Flyer Deluxe EZ Fold 4-in-1 Stroll-N-Trike features four modes of use. Parents can push their nine months old kid around for a while and this is known as the toddler trike (nine months - 18 months). When he or she grows up a little (18 months to 24 months) then you switch to a steering trike where kids learn to steer. The third mode is the learn-to-ride trike that is suitable for kids within the two to three years bracket. There is also the classic trike mode for four to five-year-olds. Instead of buying different tricycles at different ages, you get all in Radio Flyer Deluxe EZ Fold 4-in-1 Stroll-N-Trike. It features two seat belts that strap your kid to its chair firmly so that they don't fall off. There is a parent push bar that parents or siblings can use to power a ride. There is a UV-protected canopy that protects your kid from the direct impact of sunlight when they ride. It also comes with a storage basket that you can use to store anything your child needs on this little trip.
Potential flaws
The handlebar isn't suitable for taller toddlers. As your child grows, you need to remove some elements or parts so that your child can transition into any of those modes easily. The removed parts become useless and you may have to store or dispose of them.
Other features
Buyers have praised this tricycle for its wallet-friendly price. Radio Flyer Deluxe EZ Fold 4-in-1 Stroll-N-Trike is light and embedded with essential safety features such as a three-point harness with a headrest, a parent pouch, a removable wrap-around snack tray with a cup holder, and a removable footrest. It is easily foldable. It is easy to use for kids and parents.
Product specifications
Product Name: Radio Flyer Deluxe EZ Fold 4-in-1 Stroll-N-Trike
Product Dimensions: 28.74 x 22.05 x 41.34 inches
Item Weight: 18.96 lbs.
Weight Capacity: 49 lbs.
Assembly Required: Yes
Runner Up - Joovy TriCyCoo 4.1
Runner Up
Joovy TriCyCoo 4.1
A versatile trike that is suitable for kids of all ages.
Joovy Tricycoo is an excellent tricycle that features a very comfy and protective seat. It comes with a parent push handle that offers an additional protective layer. It is suitable for infants as young as 10 months. It has some amazing special features such as a cup holder, storage basket, and many more.
Who it is for
Joovy Tricycoo 4.1 is a versatile tricycle that is excellent for babies as young as 10 months old. It is a great investment that you will enjoy. Your child will enjoy riding this tricycle and will love every moment.
Why it is great
Joovy Tricycoo 4.1 can cycle through four configurations that will cater to children through their life stages until five years old. You can use it like a stroller for a 10-month-old child by using a padded ring that revolves around the bike seat and a push bar for parents. As your child grows, you can remove the safety ring, the shaft, and the push bar to suit their size. This tricycle features a five-point harness, canopy, armrests, and padded seat that protects your kids and makes them comfortable. It also features an adjustable push bar that parents can increase its height. There is a convenient cup holder and storage basket for you to store things that your kid needs on his/her trip. The seat is also adjustable to fit their growing legs so you don't need to worry.
Potential flaws
It is notable for its higher price than most tricycles. Just like the Radio Flyer tricycle that made this list, you need to store or dispose of its detachable parts when your kid outgrows their usefulness. Users also complained that the steering handle feel flimsy.
Other features
It is expensive but highly versatile. Joovy Tricycoo is available in three colors: black, blue, and pink. The tricycle is sturdy and durable. It features high-quality and washable fabric. It is lightweight and easy to carry. The tricycle is easy to use by kids and parents. The handle is placed in a convenient area that won't stress your kids. The front wheel is extra large and this contributes to its easy mobility.
Product specifications
Product Name: Joovy Tricycoo 4.1
Assembled dimensions with Parent Handle: 37 x 20 x 39 inches
Assembled dimensions without Parent Handle: 29 x 20 x 35.50 inches
Height without canopy: 22.5 inches
Product weight: 14.4 lbs
Minimum age: 10 months
Maximum weight: 44 lbs.
Assembly Required: Yes
Most cost-effective - XJD 3-in-1 Kids Tricycle
Most cost-effective
XJD 3-in-1 Kids Tricycle
A lightweight tricycle with a sturdy structure that guarantees top-notch balance.
XJD 3-in-1 tricycle is very versatile and excellent for children between the age of 10 months to three years. One of its best features is that it is easy to assemble and is not as intimidating as other designs. The tricycle is not only elegantly designed but it is also strong and comfortable. The handlebars are easy for a child to maneuver and are soft so they will not hurt the child.
Who it is for
Get the XJD 3-in-1 Kids Tricycle if you want a versatile tricycle that is wallet-friendly. It is suitable for kids that fall in the range of 10 months to 3 years.
Why it is great
XJD 3-in-1 Kids Tricycle is a great investment as your infant can ride it as a tricycle and as they grow up (2-3 years) you can transform it into a two-wheeler. It features three modes: three-wheel sliding mode (12-24 months old), pedal tricycle mode, and two-wheel balance bike model (2-3 years old). One of the awesome features of this trike is its adjustable handlebar angle which you can move into a comfortable angle. XJD has a non-slip EVA foam tire that doesn't wear out easily. The seat height is adjustable and suitable for 29 to 37.4 inches tall babies.
Potential flaws
It may be too small for older children. Sadly, it doesn't come with a harness. The handlebars might be set too low from the factory.
Other features
With all these awesome features, XJD is budget friendly and highly versatile. It features a carbon steel frame, a polyurethane leather seat, and strong plastic wheels. It is light and easy to assemble as it comes with a simplified manual. With its versatility and its price, we can say this is a great investment.
Product specifications
Product Name: XJD 3-in-1 Kids Tricycle
Product Dimensions: 28.74 x 22.05 x 41.34 inches
Package Weight: 8.2 lbs
Item Weight: 6 lbs
Maximum load: 55.11 lbs
Assembly Required: No
Almost made the cut - Fisher Price Tough Trike
Almost made the cut
Fisher Price Tough Trike
A pocket-friendly choice with a nostalgic vibe and wide seat.
Fisher Price Tough Trike is an amazing tricycle that comes in various design themes such as Harleys, Barbie, Thomas and Friends and so much more. The tricycle has an off-road vibe to it including the rugged tread tires. We like that it has a secret storage unit so your child can take their stash along on every adventure.
Who it is for
Get the Fisher Price Tough Trike if you need a small tricycle that does its task effortlessly. It is cheap and easy to ride. It is suitable for kids between the ages of two and five.
Why it is great
It is light and easy to ride. Fisher Price Tough Trike has ergonomic handlebars that are cute and comfortable. It is available in various designs such as Harley-Davidson, Barbie, Hot Wheels, Thomas & Friends, and Blaze & the Monster Machine themes. Kids love these themes. There is also a large under-seat storage where parents and kids can store whatever they need on a trip. Any Fisher Price Tough Trike that you get is well-balanced.
Potential flaws
It is not adjustable so you may have to wait for your child to fit properly and reach the pedals. It is not easy to assemble this trike — slightly tricky.
Other features
Fisher Price Tough Trike is affordable and easy to tote around. It is quite small and light. It is made of plastic. This trike is easy to clean with a damp cloth. It features solid wheels which makes it stable despite its lightness.
Product specifications
Product Name: Fisher Price Tough Trike
Product Dimensions: 29.5 x 22.5 x 22 inches
Package Weight: 4 lbs
Assembly Required: Yes
Who This Is For
The amazing tricycles on this list are for awesome kids. Every parent owes their kids one or two toys to make them feel good and energetic. These tricycles are safe and easy to use by kids ranging from 10 months to five years old. If you want to enjoy an interesting time with your kid, get any of these tricycles and enjoy the moments.
Are tricycles only for children?
The answer is no. There are tricycles for adults too. They are known as adult trikes, adaptive tricycles, and three-wheeled bikes. Adult tricycles are great for adults who can still pedal and brake perfectly but have balance or coordination issues. It is also good for exercising.
Getting the right size tricycle
This is an important factor that must be considered. Tricycles come in different sizes and shapes. Then, how do you know the right tricycle size for your kid? It is simple. You can know the right tricycle for your kids via two methods: height and inseam.
Let’s look at the height method. Let your child put on his or her shoes for cycling. Let the kid stand straight up with his back against a wall with his feet shoulder wide apart. Place the spine of a book on his head and make sure the spine makes contact with the wall. Measure the distance between the floor and the bottom of the book with a measuring tape. The distance between these two levels is the height of your kid. This will facilitate picking the right choice.
The inseam measurement is quite the same as that of the height measurement. After making your kid stand against a wall, place a book as high as possible between your kid’s legs. Make sure the spine of the book touches the wall. Don’t let go of the book and let your kid step away. Then measure the distance between the ground and the top of the book with a measuring tape. Remember, we are measuring inseam, not height. The distance between these two levels is the inseam measurement of your kid. The inseam measurement determines how tall a tricycle should be for your kid to place his or her feet on the ground while sitting on the tricycle’s seat.
There is another common and inaccurate method — age. Most times, age works but there have been cases of anomalies. Bike sizes by age use the average height of children in that particular age range. So if your kid is taller or shorter than the average height, then you are causing trouble for your kid.
Some convenience stores do request a kid’s height or even measure them to give him/her the perfect tricycle. Some even possess a bike sizes chart where you can relate your kid’s age or inseam measurement or height to their respective bike size.
Why You Should Trust Us
Kids are tender being that needs lots of care because they don’t know what is happening around them. That’s why as an adult, you need to guide them and make sure they are brewing with good energy. Tricycles are good tools to boost the morale of a kid. To avoid picking the wrong tricycle for your kid, we did an in-depth analysis of various tricycles. We checked with online stores, convenience stores, and other recommended personnel before picking up these tricycles. In the next section, you will know about the criteria we used.
How We Picked
It’s not easy to hand-pick the perfect tricycles for your kids. There are tons of kid tricycles available online and in convenience stores. To give you and your kid a cost-effective and safe tricycle, we reviewed professional opinions and previous user experiences with kid parents. Firsthand opinions from professionals who deal with kids’ tricycles such as nannies, parents, store owners, pediatricians, and marketers set us on the right path to gathering these listed options. User experiences and reviews were about convenience, ease of usage, style, the material used, and effectiveness.
We also inputted some criteria to further scrutinize these bicycles. We considered the size because inappropriate tricycles do cause stress for kids. The seats of these picked tricycles are comfy and durable. Some have seat belts for the protection of your kid. We evaluated the size and the tires of these tricycles and made sure that they are perfect for indoor and outdoor activities. The tires won’t dent your lawn or carpet or tiles. Some of these bicycles have foldable designs which mean you can fold them and store them. Others that made our list that isn’t foldable are light and easy to store.
Some kids’ tricycles are usually assembled from the factory while some do contain parts and manuals that will guide you to put them together smoothly. Some manufacturers designed their tricycles to appeal to kids with aesthetic themes and structures. For example, the Fisher-Price Tough Trike that made this list is available in various themes that appeal to boys and girls. Talking about the structure, the handle position of tricycles matters. You don’t want a tricycle that your kid will leap to ride.
All the tricycles that made this list are wallet-friendly and worthy of their prices. These tricycles are made with high-quality and safe materials. They are durable and easy to clean. Some tricycles on our list have safety features that will protect your kids from accidents. Kids’ tricycles can be operated manually or by electricity. All the tricycles on this list are operated manually via pedaling.
How We Picked
Size in comparison to rider
The last thing any parent wants is to get a product that can harm kids. We ensured that the tricycles that we picked for you are appropriate for kids within the range of nine months to five years. We did this so that your kids could enjoy more balance and safety.
Comfort - Seat and Handle position
Kids are tender beings that must be treated with utmost care. The seat of a good tricycle should be comfy, spacious, and gentle for the body. The overlay material should be gentle on their skin. The handle should be at an appropriate angle so as not to strain the hand muscles.
Style/Design
Kids like and relate excellently to beautiful and colorful stuff. That's why manufacturers don't miss out on this point and always produce beautiful and sleek tricycles. Some even produce tricycles with superhero and cartoon themes. They put in some amazing features such as a sun canopy.
Cost-Effectiveness
When a kid rides a tricycle, he or she catches fun, builds confidence, and masters stability or balance. More goodies come with this activity and believe us, tricycles are affordable and durable. We picked tricycles that are made with high-quality materials that don't get spoilt easily.
Care and maintenance
Checking Safety Features
Before your kids ride their tricycles, you must check their tricycles. Check if their trike is in good shape. If they have safety features, check if they are in good form. Try and ring the bells and see if it’s working and if it’s easy to ring. Check if the lights are functioning excellently. The seat belts should be checked if they are still in place. Occasionally, you should examine the reflectors and make sure they still do their job perfectly. Finally, the pedal support should be checked before and after every ride.
How to clean
You need water, detergent preferably dishwashing fluid or specialized tricycle cleaner, a bucket or a hose, and a sponge or a brush. For detachable tricycles, you can detach them carefully and wash them in a sink, rinse them thoroughly, and dry them. For tricycles that you can’t take apart, you just have to wash them like you are washing a cutting board. After washing, rinse thoroughly and gently. Clean the wheels and make sure you do it gently. If the seat is made with fabrics, use a brush to wash it — do it gently.
Fixing popped chains
If your kid’s tricycle is making a loud noise whenever your child is riding, you may need to reduce the tension on the chain. If the chain usually falls off, you can fix it by putting chain lube in drops on every link.
Dealing with burst tires
The best way to deal with burst tires is to get another tire. If the puncture isn’t big, you can remove the tire and fix it. Then, put the tire back and inflate.
Preventing rusting joints
It is good to lubricate joints regularly for smooth riding and the prevention of rust. Do not put your kid’s tricycle in the rain or places where water usually flows.
Ensuring balance
Make sure the tires are in an excellent state because if they aren’t in good condition, this can cause a fatal accident. Ensure the chains are in good condition and well-lubricated. Ensure there is no dangerous obstacle on their path. Lastly, as a parent, guide your kid to excellent riding.
Sources and Research
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