A tricycle is a great way to keep your child busy doing something productive that they’ll love, at the same time. This is especially true if your kid is at the tricky age of less than 5 years old.
Tricycles help keep them occupied if they’re bored and they’re a great option if your child is bored with their old toys. They also teach your child to be independent.
There are countless benefits when it comes to tricycles but the important thing is to choose the right one.
The most important quality of a good tricycle is safety. You want to be sure your child won’t get hurt while riding the tricycle. It should also be affordable, functional, and of suitable material.
With the sheer number of tricycles on the market, choosing the right one for your child can be difficult. Well, good news. We’ve gathered 5 of the best tricycles on the market for kids under 5 years old.
We also threw in a few great tips and factors to think about before buying a brand new tricycle. Here’s everything you need to know in order to make an informed decision.
Who needs a tricycle?
It’s never too early to get your child started on their first tricycle. The great thing about them is that they are both fun and good for your children.
It’s a great gift that virtually all kids would love. There are some cases, however, where a tricycle is even more useful than one might think. Here are a few examples.
⦁ Children that aren’t easily entertained
If your child is always running around looking for something to do and getting into trouble, you might want to consider a tricycle. Some children aren’t entertained easily.
If household toys don’t seem to be doing the trick, maybe it’s time for a tricycle. Introducing a new object into your child’s play routine can do wonders for them.
⦁ Children who aren’t very active or need some mobility
If you think your child isn’t getting enough exercise, maybe sitting around playing video games or at home all day, you might want to consider a tricycle.
It’s an excellent way to boost your child’s mobility and entertain them at the same time. It also helps instill a sense of independence from an early age.
Top 5 Tricycles for Kids
Table could not be displayed.How to Choose the Best Tricycle for Kids – Things to Consider
Having a checklist or a few factors in mind when buying any product is a great way to guarantee that you get exactly what you’re looking for. To that end, here’s what you should be thinking about when it comes to buying a tricycle for your child.
1. Wireframes
One of the things you should think about when choosing a tricycle for your child is what kind of wireframe would best suit them. There are several types to choose from.
For example, Radio Flyer makes tricycles that are built very close to the ground. The seat is almost on level with the pedals.
This makes it easier for younger children to lean back and still reach the pedals and steer without tripping over. It’s perfect for young kids that don’t have much sitting balance.
There are other tricycles that are more suitable for older children since they favor a more classic wireframe that requires balance and control.
These tricycles have seats that are high off the ground and have longer push handles.
2. Safety Features
Each tricycle has its own design. Some of them are a bit bulky, made from steel or metal frames, while others are much smaller, made from plastic.
You should think about where and how often your child will be using the tricycle. Will they be using it outdoors or will it be an indoors toy?
If the tricycle is meant for the outdoors, a steel or metal frame with rubber tires is ideal. This helps minimize damage to your tricycle when it goes over gravel and dirt.
Sure, these tricycles might be a bit heavier than their plastic counterparts, but they provide extra safety and stability when going over bumpy roads.
On the other hand, if the tricycle is meant to be an indoor toy, you’re better off going for a plastic model that is easier to carry around. It’s also safer in case it falls on your child while playing indoors or around furniture.
3. Additional Features
Each tricycle has its own distinct features, but not all tricycles include additional accessories. Some are simply meant for riding.
Some common accessories and features include: a ringing bell, storage spaces, additional seats for passengers, steps, and even stickers.
Think about the features you want to get for your child.
Our Selection Criteria for the Best Tricycles for Kids under 5 Years Old
We scavenged the market looking for the best tricycle for kids under 5 years old. These 5 are the best tricycles on the market in terms of durability, features, and reliability. Without further ado, here they are.
Top 5 Tricycles for Kids Reviews
1. Radio Flyer 4-in-1 Stroll’N Trike- The 4-in-1 Tricycle
For more than a century, Radio Flyer has been known for its little red wagon, the definition of fun for hundreds and thousands of kids. Today, it continues to be extremely popular keeping kids occupied, happy, and independent.
Ever since the success of their red wagon, Radio Flyer has been aiming to take their products to a whole new level and they have. Their most popular one is the 4-in-1 trike.
One of the things people find most appealing is the 5 available style options you can choose from. Parents love involving their children in the choosing process, showing them all the available color options and watching them pick.
Features
⦁ 5 style options to choose from: classic, folding, infant, sport, and ultimate kids tricycle.
⦁ Grow-with-the-child feature
⦁ Trademark red color
⦁ Small canopy over the baby seat (protects from the sun)
⦁ Comfy, removable safety tray with a cup holder
⦁ Age: you can use this tricycle from the tender age of 9 months old!
⦁ Adjustable till the age of 5 years old, after that it becomes too small
Pros
⦁ Extremely versatile
⦁ Grows with your kid
⦁ Safety tray is removable so it won’t be a problem as your child grows
⦁ Great, affordable price
⦁ Lasts for a long time, giving your child a sense of consistency
⦁ 4-in-1 feature
⦁ 3-point harness
⦁ Covered storage bin
Cons
⦁ Doesn’t come with a footrest
Our Verdict
If you’re looking for an amazing 4-in-1 tricycle, that is safe, efficient, and reliable, the Radio Flyer is a great option to consider. This company has brought joy to thousands of kids and it can no doubt do the same for yours.
2. Schwinn Roadster 12inch Trike -The Vintage-Style Tricycle
Schwinn is one of the oldest companies in the tricycle industry. It dates all the way back to 1895 and has been making some of the best bicycles and tricycles on the market.
Their main objective is to make customers happy with reliable products that are both safe and enjoyable at the same time. As an adult, you might be more familiar with the company’s adult bicycles, which are quite famous.
But Schwinn still makes some of the best tricycles you’ll ever come across. The Schwinn Roadster is no exception. In fact, Amazon has named this incredible tricycle their Amazon’s Choice product.
Features
⦁ Original and unique design
⦁ Available in 8 colors
⦁ Wood deck is attached at the back with the logo burnt in
⦁ Close to the floor (low center of gravity)
⦁ Doesn’t tip over when going at high speeds
⦁ Long chrome handlebars
⦁ Steel heavy-duty construction
⦁ Ideal for ages between 1 and 5
⦁ Adjustable seat
Pros
⦁ Impressive design
⦁ Tons of positive reviews on Amazon
⦁ Retro style (vintage look)
⦁ Grows with your child from age of 1 to 5 years old
⦁ Low center of gravity
⦁ Several colors to choose from
⦁ Sturdy, heavy-duty build
⦁ Safe even when going at high speeds
Cons
⦁ The tires might need to be replaced after some time
Our Verdict
If you’re looking for a sturdy, reliable tricycle with a vintage, retro design, this is a great tricycle to consider.
3. Fly Bike Foldable Glide Tricycle – The Best Foldable Tricycle
There are tons of tricycles on the market that offer unique, impressive designs, but come with one drawback: they’re not foldable. This makes it much harder for you to take them with you on trips and vacations.
Chromo Inc. recognized the issue and introduced the Fly Bike Foldable Glide Tricycle. This simple, elegant, and foldable tricycle is one the most 5-starred tricycles on Amazon.
Features
⦁ Simple, foldable design
⦁ No unnecessary accessories on the front, side, or edges
⦁ Sturdy, plastic build
⦁ No assembly required
⦁ Ideal for kids up to 1 year old
Pros
⦁ Helps your child develop their skills
⦁ Strengthens your child’s leg muscles
⦁ Perfect for riding, scooting, or learning to walk
⦁ Lightweight thanks to its plastic and rubber frame
⦁ Easy mobility
⦁ Portable, can be taken anywhere
Cons
⦁ Might be a bit small for children over 1-2 years old
Our Verdict
If you’re looking for a foldable, lightweight tricycle that you can take with you on vacations and excursions, the Fly Bike is an excellent choice.
4. Fisher-Price Rock, Roll ‘n Ride – The Best 3-Stage Tricycle
Next up on our list is the Fisher-Price Rock, Roll ‘n Ride. The reason this tricycle is so popular among parents and children alike is because of the company’s vast experience in the industry.
Dating back to the 1930s, this company has accumulated nearly a century’s worth of knowledge in the business. They know what kids prefer and what parents look for. All of this knowledge and experience has gone into the Rock, Roll ‘n Ride.
Features
⦁ Sturdy, reliable design
⦁ Thicker than the last 3 tricycles
⦁ Comfortable, stable seat
⦁ Thick handlebars that provide a nice, solid grip
⦁ Thick wheels provide a better center of gravity
⦁ Includes three stages: a rocking toy (for young kids), a rocker with a push along , and a stage where your child can pedal on their own
⦁ Suitable for ages 1-5 years old
Pros
⦁ The company cares about customer feedback and is constantly improving their products
⦁ It’s a parent-favorite
⦁ Has been named an Amazon’s Choice product
⦁ Has more than 500 positive reviews
⦁ Helps children develop mobility skills quickly
⦁ Won’t trip over
⦁ Grows with your child through 3 stages
⦁ Sturdy frame
⦁ Comfortable and safe
Cons
⦁ The manual might be a bit unclear
Our Verdict
If you’re looking for a great tricycle that’ll work throughout all three stages of your child’s growth, you should definitely consider the Fisher-Price.
5. Besrey 3-in-1 – The Most Stable Tricycle
Besrey first started out in Germany, but soon, the company began to expand to other countries thanks to its excellent-quality products. Considering this company has only been in business for 7 years, this is a huge achievement!
The Besrey 3-in-1 is one of the products that have contributed to this company’s huge popularity.
Features
⦁ Stable over pavement, dirt, or gravel
⦁ Sporty design
⦁ 3 available colors: black, blue, and red
⦁ The front wheel is much larger than the back ones, which gives more balance
⦁ Removable pedals that can be used as a ride-on walker
⦁ Flexible plastic build
⦁ Ideal for ages 1-3 years old
⦁ Can be folded
Pros
⦁ Helps your child develop mobility skills
⦁ Comfortable and safe, but still keeps your child entertained
⦁ Works perfectly on all kinds of roads
⦁ Fashionable
⦁ Doesn’t tip over
⦁ Easy to assemble
⦁ Lightweight and durable
Cons
⦁ It might be a bit big for the mentioned ages
Our Verdict
If you’re looking for safety and stability above all else, the Besrey is one of the best tricycles on this list with its ability to conquer all terrains.
The Best Overall among the 5 Best Tricycles for Kids under 5 Years Old
The best overall would definitely have to be the Besrey 3-in-1. This tricycle is not only safe and stable on different kinds of terrains, but it’s also extremely versatile!
You can’t go wrong with a tricycle that is foldable, has removable pedals, and encourages your child to be independent.
Best Tricycles for Kids under 5 Years Old – Frequently Asked Questions
At what age can my child start riding a tricycle?
Children can start riding tricycles from the early age of 1 year old! That being said, make sure your child has some decent balance skills before allowing them to ride a tricycle.
Are there any tricycles with a push bar?
Definitely! There are tons of tricycles on the market that come with a push bar. A smart idea is to choose a tricycle that has a removable push bar.
This allows you to remove it as your child gets older and no longer needs it, instead of having to replace the entire tricycle.
How do I teach my child to ride a tricycle?
It’s important to start slowly, taking baby steps. First, make sure your child actually wants to try out the tricycle. If they’re eager to learn, start off by helping them scoot or glide, without putting their feet on the pedals.
Once they get the hang of it and start developing some sense of balance, introduce the pedals. It might be a bit difficult at first, since they have to focus on steering, balancing, and pedaling.
Final Verdict
Whether your kids are tired of their usual toys or simply have an abundance of energy, a tricycle is a great option to consider.
Tricycles can help your child be active, instead of staying at home playing video games or just sitting around.
But of course, like any responsible parent, you need to choose a tricycle that is functional, cost-efficient, and above all, safe.
If you’re having trouble deciding, which is perfectly normal with all these tricycles on the market, why not choose one from this list?
It contains 5 of the best tricycles money can buy, along with a handy guide on how to pick the right one. Try one out and you’ll be amazed by how much a tricycle can change your child’s life.
