The long build time is due to the fact that this trike has so many parts; this makes it versatile, but it’s also a pain. The tools needed—a Phillips head screwdriver, a hammer, and a wrench—are not included. This trike held up well during testing, but it’s less durable than some of the other models we tried, including our upgrade pick. One of the primary features of this meridian tricycle is its seven-speed gear with grip twist shifters. This provides riders with a wide range of gears to tackle various terrains and inclines with ease. The lightweight alloy rims and galvanized iron spokes help keep the ride smooth and effortless.
At 21 pounds, the MyRider Midi is one of the heavier trikes we tested. Yet despite its heft, it provides a very smooth ride and is easy for kids to start pedaling. The spokeless wheels move smoothly, and the rubber tires, though narrow, seem to glide easily. The wheels require no adjustments; no parts stick out, and nothing can get caught in them. This trike is the hardest to tip of any we tried, due to its weight and welded steel frame design. But we also found the MyRider Midi harder to stop when going fast downhill.
Please note, a stock image is included to provide you with a visual snapshot of this item that we could not capture otherwise. Check TiresInflate the tires to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure, which is marked on the tire sidewall. Install HandlebarsRemove the plastic plug from the top of the fork steerer tube, then insert the stem quill into the steerer tube.
Specialized’s Hotwalk is a solid bike, but it usually costs over $200 and offers no handbrake. The curved frame is well engineered, with a low stand-over height of 8 inches. This low-slung bike is not as polished as our other picks and is a pain to assemble. But it performs well and can get most kids up and happily gliding along. I live in a town where NO ONE does trikes or bikes, and I don’t have any way to take it somewhere to fix.
Storage spaces for stuff kids might need—like a cupholder for a sippy cup or a trunk or basket for toys—may also be appealing to kids. The seat should ideally include some back support to help brace a child’s trunk, especially if they’re under age 3, said Rebecca Talmud, DPT, a pediatric physical therapist in Washington, DC. “This support will be important to ensure more effective forward motion and help a child build momentum when pedaling.” She also pointed out that a kid shouldn’t have to strain to reach the pedals. “Trikes are really the first tool that give kids the sense of moving forward,” said Judy Wang, DPT, a board-certified clinical specialist in pediatric physical therapy who practices in Los Angeles. They also help develop a child’s visual processing abilities while in motion. At age 1 to 2, kids can sit securely on a trike, and at around age 2½ to 3 (on average), they are able to start pedaling on their own.
We considered more than 50 of today’s most popular tricycles. And along with several dozen kids (between the ages of 1 and 7), we test-drove 21 models. In the end, we think families with toddlers should get the Radio Flyer 4-in-1 Stroll ’N Trike. This lower-cost, convertible tricycle is loaded with extras, and it offers significantly more versatility than its competitors.
Pair all of that with a handlebar stem that you can raise nearly 4 inches, and you have an especially versatile bike that’s fun to ride and capable of growing with your child. The Guardian Balance Bike was a surprise hit during our 2023 testing round, as the preschoolers in the group fought over riding it. That gets kids one step closer to riding a pedal bike on their own because they can learn to stop without dragging their feet on the ground. The quality, air-filled tires also contribute to a smooth ride. And this model is easy to assemble, with clear instructional videos provided. If our top pick is sold out or if you have a taller child, the REI Co-op Cycles REV 12 Kids’ Balance Bike is an excellent choice.
Writer Jenni Gritters researched more than 20 tricycles, and she built and tested 10 of them in late 2023. She has a decade of experience reporting on parenting, purchasing, and psychology, and she was previously an editor for Wirecutter’s outdoors section. schwinn tricycle She’s the author of our guides to the best jogging strollers and the best kids hiking backpacks, and she’s a mom to two children. As Jenni was writing the current version of this guide, her kids were 15 months and 3½ years old—perfect trike-testing age.
Jenni’s 15-month-old daughter loved riding in the infant mode, often pushed by her brother using the parent handle. A tricycle should help your child learn to pedal and steer. Those models with a wide wheelbase will provide stability and grip the roadway, and we found that lightweight trikes are, in general, easier for younger kids to use. Tires made from rubber or foam are softer, and that can help cushion the ride; hard plastic tires can ride a little rougher and be slippery on pavement. But all of these materials are fine as long as the trike is stable.