Best suited for easy-going rides around the neighborhood, just give the reliable 3-speed shifter a twist to smoothly shift gears and make pedaling easy on gentle hills. A rear expander brake and front alloy linear pull brake deliver reliable speed control and secure stopping power. Plus, a locking brake lever acts as a parking brake to keep the tricycle stationary on flat ground for easy loading and unloading.
I also interviewed product designers, marketers, and owners at four companies that make tricycles, among them a trike designer at Fisher-Price and the VP of product development at Radio Flyer. Beyond the glitz, we found that the Roadster schwinn bicycles provides a smooth, stable ride, especially compared with similar low-riders made of plastic (like the modern version of the beloved Big Wheel). The Roadster’s size and weight makes it better balanced than our pick, even in fast turns.
The Roadster features a shiny red and silver metal body, black tassels on the handlebars, a bell, and a wooden deck in back—a platform where a friend can hitch a ride. The molded plastic seat slides back on a track to be adjustable for bigger kids. It took a little longer for my son to get moving on this trike than on the Joovy, but the ride was smooth once he got up to speed. Though the Deluxe Steer & Stroll won’t work like the Joovy for the youngest kids, it’s still a good option to use as a stroller alternative with older toddlers. The parent push handle extends as far as the Joovy’s, though unlike that trike’s push bar it is not adjustable. We found that this trike was just as easy for a parent to steer as the Joovy, and easier to steer with one hand.
The bike is rated to 50 pounds, 6 pounds more than the Joovy (many kids don’t hit 50 pounds until they’re 7 or 8 years old). I spent seven hours researching tricycles, starting by identifying popular models used in schools and recreation centers. Both Wang and Talmud work with tricycles in teaching pedaling and balance to kids. I used the US Consumer Product Safety Commission’s database to see which trikes had been recalled recently and why. And I called two bike shops to see what models they recommend to parents looking for a first tricycle for their child.
The tricycle does not come with a bell, but for less than $10 you can add a perfectly fun one like the Incredibell that kids as young as age 1 can enjoy. The high handlebars and step-through frame are better for riders who experience back pain. Sitting in an upright position puts less stress on the lower back. The rider has less risk of strain when getting on and off the Meridian. The Schwinn Meridian Tricycle for adults makes an excellent commuter bike with its large cargo basket. Many purchasers have also used the Meridian as a gateway to weight loss because its extra balance and weight capacity make it the perfect solution for getting more exercise without causing strain or injury.
The High Bounce Extra Tall Tricycle gets high marks from parents of long-legged tots. Made of aluminum, it’s lighter (11.9 pounds) and the seat is 2½ inches higher than the Joovy’s or the Radio Flyer Steer & Stroll’s. Like the seats on those bikes, the High Bounce’s seat moves forward and backward to accommodate growing kids. The handlebar grips felt rougher on young hands than the grips on other trikes. The High Bounce comes in a cool lime green or blue and is recommended for ages 3 to 6.
This trike lacks a restraint system and sunshade for small kids, and it’s not as easy to ride as our pick, but it usually costs less. The Schwinn Meridian is making its mark in the bike industry as a perfect alternative for adult riders who want to lose weight or need some extra stability provided by a tricycle. Both versions of the bike are sturdy enough to hold the weight of most adults. You might think that tricycles are just for kids who haven’t learned to ride a bike. But the Schwinn Meridian Tricycle for adults is an excellent alternative to a bicycle for your commute or weight loss. The classic shape of this tricycle is super stable for your still-toddling little one.