And our kid testers found it less easy to use, likely because the IFANS trike is about 4 pounds heavier than the Radio Flyer tricycle (20 pounds versus the Radio Flyer’s 16). Many people are looking for a versatile trike that can be used with the same child over a number of developmental stages. We sought a trike with a parent push bar, to propel a toddler who is still learning to pedal, as well as one with the ability to convert to an independent trike for older kids. 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.
We wanted a trike that kids would find appealing and want to play with, ideally for many years. For others, extra pizzazz like a bell, a basket, bright colors, and/or tassels may mean a lot. 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.
Like its namesake, the Big Wheel is better for bigger kids. It accommodates kids up to 70 pounds and 8 years old, and we’ve known older children who did, in fact, love it. But this trike is the most fun when it’s used to barrel down steep hillsides; even older, stronger pedalers will find it difficult to use for sidewalk travel. Overall, if you’re seeking a truly fun ride for older kids, we think the Razor RipRider 360 is the better choice. Beyond the glitz, we found that the Roadster provides a smooth, stable ride, especially compared with similar low riders made of plastic. Due to its size and weight (17½ pounds), this trike is better balanced than our top pick in independent trike mode, even on fast turns.
Air-filled tires and a low center of gravity make this trike easy to ride. The tires are air-filled, like a bicycle’s, so this three-wheeled baby can tear up some ground. It weighs 17½ pounds, and it has a low center of gravity, which prevents tips and allows the trike to take corners.
It also has a three-point harness, and this one was easier to use than the harness on any other model we tried—it actually pulled tight, too. The 4-in-1 Stroll ’N Trike has a steel schwinn mountain bike frame but is mostly made of plastic (wheels included). So it’s not the most durable option we tested, but it still stood up to several months of heavy use without injury.
Since there are only two different wheel sizes, it’s easy to decide which one is best for you. The 26-inch wheel is best for adults or anyone 5-foot-4 to 6-foot-2, whereas the 24-inch wheel is best for children between the ages of 8-12. For better or for worse, adult tricycles stand out in the crowd, so you might as well choose a color that you love to complete the look. Schwinn adult tricycles are available in a range of colors — some bold, like bright red, and some with a cool vintage appeal, such as mint green and periwinkle blue.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links. Verify Brakes WorkRoll bike back and forth slightly while operating the brakes. The manufacturer also offers a lifetime limited warranty. Several reviewers who have a balance or weight issues rave about the Schwinn Meridian. It provides them a means to get some heart-healthy movement into their lives while they enjoy the outdoors or run errands.
Best suited for flat areas, this single-speed drivetrain is easy to use and simple to maintain, while the chain guard keeps your clothes and shoelaces free & clear. Check first the tightness of the two hold-down screws on the rear axle drive sprocket. Sometimes these work loose, especially during the break-in period (first 500 miles). Tighten these two schwinn bicycles screws down as hard as you can — this connection point takes a lot of stress, especially on uphill grinds. Touted as America’s favorite full-size tricycle, the Schwinn Meridian cargo trike is made with an aluminum frame. The low frame makes it easy to mount, while the swept-back handlebars give it a stylish look with a relaxed and comfortable grip.
We enjoyed its three-second fold, padded straps, and sleek look. Like our top pick, this one converts to multiple stages. But this trike is more than triple the cost of our top pick. And the push bar is also more loosely attached than that of our runner-up pick; this made it difficult for an adult to schwinn tricycle push the Liki in a straight path, especially one-handed. This tricycle has four modes, for kids of different ages, and ample accessories, and it rides well on many different surfaces. This trike is an updated version of the 4-in-1 Stroll ’N Trike we tested for a previous iteration of this guide.