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. Tricycles also teach important skills like steering and pedaling, which lay the foundation for a child to eventually become a confident big-kid-bike rider. 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.
Click the microphone in the search bar to try again, or start typing your search term. We added a bell with that classic ring to the Meridian Deluxe for a fun, charming way to alert others on the road.
The lightweight aluminum frame means you don’t have to put in too much effort to move your trike around, while the extra-wide and luxuriously padded seat is the height of comfort. It’s only available in a 26-inch wheel size, so it isn’t ideal for anyone under 5 foot 4. This tricycle comes with a canopy, a wide push handle for parents (it’s reasonably adjustable for caregivers of different heights), a wraparound tray and cupholder, and a storage bucket. 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 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. 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 schwinn bicycles 3 (on average), they are able to start pedaling on their own. The first version of this guide was written by Katharine Gammon, a science writer, when her children were 1½ and 3½ years old. Kate spent upwards of 25 hours researching and testing a dozen tricycles, and she interviewed two pediatric physical therapists, among other experts.
She has a decade of experience reporting on parenting, purchasing, and psychology, and she was previously an editor for Wirecutter’s outdoors section. 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 schwinn bicycles were 15 months and 3½ years old—perfect trike-testing age. If you need to tackle a range of gradients on your route, this seven-speed tricycle is the ideal option, making lighter work of hills. The spacious cargo basket has a solid base and can fold when not in use. Like the three-speed model, it’s only available in a 26-inch wheel size.
The cargo basket is fantastic for groceries or other cargo. The manufacturer warns riders that the cargo area is not for pets, children, or other passengers. Even if they are under 50 lbs., the cargo basket is not a safe riding space. Both writers also threw “bike parties” with a dozen kids, ages 1 to 7, along with the parents, and they noted which options everyone gravitated toward and which they ignored.
It should be about hip level when you’re standing next to the bike. Slide the fender into place, then secure the fender struts to the fork dropout with fender bolts. Squeeze the brake arms together with one hand, using the other hand to disengage the brake cable from the slotted cable stop on the brake arm.