Before you decide to skip this article thinking it is a review of tricycles for 2 year olds only, let us correct such misunderstanding - the tricycles (or trikes) reviewed here are suitable for toddlers of all age.
The reason for its title? Well, kids generally learn to ride a trike by the age of 2, with most being able to ride it well when they turn 3.
So it is most likely around this time that you would be searching for the best tricycle for your little one, one that you can trust of its safety and durability.
1. Should I Get A Tricycle or Balance Bike?
If you've read our guide here regarding some of the best balance bikes in the market, you may have the following query:
"Should I get a tricycle or a balance bike?"
There really is no right or wrong answer to that, rather, it is more of a case of what suits your little one.
With a balance bike, your little one can scoot and ride on his own without any assistance and during the process, instinctively learn how to balance and coordinate.
It is undeniable that balance bikes help in making the transition to regular bikes easier, and best of all, you can start on them as early as 18 months old.
A tricycle, on the other hand, is a three-wheeled bike that serves as a training bike to get your child familiarize himself on bike-riding and pedalling before switching to a regular bike.
Some trikes have a push-handlebar attached to them so that parents can help push and steer (just like a stroller) before their child master pedalling themselves. With a tricycle, pedalling wouldn't be foreign anymore when your little one ride on a regular bike.
Many would say that with a balance bike, they can skip the training bike phase altogether but a tricycle is a staple enjoyment that cannot be missed in any childhood so at the end of the day, it really is your call. There is no harm in getting both if you can't decide, just saying!
2. Best 4-in-1 Tricycle
The Joovy Tricycoo 4.1 Tricycle is one of the best baby tricycle that we'd highly recommend if you wish to start baby young.
By young, we mean your baby can start riding on this trike as early as 10 months old all the way up to 44 pounds.
This is because the Tricycoo is a 4-stage trike that adjusts to your child's growth, thanks to features like an adjustable (and removable) parent push handle, removable baby surround arms, flip-down footrest and 3-position adjustable seat (to accommodate the growing legs).
Stage 1 (10+ months): Baby sits in a padded seat with head support, surround arms and a 5-point harness for comfort and safety while parents have full control.
Stage 2 (18+ months): This is when you can switch to training mode. Flip the footrest down for baby's longer legs and set the pedals to freewheel mode to prevent the pedals from spinning and hitting little legs and feet.
Stage 3 (24+ months): Parents can remove the surround arms and lock the pedals to allow the child to pedal by themselves. Large pedals make it easier for the child to place their feet on and learn to pedal.
Stage 4 (30+ months): By this stage, you can remove the parent handle completely for kid powered fun. A convenient cup holder and rear storage basket are perfect for child must-haves.
Overall, the Joovy Tricycoo is one of the best first tricycle for baby if you decide to forego the balance bike.
It is the perfect way to introduce balance and coordination at an early age, and we like how its extra-large canopy is 50 UPF and has multiple positions to keep baby cool and protected from harmful sun rays.
Also, its front wheel is larger than most competition which makes the Tricycoo an easier ride than most.
If you have a slightly bigger budget and like the idea of a 4-in-1 trike that grows with your child from a young age, you will love the Evezo 302A 4-in-1 Parent Push Tricycle.
This is another best toddler tricycle with push handle that is of a more sophisticated version of the Joovy Tricycoo.
Designed to accompany your baby from 12 months to 36 months and up, this is one of the best tricycle for one year old and above.
What sets it apart with other models is that the Evezo 302A has a reversible seat that allows you to turn baby around to face you on days you feel like taking him or her out just for a spin, yes, exactly like how you can with some strollers.
As an infant trike, you have full control of where baby goes using the adult steering push handle after which you can remove the handle to convert it into a classic trike when baby gets older.
Why we say it is a more sophisticated trike is that the seat, in infant trike mode, is reclinable into 3 positions and there is a 5-point safety harness and front safety collision bar to keep baby secured.
With this one, some say you do not need another separate stroller as it functions just like one before you transform it into a classic trike.
The front wheel coasts smoothly on any terrain when you push it and with just a snap of a button, you can unlock the front stepping pedals for your little one to use it as a tricycle on his/her own.
As one of the best tricycle with push handle and so many other features (including a front LED light for safety when it's dark), the Evezo 302A 4-in-1 Parent Push Tricycle is certainly on the pricier side.
But if you think about it, you're essentially getting a fully-functioning stroller (complete with full-size canopy and extra storage space at the bottom) PLUS a learning tool/toy at just one price.
So we think it is well worth the investment made at the end of the day. And with the ability to accommodate up to 70 pounds, this one has a longer life compared to others' 40+ pounds!
For those with a smaller budget, you cannot go wrong with the Radio Flyer 4-in-1 Stroll 'N Trike, the best tricycle for 3 year old and above.
Before that, it serves as an infant trike starting from 9 months old where you can manoeuvre with ease using the height-adjustable push-handle and the front wheel will coast breezily before becoming a steering trike when baby hits 18 months.
When the time comes around 2-3 years old, remove the UV canopy to make it a learn-to-ride trike and finally, remove the push-handle to make it the best classic trike for your toddler.
Not to be outshone by the more expensive models, this Radio Flyer has all the safety features required for the youngest riders - removable wrap around safety bars (with cupholder and snack tray), adjustable seat and a sturdy steel frame that will last for years.
The Radio Flyer 4-in-1 Stroll 'N Trike is the cheapest 4-in-1 trike amongst all that are reviewed here, but one that is still of exceptional quality (you know we wouldn't recommend to you otherwise), take for example, the quiet ride tires when pedaling.
However, given its price, there are certain features that will be secondary to the other two reviewed above, for example, the seat is not padded and it has a 3-point harness instead of 5-point like others.
Nonetheless, for what it's priced, we think it is one tricycle that you will not regret purchasing.
And if you're happy to shell in a few more bucks, you can get its EZ Fold Deluxe version that, yup you've guessed it right, folds quickly and compactly in one easy step.
3. Best Toddler Tricycle
Now, moving on to the classic tricycles - tricycle for 2 year old - that most of us, if not all, had enjoyed at some point of time ourselves in our childhood.
And they don't come as retro as this - the Radio Flyer Classic Red Dual Deck Tricycle, which is faithfully produced down to the smallest detail just like how it was used to, is as classic as it can be in a cherry-red, rubber-wheeled design.
This rugged trike is made of steel construction and features a chrome front fender and steel-spoked wheel with real rubber tires for durability.
A double-deck, step-in back makes climbing on and off the smooth metal seat easy for kids, and the controlled turning radius prevents tipping for safe and confident riding.
Your little one will love the red-and-white tassels on the rubber-coated handlebars as well as the old-fashioned bell that they can ring to alert their arrival from a mile away (probably not so enjoyable for you!).
With multiple awards down its belt, and being one that has been around since 1917, it is undisputed that the Radio Flyer Classic Red Dual Deck Tricycle is one of the best trike for 2 year old and above that is both affordable and durable - it may very well be the same model you'd been riding on when you were young!
Another classic tricycle from a classic brand is the Schwinn Roadster 12-inch Trike. At a glance, you would notice that it looks very similar to the Radio Flyer Classic Red.
Indeed, this one here has a retro style with low center of gravity to prevent tip-overs (and to make climbing on and off easy and safe), as well as chrome handlebars with long tassels and bell, too.
One difference between the two though is that the former has an adjustable molded seat that can be moved forward and backwards to adjust for growing legs and for optimum comfort and support.
As to be expected from Schwinn, this Roadster Tricycle is made of full-steel heavy-duty construction with a real wood deck with burned-in logo so it is one that will last many years of use, you can even pass it down for No.2 when the time is right!
It is one of the best kids tricycle that we will recommend you checking out if you want a durable trike that will last you for years.
For those looking for an electric tricycle, here's one for you - the 3 Wheel Chopper Trike Motorcycle for kids that operates on battery and can be used on any hard, flat surface.
Yes, this means you can use it both indoors and outdoors as long as the surface is hard and flat such as wood or cement floors.
With this electric tricycle, it is pure fun and enjoyment as it is smooth and simple to ride for any toddler or young child. Simply charge the battery according to the included instruction manual, turn it on, press the pedal, and go!
Note though that it requires adult assembly but parents have vouched that it is nothing too difficult.
With life-like features and realistic car details - sharp colourful and chrome decals, car sound effects, reverse-ability and headlights that turn on and off, your lil rider will surely love their new mode of transport!
Made from rugged high-quality plastics and carbon steel that are safety tested and free of banned phthalates, the 3 Wheel Chopper Trike Motorcycle can hold up to 4 years old or 50 lbs. of weight.
It is easy to maintain too as it is completely washable and easy to clean. To ensure you get the genuine product, make sure to check for the brand's logo on the packaging because there are considerable counterfeit products in the market.
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