5 Best Tricycles for Toddlers: Making Outdoor Play More Fun – The smarT Head Start – smarTrike Blog

5 Best Tricycles for Toddlers: Making Outdoor Play More Fun

Jaya Narinesingh - Writer for smarTrike
By Jaya Narinesingh
Milica Pešić
Edited by Milica Pešić

Updated September 19, 2023.

A little girl riding a tricycle on a sidewalk.

"Are trikes good for toddlers?" is a question many parents, including myself, often ponder. It's amazing to see children in their carefree world! As parents, we may worry during the toddler stage, but that's natural. Outdoor play is an essential part of a toddler's development, as it can be hard to get them to sit still for 5 minutes. It helps develop physical activity and motor skills, gives them a sense of exploration, and encourages social play behaviours, whether independent or in groups.

Personally, I've questioned what type of wheels would be needed for better balance and stability, how adjustable the seats and handlebars are for the height needs of my children as well as the all-important safety factor.

Our Top Picks for the Best Tricycles for Toddlers

  1. The Best Overall Tricycle for Toddlers – 5-in-1 STR3 Folding Stroller Trike
  2. The Best Adjustable Tricycle for Toddlers - Kinderkraft Spinstep 5-in-1 Tricycle
  3. The Best Modular Tricycle for Toddlers - 4-in-1 Swing DLX Toddler Tricycle 
  4. The Best Convertible Tricycle for Toddlers - Globber Explorer Trike
  5. The Best Durable Tricycle for Toddlers - Schwinn Roadster 12-inch Trike

1. The Best Overall Tricycle for Toddlers

The 5-in-1 STR3 Folding Stroller Trike is an easy-to-use, stylish trike. This push trike for toddlers is designed to start out as a stroller for an infant as young as 10 months and to grow with your child by manually adjusting to your kid's growth needs through five different stages.



This stroller trike is perfect for outdoor play as it can navigate various terrains, such as grass and gravel paths, providing hours of entertainment for your child. With its effortless one-handed steering technology and shock absorbers, it stands out as a top push trike for toddlers, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable ride. Assembly is now tool-free, requiring only a few clicks to get started.

Pros


  • Lightweight
  • 30-second transformation from stroller to trike
  • Manually adjustable to your child's growth
  • Accessories (bag, cup holder, etc)
  • Footrest for kids
  • Extendable canopy
  • Safety bar

Cons


  • Not suitable for children over 3
  • Can take a while to learn to navigate
  • May not be ideal for long journeys


2. The Best Adjustable Trikes for Toddlers

The Kinderkraft Spinstep 5-in-1 trike is perfect for turning everyday walks into exciting adventures from as early as 9 months old. When shopping for strollers, you may come across the term "modular design", which may be confusing. However, this simply means that with this trike, you can easily remove elements without the need for tools, making it customizable to your child's needs.

The Spinstep also features a swivel seat, allowing your child to face you or the world, which is a fun and unique feature for a parent-child outing.

Pros


  • 360-degree swivel seat
  • Modular design
  • Easily adjusted
  • Waterproof canopy hood
  • Two brakes on rear wheels

Cons


  • Cannot recline
  • Not foldable

3. The Best Modular Tricycle for Toddlers

Navigating the outdoors is a cherished experience for young ones, and at SmarTrike, we emphasize safety without compromising on the joy of exploration. Addressing the question, "Are trikes good for toddlers?" our 4-in-1 Swing DLX Toddler Tricycle is suitable for children aged 15 months to 3 years and offers pedalling practice while you effortlessly steer with touch steering technology.



Keep your little ones cool and protected from UV rays with the 3-tiered, foldable sun canopy, and use the attached large storage bag for all your and your toddler's necessities. Rest assured that our trikes come equipped with a 3-point harness and safety bar. Additionally, there is a toy basket so your child's favourite toy can join in on the adventure.

Pros


  • 3-tiered and foldable canopy
  • Non-slip training pedals
  • Foldable footrest
  • Toy basket
  • 3-point harness and safety bar
  • Large storage bag
  • 4 adjustable configurations
  • Touch steering technology

Cons


  • Size and portability
  • Trike is not foldable
  • No extended mudguard


4. The Best Convertible Tricycle for Toddlers

The Globber Explorer Trike is a versatile 4-in-1 system that can be used as a baby tricycle and a balance bike. It is suitable for children aged 10 months to 5 years.

It has four modes to choose from:

  • Infant Trike Mode: With a 5-point safety harness, shoulder pads, high-back seat, safety bar, and footrest.
  • Guided Trike Mode: For children aged 18 months and above, helping them learn how to steer.
  • Training Trike Mode: From 24 months and up, allowing your child to test their steering and balance skills.
  • Balance Bike Mode: Perfect for showing off their skills and confidence acquired from the infant trike mode.

Pros


  • 5-point harness with padding
  • Easy to steer and adjustable handle
  • Rear braking system

Cons


  • Not foldable

5. The Best Durable Tricycle for Toddlers

What comes to mind for me when I hear "big wheel trike for toddlers" is a classic three-wheeled bike with a seat that sits low to the ground, handlebars adorned with bright tassels, and possibly even a fun bell. What do you envision when you think of a trike? If you have the same preferences as me, then the Schwinn Roadster 12-inch Trike is worth checking out.

This trike boasts a vintage style and sturdy steel frame, with a low centre of gravity and adjustable seat that's perfect for young, growing riders.

Pros


  • Retro Details
    
  • Adjustable seat
  • Low centre of gravity

Cons


  • Comes unassembled
  • Not foldable
  • Not a stroller trike
  • Suitable only for 2 to 4 years old

Pedalling Towards the Perfect Choice

At SmarTrike, we understand that choosing the right tricycle can be difficult. There are many factors to consider, but we hope to make your decision a little easier with this list of top trikes for outdoor activities. When choosing a trike, it’s important to consider not only the age range but also the height of the child.

Our 5-in-1 STR3 Folding Stroller Trike model has a high-rise seat for optimal back support, even for slightly taller 3-year-olds. Additionally, think about the distance you’ll be traveling and whether you need a trike with extra accessories, such as a large storage bag like our 4-in-1 Swing DLX Toddler Tricycle includes.

As a parent, safety is also a top priority. That’s why our trikes are adaptable for different terrains and meet all safety requirements.