The smarT Head Start
Give your child a smarT head start with these professional insights on healthy child development and practical advice to keep them active, engaged, and happy.
Classic trikes5 Best Tricycles for Toddlers: Making Outdoor Play More Fun"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
The Best Overall Tricycle for Toddlers – 5-in-1 STR3 Folding Stroller TrikeThe Best Adjustable Tricycle for Toddlers - Kinderkraft Spinstep 5-in-1 Tricycle The Best Modular Tricycle for Toddlers - 4-in-1 Swing DLX Toddler Tricycle The Best Convertible Tricycle for Toddlers - Globber Explorer Trike 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.
ProsLightweight30-second transformation from stroller to trikeManually adjustable to your child's growth Accessories (bag, cup holder, etc)Footrest for kids Extendable canopySafety barConsNot suitable for children over 3Can take a while to learn to navigateMay 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.
Pros360-degree swivel seatModular designEasily adjustedWaterproof canopy hoodTwo brakes on rear wheelsConsCannot reclineNot 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.
Pros3-tiered and foldable canopyNon-slip training pedalsFoldable footrestToy basket3-point harness and safety barLarge storage bag4 adjustable configurationsTouch steering technologyConsSize and portabilityTrike is not foldableNo 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.
Pros5-point harness with paddingEasy to steer and adjustable handleRear braking systemConsNot 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.
ProsRetro DetailsAdjustable seatLow centre of gravityConsComes unassembledNot foldableNot a stroller trikeSuitable 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.
Classic trikes5 Best Trikes for Young Toddlers: Discover Fun and Safe OptionsA trike is an excellent way for toddlers to engage with the outdoors, aiding in their physical and emotional development. The National Library of Medicine notes that "cycling has a positive relationship with cardiorespiratory fitness in youths," emphasising its importance from a young age.
Choosing the right trike is crucial, with safety features such as enclosed chains, wheel guards, and hand brakes being paramount. The right trike allows toddlers to experience independence, boost their confidence, and improves their motor skills. But with so many options on the market, it can be difficult to make the right choice.
To simplify your search, we've curated a list of the best trikes for young toddlers, ensuring safety and fun go hand in hand.
Our Top Picks for the Best Trikes for Young Toddlers
1. Best Overall Trike for Young Toddlers - 6-in-1 STR7 Folding Stroller Trike2. Best Push Trike for Young Toddlers - Joovy Tricycoo3. Best Folding Trike for Young Toddlers - 6-in-1 STR5 Folding Stroller Trike4. Best All Terrain Trike for Young Toddlers - Bentley Kids Trike5. Best Balance Trike for Young Toddlers - Doona Liki Trike
1. Best Overall Trike for Young Toddlers
The 6-in-1 STR7 Folding Stroller Trike is the perfect choice for growing toddlers. With six adjustable stages, it effortlessly transforms from a stroller to a trike, lasting until your child is ready to ride solo.
Featuring one-handed steering and shock absorbers, it ensures a smooth and safe ride throughout your child's developmental stages. The design maintains parental control while allowing toddlers to explore and build confidence. With the STR7, toddlers can hone their skills over the years without compromising on safety.
ProsFeatures 6 manually adjustable stagesUnique modular design One-handed steering Smooth shock absorbersSafety featuresGives child independenceDurable and stable steel frameConsBulkyAssembly requiredLimited color options
2. Best Push Trike for Young Toddlers
The Joovy Tricycoo trike is perfect for growing toddlers ages 10 months to 2.5 years old. It sports a wide front wheel and swivel mode so you can steer and keep control. As they grow, toddlers can use the adjustable pedals and footrest to pedal independently.
The Tricycoo has useful extras like a sun canopy with UV protection, a safety harness, and big wheels to ride over grass or trails, so toddlers stay comfy while building confidence. The Tricycoo has 4 adjustable stages to fit your child for almost 2 years, eliminating the need to buy a bigger tricycle as they grow. With its smart design, this trike makes learning to ride easy and fun.
Pros4 adjustable stagesSuitable from 10 months to 2.5 yearsSun canopy with 50 UPFRemovable safety harnessWide front wheel for stabilitySwivel mode for parentsConsHeavyBulky when foldedTime-consuming assembly
» Get your toddler pedalling with these expert tips
3. Best Folding Trike for Young Toddlers
Parents looking for an easy-to-fold trike option will find the 6-in-1 STR5 Folding Stroller Trike to be an excellent choice. Suitable from 9 months onwards, it smoothly transitions through six adjustable stages from a stroller to an independent trike.
The folding design makes the STR5 easy to transport in a car or public transit. It features one-handed steering, stroller-certified wheels, shock absorbers, and tool-free assembly, which make it a safe and easy-to-maneuver stroller that can handle uneven terrain.
ProsStroller-certified wheelsPortable folding designOne-handed steeringShock absorbers6 adjustable stages Easy to assembleConsHeavier frameFewer accessoriesLimited colour and patterns
4. Best All-Terrain Trike for Young Toddlers
Inspired by the Bentley Continental GT, the Bentley Kids Trike is a versatile all-terrain option suitable for children aged 6 months to 5 years. Boasting replica GT wheels suitable for a variety of surfaces, it aids in skill development and independence.
With its six adjustable stages, the trike evolves with your child. Equipped with swivel and reclining padded seats, multiple footrest options, and a detachable parent push handle, it guarantees both comfort and safety, allowing your toddler to ride with style.
ProsAll-terrain wheels6 adjustable stagesPadded reclining seatParent push handleIconic Bentley designConsExpensiveLimited accessoriesAssembly requiredHeavy frameManual adjustments
» Looking for something different? Check out these stroller alternatives
5. Best Balance Trike for Young Toddlers
For toddlers between 10 and 36 months, the Doona Liki Trike is an excellent option. The trike can be folded and unfolded in as little as 3 seconds, making it easy to use and transport.
The Trike arrives fully assembled, featuring extended back support and broad wheels for both comfort and safety. Designed for use over 2+ years, it allows toddlers to develop specific skills such as balance, coordination, and motor skills.
ProsFolds in 3 secondsComes fully assembledLong back supportWide wheels for stability2+ years of useConsHeavy when foldedLimited accessoriesExpensiveFewer colour optionsNo pedals
The Ideal Trikes for Toddler Development and Safety
When choosing a trike for your toddler, it's essential to consider factors like age range and portability. Among the many available options, the 6-in-1 STR7 Folding Stroller Trike stands out for its versatility, safety features, and adaptability. This trike seamlessly transforms from a pushchair suitable for 6-month-old babies to a trike for children up to 5 years old.
Key features such as shock absorbers, one-handed steering, and pushchair-certified wheels offer you control whilst fostering your child's independence. With an easy, tool-free assembly and a design that evolves with your child, the STR7 is the top choice for promoting confidence, exploration, and skill development.