6 Best Toddler Tricycles for Outdoor Fun, According to Parents
A tricycle may have one less wheel, but toddlers love their three-wheeled rides just as much as teenagers love a first car. While you don’t have to worry about your insurance going up with a new toddler trike, you do need to keep safety and durability top of mind when shopping for your little one. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), most kids are ready for a tricycle around the 3-year mark. That said, each child develops at a different pace. “Don’t get a tricycle until your child is physically able to handle it,” the organization advises.
Once they’re ready to start pedaling and cruising, there’s a wide range of trikes out there to choose from. To simplify your search, check out our favorite kid’s tricycles based on feedback from parents in The Bump community. Plus, read about the different types of trikes on the market as well as safety advice.
To help you pick out the best toddler tricycle for your family, we’ve done the bulk of the research so you don’t have to spend hours scrolling. When creating this article:
- We researched what was being said about toddler tricycles in The Bump community and forums to learn what parents looked for in a trike.
- To see how these toddler tricycles have worked for families, we conducted exhaustive market research, scouring forums and message boards and reading user reviews to find out what parents nationwide looked for in kids’ trikes.
- We surveyed almost 200 members of The Bump community about the toddler tricycles they’ve used. We then asked parents to rate brands and specific styles based on their firsthand experience.
- We consulted toddler tricycle guidelines from the AAP to better understand safety advice and precautions parents should keep top of mind.
- When choosing which kids’ tricycles to feature in our roundup, we considered several factors, such as size, price point and design, to name a few.
Editorial integrity is at the heart of everything we publish. Read about how The Bump develops and reviews all articles, including product reviews.
Overall best toddler tricycle
- Convenient push handle
- Adjustable seat
- Classic, durable design
- Built-in storage trailer
- Some parents say it’s tricky to steer
Radio Flyer has been a go-to toddler tricycle brand for decades, so it’s no surprise that more than half of our survey respondents told us this was the trike they purchased for their kiddos. The Radio Flyer Steer and Stroll Trike takes the tried-and-true design and gives it a modern update with its convenient handle. This feature allows two modes of use: Little ones can pedal themselves or rest their feet on the pedals as their parents push. Down the line when your child is ready to cruise independently, simply remove the handle for a big-kid set of wheels. “The handle for pushing a child who cannot pedal yet or gets too tired is a great feature,” says Helena*, a survey respondent and mom of two.
The push handle isn’t the only selling point this trike has to offer though. Helena and other members of The Bump community also appreciated its transitional design. The adjustable seat can be moved up or down so your child’s feet can comfortably reach the pedals, even after a growth spurt. You can also count on the highly durable solid steel frame to last for many adventures to come; you’ll probably even be able to pass it down to younger siblings. “I think the trike was worth the price for the enjoyment it provided. We can probably use it for a second child as well,” says Delilah*, a survey respondent and mom of a 2-year-old.
If that’s not all, your child is bound to love the built-in storage trailer on the back of this trike. “[My daughter] likes to take toys around with her in her trike,” shares Delilah*. The bottom line: You can’t go wrong with this push tricycle if you’re looking for a dependable option that will grow with your kiddo’s ever-changing needs over the years.
Age rating: 2 to 5 years | Dimensions: 27.2" (L) x 19.7" (W) x 24.2" (H) | Weight: 14.6 lbs. | Weight capacity: 49 lbs.
Our community says:
The ability to grow with the child makes the price worthwhile. – Helena*, Mom of two and The Bump survey respondent
My son loves this trike. I love that it has grown with him over the years. – Myra*, Mom of two and The Bump survey respondent
I like its ability to grow with my child. – Rachel, Expectant mom of a 5-year-old and The Bump survey respondent
Best budget-friendly toddler tricycle
- Budget-friendly price point
- Built-in seat storage
- Parents say it’s easy to assemble
- Made from plastic
- Seat isn’t adjustable
If you’re searching for a budget-friendly toddler tricycle, look no further than this option from Fisher-Price. The Harley Davidson-branded trike offers great bang for your buck—as well as a too-cool design that mini bikers are bound to love. The sturdy black-and-orange frame offers a wide base to keep beginners stable as they learn to cruise independently. If this is your little one’s first trike, you’ll also appreciate that it’s equipped with easy-grip handlebars and large foot pedals to make the process more seamless. The high weight capacity also ensures that this will be an outdoor playtime staple for years to come. Best of all, toddlers will love discovering the “secret” storage compartment under the seat, where they can tote their favorite toys and treasures they find along the way.
Age rating: 2 to 5 years | Dimensions: 29.5" (L) x 22.5" (W) x 22" (H) | Weight: 4 lbs. | Weight capacity: 55 lbs.
Our community says:
It's durable, safe and my child has a blast using it. – Renee, Mom of two and The Bump survey respondent
Best travel-friendly toddler tricycle
- Compact size
- Folds and unfolds in seconds
- Comes fully assembled
- 4 modes of use
- Not suitable past 3 years
- High price point
Tricycle strollers offer the best of both worlds: They’re fun for little ones to get around and tend to be more compact and lightweight than typical strollers. As a result, the hybrids can come in especially handy for families who are regularly on the go. Our favorite travel-friendly tricycle stroller is the Doona Liki Trike S5, which is made by the same brand that created the innovative car seat stroller combo.
The clever design can be folded and unfolded in seconds and is the smallest trike on the market that can do so. The compact size and low weight also make it ideal for travel; it can easily fit into the trunk of your car or an overhead bin in an airplane. Even though it’s highly practical, it also offers a sleek, contemporary aesthetic. Thoughtful, premium details like padded armrests, wooden handlebars, a sun-protection canopy and a kids’ cupholder strike the perfect balance between style and function. It even comes with a storage bag for added convenience while you’re out and about.
Moreover, the Doona Liki Trike S5 offers four stages: Parent mode, push mode, tricycle mode and bike mode. No matter which option you’re using, you can count on the highly durable, soft-ride wheels to get you there seamlessly. When you’ve reached your destination or your kiddo is ready to ride independently, just remove the push handle to transform it into a tricycle or bike in seconds.
Age rating: 10 months to 3 years | Dimensions: 37" (L) x 20" (W) x 40.5" (H) | Weight: 15 lbs. | Weight capacity: 37.5 lbs.
Our community says:
I like that it grows with child, easy to use and packable. – Stella*, Expectant mom of a 4-year-old and The Bump survey respondent
Best low toddler tricycle
- Lowest option on our list
- Durable steel frame
- Classic style
- High price point
The AAP suggests starting little ones out on tricycles that are low to the ground with big wheels, as these features make it less likely to tip over. This classic option from Schwinn is the lowest option on our list, measuring in at just over 14 inches tall. With that in mind, it’s a great choice for beginners. The vintage-inspired tricycle is complete with timeless details that you’ll love, like the fabric handlebar tassels and the scalloped chrome fenders. Even though it’s cute, you can also depend on it to be highly stable, thanks to the sturdy steel frame and solid wood rear deck.
While the classic design doesn't come with a push bar like other options on our list, the adjustable seat can still be adapted to meet your child’s changing needs. All you have to do is move it forward and backward to find the lock-in position that most comfortably accommodates your kiddo. “It doesn't have a push bar, but I thought it has a lot more room to grow than other tricycles we looked at,” says StatlerWaldorf, a member of The Bump community forums.
Age rating: 2 to 4 years | Dimensions: 24.8" (L) x 12.2" (W) x 14.2" (H) | Weight: N/A | Weight capacity: N/A
Our community says:
We have the Schwinn, though [my daughter] hasn't used it yet. She did ride it at a friend's house this fall and really seemed to like it. Don't think she was using the pedals but she was getting around just fine. – LLB430, The Bump forum member
It's worth it. We've used it for multiple years, and the seats adjust. – Ines*, Expectant mom of one and The Bump survey respondent
We store it inside when not in use and it still looks brand new. – StatlerWaldorf, The Bump forum member
Best toddler tricycle for infants and young toddlers
- Removable waist bar and seatbelt
- Suitable from 9 months
- 3-stage design
- Some parents say it doesn’t suit tall kids
This toddler tricycle has the widest age range on our list and is suitable for children as young as 9 months old. Aptly named, the Ride ‘n Learn 3-in-1 Trike is ideal for infants and young toddlers who are getting a feel for riding a tricycle but can’t quite reach the pedals. During the first stage, parents can have full control of pushing and steering by using the back handle. For added safety, the trike is equipped with a waist bar and a three-point seatbelt. These can be removed as your child progresses and they no longer need them. Plus, the seat is adjustable. “The seat moves for [children of different heights] once you remove the safety rails,” explains mamom0103, a member of The Bump forums.
Later on when your child is ready to try pedaling, they can practice steering and cruising while you continue using the handle to guide the way. Then, once your kiddo wants to cruise independently, simply remove the parent handle and watch them cruise. This toddler tricycle is suitable for kids up to the 5-year mark, so you’re bound to get a lot of mileage out of it. One thing to note is that some parents find that taller children may outgrow it faster. “We found it to be more geared to shorter children, my [son] is tall and he has the seat all the way back,” says mamom0103.
Age rating: 9 months to 5 years | Dimensions: 19.7" (L) x 26" (W) x 34.3" (H) | Weight: 15 lbs. | Weight capacity: 50 lbs.
Most stylish toddler tricycle
- Padded seat
- Durable steel frame
- Adjustable handlebar
- Aesthetically pleasing design
- No push handle
- High price point
- White tires may get dirty quickly
This stylish, retro-inspired toddler trike is ideal for tots who are 3 or older. The steel frame tricycle features chic, durable details like an oak wood seat with vegan leather padding and a wicker basket. It even comes with a bell on the handlebar so you’ll be able to hear your kiddo coming from a mile away. If your little one needs a bit of extra help from time to time, simply attach the push bar to help them cruise with ease.
Dimensions: 24" (L) x 14.8" (W) x 18.1" (H) | *Weight: 11.7 lbs. | *Age range:* 3 to 6 years
*Note: Some names have been changed due to privacy requests.
If you thought a kids’ trike was just a bike with an extra wheel, think again. There are plenty of different styles out there, but here are some variations on the classic three-wheeler that might come to mind when you think “tricycle”:
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Big-wheel tricycles. Chances are you cruised around on one of these when you were little. A big-wheel tricycle for toddlers is a low-rider style that features an oversized wheel in the front. Thanks to their low, wide designs, they’re less likely to tip over than other styles, which can make them a stable starter tricycle for beginners.
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Push tricycles. These tricycles are equipped with a handle so parents can easily push tots when those little legs need a break or if they’re not quite ready to pedal. Keep in mind: While push tricycles can come in handy, they can be tricky for parents to steer. “We had one—and I knew a lot of other parents who did—and all of us found it really hard work to push/steer because it feels like you’re constantly battling with your toddler’s steering efforts,” explains Susie Boone, director of content strategy at The Bump and mom of three. However, “as challenging as the steering is, I’ll take that any day over a toddler screaming because they want to get out of their stroller,” says Laura B., mom of two.
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Tricycle strollers. Tricycle strollers are similar to those with push handles, but they offer additional features that are typically found in strollers. Most have push handlebars for parents, a high-seat back for kiddos and a storage compartment, meaning they’re great for days with a lot of walking. Plus, your little one can pedal along the way, offering a fun solution for tots who get bored in standard strollers.
Toddler trikes aren’t just a cool, speedy addition to playtime, they also help little ones work on their balance, coordination and other all-important gross motor skills. As their first mini vehicle, it offers a learning opportunity to set them up for a lifelong pattern of safe cycling. To safely use a toddler tricycle with your child, keep the following advice in mind:
- Always wear a helmet. The AAP urges parents to get little ones in the habit of wearing a helmet from the get-go—the earlier, the better. If your child is hesitant to wear one, the AAP has several tips. They suggest explaining the importance of helmet use with your kid, letting them choose and decorate their own helmet and setting a positive example by always wearing your helmet when on a bike.
- Road safety awareness. “Don’t allow your child to ride near automobiles, driveways or swimming pools. Tricycles should be used only in protected places,” states the AAP. That being said, your little one should still be aware of the rules of the road before using their trike. For instance, remind them to stop at the end of the sidewalks, look both ways and wait for the pedestrian crossing signal to proceed. The AAP also advises parents not to let their children ride at dusk or in the dark.
- Don’t forget shoes. Last but not least, the AAP recommends that kids wear closed-toe shoes to protect their toes and feet as they cruise.
About the writer:
Emma O’Regan-Reidy is an editor for The Bump. She specializes in writing e-commerce content about the latest and greatest in pregnancy, postpartum and parenting. Emma has researched an array of topics, from prenatal vitamins and postpartum pads to the best non-WiFi baby monitors, toddler learning towers and everything in between. As a digital media professional, she’s written dozens of articles on baby gear, aiming to create engaging, helpful content that informs new and seasoned parents alike.
Plus, more from The Bump:
Healthy Children (AAP), Ready for a Tricycle?, August 2021
Healthy Children (AAP), Your Child’s First Tricycle or Bike: Important Safety Rules, August 2022
Healthy Children (AAP), How to Get Your Child to Wear a Bike Helmet, August 2022
The Bump September 2023 Survey. Editors conducted a survey of almost 200 parents from The Bump community, and asked what toddler tricycle they’ve used with their children.
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