to top 10 table

10 Best Tricycles for Kids & Toddlers Reviewed In 2024

last updated Jun 29, 2019

Tricycles are a wonderful form of transportation for children today. We know that for every child learning how to ride a bicycle is one of the most exciting times during not only that child’s life but for parents as well. Starting your child out with a tricycle is a wonderful way for your child to begin learning the techniques of riding a bike. We came up with a list of the top ten highest rated tricycles that the market has to offer for 2019. We are positive that you will find the perfect one for your children.

In a Hurry? The test winner after 16 hrs of research

icon
Thomas the Train Tough
95/100 our score
Design
95
Ease of Use
95
Physical Development
95
Thomas the Train Tough
Why is it better?

Durable, long lasting

Secret stow and go compartment

Big pedals, wide wheel base

Off road style tires

Great for use indoors or outside

In a Hurry? Editors choice:
Thomas the Train Tough
Test Winner: Thomas the Train Tough
Amazon Link
Researched Sources
17
Researched Sources
Hours Researching
16
Hours Researching
Products Evaluated
14
Products Evaluated
Last Updated:
By Cassie Sheets:

For this update we made sure that every item on our list still had a high rating in today's market. We also added some more information to our criteria section on why tricycles can be extremely beneficial to your children.

Sorting Options
Design Ease of Use Physical Development By Default
Rank
PictureProduct
Name
Rating
Shops
#1
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
95
Design
95 %
Ease of Use
95 %
Physical Development
95 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Amazon Link
$44.99
#2
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
95
Design
95 %
Ease of Use
95 %
Physical Development
95 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Amazon Link
$64.95
#3
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
95
Design
95 %
Ease of Use
95 %
Physical Development
95 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Amazon Link
#4
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
95
Design
95 %
Ease of Use
95 %
Physical Development
95 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Amazon Link
$100.08
#5
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
95
Design
95 %
Ease of Use
95 %
Physical Development
95 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Amazon Link
$43.99
#6
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
94
Design
95 %
Ease of Use
92 %
Physical Development
95 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Amazon Link
$132.21
#7
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
94
Design
92 %
Ease of Use
95 %
Physical Development
95 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Amazon Link
$121.69
#8
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
94
Design
92 %
Ease of Use
95 %
Physical Development
95 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Amazon Link
#9
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
93
Design
92 %
Ease of Use
92 %
Physical Development
95 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Amazon Link
#10
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
94
Design
92 %
Ease of Use
95 %
Physical Development
95 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Amazon Link

10 Best Tricycles for Kids & Toddlers Reviewed

1. Thomas the Train Tough

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
95
Thomas the Train Tough
Amazon Link
Design
95
Ease of Use
95
Physical Development
95
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$44.99

Durable, long lasting

Secret stow and go compartment

Big pedals, wide wheel base

Off road style tires

Great for use indoors or outside

Some assembly required

Designed with a superior level of durability, your child can enjoy riding this trike as often as they like. Thomas fans will love how the trike is designed to resemble the notorious train.

Read more

Design

The Thomas trike is a durable, and fun little vehicle for the 2+ crowd, and it is tough enough to last for several years to be enjoyed as your kids grow. The Thomas trike has playful stickers.

Ease of Use

If your child cannot reach the pedals yet, have no fear as they can use it as a push bike until they grow. This piece is great for transporting your child across the room or across the driveway.

Physical Development

Tricycles help kids get a feeling of confidence as they assert their independence, perhaps for the first time. When they see the trike, their eyes light up with happiness and off they go on an adventure. They can definitely get exercise and build those muscles and improve coordination.

2. Fisher-Price Barbie Lights & Sounds

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
95
Fisher-Price Barbie Lights & Sounds
Amazon Link
Design
95
Ease of Use
95
Physical Development
95
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$64.95

Officially licensed Barbie-style graphics and colors

Three-position seat allows the trike to grow with your child

Interactive buttons play phrases and sound to encourage imagination

Slip-resistant handlebars and pedals help little fingers and feet grip properly

Suitable for children ages 24 months to 6 years old

The tricycle runs large and may be too big for 2 to 3-year-olds to utilize properly

The decals can bubble and peel off over time, especially if exposed to direct sunlight and/or rain

Hi, I’m Barbie! Phrases like this one await your little princess with the Fisher-Price Barbie Lights & Sounds Trike.

Read more

Design

Your little girl is going to go gaga over this pink and purple tricycle designed to spark her imagination with lights and sounds inspired by Barbie. This trike features flashing blinkers, interactive phrases, and even a talking cell phone that will make her feel like a big kid!

Ease of Use

Durable plastic construction and large tires ensure quick and easy traction on a variety of surfaces, perfect to inspire confidence as she learns how to ride. A three-position adjustable seat allows this trike to be quickly and easily modified to suit a variety of children between 2 and 6 years old.

Physical Development

Easy-grip style handlebars help your little one hold and steer without losing grip, building gross-motor skills and learning cause-and-effect relationships. The pedals are also designed to help little feet stay on, instilling the confidence she will need when ready to upgrade to a big kid bike in a few years!

3. Chillafish BUNZI: 2-in-1 Gradual

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
95
Chillafish BUNZI: 2-in-1 Gradual
Amazon Link
Design
95
Ease of Use
95
Physical Development
95
best offer for today
Amazon Link

Anti-skid wheels that do not mark floors

Offered in many colors

1- 3 years and up to 55 lbs.

3 wheeled trike or 2 wheeled bike

Kids balance at their own pace.

Some say trike tips when a kid gets off

The Chillafish Bunzi tricycle is available in a wide variety of bright colors and fun designs that will have your child excited to get outside. There are no pedals, which makes this the perfect push bike for children between the ages of 1-3.

Read more

Design

Kids love this because they can gain confidence with their feet on the floor. The tiny little trike for tiny tykes is low to the floor for safety. The Bunzi has tires that won’t leave marks on the floor, and they are non-skid. This trike is appropriate for indoor or outdoor use.

Ease of Use

It is a two in one tricycle in that it can be changed from a trike to a bike in an easy two-step process. Your one year old can ride this until she is able to balance pretty well. Then change the trike to a bike with two wheels that will require your child to learn to balance. If she’s not quite ready yet, change the bike back to a trike and wait till she grows up a little more to try it again.

Physical Development

A tricycle is an important part of your support of your child’s development, and the manufacturer of this trike made learning balance a priority for this product. Of course, tricycles support learning how to balance, but there are the other areas of development as well. Those include fine and gross muscle movement, problem-solving, creative expression, and creative imitation. Tricycles help kids gain self-confidence and decision-making skills. This trike covers all of this and more. Additionally, it’s fun! The kids will love this cute little trike.

4. Radio Flyer Classic Red Dual

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
95
Radio Flyer Classic Red Dual
Amazon Link
Design
95
Ease of Use
95
Physical Development
95
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$100.08

Dual deck for added reassurance

Sturdy metal design

Features handlebar streamers and flawless paint

From the same great company who made the original red wagon

Low center of gravity

Putting it together is a bit of a challenge

Radio Flyer is an absolute classic and all parents will inevitably remember their first little red wagon (that you probably pulled around with you everywhere).

Read more

Design

They also make tricycles that come with the same high-quality and standards that brought the original wagon to life. It’s simple but still attention-catching with its vibrant red paint and handlebar streamers.

Ease of Use

The tricycle, in particular, is great for beginners because it features a low center of gravity, as well as two pretty notable features in the back of the bike -- Dual decks! These help kids climb up and climb down with ease which can be a huge help if you have toddlers who are terrified of heights or unsure of their own balance.

Physical Development

This is the perfect beginning tricycle for toddlers because they have no reason to be afraid of getting onto the bike. Initially, kids are always the most afraid of climbing onto the bike and balancing there, but this tricycle makes that much easier. Not to mention, the decks will help stregthen your child's leg muscles.

5. Fisher-Price Harley Davidson Trike

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
95
 Fisher-Price Harley Davidson Trike
Amazon Link
Design
95
Ease of Use
95
Physical Development
95
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$43.99

Stregthen muscles and improves fine motor skills

Wide wheels provide stability

Highly durable

Easy to assemble

Some reviewers said their toddler had trouble reaching the pedals

With the Harley Davidson Tough Trike, your child can ride in style. The maximum weight of 55 pounds, typically allowing children up to five enjoy the ride.

Read more

Design

Designed with the classic orange and black color scheme, this tricycle is styled with the Harley logo and flame graphics. The bright orange seat lifts up to reveal a secret storage compartment. Your child can use the compartment to tote their favorite, gear, or snacks. When purchasing you can choose between two other designs as well.

Ease of Use

The big foot pedals and easy-grip handle bars provide your child with a smooth and comfortable ride as they can easily control the trike. In fact, they can control how fast or slow they go as the trike is powered by how fast they pedal. The wide durable tires not only provide stability but will also allow your child to drive over a variety of different terrains. While assembly is required, the included instructions make it a quick and easy process.

Physical Development

Pedaling will provide your child with exercise while also strengthening their muscles. Gripping the handlebars will increase their fine motor skills as well as their balance and coordination. While the trike is only made for one rider at a time, sharing it with friends will improve your child’s social skills. Your child’s imagination will run wild as they create adventures revolving around their ride.

6. Schwinn Roadster 12"

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
94
Schwinn Roadster 12"
Amazon Link
Design
95
Ease of Use
92
Physical Development
95
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$132.21

Adjustable seat

Textured handlebar grips

Handlebars have tassles and a bell.

The center of gravity is low so it’s not tippy.

For some, the pedals are hard to push

With tassles and a super sleek paint job, your child will be the coolest kid on the block when riding the Schwiin Roadster. The low center of gravity will give you the peace of mind you need to allow your child to ride it independently as it will not tip over.

Read more

Design

The retro styling of this classy tricycle gives it a sleek look while your child will be the envy of the neighborhood kids crowd. It has lots of safety features like the fenders over the air filled tires so that your child is safe from flying stones. The tires provide a smoother ride.

Ease of Use

It is meant for kids about 2-4 years old as their first bike. Kids will own their independence and their self-confidence will soar.

Physical Development

When riding trikes at school or with other kids in the neighborhood, your child will have lots of opportunities to make good friends, interacting with others. They will build self-esteem and learn problem-solving skills. Kids ride together and create adventures, putting their creativity to work. And, of course, fun is the name of the game here, and it’s even better when everyone else thinks you have the coolest trike in town.

7. Razor RipRider 360 Caster

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
94
Razor RipRider 360 Caster
Amazon Link
Design
92
Ease of Use
95
Physical Development
95
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$121.69

Low slung style for safety when falling.

Durable steel construction

No-flats with this high impact tire

Your child will have hours and hours of activity

The seat is not adjustable

Get ready for a wild ride on the Razor RipRider 360 Caster. This sharp looking tricycle can do speed and 360 spins for more fun than a barrel of monkeys.

Read more

Design

Your child will love building speed than doing his best spin in the driveway or in the park. It has a big, durable wheel in front and castors on the back. Comes in several colors. Your child will be the talk of his class when he shows off his high speed spinning moves. This is a rock solid, steel built, long lasting spinner trike.

Ease of Use

This trike rides low to the ground, so if there is an occasional accident, there won’t be a big fall.

Physical Development

Your child’s body can get good workout racing, spinning, and stopping. Then he’ll start right back up again. That’s good because you never know when a challenge will arise so your child on his Razor trike will be off to the races. He’ll never want to stop playing.

8. Radio Flyer 4-in-1 Stroll

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
94
Radio Flyer 4-in-1 Stroll
Amazon Link
Design
92
Ease of Use
95
Physical Development
95
best offer for today
Amazon Link

Four methods of use: infant trike, steering trike, learn-to-ride trike, and classic trike all in one

The three-point harness keeps your child secure

Use adult Steer & Stroll handle for early stages

Includes sun canopy and storage bin

Suitable for children ages 9 months to 5 years

Lacks footrests for smaller children, little one’s feet drag on the ground if too short to reach pedals

Plastic wheels may not stand up to rough roads or dirt walking paths

One of the earliest rites of passages that our little ones can experience is the joy in learning how to ride a bicycle. This Radio Flyer stroller is a great way to introduce your child to that experience.

Read more

Design

This novel tricycle design is really part stroller, a grown-up-powered push handle that can control the direction and speed while your little one learns how to pedal and steer. This trike is a versatile option to solve all of your walking/riding woes!
The benefits of this tricycle stem from its adaptability as it grows with your child. It features a three-point safety harness and high-back system that will keep your little one securely in place from pre-walking to school age. As your child grows, the tricycle morphs--the seat can be adjusted into a variety of lengths, the safety tray can be removed, and the adult push handles disconnect. This allows you to slowly transition your little one from parent-powered to self-powered movement over the course of several years which is ideal for building confidence.

Ease of Use

Prior to age 2, learning to ride a trike can be difficult if not an impossible task, however. You are also dealing with the first stages of self-independence, that sense of "no, I do it!" that our little ones can gain once they find their feet. And as much as we want to encourage this self-care, our kiddos aren’t quite able to accomplish all of the walking and riding tasks that they would like to...at least not right away. This stroller tricycle hybrid will make it easy for your child to learn how to pedal and steer.

Physical Development

Gaining the confidence and early motor skills required for such a feat can be encouraged by providing your child with a tricycle from a young age.

9. Fisher-Price Rock, Roll 'n Ride

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
93
Fisher-Price Rock, Roll 'n Ride
Amazon Link
Design
92
Ease of Use
92
Physical Development
95
best offer for today
Amazon Link

Grows with your child from rocker to push bike to a tricycle

Extra-long adult-powered push handle helps your little one move without hurting your back

No tools required for conversion between stages

Suitable for children from 18 months to 5 years of age

Plastic wheels may not offer adequate traction on carpets or slick surfaces such as grass

The footrest can dislodge frequently causing your child’s feet to drag

Another take on grow-with-you style tricycles, the Fisher-Price Rock, Roll ‘n Ride Trike provides three unique stages to support your little one throughout their early bike-riding years.

Read more

Design

Stage 1 introduces your child to the concept of a trike through a rocker. This stage is great for pre-walkers to learn proper foot to pedal placement. Stage 2 moves from inside to outside as the rocker base flips up, becoming an adult-powered push handle perfect for your next walk around the neighborhood. Finally, Stage 3 disconnects the handle and lets your little one power off on their own, confident in the skills that they have developed over the last months to years of owning this fun trike!

Ease of Use

Unlike grow-and-learn tricycles, this bike does not require any tools or time in order to convert between stages. Instead, the conversions are handled through click-and-place movements that can be easily switched on the fly as needed. In the rock-and-roll stages, a footrest is provided to prevent your child’s feet from dragging, this footrest then simply folds up out of the way for the riding stage. The adjustable seat can slide back and forwards to provide your little one with the most comfortable seating placement as they grow.

Physical Development

Through each stage your child will build muscle strength and improve their fine motor skills. As your child progresses through each stage they will also increase their balance. Whether they’re riding inside or outside, the exercise will allow your child to destress from the day.

10. Fisher-Price Grow-With-Me

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
94
Fisher-Price Grow-With-Me
Amazon Link
Design
92
Ease of Use
95
Physical Development
95
best offer for today
Amazon Link

Adjustable seat and pedals

Removable pedal blocks

Thickened handlebars

“Grow with me” feature

Low to the ground

The front wheel lacks traction

This trike is absolutely perfect for toddlers who are very unsure of themselves and might need that little extra push to actually get on their first trike.

Read more

Design

Fisher-Price has designed this trike with the thought in mind of making a child as comfortable as possible while learning to ride a bike, and they didn’t disappoint. Every feature of this trike has been widened for increased support and added stability while they’re learning, including the handlebars, seat, and pedals. In fact, the pedal blocks themselves are able to be removed once your child is comfortable enough learning how to pedal on their own. The “grow with me” feature allows for an adjustable seat height as well as pedals to provide a completely customized experience for your little one.

Ease of Use

It’s always a bit of a challenge trying to find the perfect trike for your child, especially if they’re hesitant in the first place. Fisher-Price has taken all that work out of the way for you and has given back a trike that’s truly exceptional for beginners.

Physical Development

Your toddler’s balance will improve as they work to sit straight up on the trike. They fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination will increase as they reach for and grasp the handle bar. Using the foot pedals will strengthen the muscles in their legs as well as their core.

Criteria Used for Evaluation

Design

Style and design are incredibly important for parents. Parents often want the next best stylish thing for their children. We wanted to include a variety of styles that would be suitable for just about any family. We looked at color, shape and sizes. Most children prefer something that is bright and vibrant, we carefully looked into choosing tricycles that included those colors that would be extremely appealing to your children.

Ease of Use

In order to make the transition from tricycle to bicycle as stress-free as possible, we had to make sure each tricycle was easy to operate. While pedaling should be a simple task, we also wanted to make sure getting on the trike would be easy and not a fearful process. While many of the trikes listed require assembly, we made sure the included instructions were easy to understand.

Physical Development

Muscle strength

Kids need lots of exercises because they need to build muscles both big and small. A tricycle fills that bill. They exercise arms by steering and balancing and legs by pedaling. Also by balancing on a trike, the child’s core muscles in the abdomen are strengthened. All of this exercise makes a kid’s muscles stronger, and that will help support his body as he grows up.

Balance

Tricycles help with balance. We know that toddlers don’t exactly have the best balance starting out but eventually they learn especially after they’ve started walking. When riding a tricycle your child’s balance muscles will get stronger and if they ride it a lot they will even grow a little bit faster.

Confidence

When children begin to grow, their muscles continue to develop and become stronger. They gain a better grip and their improving their fine motor skills. By doing this, this can give your child some confidence because her body will be able to support them when he or she tries out their new moves, new steps and new ways to climb. Having confidence also effects your child’s self-esteem. When your child’s confidence grows, they will try to branch out and are willing to try new things without any type of fear or embarrassment.

Independence

At around age 2, most kids are ready to try to move away from parents a little and assert their independence. Interesting how that coincides with the time they are ready to start riding push bikes and moving onto trikes. This push for independence often results in what parents call the “terrible twos.” But this age is good because kids become more willing to try new things, like a trike. If your child is not ready, she will tell you. Then just put it away for a bit and pull the trike out later. Once she feels more confident, you may not be able to hold her back. Then you just have to provide the safeguards so she doesn’t get hurt.

Most Important Criteria (According to our experts opinion)
Sort criterias acording to:
Experts Opinion Editors Opinion Users Opinion By Default
Click on a to rate the most important criteria:
#1
Design
Rate This Criteria as Most Important
#2
Ease of Use
Rate This Criteria as Most Important
#3
Physical Development
Rate This Criteria as Most Important
Parents Did You Know

When choosing a tricycle, you should make sure it is low to the ground. It’s important for the safety of your child, because they may take a tumble. Most kids do. It’s childhood. This way they don’t have far to fall. This also helps kids in keeping their feet on the ground. If it’s a push bike or trike, they still have to be able to put their feet on the ground and stand up. It’s safer. It gives a kid more confidence, and it’s easier for him to get his legs moving to push if they have to.

Parents Did You Know

Get the needed accessories to keep your child safe. Most notable of these is a helmet to protect the head in case of a fall. He should be wearing a helmet every time he gets on the bike. It may be inconvenient, but it’s necessary. Other possible accessories include elbow and knee pads. Even if you are right next to your child, an accident is possible. Better to be safe than sorry.

Other Factors to Consider

Safety

One thing we carefully looked over for this specific toy was weight. Parents often forget that there is a weight limit when it comes to ride on toys and should always be reminded to look at weight limit restrictions before purchasing. We want nothing but the safety of your children when they’re riding on their favorite toy. We also looked at materials that were being used for each item on our top ten list making sure that they were all 100% safe for your child. They’ll be riding along all day long soon enough.

Frequently Asked Questions

q: What does it mean when they say it’s a 12-inch trike?

a:

The 12 inches refers to the size of the wheels’ diameters.

q: What does a balance bike do?

a:

A balance bike is a push bike. It has no pedals, so the child moves it along the floor with her feet, learning to push with her legs. It is designed to teach children to balance, coordinating their upper and lower bodies, their vision, and learning to steer.

q: How will I know when my child is ready for a tricycle?

a:

Most children can start riding a tricycle around 2.5 or 3 years. When your child can stand and walk with confidence and understands cause and effect (like knowing that if she runs into the wall, she may get a bump on the head) then you may want to get her a trike. To work up to this stage, you may want to start with a three- or four-wheeled push bike. Then she can learn that if she wants to move, she will have to push with her feet and legs. Then move up to a trike so she can build her muscles and learn some balance.

q: My little girl’s trike is too big for her to reach the pedals. Should we add pedal blocks?

a:

While some people do use the pedal blocks, we feel that they are a quick way to get into an accident. Your child won’t be able to feel the motion of the trike as well, so her balance may be impaired. And the blocks make controlling the trike much harder. It’s best to get a trike that fits or go back to a push bike.

q: We would like to get a tricycle for our 4-year-old boy, but we have a gravel driveway and our street is gravel. What type of trike should we get for him?

a:

You probably want a trike with good, treaded tires. If they are big tires, all the better. The big tires make the trike more stable and the tread keeps the wheels in touch with the ground. Safety is the key.

q: We bought a small plastic trike for my son, and the plastic wheels are scratching my floors. What can I do to protect the floor?

a:

There are some ride on toys with non-scratch wheels, so you could try that. One example is on the list above, the Chillafish BUNZI. Another solution is to cover the wheels with something like cloth. If the wheels are small enough, try cutting the ends off of a sock and putting the sock around the wheel.

Sources

  1. Sensory Edge , Learning to Ride a Tricycle Builds Skills, Informative Article
  2. Jill Mays , Bike Riding for Preschool and Beyond, Blog Article
  3. Rachel Pancare, How Do Bright Colors Appeal to Kids?, Online Article
  4. Katy Smith, Bike riding a good test of skills for children, Informative Article
  5. Healthy Children Staff, Ready for a Tricycle?, Online Article