Best Tricycles
Keep your energetic toddler moving with a sweet new set of wheels.
By
Toddlers never stop moving. And soon enough, they’re ready for their own set of wheels. That’s when a tricycle comes in handy; it’s a fun way to teach them the rules of the road (er, sidewalk), and they can build key coordination skills at the same time.
What’s the Difference Between a Tricycle and Balance Bike?
A balance bike is a small two-wheeler without pedals. It teaches little ones how to balance, scoot, ride and coast all on their own. Once these skills are mastered, a child can move right to a regular bike and skip the training wheel phase. Balance bikes ride smoother and faster, while tricycles tend to be a little clunkier and slower. (Check out our balance bike guide for more info.)
Toddlers may love balance bikes, but there’s something about the pedaling and stability of trikes that kids love, too, and they can’t wait to hop on. It’s a childhood staple. Our favorite tricycles grow with your child, often starting out as a “push bike”—with a handlebar that grown-ups use to steer—before a toddler transitions to pedaling. Many parents like assisting in the ride until their little ones are ready to zip off on their own. Sure, they can be kind of like a glorified stroller, but they get parents from point A to point B with a happy kiddo (a win-win).
Tricycle Dos and Don’ts:
Don’t: Skip the helmet. Toddlers aren’t exactly the most balanced people, so strap on a helmet (every.single.time.) that meets the Consumer Product Safety Commission standards.
Do: Buy a trike that is sturdy and low to the ground. It’s less likely to tip over.
Do: Make sure your child’s feet reach the pedals. Look for a tricycle that can be adjusted for the right fit.
Do: Start with a parent push handle. It can be helpful to steer as your tot learns how to pedal.
The Classic Ride
When you think of tricycles, you probably picture this one: shiny red, tall seat, rear step, cheerful bell. Everyone who was ever a kid knows Radio Flyer, and it’s still a perfect go-to for any adventurous toddler today (and the metal frame means it has the potential to last for a long time). The seat height is adjustable, so make sure your little one’s feet can rest firmly on the ground from whatever position you set the seat.
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Ages 2-4 years; up to 42.5 lbs |
| Product Weight | 12 lbs |
Lowrider
The Schwinn Roadster Tricycle is a retro-style trike for toddlers who are ready to pedal. Its larger-than-average wheels make for a super smooth ride, and the low center of gravity prevents tipping while making it easy for kiddos to climb on and off. Complete with classic touches like tassels, mustache-style handlebars and a bell, your tot will definitely get noticed in the neighborhood.
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Ages 2-4 years |
| Product Weight | 24 lbs |
Transitioning Trike
We’re big fans of versatile products that grow with your child, can be used for years, and stay in good shape for baby #2 (and beyond). From push to pedal, the Joovy Tricycoo 4.1 Trike fits the bill. The first stage starts out similar to a stroller: you’ll use the adjustable push handle to steer your baby around while they’re strapped into the 3-point harness. Once they get bigger and can reach the pedals, you can remove the harness, backrest and canopy and help maneuver until it’s time to remove the push handle for solo rides. There are tons of great features including an adjustable seat, stroller-style sun canopy, rear bucket for storage and even a cup holder so kiddo can ride in style. Looking for even more features? Check out the Tricycoo UL and the Tricycoo LX.
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Ages 10 months–5 years; up to 44 lbs |
| Product Weight | 14.4 lbs |
Lightweight & Durable
While a lot of tricycles can be on the heavier side, trikes made of plastic tend to be much lighter—and still durable. With several different pop-culture paint schemes to choose from, your little one can roll with their favorite characters like Thomas the Train and Barbie, or even the always-classic Harley Davidson. The wide, treaded tires make it easier to navigate through rugged off-road terrain, and the seat lifts up to reveal a hidden storage compartment, so kiddo can take their favorite (small) toys with them wherever they ride.
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Ages 2–5 years |
| Product Weight | 8.16 lbs |
For the Wooden Toy Enthusiasts
This bike isn’t just adorable; it’s designed to grow with your little one too! It transitions through three different riding stages, and the pedal-less design means your toddler can get the best of both worlds: a trike to start out, and a two-wheeled balance bike once they get the hang of having a set of wheels. Made from birch and eucalyptus wood (with smooth-riding pneumatic rubber tires), this ride is a lightweight luxury that definitely has heirloom potential.
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Ages 12 months–5 years |
| Product Weight | 12 lbs |
Ultra Vintage
Baby’s first hot rod! If you want to go vintage for your kiddo’s trike, look no further than this classic ’30s style. Made entirely of steel, this tricycle is as sturdy as they come, and the solid rubber tires and padded leatherette saddle seat provide a comfortable, smooth ride. There are several fun colors to choose from, and with this sleek design, your toddler will be the envy of every classic car enthusiast—young and old—in the neighborhood.
Additional Specs
| Child Guidelines | Ages 2–4 years |
| Product Weight | 26 lbs |
![Add to Babylist](javascript: bl.addToRegistry({"images":"https://images.ctfassets.net/50gzycvace50/4447s99cnHnTY7KvtuHsWq/1a52d77b2f72de9b67479b572fe278cc/Radio_Flyer_Classic_Red_10-_Tricycle.jpg?fit=pad\u0026fl=progressive\u0026fm=jpg\u0026w=620\u0026h=620","price":"$57.99","title":"Radio Flyer Classic Red 10\\\" Tricycle","url":"https://www.target.com/p/radio-flyer-10-34-classic-tricycle-red/-/A-12442722","source":"hello_baby"});){kind=link}
![Add to Babylist](javascript: bl.addToRegistry({"images":"https://images.ctfassets.net/50gzycvace50/2cyqgGtGZCkK2CscYIga0u/7eac3e3e21df60d7c3e9a9fa6c08f463/schwinn-roadster.jpg?fit=pad\u0026fl=progressive\u0026fm=jpg\u0026w=620\u0026h=620","price":"$111.10","title":"The Schwinn Roadster - Red","url":"https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FH2Y9S/","source":"hello_baby"});){kind=link}
![Add to Babylist](javascript: bl.addToRegistry({"images":"https://images.ctfassets.net/50gzycvace50/3e4358ebe5349a5fb05f7bebb347b69285b8a382e396806a261f214f6fb3a900/bcae063fbcdc37d34688f764cfd17742/3e4358ebe5349a5fb05f7bebb347b69285b8a382e396806a261f214f6fb3a900.png?fl=progressive\u0026fm=jpg\u0026bg=rgb:f9f9f9\u0026w=620\u0026h=620","price":"$105.99","title":"Joovy Tricycoo 4.1 Trike - Black","url":"https://www.babylist.com/gp/joovy-tricycoo-4-1-trike/20966/640103","source":"hello_baby","product_id":640103});){kind=link}
![Add to Babylist](javascript: bl.addToRegistry({"images":"https://images.ctfassets.net/50gzycvace50/4X56Faq2La4NJQFbOBG0G6/2fc5ac123ebf129103bf22619a6b7ea8/Fisher-Price_Thomas___Friends_Tough_Trike.jpg?fit=pad\u0026fl=progressive\u0026fm=jpg\u0026w=620\u0026h=620","price":"$39.46","title":"Fisher-Price Thomas \u0026 Friends Tough Trike","url":"https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0045UBG6S","source":"hello_baby"});){kind=link}
![Add to Babylist](javascript: bl.addToRegistry({"images":"https://images.ctfassets.net/50gzycvace50/7rUdVPnVsWfNRg33Pdx6P8/0583a8758a5924e7b66364d3c42b1384/Wishbone_3-in-1_Bike.jpeg?fit=pad\u0026fl=progressive\u0026fm=jpg\u0026w=620\u0026h=620","price":"$289.99","title":"Wishbone 3-in-1 Bike","url":"https://www.thetot.com/product/wishbone-3-in-1-bike/?attribute_pa_color=natural","source":"hello_baby"});){kind=link}
![Add to Babylist](javascript: bl.addToRegistry({"images":"https://images.ctfassets.net/50gzycvace50/5shtoEqKsRus1Qgij6XZ7u/26a4ddb1dbdc37f41c5e8d8965ae1c6c/Morgan_Cycle_Vintage_Pegasus_Retro_Tricycle_.jpeg?fit=pad\u0026fl=progressive\u0026fm=jpg\u0026w=620\u0026h=620","price":"$269.00","title":"Morgan Cycle Vintage Pegasus Retro Tricycle","url":"https://www.morgancycle.com/Retro-Style-Pink-Pegasus-Steel-Tricycle_p_29.html","source":"hello_baby"});){kind=link}