I checked how the tricycles fit my 1-year-old and almost-4-year-old to assess which models would work best for the same kid over several years. The shiny, steel Radio Flyer Classic Red Tricycle is a well-made trike schwinn bicycles for age 2½ up to about 4 or a small 5. The design replicates that of tricycles from decades ago, though in fact Radio Flyer only started making trikes in 1999 (the company is best known for its red wagons).
When it comes to a low-rider-style trike, overall we think the Schwinn Roadster provides a better ride. The Radio Flyer 4-in-1 Stroll ‘N Trike has many of the features we were looking for in a convertible trike—but a few flaws too. The adjustable sunshade has two panels, compared schwinn bicycles with the Joovy’s three, which we found makes a big difference in how much toddler you can keep in the shade. The plastic seat that holds a baby in place is more slippery than the Joovy’s seat, and my 1-year-old was sliding all over the place, even when strapped in.
The trike has a bell that was a hit with my then 3-year-old son (the Joovy comes bell-less) and like our pick it has a storage compartment in back. The Radio Flyer’s storage space is covered, which keeps precious items from flying out (the Joovy’s compartment is open). The Deluxe Steer & Stroll weighs 14½ pounds, just a smidge more than the Joovy.
Explore trails that aren’t on the app but clearly exist
right here, right now, in real life. Pack extra water and a sandwich in case things go right and you’re having
too much damn fun to head home. “How often should I inflate my tires?” is a common question among many casual bikers. The answer depends on how
often and how hard you ride. Some people break out the pump every few days, others once a week, and still others even
less regularly than that.
In our tests, the Classic Red was harder to ride than the Joovy or any of our other picks. Once a child is able to reach their feet to pedals—generally between ages 1 and 2—you can begin training. Pediatric physical therapist Rebecca Talmud suggests starting with a riding toy to practice climbing on and off, forward movement and steering and navigating around obstacles.
Personally, I’m a science writer with more than a decade of experience interviewing experts in countless fields, including health, parenting, and child development. I’m also the mom of two small guys who were schwinn bicycles 1½ and 3½ when I was initially reporting and testing for this guide. I’ve pushed, pulled, rolled, and cajoled kids on tricycles for countless after-dinner strolls and park dashes over the past three years.
In addition to several weeks of everyday use, I conducted some controlled tests. I had my 3-year-old ride a block on a concrete sidewalk and take a corner at full speed while timing and recording him. I used this test to help assess how easy it was to start and turn each trike, looking for evidence of wheels lifting up or the trike seat being unstable. This took about two hours with my son (we had to take snack and water breaks because, man, trike riding is exhausting). Unlike roadies, mountain bikes are flying over loose, bumpy terrain.
The SmarTrike Lollipop 3 in 1 Baby Trike is designed for babies starting at 10 months up to kids 3 years, a narrower age range than other convertible trikes. My 1-year-old was able to sit comfortably in the seat—unlike the Joovy and Radio Flyer this trike has no straps—but he kept sliding forward onto his crotch and standing on the foot rests. On the other hand, the SmarTrike has a completely independent push-steering system, so even if a kid is jerking the steering column to the left, you can still turn right. In the older-kid configuration the trike seemed a little small and underpowered compared with the other convertibles we tested. Like many of today’s trikes, the Joovy TriCyCoo has a storage bin in the back for treasures, and comes with a cupholder attached to the handlebars. It weighs 14 pounds, typical of plastic tricycles of this type but much lighter than more traditional metal models.
Overall operation runs fine and on peddle assist I can run it up to almost 28 mph however, it doesn’t take long until the battery starts losing its charge by a few bars. I only got caught in a storm moment once at the last 1/4 mile to home. They claim they are good for 20 miles on a charge yet, I went on a 14 mile jaunt to and from beach which I live only 7 miles away. The battery ran down to 2.5 bars which was expected. Yet, now it shows a considerable drain after a 5 or maybe 8 mile run.
Fortunately, they also
cool off relatively quickly, but it’s something to keep an eye on during long descents. It may also be worth
mentioning to your burgeoning roadster as he or she is learning the basics of hand braking. The spokeless wheels require no maintenance, they have no parts sticking out, and nothing can get caught in them. It doesn’t have storage and doesn’t come with a bell (or tassels).