Like our top pick, this one converts to multiple stages. The sunshade is similar to that schwinn mountain bike of our top pick, too. But this trike is more than triple the cost of our top pick.
Whether it’s finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we’ll help you get it right (the first time). It took only 20 minutes to build the INFANS Kids Tricycle. Like the Radio Flyer tricycle, this one has a lot of parts, but the instructions are a bit clearer, and the required tools are included. The IFANS trike’s canopy is made with thicker material than the Radio Flyer trike’s canopy. That means this one can protect your child for longer during a rainstorm or provide a bit better shade coverage.
For others, extra pizzazz like a bell, a basket, bright colors, and/or tassels may mean a lot. Storage spaces for stuff kids might need—like a cupholder for a sippy cup or a trunk or basket for toys—may also be appealing to kids. Tricycles also teach important skills like steering and pedaling, which lay the foundation for a child to eventually become a confident big-kid-bike rider.
This trike is a solid option if you can’t find the Radio Flyer, or if you want a trike with sturdier hardware. The INFANS trike weighs 20 pounds, whereas the Radio Flyer is 16, so it’s a bit harder for little kids to ride the INFANS trike by themselves. We also liked the pedal covers of the Radio Flyer’s stroller configuration better than the foot pegs on the INFANS trike.
Place the wheel into the fork dropouts, ensuring the tabbed washers are on the outside of both dropouts. Rotate the tabbed washer so the tab engages the hole in the fork dropout, then finger tighten the nut. Close the front brake by inserting the cable fitting into the slotted carrier on the brake, then slide the rubber seal over the cable fitting. Insert the cable fitting into the slotted carrier on the brake, then slide the rubber seal over the cable fitting.
The 4-in-1 Stroll ’N Trike has a steel frame but is mostly made of plastic (wheels included). So it’s not the most durable option we tested, but it still stood up to several months of heavy use without injury. A tricycle should help your child learn to pedal and steer. Those models with a wide wheelbase will provide stability and grip the roadway, and we found that lightweight trikes are, in general, easier for younger kids to use. Tires made from rubber or foam are softer, and that can help cushion the ride; hard plastic tires can ride a little rougher and be slippery on pavement.
The Radio Flyer Deluxe Big Flyer is a decent version of the Big Wheel–style trike, and it’s intended for kids who are 3 to 7 years old. It has more heft and seems sturdier than today’s Big Wheel brand. Older kids will likely enjoy the speed and easy turns of a lightweight, low-slung trike, but Kate’s 3-year-old son had some trouble getting the 16-inch front wheel to move. When it comes to a low-rider-style trike, overall we think the Schwinn Roadster provides a better ride.