The REV 12 features air-filled tires and thoughtful kid-specific design elements such as a low top tube and a seat height that you can adjust by 4 inches. It also has a slightly higher weight limit than the Guardian model. For taller and older kids, the Strider 14x Sport is ideal. It weighs 12.5 pounds without pedals and 15.5 pounds with, which is pretty light for a 14-inch bike but much heavier than the other balance bikes we tested for this guide. At 6.6 pounds, this model is one of the lightest balance bikes we tested, with air-filled rubber tires that have just enough knobbiness to both grip the dirt and speed over pavement. When your kid no longer needs the limiter—that is, when they get old enough or skilled enough to maintain handlebar control—you can simply pop off the O-ring and let it dangle.
The reflector should face away from the tricycle.From the inside of the basket, insert a screw through each of the three basket slots and fender braces. Align the slots on the basket with the threaded holes in the tricycle frame. Place a washer over each of the four screws, then install and tighten the screws.Unfold the basket cover and place it into the middle of the basket. Fold the side pockets out over each side wall of the basket.
The Banana Bike GT took over an hour to build, the longest time in our lineup. Though most adults should be able to put this bike together, it involves a large learning curve. You’ll need a pump to fill up the 12-inch tires, which don’t come prefilled, whereas the tires on the Guardian and REI models do. The frame is made with steel, not aluminum (as on our other picks), which can be less durable.
It also adds stability to the bike, especially during turns or on uneven terrain. The Meridian Trike has an aluminum frame that is lightweight and durable. This makes it easy to maneuver while still being strong enough to support riders up to 300 pounds. A child can begin balance biking from as young as 15 to 18 months on a light bike with a low seat; they schwinn tricycle can simply rest their bum on the seat, hold the handlebars, and walk around. In July 2023, Woom issued a recall of bikes with a one-bolt stem clamp design, like the Woom 1, made from 2018 to 2021 because the stem and handlebars could detach. Many prefer to skip a balance bike and stick with a tricycle or scooter until they’re ready for a pedal bike.
There’s no difference when a kid is straddling or running with the balance bike and not putting weight on the seat. But sitting on the Woom 1 and braking is likely to result in a sharper stop than on the Guardian Balance Bike. Guardian’s SureStop handbrake system sets this model apart from all the other bikes in the field, except the Woom 1. This braking system slows both the front and back wheels, teaching children how to both balance and slow down without using their feet, which is an ideal precursor for riding a pedal bike. This balance bike has a taller seat-height range than our top pick, but it lacks a handbrake, and it’s heavier and a bit less comfortable to ride.
This allows for a smoother and steadier ride, even on different terrains. The Meridian Trike has a single-speed design, which means there’s no need to shift gears while riding. This makes it an easy and convenient option for leisurely schwinn tricycle rides or daily commutes. The Meridian Trike has a sleek and modern look with its aluminum frame, black finish, and white accents. The triple-wheeled design gives it a unique appearance that stands out from traditional bikes.
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 first version of this guide was written by Katharine Gammon, a science writer, when her children were 1½ and 3½ years old. Kate spent upwards of 25 hours researching and testing a dozen tricycles, and she interviewed two pediatric physical therapists, among other experts.
The frame is constructed of aluminum, which we prefer over steel due to its durability and light weight. At 8.5 pounds, this model isn’t the heaviest of the bikes we tested, and it turned out to be the Goldilocks weight for kids in the 25-to-30-pound range. The weight grounds the bike during turns, but it’s still light enough that kids can ride fairly fast. Many of today’s parents (and grandparents!) may have fond memories of rolling down the driveway—and perhaps over homemade jumps, definitely helmet-free—on an Original Big Wheel. The actual Original Big Wheel was manufactured in Pennsylvania by a company called Marx, which went out of business in the 1980s.
And with the option to choose between different wheel and frame sizes, riders can customize their trike to fit their personal style. The foldable basket adds a practical touch to the bike, making it convenient for carrying groceries, backpacks, or small pets. It also gives the trike a more versatile look compared to other bikes in its category. One of the standout features of the Meridian Trike is its basket.