Plus, the handlebar can rise by nearly 4 inches and tilt upward and forward nearly 4 inches. You can raise the handlebar by about 2 inches (the Guardian bike’s handlebars can’t change in height), and you can adjust the handlebar angle with an Allen wrench, same as on the Guardian model. The REV 12’s handlebars ranked among the widest of the balance bikes we tested, which made them ideal for taller preschoolers. Compared with our top pick, this balance bike can accommodate a slightly taller kid, which means it might get more use over time. It can also accommodate a heavier kid (up to 60 pounds, versus the Guardian model’s limit of 50). In our tests, however, smaller kids found the REV 12 to be too tall and too heavy for their liking.
The Schwinn is built to withstand regular use and last for years. The aluminum frame is lightweight yet sturdy, making it suitable for riders up to 300 pounds. The front forks also add stability to the bike by evenly distributing weight across all three wheels.
Also, its three-wheel design and padded seat with backrest make it a great option for seniors. Get expert insights on the 2024 Schwinn Meridian Tricycle with our detailed review plus explore alternative trikes in our buyer’s guide. Raise the front panel and align it with the sleeves on the side panels, then fully insert the locking pins to secure it. Attach reflector to one rear fender.Align the slots on the fender tabs with the slots on the wire basket frame.
Writer Jenni Gritters researched more than 20 tricycles, and she built and tested 10 of them in late 2023. She has a decade of experience reporting on parenting, purchasing, and psychology, and she was previously an editor for Wirecutter’s outdoors section. She’s the author of our guides to the best jogging strollers and the best kids hiking backpacks, and she’s a mom to two children. As Jenni was writing the current version of this guide, her kids were 15 months and 3½ years old—perfect trike-testing age.
But this trike is well made, and it’s quick to build and convert. The adult tricycle comes equipped with a large rear foldable basket, perfect for carrying schwinn bicycles groceries, picnic items, or other cargo. The padded seat with backrest adds extra comfort for longer rides and can accommodate riders of different sizes.
That means this trike has more plastic features, but it also means it’s lightweight—a solid bonus for kids who want to take corners with speed. The XJD 5-in-1 Kids Tricycle is a trike that turns into a balance bike. It takes 10 minutes to build, and it’s easy to adapt from trike to bike by adjusting the two back wheels into one (they slide together) and removing the pedals. It’s sturdier than many of the trikes we tried, with hard rubber wheels instead of plastic. But it doesn’t have a warranty, and the kids in our test group avoided this bike like the plague, probably because the stand-over height for the balance bike configuration wasn’t low enough.
And the Angeles MyRider Midi is an upgrade that will likely outlast the rest. So, if you’re in the market for an adult tricycle, be sure to consider these alternative options and choose one that best meets your needs and preferences. Whether it’s speed, comfort, or practicality, there is a tricycle out there for everyone. The Schwinn Meridian Trike is a popular and reliable adult tricycle option, but there are many alternatives to consider. From exciting drifting experiences to comfortable recumbent riding, there is a tricycle for everyone’s needs and preferences.