Should a toddler wear a helmet on a tricycle?

Toddlers should wear a helmet every time they ride a tricycle. Whether it's a scooter, tricycle, balance bike, or roller skates, always enforce helmet-wearing. This protects your little one from head injuries and sets a good habit from the start.

When should I get my toddler a tricycle?

Toddlers can start riding a tricycle around age 3. This may vary according to your child's abilities. Make sure your child's first tricycle is low to the ground and has large wheels. Wearing a helmet is a must, every time your child rides.

How do you teach a toddler to ride a tricycle?

To teach a toddler to ride a tricycle, start by teaching them to pedal. They should sit with their feet flat on each pedal. Teach them to on a flat, open area so that it's easy for them to propel themselves forward. After your toddler has mastered pedaling, teach steering. Tell them to move the handle bars so that the front wheel points in the direction they want to go.

How do I keep my toddler safe on a tricycle?

Toddlers should wear a helmet every time they ride a tricycle. Their first trike should be low to the ground and have large wheels, so that tipping over is less likely. Go riding in a safe, enclosed area like a fenced-in yard and do not ride close to where cars drive. Ensure that your toddler wears well-fitting, closed-toed shoes to protect their feed while riding a tricycle.

How does having a tricycle impact gross motor development?

Riding a tricycle helps support gross motor development in toddlers. It strengthens the leg muscles and gives your child opportunities to practice using balance and coordination. A tricycle also helps your child build physical endurance.

The 8 Best Tricycles for Toddlers of 2023

Toddlers will always find a way to move. Help focus that energy with a tricycle, the classic three-wheeled bike. Not only will your kiddo benefit from physical exercise, but a tricycle helps your child develop a sense of balance and build cognitive skills as they navigate the road ahead.

Make sure your child is ready to ride a tricycle, especially if they will be riding without your assistance. Consider your child's size and the bike's size as well to ensure they can comfortably ride with room to grow. We carefully considered age, height, and weight recommendations, tire type, size, value, and design when reviewing products. A family physician on our Review Board also reviewed the contents of this article for medical accuracy surrounding tricycles for toddlers, safety features, and how to evaluate them.

Use this guide to find the right tricycle for your lifestyle, budget, and needs.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Radio Flyer Deluxe EZ Fold 4-in-1 Stroll-N-Trike at Amazon

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Best for Older Kids:

Schwinn Roadster Tricycle at Amazon

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Best Lightweight:

XJD 3-in-1 Kids Tricycle at Amazon

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Best Push Tricycle:

Radio Flyer Deluxe Steer and Stroll Trike at Amazon

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Best for Younger Kids:

Joovy Tricycoo at Amazon

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Best Splurge:

Doona Liki S3 Convertible Stroller Trike at Potterybarnkids.com

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Best Budget:

Fisher-Price Harley-Davidson Tough Trike at Amazon

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Best Convertible:

Larktale Scoobi 5-in-1 Convertible Scooter at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Family

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart

Pros

Four modes of use
Compact fold
Storage basket and parent pouch

Cons

Not ideal for taller toddlers
Removable parts need to be stored

We named the Radio Flyer Deluxe EZ Fold 4-in-1 Stroll-N-Trike our top pick because it's sized just right for little ones and is even foldable for easy storage or portability. Safe for kids starting at 9 months old, young kids can sit on the bike with a harness, front tray, footrest covering the pedals, and a parent push bar powers the ride.

As your kid ages, you can gradually remove each element until they are riding all on their own. A UV-protected canopy protects delicate skin while they ride, the parent pouch stores keys and a water bottle, and the extra-large rear basket stores anything your kid needs to take on their trek.

Price at time of publication: $120

^{Key Specs:
Product weight: 18.9 pounds | Dimensions: 28.7 x 22 x 41.3 inches | Age range: 9 months to 5 years old}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Academy.com View On Basspro.com

Pros

Low center of gravity
Five seat positions

Cons

Heavy

Style aficionados will appreciate the low-rider look of this classic roadster trike. Best for older kids, this bike is heavy, so they’ll need some muscle power to move it. While it’s not a convertible bike, the sculpted seat does move forward and back into five locked positions, so there’s some adjustability for growing kids.

Schwinn recommends that your kiddo measure a minimum of 18 inches from the lower back to the floor in order to reach the pedals at the smallest setting.

Price at time of publication: $140

^{Key Specs:
Product weight: 24.4 pounds | Dimensions: 24 x 14 x 12.5 inches | Age range: 2 to 4 years old}

Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

Lightweight
Suitable for young kids
Very versatile with three modes

Cons

Too small for older kids
No harness

This lightweight, innovative scooter is an amazing option for the younger set. The trike offers three ways to ride: a three-wheeled balance bike, two-wheel balance bike, and tricycle mode with pedals. The versatile options will help young kids gain confidence, balance, steering, and coordination skills from the start.

Super lightweight, it’s easy to bring along and boasts adjustable handlebars and seat height.

Price at time of publication: $70

^{Key Specs:
Product Weight: 8.26 pounds | Dimensions: 19 x 23 x 17 inches | Age range: 10 months to 3 years old}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Home Depot View On Kohls.com

Pros

Pedals lock during push mode
Three seat settings
Small covered storage bin

Cons

No harness
Doesn’t fold

Relatively affordable, lightweight, and with a wide age range, this is a great choice for parents looking to start out with a push trike with the hopes of their kid riding alone soon. The classic Radio Flyer design features a push bar for parents and locking pedals.

Once kids can pedal on their own, remove the bar, unlock the pedals, and they’re off. Three seat settings ensure the bike grows with your kiddo and a covered storage bin holds your essentials.

Price at time of publication: $70

^{Key Specs:
Product Weight: 14.6 pounds | Dimensions: 28 x 21.5 x 19 inches | Age range: 2 to 5 years old}

Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

Four modes
Five point harness for youngest kids
Height adjustable push bar

Cons

Steering handle can feel flimsy
Removable parts need to be stored

A smart investment for families with younger kids, this trike can cycle through four modes, making it a super versatile option. For the youngest kids, a five-point harness, UPF canopy, and padded seat and armrests keep them secure and comfy while their parents push the height-adjustable push bar.

As your child grows, customize the bike stage-by-stage as the armrests, footrest, and parent push bar are eventually removed.

Price at time of publication: $140

^{Key Specs:
Product Weight: 14.4 pounds | Dimensions: 37 x 20 x 39 inches | Age range: 10 months to 44 pounds}

Pottery Barn Kids

View On Potterybarnkids.com

Pros

Five modes
Foldable
Ideal for travel

Cons

Expensive
Removable parts need to be stored

The sleek and contemporary trike is amazing for life on the go and is a wonderful travel companion for family trips, but it is quite an investment. The bike moves through five modes from a push bar trike with a five-point harness and armrest all the way to a three-wheeled trike.

Travelers will appreciate that the bike is fully foldable, can fit in a plane’s overhead compartment, and comes with a travel bag. For younger kids, this could be a super alternative to a traditional stroller.

Price at time of publication: $300

^{Key Specs:
Product Weight: 14.8 pounds | Dimensions: 19.6 x 36.8 x 40.4 inches; 12.5 x 23.6 x 9.1 inches folded | Age range: 10 months to 3 years}

4.5

Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

Inexpensive
Secret storage compartment
Low to the ground
Plastic can be kept outside

Cons

Not adjustable at all
Large footprint to store

Many parents may feel nostalgic for this type of rough riding trike. A budget-friendly option, the wide seat and big foot pedals make it easy to ride. While it’s lightweight and easy to tote around, the bike is not adjustable at all, so there may be a smaller window for when the tough trike fits your kid.

Made of plastic, some reviewers like this since it can be stored outside without worrying about the elements destroying the product.

Price at time of publication: $40

^{Key Specs:
Product Weight: 4 pounds | Dimensions: 29.5 x 22.5 x 22 inches | Age range: 2 to 5 years}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Macy's

Pros

Five modes of use
No tools needed for conversion
Wide age range

Cons

No parent push bar

An engineering feat of wonder, this highly rated convertible scooter nearly does it all. The 5-in-1 vehicle easily converts from a kick scooter to a balance bike to a tricycle. Even more amazing, there are no tools required for any of the conversions. Parents can easily convert from one mode to another using the push buttons and clearly labeled number indicators.

Some of the removable elements are even stored on the bike’s body. The only drawback, there is no parent push bar option for this one.

Price at time of publication: $120

^{Key Specs:
Product Weight: 11.2 pounds | Dimensions: 24.6 x 16.5 x 21 inches | Age range: 2 to 5 years}

Final Verdict

For a fully functional trike that checks all the boxes and includes a parent push bar, the Radio Flyer Deluxe EZ Fold 4-in-1 Stroll-N-Trike (view at Amazon) is a very cool convertible option. If the parent push bar isn’t a deal breaker, the Scoobi 5-in-1 Convertible Scooter (view at Amazon) is a really innovative vehicle and takes the place of a scooter, balance bike, and trike with one purchase.

What to Look for in Tricycles for Toddlers

Safety Features

New bikers should feel safe and confident. Some tricycles come with harnesses to help keep your child stable and secure while riding. Tricycles that are lower to the ground are typically easier for a child to handle, and bigger tires make the bike more sturdy.

Most importantly, make sure your child is ready to ride a tricycle, especially if they will be riding without your assistance. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), most children tend to be trike-ready around 3 years old. By 3, it is typically safe for kids to ride on their own (with a helmet!) versus with a parent steering them.

Convertibility

If your child is on the younger side, a convertible tricycle that comes with a handlebar for parents to push is a perfect starter bike. As your child ages, they'll become more comfortable and confident and you can remove the handlebar. Think about your lifestyle and if you need the trike to fold for storage or be lightweight to trek around. Some versatile ride-on toys give you a stroller, scooter, balance bike, and tricycle with one purchase.

Size

While most bikes offer an adjustable seat and handlebar so that they can grow with your child, be sure to choose a bike that fits them where they are with room to grow. A tricycle is no fun if the kiddo can’t reach the pedals. Use the age and/or weight guidelines for each bike to pick something that works well for your kiddo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should a toddler wear a helmet on a tricycle?

Toddlers should wear a helmet every time they ride a tricycle. Whether it's a scooter, tricycle, balance bike, or roller skates, always enforce helmet-wearing. This protects your little one from head injuries and sets a good habit from the start.

Learn More: Hidden Dangers and Child Safety
When should I get my toddler a tricycle?

Toddlers can start riding a tricycle around age 3. This may vary according to your child's abilities. Make sure your child's first tricycle is low to the ground and has large wheels. Wearing a helmet is a must, every time your child rides.
How do you teach a toddler to ride a tricycle?

To teach a toddler to ride a tricycle, start by teaching them to pedal. They should sit with their feet flat on each pedal. Teach them to on a flat, open area so that it's easy for them to propel themselves forward. After your toddler has mastered pedaling, teach steering. Tell them to move the handle bars so that the front wheel points in the direction they want to go.

Learn More: Should You Buy Your Toddler a Scooter?
How do I keep my toddler safe on a tricycle?

Toddlers should wear a helmet every time they ride a tricycle. Their first trike should be low to the ground and have large wheels, so that tipping over is less likely. Go riding in a safe, enclosed area like a fenced-in yard and do not ride close to where cars drive. Ensure that your toddler wears well-fitting, closed-toed shoes to protect their feed while riding a tricycle.

Learn More: Toddler Discipline: Strategies and Challenges
How does having a tricycle impact gross motor development?

Riding a tricycle helps support gross motor development in toddlers. It strengthens the leg muscles and gives your child opportunities to practice using balance and coordination. A tricycle also helps your child build physical endurance.

Learn More: Toddler Devlepmental Milestones by Age

Why Trust Verywell Family

Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of an 11-year-old son, 8-year-old son, and 4-year old daughter. Her older two kids loved riding on a trike with a push bar (who wouldn’t!?) and her independent daughter loves riding her own tricycle around the block.