The SmarTrike 3-in-1 Breeze S Toddler Tricycle felt flimsy, with plastic wheels and screws that are tough to tighten. And the harness didn’t tighten well; Jenni’s 15-month-old daughter kept nearly falling out. When an adult pushes this convertible trike, the handle (rather than the kid steering) directs the front wheel, which is ideal for younger kids. But our top pick and runner-up pick simply schwinn mountain bike felt safer and more durable, and they were easier to build. This tricycle comes with a canopy, a wide push handle for parents (it’s reasonably adjustable for caregivers of different heights), a wraparound tray and cupholder, and a storage bucket. It also has a three-point harness, and this one was easier to use than the harness on any other model we tried—it actually pulled tight, too.
Ensure the tire doesn’t rub on the fender or brakes. The INFANS Kids Tricycle is similar to our top pick, with more-durable steel features and a slightly easier-to-use steering mechanism. And our kid testers found it less easy to use, likely because the IFANS trike is about 4 pounds heavier than the Radio Flyer tricycle (20 pounds versus the Radio Flyer’s 16). You’re one step closer to hittin’ the pavement on your ! Before riding, always make sure your tires are inflated and that your brakes are working properly.
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.
It also got stuck on any surface that wasn’t pavement. Beyond the glitz, we found that the Roadster provides a smooth, stable ride, especially compared with similar low riders made of plastic. Due to its size and weight (17½ pounds), this trike is better balanced than our top pick in independent trike mode, even on fast turns.
Make memories that will last a lifetime with the Schwinn Kid’s 12 in. This retro-styled children’s roadster trike is designed with a low center of gravity, making climbing on and off during play easy and safe. The MyRider Midi has no extras, but it accommodates older kids. The banana-shaped schwinn bicycles bike seat doesn’t adjust, but because of its ample length, kids can comfortably push back and stretch their legs as they grow. We found that bigger kids could more comfortably ride the MyRider Midi than our other picks, and that could help justify the much higher price tag.