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.
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 groceries, picnic items, or other cargo. The padded seat with backrest adds extra comfort for longer rides and can accommodate riders of different sizes.
On top of that, whereas many companies offer bikes in just a couple of colors, Guardian currently gives you six options, ranging from black to hot pink. The trikes were then turned over to their kids, so they could test their durability, ease of use, speed, schwinn bicycles and inherent fun-ness. Kids took the trikes on neighborhood strolls, and they tested them on grass, pavement, broken concrete, and dirt. We paid attention to how the wheels performed and how long it took to get the trikes moving, as well as their stability.
Then, finally, they learn to pedal, often skipping training wheels altogether. 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.
The 24-inch wheel size makes this tricycle suitable for adults of all ages and provides stability while riding. The larger rear folding basket attached to the back of the tricycle is perfect for carrying groceries or other items, making this tricycle a practical option for running errands. The low standover aluminum frame makes it easy to get on and off, while the extra-large seat and ergonomic grips offer superior comfort on every ride. The Guardian bike’s air-filled, rubber tires are the cream of the crop, grippy enough to find traction on any surface but offering enough bounce to make for a fun ride. Jenni’s son had fewer crashes on this bike in comparison with the others in the testing pool, likely due to the bike’s steering limiter, which prevents overturning the handlebar.
Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing so you can make quick and confident schwinn tricycle buying decisions. Whether it’s finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we’ll help you get it right (the first time). Ough frame are better for riders who experience back pain.
Redesigned to be more spacious, it can hold up to 44 pounds of cargo securely and conveniently folds flat for storage when not in use. This makes it ideal for carrying groceries, schwinn mountain bike backpacks, or even small pets during rides. Install Rear WheelsLocate the side of the wheel with a flat section that matches the flat section on the rear drive axle.
If you want a balance bike, try one of our balance bike picks. Jenni’s son loved riding this trike across pavement, dirt, and even rough concrete. Despite its rigid plastic wheels, the 4-in-1 Stroll ’N Trike could handle all of these surfaces; it moved especially well on sidewalks, where it stayed stable during turns. Compared with other convertible trikes we tested, like the smarTrike and the Joovy, this one had a more-effective handlebar and sturdier wheels. It was much harder to tip this trike over, due to those sturdy wheels and steel frame, and the harness was the easiest to tighten.
The MyRider Midi doesn’t have storage or come with a bell or tassels. Many people are looking for a versatile trike that can be used with the same child over a number of developmental stages. We sought a trike with a parent push bar, to propel a toddler who is still learning to pedal, as well as one with the ability to convert to an independent trike for older kids. This combination of brakes is ideal for adult riders who may have limited mobility or strength in their hands, making it easier for them to brake when needed.
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.