Before your child has the balance to ride a standard bike, a tricycle introduces them to the fun of pedaling and the thrill of going faster than their legs can take them. If the name Radio Flyer sounds familiar, that’s because it's the company behind the childhood staple “little red wagon.” But it also makes quality tricycles durable enough to be passed on to others once your child is ready to transition to a big-kid bike.
Its best tricycle is the Radio Flyer Tricycle For Toddlers. It’s designed for kids aged 2-4 and comes in red and pink.
Radio Flyer makes four types of tricycle: big wheel, push, upright and convertible.
Radio Flyer tricycles need to carefully balance their weight with the intended age of rider. Too heavy and younger or weaker children won’t have the strength to pedal or push the tricycle along. Too light and it becomes easy to tip over, and thus, a safety hazard.
Radio Flyer tricycle frames are typically made of metal or plastic.
Kids grow fast. Thankfully, many Radio Flyer tricycles have adjustable seating to account for this. They can only adjust so far, but some of the better tricycles have a large enough adjustment range to squeak out an extra year or two, if your child is an average height with average growth speed.
Radio Flyer tricycles cost between $30-$200, though most cost $50-$75. Sub-$50 models are plastic and meant for kids who can’t pedal. Models $75-plus are usually multifunction and built to last for years.
A. Most have many safety features that limit accidents as much as possible. For example, some have harnesses that can keep a child from falling out. Many limit how sharp an angle the wheel can be turned to and use wide wheelbases to lower the risk of tipping over. Still, kids are kids, and they may find a way to hurt themselves.
A. That depends on which one you’re considering and your child. Most Radio Flyer tricycles are designed with an age range in mind, but this is more of a suggestion if your child is smaller, larger or more advanced than average in some way. That said, stroller tricycles are perfect for any child the right size to fit comfortably in the seat. Other tricycles that require effort on your child’s part can’t be used until they can comfortably walk.
Radio Flyer Tricycle For Toddlers
What you need to know: This is the ultimate classic tricycle design.
What you’ll love: The seat is adjustable so your child fits perfectly and continues to fit perfectly as they grow. The frame is made of strong steel and the wheels are made of rubber for a long-lasting, quality ride.
What you should consider: This is among the heavier tricycles, which can make riding difficult for the youngest kids. A few consumers received damaged and clearly used tricycles, and others struggled with assembly.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Radio Flyer Scoot 2 Pedal Ride-On Bike
What you need to know: This is the perfect first tricycle for your toddler. The plastic construction is surprisingly durable and light enough to be easy to move.
What you’ll love: The pedals fold up so the youngest kids can scoot around, then fold down once they get old enough to really ride. The seat is contoured for comfort.
What you should consider: Some assembly is required and a few consumers reported not receiving the necessary screws. Other parents found it difficult for their children to get around.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Radio Flyer Pedal And Push Stroll 'N Trike
What you need to know: This model features a sunshade, snack tray and cupholder and is designed to change as your child grows older.
What you’ll love: It can be used as a stroller for babies to feel like they’re riding or deconstructed down to a standard tricycle. The seat is adjustable to change as your child grows, and it has a three-point safety harness that can be removed once they’re old enough.
What you should consider: There’s no system to prevent young children from changing the front wheel direction with the handles while it’s in stroller mode.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals.
Jordan C. Woika writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.