An excellent alternative to a stroller for kids is a tricycle. You could get one that lasts you and your child for years to come. You’ll find out why in this smart trike vs radio flyer vs little tikes trike review. With the different options available on the market, you will find tricycles that can grow with your child, instead of them being suitable for a single age group.
There are plenty of tricycle options out there. My top recommendation is the 4-in-1 Stroll ‘N Trike from Radio Flyer.
- My Top Picks
- What these trikes are and why you should consider buying them
- Main features – similarities and differences
- Smart Trike vs Radio Flyer vs Little Tikes Trike – which one to choose?
- Radio Flyer 4-in-1 Stroll 'N Trike
- smarTrike Zoom Toddler Tricycle
- smarTrike Smartfold 700 Folding Baby Tricycle
- Little Tikes 5-in-1 Deluxe Ride & Relax
- Wrap-up
My Top Picks
- Best overall – Radio Flyer 4-in-1 Stroll ‘N Trike
- Best for younger toddlers – smarTrike Zoom Toddler Tricycle
- Best multipurpose – smarTrike Smartfold 700 Folding Baby Tricycle
- Best for big toddlers – Little Tikes 5-in-1 Deluxe Ride & Relax
What these trikes are and why you should consider buying them
As your child grows, they should start to get used to the outdoors. Getting a stroller for younger infants is a good idea. However, it has its limitations as your child becomes bigger. With convertible tricycles though you can adjust the frame to accommodate your young one’s size. Once your little one is older, they will reach the pedals easily so you don’t have to adjust the trike anymore. Some convertible tricycles are even suitable from the moment your little one hits six months to about five years. It’s also a great way to get children to exercise on the pedals, with you in control behind them.
Main features – similarities and differences
Child’s age
Trikes are an excellent option for younger toddlers who cannot cycle yet. Trikes are generally small, meaning you can only have them around for so long. However, you can get one that becomes part of your child’s play sessions from as early as six months, like the smarTrike 700. The Little Tikes and Radio Flyer models are suitable for children of a minimum age of nine months.
Cost
You cannot shop for something beyond your budget. So it’s always recommended that you have a budget range. However, keep in mind that the price doesn’t determine the quality of the product. The most affordable of these options is the smarTrike Zoom Toddler Tricycle, followed by the Radio Flyer 4-in-1 Stroll ‘N Trike. The smarTrike 700 costs the most.
Type of tricycle
These days you’ll come across different types of trikes. These include those with bigger wheels for better balance during rides. Beyond those are the parent-guided variants. The parent-steered options are exceptional when it comes to taking younger children around. They also help your child learn how to cycle without the fear of falling. They’re a good alternative for parents who don’t want to move around with a stroller all the time. This way your child will learn to ride on their own. All the options in this review are convertible strollers to suit older infants and younger toddlers.
Type of wheels
Are the wheels plastic or pneumatic wheels? Both have their advantages and downsides. With pneumatic wheels, you’ll need to check the air pressure continually. However, they ride more smoothly on various terrain. With plastic wheels, you won’t have to worry about air pressure. Though, you need to keep them away from rough surfaces as they’ll wear out faster. The reviewed tricycles all come with hard plastic wheels.
Safety features
Safe toys are always a plus when shopping for your child. With all of the reviewed tricycles, smaller toddlers have raised seats with safety harnesses to keep them secure. As an extra layer of safety, you also get a safety bar in case the straps malfunction and a footrest for children that can’t reach the pedals yet. With the two smarTrike models, you also get parent control for the front wheel as well as shock absorbers.
Max weight capacity
Just as your child’s size matters, the weight a tricycle model can hold is just as important. Look for specific weight limits, so you know whether your child will fit or not. The smarTrike versions hold the least weight, a maximum of 38 pounds. For heavier toddlers, the Radio Flyer and Little Tikes models can hold 49 and 50 pounds, respectively.
Portability
Portable tricycles are a great way to ensure your child has fun wherever you take them. One way to make it very portable is having a foldable version. When you buy a tricycle, you may need to assemble it. But that doesn’t mean you take them apart when you need to store them. Some have the option to fold them up and store or carry around. Such variations are usually lighter which is a plus for parents who need to carry them around. Out of the trike versions in this review, once assembled, only the smarTrike 700 can be folded.
Smart Trike vs Radio Flyer vs Little Tikes Trike – which one to choose?
These tricycles have many similarities, but they also have differences that help them stand out. The one you choose must serve the purpose you had in mind. The above criteria help you know what’s worth checking in detail before making a purchase. It also helps you narrow down your search by listing which products have what you need.
Radio Flyer 4-in-1 Stroll ‘N Trike
Product information
- Dimensions: 35.04×19.88×40.75 inches
- Weight: 18.96 pounds
- Material: Steel, Plastic
- Color: Red
Why it’s a good option
This Radio Flyer trike model gives your child the chance to grow with it. It transforms into four different layouts, based on your child’s age. For younger children who can’t pedal, there’s a removable leg rest. There’s a parent steering handle so that you can push your baby around. The handle can be adjusted to suit parents of different sizes. You also get an adjustable canopy and a wraparound tray with a cup rest. With the high backrest, your child gets additional support. As your child grows, you can make adjustments to the 4-in-1 Stroll ‘N Trike to suit them better. That includes removing the canopy, backrest extension, leg rest, wraparound tray, and parent handle. Your child gets to ride on their own. Depending on your child’s size, you can change the seat through three positions. There’s also a storage basket in the back to carry their toys. When it’s not in use, you can quickly fold up and store away the Radio Flyer 4-in-1 Stroll ‘N Trike.
Who it’s suitable for
Any child between nine months and five years.
Pros
- Easy assembly
- Can transform into four arrangements
- Has a detachable canopy
- Secures with a 3-point harness
- A detachable parent steering handle
- Removable leg rest
- Can carry up to 49 pounds
Cons
- Steering handle isn’t ideal for taller parents
smarTrike Zoom Toddler Tricycle
Product information
- Assembled dimensions: 37×17.7×40.2 inches
- Weight: 11.2 pounds
- Material: Steel, Plastic
- Color: Multicolor, Red
Why it’s a good option
For babies as young as 15 months, the smarTrike Zoom Toddler Tricycle works well. You can set it up in four ways to suit your child’s age of up to three years. With this variation, you get more control over what your child can or cannot do. Younger children get a steering parent handle to help the parent drive the tricycle. There’s also a footrest, sunshade, safety bar, and a raised back support to help your child stay upright. For older toddlers, you can remove all of these, providing more room for them. The pedals offer two stages, which you can select by using the red button on the front wheel mudguard. One mode allows your child to practice their cycling while you push them. The other option enables them to pedal themselves without assistance.
Who it’s suitable for
For children between 15 months and three years.
Pros
- Two-stage pedals
- Front-wheel shock absorber
- Removable safety bar
- Has a toy basket
- 3-point harness
- Easy to clean
- Lightweight
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Canopy position cannot be adjusted
smarTrike Smartfold 700 Folding Baby Tricycle
Product information
- Assembled dimensions: 38.2×18.9×39.4 inches
- Weight: 18.96 pounds
- Material: Steel, Plastic
- Color: Blue, Red, Black, Purple, Beige,
Why it’s a good option
To get more variations on your tricycle, the Smartfold 700 Folding Baby Tricycle by smarTrike could be a worthwhile option. It enables you to move around with babies that are as young as six months. Assembling the tricycle is easy. For younger babies, you can change the seat position. That way, your child can either sit facing you or away from you. In case your child falls asleep, you can recline the seat for extra comfort. This means you can convert this tricycle into a stroller if your child is younger and not ready to cycle. As your child gets more accustomed to the tricycle, use the control button on the wheel to decide whether they cycle or you push them. That way, your baby won’t roll away when you stop for a breather. For a smooth ride, the front wheel has shock absorbers.
Who it’s suitable for
It can hold babies as small as six months to three years.
Pros
- Seat reclines for naps
- Offers eight variations depending on the child’s age
- Folds easily for portability
- Lightweight
- Frame is sturdy
- Comes with Touch Steering
- Has a 5-point harness
- Has an adjustable canopy
- Comes with a storage basket
Cons
- Folding it up can be difficult
Little Tikes 5-in-1 Deluxe Ride & Relax
Product information
- Dimensions: 23.25×11.00×15.25 inches
- Weight: 18 pounds
- Material: Steel, Plastic
- Color: Orange
Why it’s a good option
This model from Little Tikes is one of the few choices that has a padded seat cover. Your child can, therefore, sit comfortably during their rides. There are removable footrests to keep your little one’s feet safe from the rotating foot peddles. To steer the tricycle is a parent handle that has a detachable tray for your belongings. Your child can practice peddling with you guiding them. The seat reclines, enabling your child even to sleep when they get tired. It has a safety bar to keep younger children away from the handlebars. It comes with a cup holder. With older toddlers, you can remove the parent steer and safety bar, leaving your child to move themselves. It’s a tricycle that also gives your child a rear basket.
Who it’s suitable for
Suitable for children above nine months and upwards.
Pros
- Has an easy to clean soft seat cover
- Three-level seat recline
- Removable footrest
- Can hold up to 50 pounds
- Has a parent tray
- A safety bar with a cup holder
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- It’s not a sturdy build as some users mentioned it
Wrap-up
When it comes to tricycles, the functionality you get determines what you choose to buy. It’s not just about getting something your child enjoys. You also need it to work for you, especially with younger kids. That’s where options like the Radio Flyer 4-in-1 Stroll ‘N Trike stand out from the rest. They accommodate different age groups with easy to change enhancements. If you’d like something that stays as your child grows, look into the frame’s material. The stronger the materials used, the longer your purchase will last. That way, you won’t have to start budgeting for newer tricycles.
Last update on 2024-11-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API