Are you thinking about buying a tricycle for your child ? Maybe you are confused if your baby is too young to ride a tricycle. 

Generally a kid can pedal a tricycle properly when he or she is around 3 years old.The tricycle size should be according to the kid’s height. Children should always wear a helmet while riding a tricycle.

Make sure the height of the tricycle is comfortable. Your child should be able to reach the pedals while sitting on the tricycle. Besides, your little one should be able to touch his fit on the ground while he is seated.

My kid is younger than 3 year old. Can I buy a tricycle for him ?

If you are like me and want to buy a tricycle for your kid now, don’t lose hope. Actually, there are lots of options. 🙂

I will advise you to buy a multi stage tricycle. 

In the market there are lots of multi stage tricycles. Just pick the one you like. 

 The multi stage tricycles are built in such a way that they can be used when your kid is just one year old. Some of the tricycles can be used for 6 month old children.   

They say multi stage tricycles grow with your kid. When your kid grows up, all you have to do is to change the adjustment of the tricycle according to your child’s growth and skills.

However, remember, your kid won’t be able to pedal properly before around 3 years old. So what ? You can use the push handle to drive the tricycles. 

Always remember, safety first. You should be extra careful when your 1 year or 2 year olds are riding the tricycles.

Here are my three top picks of multi stage tricycles. Have a look.

Radio Flyer 4-in-1 Stroll ‘N Trike

For 1 to 5 years old

Dimension: 19.88″ x 35.04″ x 40.75″

This is a popular multi stage tricycle. It has 4 stages, different stages for different age ranges.

Have a look at the picture. The four stages are described here in a easy way.

Stage 1: Toddler trike (12 mos. – 18 mos.)

• UV protection canopy that you can adjust.
• Removable footrest that is needed only upto 2 years
• Wrap around safety tray
• Parent control starting with adjustable height
• Seat belt – 3 point harness for extra protection

Stage 2: Steering trike (18 mos. – 24 mos.), 

• Remove wrap around tray 
• Rotate cup holder
• It will give extra space for your grown up kid

Stage 3: Learn-to-ride trike (2 – 3 yrs.),

• Remove canopy 
• Seat back harness 
• Foot rest 
• As now he or she should be ready to pedal 

Stage 4: Classic trike (4 – 5 yrs.)

• Remove push handle as now your child can ride on his own 

XJD 3 in 1 Kids Tricycles 

For 10 Months to 3 Years Old Kids

This is a great adjustable tricycle. 

The handlebar, seat height, rear wheels and front paddle – all are adjustable. 

You may modify those and use the tricycle in – 

1. 3 wheel balance mode (Good for 10 to 24 months old)
2. 2 wheel balance mode (Good for 2 to 3 years old)
3. Tricycle mode.

10 to 24 month use 3 wheel balance mode

At the very young age and primary stage you should use 3 wheel balance mode. Before giving him full control be sure that your child is able to have proper balance. 

Here are 2 images. Two beautiful young stars are riding on the 3 wheel balance mode. One is 2 years old and the other one is only 16 months old. 

Isn’t it lovely to see them having fun on their ride?

2 to 3 years use 2 wheel balance bike mode

As your kid develops more balance and strength, you may allow him or her to ride on the balance bike mode. However, please take safety measures properly.

Besrey 5 in 1 Toddler Bike

For 1-4 Years Old Kids

Well this one is also like the XSD 3 in 1 kids tricycle. The adjustment procedures are also the same. 

And SOOO ON……..

As I have already told you there are lots of options. But here I have shared only a very few. 

To see our ranking on best tricycles for 1 year old check this link. 

And this link has a list of the best tricycles for 2 years old in the current market.

Have a look and you will have some idea about the current market and the price range.

My child can’t pedal a tricycle at 3 years old. What to do ?

First of all, don’t get panicked. 

All children develop at their own pace. Children do what is comfortable for them.

Here are some ways to solve the issue. 

Chair Exercise

Let your child sit on a chair comfortably. Then place his or her fit on your palms. Then encourage your child to push on your palm to make a rotating motion. 

This way the child will develop an idea about how to pedal. Then on the tricycle ask your child to do the same type of rotating motion that he or she did on the chair.

Use Multistage Tricycle Balanced Mode 

You may try with a multi stage tricycle as I have described before. You may remove the pedals and let them drive the trikes with their legs. This will make them comfortable. Plus, a sense of balance and movement will be developed.

When he gets confident, gradually encourage him to pedal the trike.

Manual instruction

Some parents just put the feet of the kid on the pedal and push the tricycle. They let the kid coast for a bit. After some attempts the kid may get it.

Tell them to push the higher pedal only

You may also instruct the kid to focus on the high padel. Tell the kid to push only the higher padel. So, when the other pedal goes high, tell him to push that one now. Sometimes instructions like this work.

However, if you think there is any physical issue regarding this, you should consult a doctor, but don’t be panicked. In many cases the kid is not just interested in the ride. 

Safety

People often think safety is not that important while riding a tricycle. Well they are wrong. 

For your kids safety be careful about the followings – 

• The tricycle should be solidly constructed.
• Do not let your children ride alone. Always stay with your kid while he or she is riding a tricycle.
• Be aware of swimming pools, busy roads, and high places with hazards. Don’t let your children ride tricycles near those areas.
• Buy a tricycle which is less likely to trip over. This type of tricycle has 2 attributes  – 1) Big wheels and 2) Built low to the ground

• Let your children wear helmets. It is better if they wear long sleeved tops and trousars.

A few more thoughts about helmet

Helmets will keep your children safe while riding. 

Yes, I know what you are thinking. Children do not want to wear a helmet. 

Here is a good hack. What if you make them want it ?

You can do this by buying attractive and colored helmets. 

For example, your child likes unicorns a lot. Maybe she has an unicorn doll and always keeps it with her. In that case if you find a helmet with a unicorn design that will be a jackpot. 

Well if that so, you are in luck. Check here to see more details about this helmet.

You will be able to buy not just unicorn designed helmets, but also there are panda helmets, fireman helmets, teddy bear helmets and so on.

I am a Mickey Mouse fan. If your child likes Mickey Mouse then you may want to buy a Mickey Mouse helmet. You may check this on Amazon!

Conclusion

You should expect your child to pedal a tricycle at around the age of three. However, if he is not pedaling at that age, don’t get panicked. Every child has a different comfort zone and takes different time. Try the techniques mentioned in this article. However, if you suspect any physical problem, please, go see a doctor. 

If your child is younger than 3 years old, you may buy a multi stage tricycle that can be used up to 5 years old. Just maintain the safety measures and you are good to go. 🙂