Children's tricycle

Safe Tricycles for Children

What is a tricycle?

A tricycle or trike is a balance bike for toddlers taking their first steps in the world of wheeled sports. Three wheels, a seat, and a brake – that is how simply a tricycle can be described. Children love anything that moves and can be steered. A tricycle is the perfect and safe introduction to the world of wheeled mobility. It promotes a sense of balance and hand-eye coordination. In the past, there was "only" the classic two-wheeled balance bike. Today, there are also various new versions with three wheels. Most tricycles or trikes are now multifunctional, meaning you can build 3 to 4 different vehicles from one model. It starts with a tricycle with a push handle for parents, which can then be converted into a classic tricycle and, in the final phase, into a mini-scooter or kick scooter for children. This makes our trikes and tricycles reliable companions for children between the ages of 2 and 6. Buying a kids' balance bike makes sense from the age of 1.5 / 2 years. As soon as the child can sit alone and hold onto something, there is no reason to wait – get on a tricycle!

What types of tricycles are available?

Tricycle with pedals

A tricycle with pedals is the direct predecessor to a children's bicycle and enables safe mobility without direct contact with the ground. With its two rear wheels, it is much easier to ride and allows the child a gentle introduction to the world of bicycles and BMX. Unlike a bicycle, a tricycle has no gear ratio; the pedal is fixed directly to the front wheel.

Tricycle without pedals

This is arguably the most common type of tricycle. Here, pedals or any propulsion mechanism are completely absent. The child pushes the tricycle forward with their feet – similar to a Bobby Car or other ride-on vehicle for children. When purchasing, it is important to ensure that the child can touch the ground with their feet. Otherwise, they cannot move around safely.

Multifunctional tricycle

The multifunctional balance bike was only developed in the last 10 years. A multifunctional tricycle combines several functions in one and the same product. As a rule, a balance bike with a handle can be converted into a classic scooter. Should the child grow out of the tricycle age, the vehicle can easily be transformed into a classic scooter. This means you don't have to buy a new product every 2 to 3 years for your offspring, which not only saves your wallet but also valuable resources.

Trike

A trike is best compared to a stroller. Here, however, the child has the option to steer themselves – similar to a bicycle. In other words, parents can push the child in the trike using a handle, and the child can still take over the steering. There is, however, the option to lock the steering so that only the parents can steer via the handle. A trike is perfect for family outings and is available when the child gets tired and no longer wants to walk. Most modern trikes have features like a sun canopy, which can also be used as wind and rain protection. The practical push handle for parents is almost always integrated. As the child gets older, the trike can be converted, leaving you with a classic tricycle with steering functionality.

Components of a tricycle and trike

1. Deck: The deck of a children's tricycle should sit relatively low to the ground and be made of high-quality aluminum or PVC. A non-slip deck with an anti-slip coating ensures a secure stance. Decks with LED light effects are also available.

2. Hand grips: Good hand grips for tricycles are made of high-quality, plastic-free rubber. The ends of the grips should always be thicker so that they cannot be put in the mouth by toddlers.

3. Wheels: In a multifunctional tricycle, wheels with a size of 120mm to 145mm are installed. In addition to various qualities, LED wheels can also be purchased, which light up due to the traction while rolling. A feature that is very popular with children.

4. Push handle: Modern multifunctional tricycles have an integrated push handle. This allows parents to perfectly push the child and keep an eye on and control over the vehicle at all times.

5. Handlebar / Steering: There are two types of handlebars or steering systems for tricycles. The classic system is body-steering. The child can move to the right or left and thus move the wheels in the desired direction. The trike and stroller steering is similar to a bicycle. Here, the child has a classic handlebar and can move it to the right or left to steer the trike or tricycle as desired.

Safety pad: The multifunctional balance bikes from the brands Globber and Scoot and Ride have a safety pad integrated at the front of the deck. This prevents the child from falling forward over the handlebars onto the hard asphalt. Especially for toddlers, this system can increase safety.

Steering lock: The tricycles from the brand Globber have a button for a steering lock. Most children aged 1.5 to 2.5 years still have difficulty steering and cornering. To make it easier for them to get started, you can temporarily block the steering. This allows the child to focus on riding straight ahead and prevents them from falling over as quickly when turning.

Sun/rain canopy for the trike: A good trike always has an integrated rain or sun canopy that can be removed if necessary. This means you are prepared for all seasons, and your child is well protected from the wind and weather at all times.

How much does a tricycle or trike cost?

A tricycle for children can cost from CHF 89.- up to CHF 169.-. The price is determined by the quality of the workmanship and the material used. A multifunctional balance bike is slightly more expensive but can be adapted to the child's age. Trikes are at the higher end of the price range. However, these are versatile and sometimes serve as a practical alternative to a stroller.

Where can I buy tricycles or trikes?

All types of tricycles and trikes for children can be bought from the wheeled sports specialist Funwheel.ch. Our range also includes various mini-scooters for children suitable for ages 2 and up. Regardless of which product you choose, we offer you competent telephone advice and a 30-day return policy in any case.

At what age is a tricycle suitable for my child?

This cannot be answered in general terms. It is always important to consider the child's motor and coordination skills. Basically, a balance bike/trike can be used from the age of 1.5 years. It is important that the child can sit alone and hold onto the handlebars. Help your child with their first attempts and never let them ride without supervision.

Areas of use

The tricycle is a perfect everyday companion for children and a popular toy and transport device for families. Tricycles for children are suitable exclusively for flat surfaces such as concrete or asphalt; use on forest paths and meadows is not possible with most models.

Safety when riding a tricycle

We recommend always wearing a helmet when riding a tricycle. We can particularly recommend the children's helmets from the brands Melon, Globber, and Scoot and Ride. They are perfectly tailored to the needs of the little ones and offer high protection.

Our tricycle brand Globber Scooter

Babies, children, and adults: The manufacturer Globber offers safe and comfortable riding fun for the whole family. The company was founded in 2014 and is based in France. The founders bring over 20 years of experience, which has certainly contributed to the brand's great success. Globber items come in great designs and colors and offer even young children a fantastic and safe riding experience. Parents and children appreciate the high-quality workmanship and durability of the products. If, contrary to expectations, problems should arise with an item, our customer service is always available to advise you. The manufacturer Globber is now represented in 74 countries. Worldwide, every 30 seconds, a Globber scooter makes its new owner happy!

Globber at a glance:

• Multiple awards for safety, design, and functionality
• Experience in the sports and toy industry since 1994
• Premium-class scooters for all age groups
• Intelligent comfort with patented innovations
• Fresh, modern, and unmistakable design
• Large stock of spare parts

Our brand Scoot and Ride: Tricycles and helmets for children

Scoot & Ride is a highly innovative scooter manufacturer. You can already buy scooters and helmets from Scoot & Ride in over 40 countries. The team at Scoot and Ride loves designing products optimized for children. Bright designs in various colors and a large focus on quality and safety underscore these efforts. Environmental protection through sustainability is also a major topic for the company from Austria. Helmets and scooters from Scoot and Ride get children moving and make children's eyes light up.

Scoot & Ride at a glance:

• Unique design
• High-quality, robust, durable
• Safety at the highest level
• Meets a particularly high number of quality standards
• Sustainable company
• Large stock of spare parts

Tricycle from 1 year – for babies and toddlers

A tricycle for babies makes sense from about 1 year: As soon as your child can sit alone and hold onto the handlebars, they are ready. Growing 3-in-1 models with a seat and push handle have a low center of gravity and often a steering lock so that the little ones can first roll safely straight ahead. Most children ride independently between 1.5 and 2 years – accompany their first attempts and never let your child ride without supervision.

Frequently asked questions about the tricycle