What’s the difference between Joovy Tricycoo vs SmartTrike? If you can’t decide on which one to buy, then this guide is for you.
Joovy and SmartTrike are both well-known child tricycle makers. Their most popular toddler trike models are Joovy Tricycoo 4.1, SmartTrike Zoom, and SmartTrike Breeze. That’s what we will be comparing today. You also can jump to our comparison table or the product review section directly.
Though our assessment shows that Joovy Tricycoo 4.1 is the best overall option, the other two models have their own unique strengthens. Let’s get right into it.
Read More: SmarTrike Folding Tricycle Comparison Guide
Our Final Verdict
Joovy Tricycoo 4.1 is the BEST OVERALL toddler tricycle for most parents
SmartTrike Zoom is the most comfortable bike for bumpy roads
SmartTrike Breeze is the most economic option for those on a budget
Why You Need a Multi-Stage Toddler Trike?
The best way to teach a child to ride a bike is to start with training wheels. That’s why tricycles are a must-have for parents to prepare their kids for biking.
However, most toddlers below 18 months haven’t developed the ability to pedal or use a steering wheel. Only at around 3 years of age will a child be fully capable of controlling the speed and direction of a bike.
A multi-stage trike is designed mostly for babies and kids between 9 months and 5 years. It starts as a stroller that’s fully controlled by parents and gradually gives a child access to the foot pedal and steering handlebar.
The most important reason to get a trike that’s specifically designed for kids between 1 to 3 years is safety. A recent Israel Trauma Group’s study shows that 27% of bike related hospitalizations were for children. And the injury was highly dependent on the patient’s age.
That’s why a multi-stage trike for toddlers have some age-specific safety features such as armrests, waist bar, canopy, and footrest.
Comparison of Joovy Tricycoo vs SmartTrike
In this section, we will look at the similarities and differences between Joovy Tricycoo 4.1, SmartTrike Zoom, and SmartTrike Breeze Trike.
1. Stages of Use
Similarities: All three models can be used in multiple modes. Parents will have full control of the bike in the earliest stage and kids will take over at the last stage.
Differences: Joovy Tricycoo 4.1 is designed for kids between 10 months and up to 44 pounds. The first stage is the push trike stage for 10 to 18-month-olds, the second is the training stage for 18 to 24-month-olds, the third stage is the advanced staged for 24 to 36 months, and the last stage is the trike stage for 36 months to up to 44 pounds, which is the average weight for 5 to 6-year-olds.
SmartTrike Zoom is designed for kids between 15 months to 3 years. The level of control that a toddler has in each stage is similar to that of Joovy Tricycoo. However, the age range is slightly different. For example, Stage 1 of SmartTrike is for 15 to 24 months, Stage 2 is for 18 to 24 months, Stage 3 is for 24 to 30 months, and Stage 4 is for 30 to 36 months. The transition from Stage 1 and 2 is the removal of the headrest and canopy.
Like Zoom, SmartTrike Breeze is also designed for toddlers between 15 and 36 months. However, it skips the Stage 1 configuration because it doesn’t come with a headrest or canopy.
2. Safety Features
Similarities: All three models feature a three-point safety belt, a removable wrap-around tray, and a foldable toddler footrest.
Differences: The wrap-around protection for Joovy is fully covered with padding whereas SmartTrike models don’t have any soft cushion. Additionally, the fabric on Joovy Tricycoo 4.1 is removable and machine-washable.
The safety harness on the Joovy Tricycoo 4.1 has soft padding on each side whereas SmartTrike models don’t have any cover to protect your toddler’s neck.
Joovy Tricycoo has a brake on the front wheel to lock it in place whereas SmartTrikes don’t have any locking mechanism. Therefore, you can’t park the SmartTrikes on a sloped ground as the trikes will slide away.
In terms of sun protection, Joovy Tricycoo 4.1 features a UV blocking canopy that can be expanded, SmartTrike Zoom has a flat sun canopy, and SmartTrike Breeze doesn’t provide any sun protection. So Joovy is the best option if you live in a sunny area.
The front wheels on SmartTrike Zoom and Breeze feature a shock-absorbing spring. It provides a smoother ride on bumpy and rocky roads.
3. Age and Weight Range
Similarities: All three models are suitable for kids between 15 months and 3 years. Also, none of these models have a lower weight limit for toddlers. You can safely choose any of them as long as your child meets the lower age limit.
Differences: Joovy Tricycoo 4.1 can be used for babies as young as 10 months whereas the starting age for SmartTrike is 15 months. Additionally, Joovy Tricycoo doesn’t have an upper age limit but but a weight limit of 44 pounds. This makes sense because the capacity of a bike’s frame is often built and tested by weight limits.
The maximum weight limit is 44 pounds (20 kg) for Joovy Tricycoo and 38 lbs (17 kg) for SmartTrike Zoom and Breeze.
4. Portability
Similarities: None of the trikes can be folded down, but the parent handles can be detached. Additionally, the size of all models is very similar. With the parent handle installed, Joovy Tricycoo 4.1 measures 37″L x 20″W x 39.5″ H, SmartTrike Zoom measures 37″L x 17.7″W x 40.2″ H, and SmartTrike Breeze measures 36.6″L x 17.7″W x 40.2″.
Differences: SmartTrike Breeze is the lightest one among all three models. It weighs only 13.5 pounds. Both Joovy Tricycoo 4.1 and SmartTrike Zoom weigh around 14.5 pounds. Though there is not much of a difference, SmartTrike Breeze will be easier to lift up for smaller parents.
5. Adjustable Seats
Similarities: All three models have adjustable seats so that you can re-position your toddler as he transitions from different stages. This is very important for your child to reach the pedal.
Differences: Joovy Tricycoo 4.1 has three different height adjustments for the seat while the SmartTrike seats slide back and forth. For SmartTrike, the adjustable distance between the foot pedals and the seat is between 9 to 13 inches.
6. Unique Features
Similarities: All three models have a storage tray at the back of the tricycle and a push bar to help parents steer the trike.
Differences: Comparing to SmartTrike, Joovy Tricycoo 4.1 has a cup holder near the steering handlebar for snacks and drinks.
Joovy Tricycoo has removable padding for the seats, waist guardrail, and safety strap whereas SmartTrike models don’t have any cushion. It won’t make a difference in the winter when children wear thicker clothes. That’s why we recommend Joovy for parents who live in warmer areas.
Additionally, SmartTrike bikes use a patented Touch-Steering technology on the parent handle. This feature allows you to touch the handle with one hand and the trike will go to the direction you want. This is convenient when you need a free hand to carry another child or take a phone call.
Comparison Table
If you like to quickly refer to the manufactures’ specifications of Joovy Tricycoo 4.1, Smart Trike Zoom, and SmartTrike Breeze, here is a side-by-side table with the most important specs.
| Spec | Joovy Tricycoo 4.1 | SmartTrike Zoom | SmartTrike Breeze |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age Range | 10 months to 44 lbs | 15 to 36 months | 15 to 36 months |
| Weight Limit | 44 lbs (17kg) | 38 lbs (17kg) | 38 lbs (17kg) |
| Safety Strap | 3-point | 3-point | 3-point |
| Padding | Yes | No | No |
| Canopy | Yes | Yes | No |
| Brake | Yes | No | No |
| Storage Tray | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cup Holder | Yes | No | No |
| Parent Handle | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Size (L x W x H) | 37″ x 20″ x 39.5″ | 37″ x 17.7″ x 40.2″ | 36.6″ x 17.7″ x 40.2 |
| Weight | 14.4 lbs | 14.5 lbs | 13.4 lbs |
| Price | Check | Check | Check |
Joovy Tricycoo vs SmartTrike Reviewed
1. Joovy Tricycoo 4.1 Push Tricycle
Top Pros:
Top Cons:
Joovy Tricycoo 4.1 has received lots of positive feedback from its customers. Overall, it has great safety features, is comfortable to ride in, and is durable.
The most important feature that SmartTrike lacks is the locking mechanism on the front wheel. This is especially helpful when you need to park the trike on the patio or porch that is not leveled.
As we pointed out in our evaluation of toddler bikes with parent handles, Joovy Tricycoo 4.1 has a parent-friendly steering bar that is detachable and adjustable between 32.5 to 38 inches. So if you and your partner, or the grandparents have a big height gap, then you have the flexibility to customize the handle to make it more comfortable for you.
Joovy Tricycoo is easy to push, straightforward to install, and has a strong body frame. Another bonus point is that there are two adorable color options.
2. SmartTrike Zoom 4-In-1 Toddler Tricycle
Top Pros:
Top Cons:
SmartTrike Zoom is another popular 4-In-1 toddler trike. Comparing to Joovy, it is simpler, less expensive, and has its own unique features.
The most important strength of SmartTrike is the shock absorbent front wheel. It’s much more comfortable and smoother to ride outdoors such as on bumpy roads or grasslands.
Another thing that parents with multiple kids or working parents will love is the touch-steering handle. It gives you the freedom to use the other hand.
The biggest weakness of SmartTrike Zoom is that it’s only suitable for 15-months or older. Therefore, SmartTrike won’t be an option if your child is under this age. Plus, the suggested age range is only 21 months (from 15 to 36 months).
3. SmartTrike Breeze 3-In-1 Toddler Tricycle
Top Pros:
Top Cons:
If you are on a budget but want to choose a multi-stage toddler trike that has all the most essential features, SmartTrike Breeze is a great option.
Comparing to Joovy Tricycoo 4.1 (costs $110 at the time of this article), SmartTrike Breeze costs only $75, which is 30% cheaper than Tricycoo. Additionally, SmartTrike Breeze is lighter and relatively smaller. This makes it a more appealing option for those who don’t like to lift heavy items.
Though SmartTrike Breeze lacks the sun canopy and front-wheel brake, it comes with an adjustable seat, detachable parent handle, and critical safety features, like the other two models. Additionally, SmartTrike Breeze has better suspension for rocky roads thanks to the innerspring on the wheel.
Final Words
We hope that at this point you have a clear view of the pros and cons of each model. For most parents, Joovy Tricycoo 4.1 is the best overall option as it’s designed to bring a safe and enjoyable riding experience for toddlers. For parents who use trikes on uneven grasslands, SmartTrike Zoom or SmartTirke Breeze will be better options. Plus, they are less expensive and have a simpler design.
Cecilia Yeung is a successful entrepreneur and product researcher. She has a background in psychology and children’s education. As a working mother of two, she loves to write about children’s education and development.
