Ready to take your toddler out for a spin on a trike but still want to remain in control? The best solution is to get the best toddler tricycle with push handle.
According to Children’s Hospital at Stanford, a child is likely to bike without a training wheel between ages 4 and 8. That’s why having ample control of how your toddler uses a trike is important to ensure his safety.
A push handle is a bar or frame attached to the back of the trike. It is designed for parents to guide the child as they learn to pedal.
In this guide, we will explain how to select a tricycle that is safe for kids, convenient for parents, and of good quality. Then we will review the best toddler tricycles with push handles on the market today.
Our Top Picks
Little Tikes 5-in-1 Deluxe Ride & Relax
Reclining Seat, Easy to Use, Storage on Parent Handle
Is Your Toddler Ready for A Tricycle?
It’s attempting to let our kids try new things. Plus riding a bike is a great way to get outdoor exercises. But how do you know your child is ready to use a trike?
Most tricycles for babies and toddlers are suitable for children of 9-months or older. However, age is not the only criteria. Below are the signs that your child might be able to use a tricycle.
Why Is Push Handle Important?
A push handle is important because it enables the parent to control the direction and speed of the bike.
Since most toddlers won’t be able to pedal until 18-months, a push handle lets the parent move the bike forward.
Once your child’s legs are long enough to reach the foot pedals, you can remove the footrest and let them learn to bike. At that point, you will still need a parent bar to steer the direction. This helps prevent your child from biking into dangerous places.
At about 2 to 3 years, your child is likely able to maneuver the steering bar. By then, you can take it easy and let him bike away because he is old enough to make turns. However, a steering handle will come in handy when you need to intervene where he goes.
When Will A Push Handle Be Unnecessary?
You can take down the push handle once your child can pedal freely without assistance. That is between 3 to 5 years.
As we explained in the comparison of the most popular kids’ tricycle, most kids’ trikes are designed for multi-stages. The 4th stage is when a child can pedal and steer a trike without parents’ intervention. And it generally starts at age 3.
Guide to Shopping for the Best Toddler Tricycle with Push Handle
When it comes to baby or toddler tricycles, there are some general guidelines.
You should always select a kids’ trike that is age-appropriate (by checking the manufacturer’s suggested age range), one that is low to the ground and is the right size for his height.
To select the best toddler tricycle with push handle that gives parents full or partial control, follow the guidelines below.
Best Toddler Tricycle with Push Handle Reviewed
Now that you know what to look for in the best toddler tricycle with push handle, let’s see what the best ones are in today’s market. We made our selection based on 48 hours of testing, feedback from 32 parents, and the analysis of manufacturers’ manuals.
1. Best Overall
Joovy Tricycoo 4.1 Push Tricycle
Pros
Cons
Stages of Use
The Joovy Tricycoo 4.1 can be used in 4 modes. In Stage 1, parents have full control of the bike. In Stage 2, toddlers can use the footrest to learn to pedal. In Stage 3, you can remove the surrounded arm and let your child practice pedaling. Lastly in Stage 4, your child can take full control of the bike.
The minimum age is 10 months and there is no upper age limit. Your child can keep using the bike as long as she is under 44 pounds, which is the average weight for 5 and 6-year-olds.
Safety Features
The Tricycoo 4.1 features a three-point harness and it has removable padding on each side. This is very important for toddlers because children at this age tend to shift their body to one side. The padding can protect their necks from the hard edges of the safety belt.
Additionally, the front wheel features a locking mechanism so you can park the bike on a sloped surface.
Another great design of this bike is that the front wheel is extra large. Many parents complain that toddler bikes have small front wheels thus difficult to pedal a full-circle. But the front wheels on Tricycoo 4.1 are 10 inches in diameter so your child will have enough room to move his feet and legs.
Also, the UV blocking canopy is extendable and can provide a decent coverage of shade in the sun.
Parent Handle
The parent steering handle on Tricycoo 4.1 is removable. Additionally, it can be shortened and extended between 32.5 and 38 inches. However, the downside is that the handle requires two hands to push.
Who is it for?
Joovy Tricycoo 4.1 Push Tricycle is the best overall toddler tricycle with a push handle. It has decent safety features, is comfortable for kids, and is easy to clean.
We also have a detailed comparison between Joovy Tricycoo 4.1 and SmartTrike if you are contemplating between these two brands.
Useful Product Specifications
- Age Range: 10 months to 44 lds
- Weight Limit: up to 44 lbs
- Product Weight: 14.4 lbs
- Product Dimension: 37″L x 20″W x 39″H
- Foldability: No
2. Best with Reclining Seat
Little Tikes 5-in-1 Deluxe Ride & Relax
Pros
Cons
Stages of Use
The first thing you will notice is that the Little Trike 5-in-1 Delux covers a large age range: from 9 months to 5 years.
In Stage 1 and Stage 2, your child will be protected by the footrest, a locked pedal, and a wrap-around tray. In Stage 3, your toddler can use the pedal but won’t be able to turn the wheel.
After 2 years, your toddler can pedal and steer but you can still remain in control by using the parent handle. After two and a half years, your child can go on his own.
Parent Handle Design
The parent steering bar features some storage compartment for phones, waters, and snacks. During our test, we noticed that the handle remained sturdy even when holding a full water bottle. Additionally, the parent handle is adjustable and detachable.
Riding Comfort
One thing we really love about this trike is the full foot platform. Most toddlers tend to take their feet off the footrest and let it hang in the air. Not only it’s dangerous as they may hit stones or glasses, but also their shoes (if they are wearing any) will scratch the ground. This design helps prevent such issues.
In terms of comfort, this trike features a soft fabric seat cover and a high-back seat that can recline in three positions. This comes in handy when your child gets tired and needs to take a nap.
Ease of Use
There are also three parent-friendly features. First, there is a flip switch to change the seat position. This is a big scoring point because many trikes need to be disassembled in order to change the seat. The second is that this trike has a parking brake that can lock the rear wheels when it’s parked. Lastly, there is a switch to easily engage and disengage the pedal.
Who is it for?
Little Trike 5-in-1 Delux Ride & Relax is for parents who like to take their toddlers out for long walks.
Useful Product Specifications
- Age Range: 9 months to 5 years
- Weight Limit: up to 50 lbs
- Product Weight: 16 lbs
- Product Dimension: 46″L x 18.5″W x 36″H
- Foldability: No
3. Most Sturdy and Durable
Schwinn Roadster Easy Steer 4 in 1 Tricycle
Pros
Cons
Stages of Use
The Schwinn Roadster Easy Steering can be used in 4 modes: stroll, push, pedal, and free-biking.
Unlike other multi-stage trikes that can fit babies as well as five-year-olds, this trike is designed just for toddlers between 1 and 3 years. Therefore, all features are maximized for kids of this age.
Once converted to the Stage 4 free-biking mode, the Schwinn Roadster turns into a full-fledged bike.
Unique Features
It’s no secret that toddlers stain everything they touch quickly. That’s why you will find it convenient to remove the padding for the headrest, seat cover, and armrest.
Another special design is that instead of a waist bar, this trike uses arm rests to secure the child in the bike. This design makes it more comfortable and relaxing for kids.
Additionally, the armrest is easy to remove so you don’t need to disassemble the bike or use a hand tool.
Parent Steering
The parent steering attachment is adjustable and can be taken off. It doesn’t come with a storage tray but has a bottle holder.
As a top bike manufacturer, Schwinn is known for making good quality bikes. The biggest feedback is that this bike is easy and smooth to push and steer. If your child is on the heavy side, you will appreciate how effortless it is to control the direction and speed of the trike.
Who is it for?
Schwinn Roadster Easy Steer 4 in 1 Tricycle is for parents who prefer trikes that are easy to push and highly-durable.
Useful Product Specifications
- Age Range: 12 months to 3 years
- Weight Limit: up to 55 lbs
- Product Weight: 20 lbs
- Product Dimension: 41″L x 20″W x 41″H
- Foldability: No
4. Best Folding Toddler Trike
SmarTrike SmartFold 500 Tricycle
Pros
Cons
Stages of Use
The SmartTrike Smart Fold 500 can be used in six different modes, ranging from 9 months to 3 years.
A unique design of this bike is the footrest for the baby stage. Unlike most other bikes, the full-length footrest is extended horizontally so that your child can fully rest his legs. This way, you don’t need to worry about his feet scratching the ground.
The non-slip pedals are snap-in so that once your child is ready to bike, you don’t need to re-assemble the tricycle.
Additionally, the front wheel features a shock-absorbent mechanism so that it’s suitable for bumpy and rocky grounds.
Unique Parent Handle Design
The parent steering handle on this tricycle is designed as a frame rather than a traditional bar. It can be retracted and extended.
The most unique feature is the touch-and-go technology. You just need to touch the parent handle and the bike will move in the direction you want to go. That way, you can free up one hand for other tasks such as making a phone call.
You can activate the touch steering by pressing a button under the mudguard and twisting the front wheel.
Portability
The Smart Fold 500 is the best toddler tricycle with push handle that is also fully foldable. Once collapsed, it only measures 14.4″ L x 11.2″ D x 24″ H. And it weighs about 17 pounds. It’s not the lightest bike but is light enough for most parents to get in and out of the car.
Who is it for?
SmarTrike SmartFold 500 Tricycle is for parents who need to fit the bike in cars and those who have small home spaces.
Useful Product Specifications
- Age Range: 10 months to 3 years
- Weight Limit: up to 38 lbs
- Product Weight: 17 lbs
- Product Dimension: 38.2″L x 18.9″W x 39.4″H
- Foldability: Yes
5. Best Trike with Double Handles
Costzon 6-in-1 Folding Tricycle
Pros
Cons
Stages of Use
The Costzon 6-in-1 Trike can be used for toddlers and kids up to five years. Like most trikes, it transitions from full control by parents to free-riding by kids.
During different stages, you decide if you or your toddler should control the pedaling and steering.
Unique Parent Handle Design
There are two parent handles on this bike: one steering bar and one speed control handle.
The handle on the steering pole is not a traditional triangle design. Instead, it has two separate handles that are also adjustable in angle. This design allows parents of different heights to push the trike in a comfortable position for them.
Additionally, you don’t need to take off the steering bar because it is collapsible.
The other shorter handle is for parents to manage the speed of the trike. Therefore, if your child likes to bike fast or the ground is not leveled, you can easily slow down the bike.
Portability
The Costzon 6-in-1 Trike is one of the few toddler trikes that can be folded. To fold it in half, you just need to push a button in the middle of the frame. It can fit in most cars once folded.
Who is it for?
Costzon 6-in-1 Folding Trike is for parents who prefer to control the speed of the trike even during the free-pedaling stage.
Useful Product Specifications
- Age Range: 12 months to 5 years
- Weight Limit: up to 55 lbs
- Product Weight: 24 lbs
- Product Dimension: 41″L x 20″W x 30″H
- Foldability: Yes
FAQ’s About Parent-Steering Toddler Trikes
When can toddler ride a tricycle?
Toddlers can start learn to pedal at around 18 months. From 9 months to 18 months, parents need to use a steering handle to control the speed and direction of the bike. At age 3, most kids have developed the ability to pedal and use a handlebar to steer.
How to teach a toddler to ride a tricycle?
To teach a toddler to bike, start by letting them try and practice using foot pedals. At this stage, you should keep control of the bike by using the parent steering bar.
Once your child is comfortable using his legs to pedal, you can let him try steering using the handlebar. At this point, you should keep the parent bar attached in case you need to intervene.
After 3-years, you can let your child take control and ride freely. However, you still need to use the training wheels as your child has not developed the coordination to keep the balance of a two-wheeler.
Conclusion
When it comes to toddler tricycles, the parent steering bar is a must-have to ensure safety. Our research shows that the best parent push trike should also have locked wheels, enough padding, safety harnesses, and ideally an extendable UV canopy. That’s why we recommend Joovy Tricycoo 4.1 Push Tricycle as the best toddler tricycle with parent handle.
Allen Yeung is a technology enthusiast and has over 10 years of experience in advanced engineering, IoT, and supply chain management. He is an expert in the field of robotics and automation. He is an expert in the field of STEM education for children.
