Tricycles are designed for children aged between one and four - younger than one and they will be too small for a trike and older than four they will probably be ready for a bicycle with stabilisers. Bear in mind that it is not until a child is about two that they are strong and coordinated enough to pedal and steer a trike. Younger than this and they will be reliant upon mum or dad to push them along, so features such as parent poles and harnesses become important

What to look for when choosing the right trike?

Size

Each trike that we sell gives an age recommendation, but more importantly a height of child guide. So that they do not outgrow the trike too soon, ensure that your child is towards the lower end of the height scale. Look for a trike with an adjustable seat or frame so that the trike grows with your child.

Air tyres

On average, air tyres will add £5-10 to the price of a trike, but they make the wheels have more grip and consequently far easier to pedal. They are also far quieter than plastic wheels, a point well worth bearing in mind if the trike will be used on a lot on pavements. None of the trikes that we sell have hard plastic tyres, they are all either air tyres or rubber compound.

The Seat

Some trikes, such as the Kettler Happy Air, have deeper, wider seats than others. If your child is relatively small, look for a big, deep seat that your child can nestle in to as they will feel more confident and safer.

Parent Poles

A parent pole is a must for any trike that is going to be used on pavements or roads as it gives the parent total control over the trike. For under two's who will probably not be pedalling, a parent pole is highly recommended as your child will need to be pushed along.

Free wheel mechanism

A free wheel mechanism means that the pedals do not go round if the child stops pedalling. For going down hill or for when your child decides that they don't want to pedal anymore, it is especially handy. Most good quality trikes, but certainly not all, will have free wheel.

Harnesses

Another way of helping your child's confidence. Some of the trikes that we sell have harnesses included in the price, whilst on other ranges they are available as an optional extra.

If you need further advice, please email advice@outdoortoycompany.co.uk or call us on 01276 855 600