When it comes to getting your little one out and about, a tricycle is the perfect way to introduce them to their first set of wheels. However, with so many different options on the market, it’s tricky to find the best trikes for 1 year olds and toddlers.
To help make your search easier, Best For Mums has done all the hard work for you. We’ve scoured through dozens of models – from simple ride-ons to all-in-one pushchair trikes. Read on to find out which one suits your budget and needs the best!
Table of Contents
The Best Trikes For 1 Year Olds Reviewed
Do you have an active child who loves exercise and moving? Or do you just want them to have a fun way to exercise? If so, then a suitable tricycle is a perfect purchase.
There are hundreds of trikes designed for 1 year olds out there – we’ve whittled the list down to the 10 best baby trikes for your convenience.
One other note, we would be remiss if we did not remind of the potential for injury when it comes to any riding toy. As such, please do not forget to add a helmet that fits your little one to your shopping basket when you purchase a trike. Safety first!
Kiddo Smart 4-in-1 Children's Tricycle
Best Overall
The Kiddo Smart 4-in-1 Children’s Tricycle is one of the most feature rich and robust trikes on the UK market, deserving our pick of overall best trike for 1 year olds. I’m sure you can agree from just the image alone that it’s one of the best looking and packed products.
What separates this from the saturated crowd are excellent additions of the thick rubber tyres, the bendy handle bar suspension, the bell on the handle bars, chrome wheels, the full canopy to protect from the elements, rear brake, pedal engage/disengage switch, a bigger than average storage back on the back and the comfortable and ergonomic seat for the little one.
These are features rarely seen in budget models. The Kiddo Smart 4-in-1 isn’t a budget model but the price point is close enough to them that it appears as an amazing return on the extra for it.
The main body of the trike is a nicely finished glossy metal frame which really pops, and comes in red, pink or grey. Style does matter when it comes to baby products, doesn’t matter what anyone says! As reported by Sciencing.com – bright colours catch young children’s eyes and therefore are more likely to engage with something like this rather than one that’s bland and muted.
It’s a 4-in-1 trike that can be adjusted all the way to 5 years. This is typically 2 years more than most trikes and therefore offers more return on your money than other options. The standard 3 point harness is present. Other safety features are non slip pedals, adjustable footrests and an adjustable parent steering handle. Complies with EN71.
Overall, we really rate the Kiddo Smart 4-in-1 Trike. It is one of the best looking and best performing trikes for 1 year olds and up. The overall quality of the trike can be easily seen and felt and although it’s not strictly cheap it is nevertheless one of the best value you’re ever likely to find. Top marks from us.
At a glance:
- Suitable for 1-5 years old
- Rear brake
- Pedal engage / disengage switch
- Rotating seat
- Large, full canopy
Check Price: Amazon
smarTrike STR3 Folding Toddler Tricycle
Best Pushchair Trike
smarTrike are definite leaders in this market and are constantly innovating to bring parents what the want and need. They have now upgraded their leading 4-in-1 tricycle (which my kids loved, but sadly that model is no longer available), combining desirable features of both tricycles and pushchair. The smarTrike STR3 could easily function as a buggy, which will help to justify its higher price tag.
As with other options, this trike grows with your child, starting as a push tricycle stroller suitable from 9 months (including reclining seat). As your child grows, the trike can be adjusted in stages to give them the ability to pedal and steer by themselves. In the end, it converts into a full toddler tricycle.
Features such as patented shock absorbers and 1-touch steering allow for smooth and easy ride for both parents and toddler.
One of the best features of this pushchair trike over some competitors is that it can be folded down for easy transport. This means that it can fold down and fit in the boot of your car. Moreover, at only 7.5kg, it rivals some of the leading buggies in portability.
Overall, if you are in the market for a pushchair replacement, then this is our leading candidate of best trike. smarTrike has other, more expensive models, but we believe that this version is the best value at this price point.
At a glance:
- Suitable for 9 months – 3+ years
- Reclining seat
- 5-point harness and parent brake
- Easy and compact fold
- Parent control button to switch from parent to child led steering
- Shopping bag for storage
Little Tikes 4-in-1 Trike
Best Trike for Younger Kids
The Little Tikes 4-in-1 Trike is one of the best value for money trikes for 1 year olds in the UK. It is suitable for children from 9 months onwards and because it has been designed to grow with the child. It can be used all the way to 3+ years old.
This trike for toddlers has been designed to give parents control at first through the push handle and foot rests before toddlers are able to move on to using the pedals themselves.
Then, as the child gets bigger the seat can be adjusted and the footrests can fold away. This is a huge selling point and one of the biggest reasons why it’s received so many glowing reviews.
The tyres are very grippy, durable and quiet which can be useful for indoor use. Also, the images don’t show it but the frame of the trike is made out of solid metal which is very strong yet light and agile. For further safety, the trike seat has a 5-point belt and harness.
The trike glides easily and is not a chore for a parent to push along and is arguably easier than a pram. Furthermore, it even has a bottle holder and a basket at the back to carry your items. For added luxury, the Sports and Deluxe versions also include a zippered handy-pack by the handles.
Overall, you simply can’t go wrong with The Little Tikes 4-in-1 Trike as an entry level for a 1 year old or even for a 3 year old. The price point is incredibly generous considering how many years of use you should get out of this.
At a glance
- 4 stages to grow with your child – 9 months, 12 months+, 18 months+ and finally 30 months+
- Durable, quiet-ride tyres and non-slip pedals that fold away and detach
- Removable shade canopy and detachable push handle for parent control
- 5-point seat belt harness and protective safety bar, seat adjusts to 4 positions
- Convenient beverage holder and extra-large storage bucket with dumping feature
Scuttlebug
Best Budget Trike
The Scuttlebug is another entry level trike that is perfect in its simplicity and price point. True, it does not have all the bells and whistles of the more luxurious models, but toddlers will be attracted to the fun, bright patterns and instant accessibility.
The Scuttlebug is a foot-to-floor ride on, which means that your 1-year old will have to use their legs to push themselves around. This, along with front-wheel steering, is great for developing their strength, balance and steering skills before moving on to a balance bike or a pedal trike.
The scratch free wheels are an added bonus, allowing the Scuttlebug to be used both indoors and outdoors. In addition, the tyres provide a smooth quiet ride.
Additional great features of the Scuttlebug is that it is both foldable and very light, which makes it perfect for you to fold it up and bring it out and about with you. Further, the lightweight frame allows your toddler to easily move it around.
All in all, we absolutely love the Scuttlebug. It may not have all the features of the more expensive trikes for toddlers on this list, but its price-point and versatility make it a winner for us.
At a glance:
- Suitable for 1-3 years
- 3 wheel design to allow toddlers to learn balance
- Foldable for easy storage
- Scratch-free wheels
- No assembly required
- Comes in 4 fun designs – beetle, bumblebee, butterfly, and grasshopper
Besrey Trike 7 in 1
Best for Longivity
This innovative design from besrey, another leader in the best trike market, deserves the brand a second place in our list. This besrey 7 in 1 toddler tricycle grows with your toddler as it converts from a toddler tricycle (first with and then without push handle), to standard tricycle then balance bike.
Combining a sturdy steel frame and solid non-slip EVA foam wheels, the besrey 7-in-1 trike is stable and durable. In addition, it also limits handlebar steering to 120 degrees to help prevent tipping over.
Parents will love the one-click deformation and quick disassembly pedal. This allows them to switch the trike between modes easily without any tools. We love how easily the two rear wheels can be brought together to create a 2-wheel balance bike.
Kids will love the soft seat and glossy appearance, and plenty of colour choice. Further, the adjustable seats and handlebars will give them a comfortable and fun ride.
We highly recommend this tricycle for those who are undecided between getting a tricycle and a balance bike, and want something that will last a long time. This gives you the best of both worlds, giving your toddler the chance to practice pedalling and to work on their balance and stability before eventually moving on to a 2-wheel pedal bike.
At a glance:
- Suitable for 1-5 years
- Steel frame
- Adjustable seat height and handlebar angle
- Lifetime warranty
- Converts from trike to balance bike, with removable pedals
Check Price: Amazon
Xtooz Tricycle
Best Basic Trike
If you’re looking for a basic trike for toddlers, without any extras, then the Xtooz tricycle is your best trike option.
It has a sturdy steel frame and puncture proof tyres, making it robust for toddler use. In addition, an adjustable seat and soft grip handles means that your toddler can be as comfortable as possible while pedalling their hearts out.
Because it has pedals, and no parent push handle, this is more suitable for older toddlers who are able to pedal themselves. Usually this is from about 2+, but don’t worry if it takes your little one a bit longer to figure it out!
This may seem a bit expensive when compared to our other best trikes on the list as it doesn’t have any of the extra frills. However, this is a quality, sturdy trike that is perfect for its purpose – getting your toddler some independent, fun, exercise and helping them learn to pedal.
Check Price: Amazon
Galt Wooden Trike
Best Wooden Trike
If you’re just not into plastic and metal toys for your child but you’re after something to help keep your 1 year old moving then why not consider this more traditional wooden Galt Toys Tiny Trike?
Gone are all of the fancy parental handles and even the pedals in favour of a simple wooden tricycle that needs your child to use their own strength to get it moving. If you’re thinking this product is a bit poor when you’ve just scrolled past so many modern and feature rich ones then consider this niche – this trike, in our opinion, is designed for 1 year olds who are a little bit behind on their walking, possibly ones who aren’t interested at all.
Because there are no pedals, your 1 year old has to engage their legs to get going which makes them stronger and better coordinated. We probably wouldn’t recommend this for 1 year olds who are advanced in terms of physical development simply because we just don’t think it’s challenging enough.
In addition, you can’t really take this out of the house and in local parks as it will damage the wheels and their shoes. But, this is a good toy to have in the home or garden.
As far as the product itself is concerned, this is a beautifully crafted piece of joinery and will blend well with other wooden products you may have.
Overall, this is a really niche trike for 1 year olds who are a little behind on their physical development but it will help them exercise and get stronger to be able to take their next development step. It’s a little on the expensive side for what it is but you’re paying for a very classic, good looking wooden toy that your child will love.
At a glance:
- Suitable from 1 year
- Ride on, push powered trike
- Sturdy wooden toy, built from hardwood for longevity
- Easy assembly
- Dual front wheels for added stability
Check Price: Amazon
VTech Baby 2 in 1 Trike to Bike
Best Trike for Indoors
The VTech Baby 2 in 1 trike is an activity centre and entry level trike. It is designed for babies from 18 months old to enjoy learning to be active with bike/trike as well as engage with the activity centre located by the handlebars.
The activity centre itself is what you’d expect in any VTech product really, with an emphasis on shapes, colours, sounds and flashing lights. It’s a great little gimmick to get the child on the trike in the first place if getting them to exercise seems a struggle.
It is one of the most approachable trikes and one few parents struggle to get their kids to have a look at – the bold colours and the chunky features are just begging to be investigated.
As far as the trike is concerned it looks great and works well enough for indoor use and perhaps on grass in a garden. Because it is made entirely out of plastic it’s not ideal to be used in the local park or anywhere with rough terrain. This is a little bit disappointing considering the price tag because you’d need a decent sized house with a clearing for them to get anything out of it.
One additional useful feature is the ability to convert it from a tricycle to a balance bike by pushing the back wheels together. When your toddler is able, simply switch to bike mode to further enhance their balance and motor skill development.
In conclusion, this is a bit of a niche trike even if it’s made by such a household name as VTech. We feel it’s been designed by parents who are struggling to get their children into physical toys but they are interested in electronic toys.
It’s designed for parents who want them to use this toy indoors with no intention of taking them outdoors with it. If you’re this parent then here’s the best trike for 1 year old for you.
At a glance:
- Suitable from 18 months
- Ability to switch from trike to balance bike mode
- Interactive dashboard with driving related activities
- More suitable for indoor use
- Ride on, with no pedals
Radio Flyer Steer and Stroll Trike
Best Vintage Look Trike
The Radio Flyer Steer and Stroll trike is our only entry where we’ve valued it’s appearance over anything else. To put it simply, we just love the way it looks and one of the most stylish trikes on the UK market.
Of course the performance does matter and it doesn’t disappoint. It has a comfortable seat for the child and a really cool box at the back with a lid. Also, the wheels are quiet and grippy and the carry handle for the parents is nice and easy to use. Finally, the footrests at the bottom make it comfortable if your child doesn’t want to pedal or not old enough yet.
As far as being the best trike – it isn’t. But we are so in love with the American aesthetic we had to include it for those looking for something that’s a bit cool. Overall, it’s rather expensive but is well received by verified purchasers, making it worthy to be on our best toddler trike list.
At a glance:
- Suitable for 2-5 years
- Foldaway foot rests
- Removable push rod
- Covered storage box
Check Price: Amazon
Micro Trike
Best for Portability
Micro is a leading player in the children’s scooter market, and they have now expanded their range to include a toddlers tricycle. And with it’s sleek, compact design, it doesn’t disappoint!
The Micro Trike is the best option for those who are looking for a lightweight and compact tricycle. It weighs less than 3kg and can easily fold down, making it easy to carry when needed.
It has an innovative design with a narrow footprint and one-handed steering, making it a great option for quick errands around town. And kids will ride in comfort with adjustable footrest and rubber grip handles.
What it doesn’t have is pedals. This is simply a parent-controlled push trike, so it may not be suitable for older preschoolers who are going to want to have a bit more control and independence.
On the other hand, this may be perfect for those children who have some mobility delays, but feel too old for a traditional pushchair.
At a glance:
- Suitable for 18 months+
- Lightweight frame – 2.76kg
- Extendable steering handle
Check Price: Amazon, Micro Scooters
Baby Trike Buyer's Guide
What is a trike?
A trike is an abbreviation of a tricycle which is a three wheeled pedal vehicle. A children’s trike is usually made out of plastic and it’s designed to be easy to pedal and gain momentum as well as stable.
Trikes can be used from 1 year old all the way up until they’re around 4 when they can start to learn how to ride a two-wheeled bike. However, tricycles can still be used for many years as a way to make exercising fun and to give babies and toddlers much needed fresh air alongside walking.
Benefits of a tricycle for 1 year old
Toys and games are some of the most expensive purchases a parent can make. There are so many things you could buy them it can be confusing to know what to buy and what not to. Here are some detailed benefits why we think you should buy your 1 year old the best trike.
It’s fun
There are a few articles online about trikes and none of them list the most obvious benefit of a trike – it’s a really fun, somewhat inexpensive toy that they can use both indoors (if you’re lucky to have a big house or a garden) or outdoors and in any weather.
Kids love trikes because they can get at it 100% and move around over distances and speeds they’ve probably not experienced before. Kids love trikes and can start having fun with them as soon as they hit 1 year old.
Exercise
According to the NHS, babies and toddlers should be active throughout the day, every day. While indoor bouncers can be good, the best trikes offer an alternative way for a child to do that whilst having fun and gaining some independence.
At 1 year old your baby may or may not be able to walk and so a trike can help the latter get moving. A baby/toddler who is able to walk can exercise in a different way.
A trike is one of the first examples of how you can teach your child that being active can be fun and rewarding.
Confidence and independence
Children are not born independent and confident. They need their parents to show them that it’s ok to get out there in the world – one of the ways to do that is with walking and literally getting out of the house and into the world.
A 1 year old can’t do a lot of activities outside barring walking which is why trikes are such a good idea. The Maternal and Early Years organisations says that taking part in a variety of physical activities helps maintain a healthy weight, improves self-confidence and social skills and can provide opportunities to develop friendships.
A trike lets them experience the outdoors where they actually get to participate themselves – no carrying, no sitting passively in a pram but actually moving themselves! Doing this gives your child a huge confidence boost and helps them tremendously on their way to independence – and let’s face it who doesn’t want a child that is happy to occupy themselves from time to time.
Stepping stone to bicycles
Tricycles are a natural stepping stone to full on bicycles which most parents would agree they’d be delighted to one day teach their child to ride. With the use of a trike for 1 year old you can get their confidence and strength up enough to transition to bicycles with stabilisers and then to the full fat bike.
A different way to travel
When children get confident with walking they can start to dislike the pram and being carried about. A trike with a handle in the back can be a new mode of transport that they are able to enjoy and tolerate giving you a great replacement to the outgoing pram and buggy.
This probably won’t be the permanent replacement of course but it may come in handy from time to time on clear days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are trikes good for 1 year olds?
In short, yes. Trikes offer a fun and safe way for children to be active and particularly useful for children who are yet to walk. Trikes for children as young as 1 will usually come with a handle for the parent to push to keep them going in a safe direction, to help them maintain a good speed or even as a replacement for a buggy if they don’t fancy peddling.
Exercising children can be challenging if it’s not fun and if they aren’t at the stage where they can walk. Tricycles can help develop their leg muscles. In general, as stated by Get Active Sports, exercise in general at such a young age develops their self confidence, muscle strength, improves their mood and gives them a positive attitude and outlook in life.
What better way to do it than with a trike?
Can my 1-year old use a tricycle?
Not every 1 year old will be mentally and physically ready to get the most out of a tricycle. You will have a feeling if your child is ready is the best advice we can give. The two key indicators whether they’re ready for a trike or not is muscle coordination and balance.
If your child is walking or in the phase of learning how to walk then this is a good sign that they could make use of a trike. If you have a child who is a little behind on their physical development then we would recommend holding off on a trike and allow them the time to develop naturally without forcing anything upon them.
Should I get a balance bike or a trike?
A balance bike and a tricycle are both fun ways for toddlers to ride around. Balance bikes have two wheels and no pedals, so your toddler can use their feet to push them along. Traditional tricycles have three wheels and pedals that your little one can use to pedal the trike forward.
Both balance bikes and tricycles help toddlers develop muscle coordination, balance, and confidence. Depending on whether your child is ready for pedaling or not, either one could be best for them!
The Bottom Line
When it comes to the best trikes for 1 year olds, there are many benefits that make them a great choice. Not only do they provide your little one with hours of fun and exercise, but they also help build their confidence and independence while providing an easy transition into riding bicycles in the future. All in all, investing in a good quality tricycle for your baby or toddler is sure to be an investment you won’t regret.
References
- https://www.getactivesports.com/benefits-of-exercise-for-children/
- https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/physical-activity-guidelines-children-under-five-years/
- http://www.maternal-and-early-years.org.uk/topic/0-3-years/physical-activity
- https://sciencing.com/do-bright-colors-appeal-kids-5476948.html
- https://ec.europa.eu/growth/single-market/european-standards/harmonised-standards/toys/
