Best Toddler Tricycle With Push Handle 2023 (Full-Parent Control)

Don’t know which is the best toddler tricycle with a push handle?

Need to buy right away? Then go for the Schwinn Easy Steer Tricycle. It’s got everything your child will need to learn biking techniques and transition to independent riding later on. It’s designed for babies and toddlers!!

Sure, we found other models for you. Just keep on reading.

A push handle on a tricycle maintains ultra safety and gets your child used to riding outdoors. Some of the models have pretty useful features like Canopies and parental control shift mechanisms and others.

Check them out!

10 Most Popular Toddler Tricycle With Push Handle 2023

1. Schwinn Easy Steer Tricycle

For babies and toddlers who still haven’t developed motor skills, The Schwinn toddler tricycle with pushbar is your best option. It’s effortless to control and will build the early foundation skills to transition into independent riding.

Probably the best thing this tricycle has is the footrest. Your toddler can keep his feet on them before he is grown up enough for pedaling. It is suitable for kids from 8 months to 8 years. That’s good enough to gain full value for money.

The tires are rubber and have better shock absorbing capacity. The wider wheel base offers more support and less chances of tipping over. Moreover, the straps can keep your child in a more secured position.

The front and rear baskets are my kid’s favorite. Toys, food and water bottles can easily fit in them. You can adjust the seat up and back depending on your child’s height and preference. The addition of brakes makes it even better for learning independent riding later on.

The parental handle is easy to operate and will help you control the direction and speed. The only annoying thing is the front tire remains straight at 15-20 degrees. So, you will need sometime to get used to it.

Pros:

• Rubber tires and wider wheel base offers maximum support.
• Front and rear basket for carrying kid’s stuff.
• Footrest for comfortable sitting of toddlers and babies.
• Extra safety with straps.

Cons:

• The parental handle needs to be tilted a bit to keep the front wheel straight, so turning in small spaces can be tricky.

 

 

2. Radio Flyer Classic Tricycle

Ask anyone and they will tell you Radio Flyer is the best toddler tricycle with push handle. The push handle has lots of adjustment options that provides comfort to lots of parents with different preferences. It’s a grow with your kid tricycle that will help your kid learn riding from an early age.

It’s one of the few tricycles with wheels similar to real bikes. The tires are rubber and the wheels have steel spokes. Needless to say, they won’t make those squeaking noises and will last longer than others.

The push handle has adjustment positions. You can adjust length as well and remove it when your child grows up. You can’t really steer using the push handle. The child has full control over steering. However, you can control the speed and direction by pushing the handle. This enables the front wheels to come up and from there you can reset the direction as you want.

Both the seat and handlebar are adjustable to fit your child as he grows. Most parents loved the metal build quality and praised its durability against rough and tough children.

Note: Don’t try to apply opposing force when your child is steering in a particular direction. This will cause tipping over.

Pros:

• Real wheels with steel spokes and rubber tires.
• Adjustable seat and handlebar grows with your child.
• Sturdy metal construction makes it durable.
• Adjust the length of the push bar and remove it when not needed.

Cons:

• Can’t directly control steering with the push handle. You need to push the handle and lift the wheel for changing direction.

 

 

3. Radio Flyer 4-in-1 Stroll ‘N Trike

The Radio Flyer Stroll ‘N Trike can be used in 4 different ways right from full parental control to independent riding with no support. It has more safety features and has an additional canopy for protection against sunlight and heat.

This particular model focused more on safety. It has a surrounding age that will ensure your child is always inside the trike. On top of that, there is a 3-point harness strap for added protection against tipping over.

The build quality is sufficiently good and durable. The main parts are mostly made from metal. The wheels on this model are plastic and will make some noises as you walk with it along the pavement.

We wouldn’t complain much as the push handle is adjustable and you can control the steering easily. If your child is less than 18 months, then he will have to free float his feet as there aren’t any footrests.

We loved the back trunk. It’s not the largest, yet it can hold a few toys and a doll. Most children just love the idea of closing and opening the trunk. It gives them a sense of individuality and ownership.

Pros:

• High back seat is comfortable and safe for infants.
• Removable canopy is great to have in sunny days.
• Back trunk for keeping toys and it can be kept close.
• Removable cage and harness straps for added safety.

Cons:

• The plastic wheels makes noises when running on solid paths.
• No footrest for infants to keep their feet.

 

 

4. SmarTrike Smartfold 300 Folding Tricycle

The SmartTrike is the best toddler tricycle with a push handle in terms of aesthetics and ease of steering. If you ever needed a trike that you could take along with you on travel, this is the one to get as it’s foldable.

The push handle is effortless to use. You can steer the wheel with just a push of the handle. And it can be raised or lowered depending on the height of the parent. There’s a button near the wheels that will help you quickly move from child control to full parental control.

If your child is still too young to ride this, he can keep his feet on the foldable footrest. The pedals have two options. You can either attach them as just stationary pedals or fully running pedals. In the stationary mode, the child can rotate the pedals but it won’t impact the wheels. This is great for early learning and getting used to biking.

Just like the previous trike, this one has a raised seat for full back and neck support. The canopies offer protection from heat and the harness strap adds safety. If you are a more concerned parent, you can even install the cage ring around the trike or leave it open.

As for negatives, the one we could find was the assembly instructions were confusing and difficult to interpret.

Pros:

• Folds into compact shape for travel.
• Easily gain full control of the steering with the push of a button.
• The parental handlebar steers the wheels with just a push.
• Foldable footrest is suitable for infants.

Cons:

• The assembly directions can be painful to interpret.

 

 

5. ChromeWheels 4-in-1 Kids’ Trike

The ChromeWheels is perfect for parents who want to expose their child early to bike riding. Its 4-in-1 convertible features will suit children from 9 months to 5 years of age. The assembly process is simple and uncomplicated, which we think is a deal-breaker for most parents.

You can take full control of the steering with the push handles. Rotating it will rotate the handlebar and wheels to any direction you want. If you want your baby to experience riding, then go for it.

One of the most useful features is the folding footrest. This will help babies and toddlers to rest their feet when they can’t reach the pedal yet. The front and back storage bins don’t have a lot of depth but they can hold a few toys and stuff.

The entire frame is made from aluminum. It’s quite durable from that perspective. But the wheels are plastic and they will make some noises while riding. The umbrella is a nice addition but for effective use, it could have been made a little bigger. Despite that, this trike is appealing in every sense.

Pros:

• Convertible options support infant and older kids up to 5 years age.
• Folding footrest for comfort.
• Adjustable handlebar for different height of parents.
• Propel the steering by propelling the parent handle.

Cons:

• The umbrella doesn’t offer shade to the entire trike.
• Plastic wheels are prone to noise making.

 

 

6. SmarTrike Zoom Toddler Tricycle

The SmartTrike Zoom is quite similar to the SmartTrike we reviewed earlier. The only real difference is this model isn’t foldable but it’s as effective as the previous one. It’s still one of the best tricycles with push bars for children.

This model is suitable for kids between 15 months to 3 years of age. It uses the touch steering technology and requires minimal effort for the parent to control the direction. When you want your kid to ride alone, just press the button near the front wheel and twist the wheel. Revert it back when you want to gain full control.

It maintains good levels of safety. There’s a safety bar that will ensure your child is always in the trike. Even if that fails, the 3-point harness will come into play. The highback seat will keep the neck and head in proper posture.

The single basket at the back is useful for carrying toys and dolls. We also found the canopy to offer sufficient protection from the sun. The only flaw present is the parental control can be tricky at times.

Pros:

• Steer with the push handle with minimal effort.
• High back seat for comfort.
• Switch instantly from child control to parental control.
• Safety bar and harness strap to keep child in place.

Cons:

• The parental control might sometimes malfunction.

 

 

7. Radio Flyer Deluxe Steer & Stroll Trike

If you want a simple trike without lots of bells and whistles, then Radio Flyer Deluxe is a great option. It’s a fun gadget for your infant to get used to handlebar, wheels and pedaling.

In the parental mode, the child can rotate the pedals but it won’t impact the wheels. The best thing is your child can steer as you push the bike along and he won’t lose control as it happens with many other trikes. When the time comes, you can remove the parent handle and let him ride freely.

There’s a covered bin at the back of the trike. Let your child carry some hidden toys and develop a sense of individuality.

There are few flaws with this model. The plastic components do create a lot of noises, especially when riding on the concrete. We would have appreciated a lot more if the assembly instructions were clear and logical.

Pros:

• Pedals can be locked in place or used for free riding.
• Kid can steer as you push along.
• Covered bin at the back for more fun and storing toys.
• Adjustable seat grows with the child.

Cons:

• Assembly instructions are not clear.

 

 

8. Little Tikes Perfect Fit 4-in-1 Trike

If you haven’t decided yet, consider the Little Tikes Perfect Fit. It’s got everything for your toddler to learn biking and when he outgrows, convert it to a full-fledged trike.

One of the coolest things about this model is the adjustable seat that goes up and back with just the flip of a switch. For full body support, you can install the high back seat and it will keep your kid in a better position. Even the canopy is adjustable to block sun rays coming from different directions.

For safety, there’s a cage in front of the child seat. You can additionally, use the harness to ensure your child is holding his position perfectly. We also loved the pedals as they have the option to either control the wheels or just rotates to make your child learn.

There are two cup holders on this trike. One on the child cage handle and another on the parent handlebar. While both are quite handy, the cupholder on the parent handlebar is prone to movement, so don’t keep bottles open on it.

Pros:

• Adjust the seat either to the front or push back.
• Large storage bucket at the back and two cup holders.
• Canopy is adjustable to block sunlight from all directions.
• Foot rest tray for infants who can’t reach the pedals yet.

Cons:

• Assembling the unit is difficult and the instructions are hard to interpret.

 

 

9. Little Tikes Fold ‘N Go 4-in-1 Trike

Here’s why Little Tikes Fold ‘N Go is the best toddler tricycle with push handle- it’s highly portable and folds into the most compact design compared to any other trikes on the market. If you have a travel lifestyle, this is the one to get.

The seat on this model adjusts in 3 positions like some of the others we reviewed. The bonus is it can also recline. This is perfect for kids who want to sleep on their trike. Even the seat has soft fabric to add more comfort.

You can adjust the height of the push handle or detach it when necessary. The problem is the handle is quite low for taller parents to push comfortably. But it’s effective enough to control the steering.

The trike maintains safety for infants as it has safety straps and a cage bar. The canopy comes handy when you are walking in the sun. You can put this thing together in just 35-40 minutes.

Pros:

• Folds into compact shape for carrying easily on travel.
• Adjustable seat also reclines.
• Keeps child safe from tipping over or losing balance.
• Rubber tires last longer and rolls silently.

Cons:

• The parent handlebar is quite low, which makes turning a bit difficult.

 

 

10. Vilano 3 in 1 Tricycle & Learn to Ride Trike

The Vilano makes last in our list but we don’t intend it to rank last. It has one of the most durable frames as it’s made from high tensile steel. The only thing off putting is it looks more childish and comes in only a single pink color.

For the comfort of infants, there are footrests that can be lowered or raised when needed. There’s no additional harness strap on this trike, but the cage bar around the seat should be enough to keep your child in place.

When your kid grows old, you can detach the canopy and the parent push handle to convert it to an independent trike. However, adult supervision is necessary as it can trip over sometimes.

Pros:

• Durable Hi-Tensile Steel construction.
• Adjustable canopy to protect from sun.
• Footrest lowers and raises.
• There’s a rear basket for carrying toys.

Cons:

• The trike can be a bit tippy when it is allowed to ride independently. You need to have an eye on your child.

 

 

What to Look for When Buying a Push Handle Tricycle

The best part about toddler’s tricycles is that they grow with your baby. Thus tricycles need to be adjusted whenever your baby grows a little more. And with the push handle, it gets a bit more tricky.

So, it’s important that you consider a few things to choose the right tricycle for your toddler. Here’s what exactly you should look for while buying a toddler tricycle with a push handle. 

1. Push Handle Adjustability & Control

The push handle is the most important thing in this category of tricycles. So, you should decide first what sort of functionalities you want from the push handle.

Having an adjustable push handle that can be lowered or raised can benefit you. Whether you are tall or short, you can adjust it and save yourself from harming you back.

Some trikes like the SmarTrike Smartfold come with smart push handles that can be used to control the steering. But when you think that you child can ride independently, you can shift to child control only and even remove the push handle.

Others come with a basic push handle that allows minimal control and you really can’t steer the wheels with it like the Radio Flyer tricycle.

2. Quality of tires and the wheels

It’s tough to find inflatable tires in tricycles with push handles. The next best option is fixed rubber tires. These are more durable and can absorb shock efficiently. There are few trikes that come with plastic tires.

While these aren’t much suitable to use on rough surfaces, they are cheap and good for using in the backyard. The Chrome Wheels trike is an exception as it uses sturdy ABS plastic which can help in riding in different terrains. You might as well look for wheels equipped with steel spokes for better support and smooth riding,

3. Safety Validation

Toddlers getting injured while riding a bicycle is common. On the contrary, tricycles are much safer for their stability. But, there are some other safety concerns with the tricycles. 

Poor quality material, and construction faults may lead to accidents. So always check for what safety standards the manufacturers claim to meet for a tricycle before buying. Recently, the ANSI standard covers the required safety standards for toddler tricycles.

4. Material and Construction

Look for what materials had been used. Avoid inexpensive plastic-made tricycles. They might be cheap but don’t offer durability and safety for your child.

Sure thing, there will be parts made from plastic like the seats and baskets. The crucial thing is the frame. Look for heavy metal construction that will offer better support with rigidity and durability. 

5. Flexibility of the Handles, Paddles and Seat

Toddlers grow fast and so frequently. Therefore, most of the tricycles feature adjustable handles, seats and pedals for the growing toddlers. 

While buying a tricycle, check whether it’s easily adjustable. Just make sure to position everything correctly for your rider kiddo. 

As long as it fits your child well, adjustable tricycles are the best. Because you won’t need to invest in another anytime soon.

6. Footrest

Some toddler tricycles come with an extra footrest. This is really helpful at the beginning when you are controlling the tricycle and your child can have a place to rest his feet. There are a few trikes in this list that have foldable footrests. So, when the kid starts to steer and paddle, the footrest can be folded away.

 

Why should you get a tricycle with push handle for your kid?

1. Keep your child safe, yet offer a sense of independence

A toddler trike with a parent push handle is probably the safest riding options you have on your hands. You can use the handle to control the steering, speed and direction of the trike.

Besides that, you can sometimes shift the control to your kid, so he could develop a sense of independence. Even if your child loses control, you will always be at the back to make it right.

2. Build bike riding skills from an early age

Kids below 18 months don’t have skills yet to ride a bike. With trikes like these, you can slowly make them used to pedaling and steering.

Often, parents just get a full fledged bike when their kids are grown up and it could be hard on them as they don’t have any prior experience. Trikes are the safest way to create that experience.

3. Encourage outdoor activity

Kids of city dweller parents spend most of their time at home. With a tricycle, you can take your child to parks or just a walk across the pavement. This will encourage them to indulge in outdoor activities later on in life.

4. A good way to exercise for you

Even if you are as lazy as a sloth, a trike will keep your feet running. If not for yourself, you will run for your child. 30-40 minutes of walking with the trike will not only keep your toddler interested but it will also keep you fit.

Final words

We hope this list of the best toddler tricycles with push handles were enough to help you make an informed purchase.

While there are some variations among the models we reviewed, the basic functionality is almost the same. Your purchase will depend on your budget and the extra features you want.