Tricycles have long been beloved toys of young children. Tricycles were first designed in the late 19th century, and since then practically every one who can ride a bicycle first got started on a trike.
In the early days, tricycle designs and styles were very basic. There was often no obvious distinction between boys’ and girls’ tricycles. They were made of steel and brightly painted in primary colors like blue or red.
Over time, tricycles began to sport streamers that flowed from the handlebars, pin striping and even headlights on some models. Kids could add on a horn or bell, but there weren’t many other options for personalizing a tricycle.
Tricycles today feature fun, sophisticated and convenient designs. Girls’ tricycles are available in popular colors such as purple and pink. Red, white and blue are popular color combinations for boys’ trikes.
A low center of gravity, wide wheels, broad seats and back rests make tricycles easy to ride and maneuver and very comfortable for kids. Kids aged 3 to 5 seem to instinctively know how to use foot pedals to power trikes. For very young children, a very simple lesson will be all it takes to have them zooming around on a trike.
Built to last, steel-frame tricycles may not show a spot of rust through several generations of use. Many parents today choose lower-cost, plastic tricycles. Steel frame tricycles however are sturdier and they are also less likely to tip. Plastic trikes also don’t tend to last as long as those constructed with steel.
If storage space is an issue or you’d like to a tricycle that’s portable, consider one of today’s great foldable trike designs. You can easily fit a foldable child’s tricycle in the trunk of your car and bring it along to the park or playground.
Whether you’re buying a classic style bright red trike for your son or a pretty new pink trike for your daughter, don’t forget to invest in a helmet. Tricycles are designed to be easier to ride than 2-wheelers, but there’s still the possibility a spill could occur.
