How to Buy a Tricycle
A tricycle is a classic children's toy and one that now comes in many styles and with many options.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Tricycles
- Fisher-Price Barbie Butterfly Tricycle
- Fisher-Price Tough Trike Primary Colors Tricycles
- Red Radio Flyer Tricycle
- Tricycle Bells
- Tricycle Horns
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1
Consider the age of the child you're shopping for. Most tricycles are designed for 2- to 4-year-olds. Older children will do better on a bike with training wheels.
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2
Think about whether you want to purchase a classic metal tricycle or a modern plastic one.
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3
Look at some tricycles online or at a local store to get a feel for what appeals to you.
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4
Notice that plastic tricycles come in a variety of styles. Fisher-Price makes a Barbie tricycle and Little Tikes makes a motorcycle tricycle. Some children may appreciate a tricycle with one of these themes.
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5
Pay attention to the size of the tricycle. Metal tricycles come with 10- or 12-inch wheels. Plastic tricycles come either very low to the ground or at a height in between a ground hugger and a classic trike. The Fisher-Price Tough Trike is a good example.
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6
Choose a tricycle the child can get on and off of easily, but one that won't be too small next year. If the child can get on a larger-size tricycle, it's usually wiser to buy it rather than a smaller one that will be quickly outgrown.
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7
Recognize that some tricycles come with baskets or with storage under the seats. Decide if this feature appeals to you.
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8
Consider how much you want to spend. Tricycles range from $18 (Roadmaster 10-inch) to $130 (Kettler Jumbo Color Kettrike, a German-engineered tricycle).
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9
Realize that a tricycle such as the Happy Tricycle by Kettler (about $100) with a handle on the back makes it easier for an adult to push the child.
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10
Purchase a tricycle from the Shopping List below or from an online toy store or local toy or bike retailer.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Most tricycles require assembly. Make sure you leave time to do so. There's nothing worse for a child than to open a present and then have to wait for it to be assembled.
Buy a horn, streamers, and a bell or basket to decorate the tricycle.
If you have your child wear a helmet every time he or she rides a tricycle, the child will be used to it and will have no problem wearing a helmet when he or she graduates to a bike.
