Home
What's Hot!
About Me
Birthday Cakes
Party Games
 Kids Printables
Kids Online
Festive Fun
Child Crafts
Summer Camp
Top Picks for Toys
Outdoor Games
Indoor Games
Toddler Games
Baby Signing
Baby Games
Share YOUR Ideas
Site Guide
Resources

XML RSS
What is this?
Add to My Yahoo!
Add to My MSN
Add to Google

Buying A Tricycle?

What YOU Need To Know- Kettler and more...

If you are thinking about buying a child tricycle, or a Kettler tricycle in particular, we're here to explain the differences between trikes- of which there are many!
A tricycle will probably be your first foray into the big wide world of bicycle buying for your kids. Welcome aboard, its going to be a long ride! (No escaping until they are old to enough to be asking for a car!)

Trikes, like other bikes come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit different ages. Plastic tricycles for 1-2 year-olds come in a ground hugger style to suit smaller bodies. The majority of tricycles are designed for 2- to 4-year-olds and come in various materials with a range of price tags. They can start from about $20 up to $210 for a high-end Kettler tricycle like the Kettrike Trikett low-rider. A more basic model of Kettler tricycle will start at around the $90 range.

Read on for the low down on what's available to suit your youngster...
       

**TIP- When purchasing a tricycle it is best to buy one that is the correct size for your child, rather than something they will grow into. Go for the best trike you can afford with a good safety record.


First Tricycle- 16 Months to 2 Years

A tricycle should teach a child two basic skills- steering and pedalling.

Firstly they will learn how to steer, while they push along the ground with their feet. Once the basic concept of steering has been accomplished, the child can start to use the pedals. With your first trike you have a choice between buying a tricycle with pedals, and having a few more bumps and scratches, or one without, which leaves legs free of impediments.

Wooden tricycle without pedals by Radio Flyer.

The Classic Radio Flyer Trike has a genuine wood body and seat and a wide wheel base for the security and comfort of your toddler. It comes equipped with a molded comfort seat and real working steering.

Pedalling trikes for toddlers have a wide wheel base and are lower to the ground than larger trikes and they generally have bucket seats for added back support. The majority of these tricycles are almost completely plastic but there are a few wooden ones on the market. There are also a range of steel framed Kettler Trikes that are adjustable suiting ages from 1 right up to 5, with optional tandem insert, push bar or stroller style push bar for mums and dads. Kettler trikes are such a stand out and have so many features that they are well worth the extra expense, particularly if you have more than one child.

What To Look For...
If you can, take your child with you to check that size of trike is suitable, if it is too tall and the seat is too high then your child will tip over too easily. Look for the wider wheel base, and especially check that the trike is not inclined to tip when turning. Unless you are buying an adjustable trike, your child will probably grow out of this first tricycle reasonable quickly, so keep that in mind when considering the purchase price.

**TIP- For younger children tricycles are best suited for indoor use, or in a level courtyard or driveway, they are so low to the ground that they will not be able to be seen by cars, making them hazardous to use outside of your yard.


Movin on Up- 2 to 4 Year Olds

Most child tricycles are aimed at this age group. They are available in plastic, wooden or metal varieties, some come themed and others in a more retro style. The style you choose will come down to the personality and skill level of your child. Plastic tricycles are better suited to younger/smaller children as the weight of an older child can tip a lighter trike. Steel framed trikes are sturdier and usually come with reasonable warranties.

The perfect backyard companion, the trusty trike!

What To Look For...
I would suggest wheels with treads for better traction, plastic wheels tend to slip and slide. Rubber tires will give a smoother ride and absorb bumps better.
Padded handle bars make the trike more comfortable as does a high backed seat. Some trikes come with a seat belt, you'll just need to get your toddler into a routine of wearing it.

Toddlers like to carry around all of their 'goodies' so a rear or front basket is a worthwhile investment. My daughter always took her teddies 'out and about' in the rear of her trike, just like mum in the car! Other add ons include bells and tassles to complete the accessorising for the kids.
Now for the adults...

A handlebar or safety push bar which attaches to the back of your child’s tricycle is a blessing. They can generally be adjusted to several heights and are removable once your child is comfortable riding on his or her own. They save your back from the strain of constantly leaning over to push the trike. I liked the push bar because it meant that I was in control of the tricycle when crossing the road and it allowed my daughter to have rest without us having to stop all the time. If bought separately, the push bar is about $16.

Again, having your child 'kiddie test' the trike is best way to go to ensure you are buying a suitable product. If the trike is a surprise, maybe talking to some other parents with first hand experience will guide your decision. If shopping online, always check the feedback to ensure you are buying a model that has a good safety record.

**TIP- Before you make the final purchase, pick out a suitable bike helmet. A tricycle, or any bike for that matter, should always be accompanied by a helmet. Happy riding!


Back to Home from Buying a Kettler Tricycle



footer for kettler tricycle page