October 2007
Tricycles, ride-on toys, and scooters
From classic models to higher-tech options, tricycles, foot-powered ride-on toys, and scooters embrace your little one's growing
sense of mobility. Here's what you need to know before your toddler or preschooler gets his own set of wheels:
SHOPPING TIPS
WHAT'S AVAILABLE
Major brands of tricycles, foot-powered ride-on toys, and scooters are, in alphabetical order: Fisher-Price (www.fisher-price.com), Huffy (www.huffybikes.com), Kettler (www.kettlerusa.com), Little Tikes (www.littletikes.com), Radio Flyer (www.radioflyer.com), and Schwinn (available online at retailers such as www.target.com). Trikes and pedaled ride-on toys range from $20 to $200.
SAFETY ZONE
Don't forget a helmet. They're not just for bike riders, but tricycle and scooter riders, too. Choose a helmet with a label inside that states that the helmet meets the Consumer Product Safety Commission's mandatory safety standard. To find the right safety helmet for your child, see our report on bicycle helmets.
Besides a helmet, scooter operators should also wear knee and elbow pads. If you're purchasing a trike, get a tall flag for the back so it will be visible to motorists.
Make sure your child wears shoes at all times when riding or scooting, and always keep an eye out for trouble spots, such as bumpy roads or gaps between patio stones that could trap a tire.
Don't let your child ride or scoot near a swimming pool, steps, hills, roadways, or inclines.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Buy according to manufacturer's age and weight recommendations. Some tricycles and ride-on toys are geared to children as young as 18 months, but most scooters aren't appropriate for children under age 3.
Keep in mind that most kids don't have the coordination to ride a traditional tricycle skillfully until around age 3. If you're buying for a child under 3, get a ride-on toy or smaller tricycle with a back-saving removable push bar, and a high seatback, which helps keep your child steady.
Many tricycles and ride-on toys require assembly and come with small parts, which are a choking hazard. Put the trike or ride-on toy together when your toddler isn't nearby.
SHOPPING TIPS
- If possible, take your child with you to the store for test drives (although don't necessarily let his preference in the store
dictate your final buying decision).
- The trike or ride-on toy you select should be a good fit. Don't buy a bike or trike to "grow into"--buy the right size for
the child (if it's not adjustable). Your child should be able to reach the pedals easily while sitting squarely on the seat.
When pedaling, her knees shouldn't hit the handlebars or steering wheel. A tricycle with an adjustable seat and/or frame--a
definite plus--can help you fine-tune the sizing through the months or years.
- Look for a sturdy tricycle, ride-on toy, or scooter with a wide wheelbase and low center of gravity. The tricycle or ride-on
toy shouldn't tip over when turning the steering wheel sharply (mimicking swift corners). And be sure your child is ready
for a toy he'll have to steer.
- Avoid trikes, scooters, and ride-on toys with sharp edges and points.
- If you'll be taking your child's trike to the park or Grandma's house, consider buying one that folds into itself for easier
storage during travel.
- Keep your receipt and be aware of the store's return policy in case your chosen trike or ride-on toy doesn't meet your expectations.
- Mail in the registration card that comes with your tricycle or ride-on toy so you can be easily notified in case of a recall.
Keep product instruction manuals in an easy-to-find location.
WHAT'S AVAILABLE
Major brands of tricycles, foot-powered ride-on toys, and scooters are, in alphabetical order: Fisher-Price (www.fisher-price.com), Huffy (www.huffybikes.com), Kettler (www.kettlerusa.com), Little Tikes (www.littletikes.com), Radio Flyer (www.radioflyer.com), and Schwinn (available online at retailers such as www.target.com). Trikes and pedaled ride-on toys range from $20 to $200.
SAFETY ZONE
Don't forget a helmet. They're not just for bike riders, but tricycle and scooter riders, too. Choose a helmet with a label inside that states that the helmet meets the Consumer Product Safety Commission's mandatory safety standard. To find the right safety helmet for your child, see our report on bicycle helmets.
Besides a helmet, scooter operators should also wear knee and elbow pads. If you're purchasing a trike, get a tall flag for the back so it will be visible to motorists.
Make sure your child wears shoes at all times when riding or scooting, and always keep an eye out for trouble spots, such as bumpy roads or gaps between patio stones that could trap a tire.
Don't let your child ride or scoot near a swimming pool, steps, hills, roadways, or inclines.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Buy according to manufacturer's age and weight recommendations. Some tricycles and ride-on toys are geared to children as young as 18 months, but most scooters aren't appropriate for children under age 3.
Keep in mind that most kids don't have the coordination to ride a traditional tricycle skillfully until around age 3. If you're buying for a child under 3, get a ride-on toy or smaller tricycle with a back-saving removable push bar, and a high seatback, which helps keep your child steady.
Many tricycles and ride-on toys require assembly and come with small parts, which are a choking hazard. Put the trike or ride-on toy together when your toddler isn't nearby.
