Kids Trikes

Looking for the right kids trike for your toddler? This collection covers the three main styles parents ask about: classic pedal trikes, push and parent-handle trikes, and convertible 4-in-1 trikes that grow with your child. Most suits ages one to four, and sit within our wider bikes and riding toys range. Have a scan of the sub-types below, then browse the grid.

Classic Trikes for Toddlers

A classic kids trike is the simple 3-wheel pedal design most of us grew up with. It suits confident toddlers around two to four who can push the pedals on their own and steer with the handlebars. The wide wheelbase and low centre of gravity keep things stable while your child sorts out balance and coordination.

You'll find durable plastic and metal childrens trike bike builds here, plus character and licensed designs like Hot Wheels, Tonka and Barbie ride-ons that work well as a first or second birthday gift. Most include a footrest for when little legs get tired, and grippy handlebars sized for small hands. A plastic trike is also lighter to lift in and out of the car, which matters more than you'd think on park trips.

Push & Parent-Handle Trikes

A trike with handle is the answer when your toddler wants to ride but isn't pedalling yet. These push tricycles have a long steering handle at the back so you can guide the direction while your child sits, holds on, and gets used to the motion. Most models suit riders from around 12 to 24 months.

The feature to look for is freewheel mode. When it's switched on, the pedals stop spinning while you push, so your toddler's feet can rest on the footrest without getting knocked. Once they're ready to pedal themselves, you flip it back to drive mode. SmarTrike is a well-known name in this style, and many toddler push trike models also include a canopy for shade, a harness, and a small storage bucket for snacks or a water bottle. It's a natural fit alongside other infant and toddler toys.

Convertible & 4-in-1 Trikes

A 4 in one tricycle is built to adapt as your toddler grows, which stretches the value from around nine months through to three-plus years. Most convertible trike models move through four stages. First a stroller-style push mode with full harness and canopy. Then a guided trike where you steer via the parent handle. Then a learning trike where your child pedals with you still steering. Finally an independent pedal trike once they've got the hang of it.

As your child grows, features like the canopy, harness and parent handle can usually be removed, so one trike adapts through several stages instead of being outgrown after a single season. The canopy trike shade, safety harness and parent handle all come off. Yvolution's Flippa 4-in-1 and SmarTrike's convertible range are good examples stocked here.

How to Choose the Right Trike for Your Child's Age

Age is the quickest filter. Here's a simple guide:

Trike vs balance bike is the other common question. A trike suits younger toddlers who aren't ready to balance yet, and a parent-handle trike is a good in-between step before they graduate to balance bikes around age two or three. If your child is already walking confidently and wants to move fast, a balance bike may be the better first buy.

Safety Gear and What Comes Next

A properly fitted helmet is non-negotiable from the first ride. Look for one that sits level on the forehead with two fingers' width above the eyebrows, and closed shoes rather than sandals. Have a look at kids helmets and accessories to pair with a first trike. Once your child outgrows the pedal trike, kids bikes are the next step up.

Shop Kids Trikes at Toys R Us Australia

You'll find trusted brands here, including SmarTrike, Yvolution, Globber, Little Tikes and Hot Wheels, covering first birthday gifts through to confident 3-4 year old riders. Australian delivery is available across the range, and click-and-collect is available if you'd rather grab it in store the same week.

Kids Trikes — Frequently Asked Questions

At what age can kids start riding a trike?

Most children can start on a parent-handle or convertible trike from around 9 to 12 months, once they can sit up unassisted with a harness. Independent pedalling usually clicks between 2 and 3 years, depending on leg strength and coordination.

What's the difference between a parent-handle trike and a classic trike?

A parent-handle trike has a long push handle at the back so you steer while your toddler sits and rides. A classic trike has no handle, so your child pedals and steers on their own. Parent-handle suits younger riders. Classic suits confident toddlers.

Trike vs balance bike, which first?

A trike usually comes first for kids under two who aren't ready to balance. A balance bike suits toddlers from around two who can walk confidently and want to scoot along. Some parents skip the trike entirely, others use both.

Are 4-in-1 convertible trikes worth it?

If you want one product that lasts from around nine months to three-plus years, yes. You get stroller mode, guided trike, learning trike and independent pedal trike in one frame. The trade-off is a higher upfront price and a slightly heavier build than a simple classic trike, but they can last through several stages of your child's development. 

What safety gear does my child need for a trike?

A properly fitted helmet is the essential item. Closed-toe shoes are a good idea too, especially once they're pedalling. For the youngest riders on a parent-handle or 4-in-1, make sure the harness is done up snugly and the canopy is secure before you set off.