Kids love toys that keep them on their toes; that’s why big wheels are a crowd favorite, as they let kids move around wherever they want to go. While they have been a staple toy for many years, toy designers have come up with all kinds of cool new features to excite and entertain our little speed demons.
With the large range of big wheels on the market, selecting the best toys for your child can be overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to break down what you should look for in a set of big wheels for kiddo.
Selecting the Best Big Wheels for Your Little One
Toys like these are divided into three main categories.
Classic Big Wheels
These are the most common type — also known as lowrider big wheels. They come with a seat close to the ground, with pedals on either side of the front tire. The front wheel can be moved with handlebars, while the back tires are fixed and cannot be turned.
Push Big Wheels
These are designed for children who can’t ride a pedal-type bike yet. They don’t have pedals, so kids use their feet to move themselves around. Like classic big wheels, the seat is set low to the ground and the front tire can be turned using the handlebars.
Upright Big Wheels
With a large front tire that adds stability, this big wheel configuration is great for kids transitioning from push big wheels to classic big wheels. Just like the other types, the front tire can be moved, while the back tire is fixed in place and can only go in one direction.
Next, we explore the main features you should pay attention to when selecting a set of big wheels.
Safety
Some big wheels come with a large wheelbase to provide stability and prevent tipping, which can injure your child if they fall over. You should also consider big wheels that are not too heavy or too light: too light means the toy can tip over easily, while too heavy means the toy will be difficult to move around.
Instead, look for toys with handlebars and pedals that are not too stiff; if they’re too loose, they will be difficult to control and maneuver, but if they’re too stiff, your child will have problems moving them with their limited strength.
Children should always be supervised during playtime to prevent accidents and injury. For big wheel toys, kids should be fitted with protective gear such as a helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads.
Ergonomics
As with all toys, big wheels should suit your child’s current physical developmental stage. This also applies to children’s developmental milestones; they should be able to do certain things like stand up and sit up on their own before riding a big wheel toy.
Ideally, they should be able to touch their feet to the ground when they are seated in the toy. The handlebars and pedals should also be easy for them to reach.
Most manufacturers include details about the recommended age and maximum weight allowed, which serves as a guideline for which big wheel is best for your child at this stage.
Some toy manufacturers have tricycles with ergonomically designed seats, so children can sit in them for a long time without discomfort. Whatever age your child is, they should be able to walk on their own without assistance before riding a trike, so that they can operate the toy safely.
Longevity
It’s important to choose a tricycle that can grow with your kid. Some toys have adjustable seats and handlebars that let kids continue riding even as they grow older and bigger. Some big wheels can be on the pricey side, though, so look for toys that give you your money’s worth.
Most big wheels have a plastic frame or plastic wheels, which crack over time, especially with rambunctious play. Durable big wheels with frames made of steel and wheels made of rubber will last much longer, giving your child plenty of use over the years.
Big wheels are great because they allow kids to explore while working on their gross motor skills. Not only can they work on balance and strength while they’re out riding, but big wheels are also good for learning how to ride a bicycle. With big wheels, kids learn to have confidence in their abilities as they discover the world on their own terms.
Having provided an overview of what to look for, we’ve rounded up the best big wheels on the market in 2024, so you can have your child riding around in no time.