Chances are your child has already been eyeing a Kettler Kettrike bike at the playground. These sturdy German-designed tricycles are all the rage. Parents love the pushbar that saves them from bending over to get junior up and running on his first set of wheels and kids love the feel of being behind the wheel.
Kettler has been in the sporting goods business for more than 60 years. And their products have a reputation for lasting forever. All the bikes have a five-year anti-fade guarantee plus a three-year limited manufacturer warranty. The newest three-wheels bikes are from the Kettler Theme Series. Pick from the Princess or Surfer design ($210). These bikes come with splashy colors and bold details as well as a four-position frames and ergonomic high back seats. These trikes are also tricked out with handlebar-mounted storage bag, rear tipping-bucket, flashing LED light, and chrome-plated push bar
Pro: Looks like a “big kid” bike not a baby toy.
Con: Pedals only extend to 19” not standard 21”.
Best for: Ages 2-4.
Go Green: The eco-friendly trike. ($80)
Pro: Over 95% of plastic parts are made from recycled material.
Con: Pushbar sold separately, no seat belt.
Best for: Tree hugging parents.
Junior: Smallest trike in the line. ($125)
Pro: Child-operated dual wheel rear handbrake, only 16 pounds.
Con: No Quick-adjust frame.
Best for: More advanced rider—there is no parental locking mechanism.
Jumbo: Classic, slightly oversized trike, outfitted with a seatbelt. ($200)
Pro: Tandem adaptor (sold separately) will accommodate second child. Pedals extend to 21”
Con: No seat adjustments.
Best for: Beginners…18 months and up.
Air Navigator: Popular model with no brakes and big cushy tires. ($250)
Pro: Auto-Freewheel allows children to rest their feet on the pedals while parents guide them.
Con: Heavy—weighs almost 25 pounds, no seat adjustments.
Best for: Parents on the hunt for a sturdy, smooth ride.
