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8 Best Big Wheels For Kids And Toddlers – 2022 Edition

Big wheels are big fun for little kids! These durable, ready-to-roll three-wheeled vehicles are suitable for kids as young as two. Big wheels for kids are a classic toy you might have even enjoyed as a child yourself – but do you know how to find the best big wheel?

Searching for a big wheel for your child is easy with our complete buyer’s guide. Plus, we’ve also included eight 100% honest reviews of popular models. Ready to find the best big wheel? Let’s get rolling!

The Best Big Wheels (Updated for 2022)

1. Radio Flyer 474 Deluxe Big Flyer

The Deluxe Big Flyer from Radio Flyer is a chopper-style tricycle with a 16” front tire, chrome handlebars and bold red coloring. Also has an adjustable seat for growing riders. Plus, the front wheel has a performance grip tread to help prevent slips and spinouts.

Designed for kids ages three through seven, the Big Wheel’s weight capacity is 65 pounds. Steel reinforced construction helps prevent the body from splitting over time. With a low center of gravity, the trike remains stable and easy to ride.

2. Original Big Wheel Sidewalk Screamer

A mid-sized trike for kids between ages two and five, Original Big Wheel’s Sidewalk Screamer has a low-rider profile with a contoured seat and 11-inch front tire. Plus, 47 weather-resistant decals are included so your child can customize the bike’s look.

This big wheel is generally considered very safe. The classic design of the big wheel has a low center of gravity, making it far less likely to tip over than a standard tricycle. Plus, the bright colors of the body and wheel are highly visible, even in overcast weather.

3. Fisher-Price DC Super Friends Batman Trike

Holy Big Wheel, Batman! This DC Super Friends trike has a handle bar faceplate with working signal lights and push-button Batman sounds.

As you’d expect from Batman, this trike is built to last with sturdy plastic construction. This is an upright big wheel which is a great stepping stone towards a traditional tricycle or even a bicycle. A large front wheel and wide wheelbase help keep this Batman-Big-Wheel stable for young riders.

4. The Original Big Wheel, 16 inch

This lowrider-style big wheel from Big Wheel might not dazzle with design, but it’s solid, fun to ride and easy to control. Made from both plastic and metal for a great combination of lightweight durability. Recommended for kids between the ages for three and eight with a weight limit of 70 pounds.

Assembly is required. Includes the black-and-blue frame, one 16-inch front wheel, two smaller back wheels, handlebars, seat, two pedals and a fun sticker sheet.

5. Fisher-Price Harley-Davidson Tough Trike

While these are two names you probably never thought you’d see together, Fisher-Price and Harley-Davidson have created one terrific trike. Has a big wheel up front, two smaller wheels in back and an eye-catching black and orange design. Even includes flame decals!

Designed for kids two and up. Big foot pedals and easy-to-grip handlebars are built with kids in mind. There’s also a “secret” storage compartment under the seat.

6. Fisher-Price Nickelodeon PAW Patrol Lights and Sounds Trike

This trike has a classic big wheel design but with exciting PAW Patrol themed light and sound elements for added fun. Whether they’re re-enacting their favorite episode or making up their own PAW Patrol adventures, this bike is sure to be a hit.

This trike is ideal for ages 2 to 6 years thanks to the three-position adjustable seat that can be adjusted as your child grows. The trike will support up to 60 pounds of weight. The handlebars are comfortable for small hands to grip and contain a hidden compartment where they can stow treasures they find in their travels.

7. Fisher-Price Grow-with-Me Trike – R0322

This sturdy plastic trike is a great first tricycle for most little ones. Even though this trike is plastic, it can stand up to a lot of play. It’s lightweight and features slip-resistant petals, making it easy for small children to maneuver.

It has a weight capacity of 55 pounds and is suitable for ages 24 months to 5 years. The seat is adjustable and features two height levels to expand its play life. The only thing to be aware of is that if your 24-month-old is on the smaller side, they may not be able to reach the pedals even at the trike’s lowest level. Aside from that, it’s a great addition to your child’s playtime indoors and outside.

8. Radio Flyer Big Flyer Sport Trike

There’s a reason Radio Flyer has been in business for over a century; this is another great Radio Flyer product that stands up to a lot of heavy play, and kids will look cool too.

This trike is suitable for ages 3 to 7 and has a weight limit of 65 pounds. The seat can be adjusted to three different levels so it can grow with your child. Just watch out because the front wheel doesn’t have a lot of traction, so be careful letting your child use it on smooth pavement. If you’re three- year- old is on the smaller side, they may have difficulty reaching the pedals easily.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Big Wheel?

A Big Wheel is a tricycle for kids where the single front wheel is significantly larger than the two wheels in the rear. There are three different types:

Lowrider Big Wheels for Kids

This is the one most commonly referred to as a “Big Wheel.” Lowrider, or classic, big wheels for Kids have a relaxed, backward-leaning seat. The rider sits low to the ground, with his or her feet forward on the pedals, which are located on each side of the front tire. Handlebars move the front wheels while the back are fixed.

Upright Big Wheels for Kids

These aren’t quite as common. An upright big-wheel is similar to a traditional tricycle, but with a large front wheel. The seating feels pretty stable, making these a good fit for kids who feel too old for a lowrider big-wheel but aren’t comfortable sitting on a conventional tricycle.

Push-Along Big Wheels for Kids

On the other, push-along big wheels for Kids are designed for kids who want a big-wheel but just aren’t quite old enough to operate the pedals. With a push-along big wheel, a lower seat lets kids propel themselves forward using their feet. Push-Along Big Wheels for Kids are only designed for young toddlers.

What Features of a Big-Wheel are Important?

Big wheels have a simple design but each component plays an important role in function and safety:

Frame

Most Big Wheels are made from high-quality plastic. Both durable and lightweight, plastic frames are able to handle rough play around the neighborhood, including dirt trails and other off-road riding. Plus, plastic frames allow for a wide variety of colors and even molded design elements.

However, plastic big wheels do have a few downsides. They’ll need to be kept out of the sun or else the colors can fade. Also, plastic can crack in an accident, and is not always possible to repair.

Although not as common as plastic, metal big wheels are also pretty popular. Metal big wheels are very durable and can even be handed down to other siblings. Plus, metal big wheels have a shiny appearance kids love.

Metal big wheels can be pretty heavy, which can make them difficult for younger children to use. Also, metal big wheels are generally more expensive than plastic models.

Tires

Tires are one of the most important parts of a big wheel. After all, the word “wheel” is right there in the name! Four tire options are available:

Plastic

Hard plastic wheels are lightweight, durable and puncture-proof. They’re the most common type of wheel used and also the easiest to maintain over time. On the downside, they can provide a rough ride by magnifying the effects of small bumps in the road.

Foam

Softer than plastic, foam tires provide lots of cushioning against bumps. While they’re puncture-proof and do offer traction, they’re also not really suitable for off-roading or uneven surfaces.

Solid Rubber

These are puncture-proof tires with plenty of cushioning and usually pretty decent traction. They’re not as durable as plastic tires.

Air-Filled Rubber

These are similar to bicycle tires. They have plenty of cushioning and traction, but they can be punctured. Overall, air-filled rubbers tires require the most maintenance of all big-wheel tires.

Colors and Design

Big wheels are available in a wide variety of colors and styles. You can find plenty of licensed characters such as superheroes, Harry Potter and more. Obviously, the look of the big-wheel will be pretty important to young ones. You’ll probably want to let the child pick out their own big-wheel so they’re sure to have the style they want.

Are Big Wheels Safe?

As long as they’re properly used, big wheels are very safe. Most kids are able to learn how to use them without much of a problem. However, there are a few features which help make riding easier and safer.

The most important rule is to always follow the recommended age guidelines. If the child is too young, controlling the big-wheel can be difficult. If the child is too old, he or she might push the big-wheel beyond its intended capabilities, which can also be unsafe.

Next, make sure the pedals aren’t too stiff. If the young rider has to place too much pressure on the pedals, turning can be difficult. Unlike a bike, big wheels have no chain, which means they can be pedaled both forwards and backwards.

Handlebar sensitivity is important. Generally, kids tend to oversteer. So the handlebars can’t be too sensitive or too hard. Parents can sometimes adjust the handlebars with a wrench.

Another feature to consider is the wheelbase. A wide wheelbase improves stability, especially at faster speeds. Plus, a wide wheelbase helps prevent spills and tipping during tight turns.

Don’t forget about a comfortable, contoured seat. Fitting securely into the seat helps the child build momentum when pedaling. Plus, the seat provides back support by bracing the torso.

What’s the Right Size of Big-Wheel for My Child?

When the child sits in the big wheel, his or her feet should be able to cover the pedal without bending the heel forward excessively. At the same time, his or her knees shouldn’t bend up to the point of discomfort when pedaling.

All big wheels will have a weight limit. Generally, metal big wheels will be able to support more weight than plastic. Make sure your child is always under the weight limit for their big wheel, even if they fit in the seat comfortably. Excess weight can cause the big-wheel to move too fast to control safely.

Many kids as young as two can safely ride a big wheel. Generally, big wheels are a precursor to riding a tricycle. Big wheels help kids learn basic concepts such as using handlebars to steer and pedaling to create forward motion.

Big wheels are the same for girls and boys. There are no physical differences between the two sexes which require a “boy’s big wheel” and a “girl’s big wheel.” You’ll probably find certain types of big wheels marketed towards one gender or the other, but don’t let that prevent you from buying your child whatever big-wheel they’re interested in.

Are Big Wheels Adjustable?

Adjustable seats allow your child to use their big-wheel as they grow. The seat back will slot into three different positions to fit different heights. Adjustability allows your child ride their favorite big-wheel from the age of two or three all the way to eight and older.

You might also find some big wheels with lockable pedals. This keeps the pedals from moving when the wheels turn. Younger kids can then sit and push the big-wheel forward with their feet without the pedal spinning around on their own.

At what age is it appropriate to purchase Big-Wheels for my child?

Big-wheels come in a variety of sizes and styles, and different builds will be suitable for different ages. That said, as a general rule of thumb, wait until your child is at least 24 months old before introducing Big-Wheels. Children under 24 months will probably lack the balance or the strength in their legs to propel the trike forward.

Some Big-Wheel models will accommodate children as old as eight. However, by the time a child is six or seven children, they’ll usually be ready for a regular bike. Of course, there’s always exceptions, but generally speaking, Big-Wheels are most appropriate for children between 24 months and six years of age.

Does my child need to wear protection when using Big-Wheels?

Although most big-wheels tend to lower to the ground than a standard bike and tend not to go as fast, it’s still a good idea for them to wear protection, at least a helmet. While big-wheels are mostly designed as an introduction to other tricycles and bicycles and tend to be easier to balance on, it’s still possible for children to fall off of them.

It’s also good to accustom your child to wearing safety gear when they are younger so that they establish good safety habits by the time they are ready for a regular bicycle.

Final Thoughts

Not only are big-wheels big fun, they help with muscle development and motor control. Kids as young as two can learn to ride a big wheel, and they can continue to be used until the age of eight and more.

Do you have fond memories of riding your big wheel during your childhood? Help your child create fond memories of their own by giving them a big wheel today!