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Bikes and tricycles are a classic category in the world of kids’s toys and outdoor play. And in a world dominated by screens and all-consuming digital stimuli, it’s more important than ever to balance sedentary activities with physically engaging outdoor play. Besides the obvious health benefits, outdoors activities like biking and riding tricycles can also help with child development by teaching kids discipline, motor control, balance, coordination, and more.
But just as the right bike or tricycle is crucial for a child’s learning journey, so is protection. Taking falls and scraping one’s knees are part of learning to ride, but it’s best to have safeguards against more severe injuries so kids can play without parents worrying too much. Helmets are one such safeguard.
When it comes to picking bikes and tricycles for kids, there are a few things worth keeping in mind. The first thing that comes to mind is the age of the child. kids as young as 12-18 months can play on tricycles (and many parents do begin their kids’s journey to biking this early), but 2-3 years is a more common time for parents to introduce their kids to tricycles. At this age, kids are usually better at using their feet and legs to generate more force, which they need to move tricycles. At ages above 3, many kids also develop the sense of balance needed for riding a bike or a trike. This is when many parents switch to balance bikes with pedals.
Sometimes, though, the best products are multi-purpose and can serve all ages. The Trike Ride On With Pedals & Bucket 25cm is one such option, as it can accommodate kids from 2 and up with its adjustable seat. It can also accommodate 25 centimetre wheels, and while that doesn't sound much, keep in mind that taller kids can easily reach higher speeds. For parents who want additional storage, this tricycle comes with a small bucket at the back and can be controlled by parents using a rear handle. And with its relaxed green-blue and pink-lilac colourways, this trike is just as easy on the eyes as it is to ride.
Another big concern for parents is safety. With cycling and biking, stability is always an issue. This is where tricycles shine because they have excellent inherent stability since they have three wheels. These are great for younger kids who are, just learning to ride. Unlike two-wheelers, tricycles don’t allow kids to tip over like they often do on bikes. For this reason, many parents prefer to begin their child’s journey with tricycles.
That said, though, safety is not guaranteed with any bike or trike. Falls are always possible, but they don’t have to be dangerous if kids wear the right safety equipment. Helmets are essential for any parent who is buying a cycle or tricycle for their child. Or even skates and skateboards, for that matter. But a helmet that doesn't engage the child’s interest is unlikely to see a lot of use. Why would a parent’s child want to wear a helmet that doesn’t interest them? But if there was a helmet that their favourite characters were on…
The right helmet can make a huge difference in this regard, making kids excited about wearing their helmets. Helmets like the Helmet Peppa Pig, which features the character Peppa Pig on both sides of the helmet and is painted in bright blue and pink, can make wearing helmets fun for kids. Some other themes may also work for different kids - with superheroes like Spider-Man - as seen in Helmet Spider-Man - being very popular with kids of all ages.
Or for some boys - and girls - vehicles like Hot Wheels vehicles may be big sources of inspiration. The Helmet Hot Wheels features the classic Hot Wheels logo on a flame motif on both sides of the helmet. These are incredibly popular with kids who love playing with Hot Wheels cars, tracks, and accessories.
When it comes to bikes and trikes, it’s always best to involve kids in the process to help them decide what they’re interested in so they are more likely to enjoy their activity as well as use all the protective equipment they need to keep having fun.