Riding a tricycle requires strength, balance, coordination, motor planning, and body awareness. Children develop these skills through practice with getting on and off, moving forward, pedaling, and steering.
What to Look for in a Riding Toy
Before you start practicing, look for a tricycle that fits your child well and provides enough support for learning.
Seat: Your child should be able to sit comfortably with good support.
Handlebars: Look for handlebars that are easy for your child to reach and turn without excessive forward leaning.
Pedals: Your child’s feet should be able to comfortably reach the pedals and complete a full rotation.
Supportive seat: A back or contoured seat can provide additional support while your child is learning.
Wide base: A wider base provides greater stability for beginners.
Teaching Your Child to Ride a Tricycle
Once your child is ready for a tricycle, you can begin practicing the skills needed for independent riding.
Practice Getting On and Off
Hold the tricycle securely so it doesn’t move. Have your child stand beside the seat facing the handlebars, hold both handlebars, and lift one leg over the seat to sit down. Help as needed.
To get off, have your child stand, hold the handlebars, and lift one leg over the seat to step down.
Practice Moving Forward
Children often learn to push backward before moving forward. With knees bent and feet on the ground, gently guide your child’s lower legs forward while encouraging them to try independently.
Body position matters! A slight forward lean can help your child use their legs more effectively. If they’re leaning backward, provide a gentle cue at the lower back to encourage a forward position.
Practice Pedaling with Support
When child can comfortably reach the pedals and is interested in riding, begin practicing with adult support.
This allows them to experience the pedaling motion, weight shifting, balance, and steering without having to generate forward movement independently.
Practice on Gentle Incline
Once your child is comfortable with the pedaling motion, try a small, gentle incline free of obstacles.
Help initiate forward movement and encourage your child to pedal as they move downhill. The added momentum makes pedaling easier and can help build confidence. Stay close to assist with steering as needed.
Practice on a Level Surface
Once your child can pedal downhill, move to a smooth, flat surface. Starting from a stop is often the hardest part. Help by gently nudging the tricycle forward or assisting with the first pedal stroke.
Initially, your child may need to focus entirely on pedaling, so provide help with steering as needed. As pedaling becomes easier, encourage your child to look ahead and practice steering and pedaling together.
Helpful Tips
Keep it fun. Follow your child’s interests and use motivating activities or destinations to encourage practice.
Practice one skill at a time. Work on pedaling and steering separately before expecting your child to do both together.
Use simple cues. Verbal, visual, and hands-on cues can help children learn new movements.
Choose a smooth, open space. A smooth surface makes pedaling easier, while an open area gives your child room to practice without unnecessary obstacles.
Limit distractions. Streamers, horns, and other accessories can be fun but may be distracting while learning. Add them once the basic skills are established!
Wear supportive shoes. Rubber-soled shoes can help keep feet on the pedals and provide a stable base for pushing off.
Don’t forget the helmet! Start safe riding habits early.
Our Favorite Tricycles
Joovy Tricycoo: A versatile tricycle that grows with your child and can transition from a push trike to an independent tricycle. Features include an adjustable 5-point harness, footplate, and locking pedals.
Doona Liki Trike: A compact, folding trike that transitions from a stroller-style ride to a push tricycle and eventually a toddler tricycle.
Yvolution Velo: A versatile option that transitions from a push trike to a toddler trike, push bike, and balance bike. The adjustable seat and handlebars allow it to grow with your child.
Check out our next post in the series, Teaching Children to Ride a Bicycle here!
Learn more about Dinosaur Physical Therapy!
To continue the conversation follow us on Facebook and Instagram
Great article but no mention of wearing a helmet! Safety safety safety!
Yes of course! Helmets are mentioned in our helpful tips section, item #7! “Don’t forget your helmet! Starting with safe habits at an early age is important!”