Past Tense

Tricycles have long been beloved toys of young children. Tricycles were first designed in the late 19^th century, and since then practically every one who can ride a bicycle first got started on a trike.

In the early days, tricycle designs and styles were very basic. There was often no obvious distinction between boys’ and girls’ tricycles. They were solidly constructed with little fanfare, often in primary colors such as red or blue.

Eventually, handle bar streamers, headlights and pin striping began to jazz up simple trike designs. But aside from addition of a horn or bell, trikes didn’t offer much in the way of personalization.

Tricycles today feature fun, sophisticated and convenient designs. Girls’ tricycles are available in popular colors such as purple and pink. Red, white and blue are popular color combinations for boys’ trikes.

A low center of gravity, wide wheels, broad seats and back rests make tricycles easy to ride and maneuver and very comfortable for kids. Kids in the 3 to 5 year old age range seem to power trikes with foot pedals almost by instinct. For very young children, a very simple lesson will be all it takes to have them zooming around on a trike.

Steel frame tricycles are usually so solidly built, they can withstand several generations of usage before they finally start to rust. Many parents today choose lower-cost, plastic tricycles. Steel frame tricycles however are sturdier and they are also less likely to tip. Plastic trikes also don’t tend to last as long as those constructed with steel.

If storage space is an issue or you’d like to a tricycle that’s portable, consider one of today’s great foldable trike designs. A foldable tricycle can easily fit in the trunk of a car or in the backseat, so you can bring your child’s trike anyplace you go.

Whether you’re buying a classic style bright red trike for your son or a pretty new pink trike for your daughter, don’t forget to invest in a helmet. Tricycles are designed to be easier to ride than 2-wheelers, but there’s still the possibility a spill could occur.