Tricycles are often ridden by young children who haven't quite gotten the hang of balancing on a bicycle. Similar to a bicycle, except with three wheels instead of two, they may also be used by adults for a variety of reasons, including commercial transportation or by elderly or disabled riders. Like bicycles, the tricycle is generally powered by pedals. In areas where the trike is used for commercial transportation, it may also have a small engine to power the wheels.
The first viable tricycle designs were created in the 1890s, just as their two-wheeled cousin the bicycle first became popular. At first, both the bicycle and the tricycle were intended for adult audiences, although soon, of course, that would change. Today, most tricycles are aimed at children between the ages of two and four. After this stage, many kids switch to a bicycle with training wheels.
Classic tricycles of the 1930s through the 1970s were steel with a bright and glossy coat of paint. Often these styles included streamlined designs mimicking automobiles of that time period, and sometimes even white pinstriping. Tricycle design often mimicked pedal cars and other children's toys, with chrome details and working headlights. These vintage tricycles were sometimes made by the same companies producing bicycles, including such popular brands as Murray and Schwinn. Today, these vintage tricycles are especially prized by bicycle collectors. Some can even be worth thousands of dollars.
These steel toys could be used by several generations of kids before they began to rust. Steel frame tricycles are still quite popular today, although plastic versions are also available. The problem with these plastic toys is that they are more likely to tip, especially with a heavier child. Although they will not rust like steel, they also won't hold up to years of use, and are likely to develop cracks over time. A Big Wheel is a particular type of plastic tricycle, characterized by a large front wheel, which was very popular during the 1970s. Because it was made of plastic, it could be purchased for a lower cost than steel models. Still, not many of these 1970s originals survive to the present day.
Most children's tricycles are designed very similarly to single-speed bicycles, except that there are two wheels in the back instead of just one. They do not often have brakes, although some modern tricycles do include brakes. Many of today's models also include a back rest for support, with a push bar so that parents can push the child up hills or hold the child back when rolling down a hill, in addition to the child's foot power.
Like pedal cars and other classic riding toys, the vintage-style tricycle is making a comeback in recent years. Red steel tricycles are especially popular. When choosing a tricycle for your children, make sure that the trike is the right size for your kids. A wide wheelbase can keep the tricycle from tipping over, especially if your young child has not yet developed a good sense of balance. Like with other riding toys, such as pedal cars and bicycles, wearing a helmet makes good common sense.
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