A stroller bike for a child: types and choices
A stroller bike for a child can become a useful accessory for walking and completely change the idea of moving around city streets with a one-year-old toddler. These devices are distinguished by their versatility, they allow to ensure reliable fixation of the child without the risk of falling, make it possible to diversify the possibilities for learning about the world.
The choice of children's tricycle strollers from 1 year old is quite large, you can find simple budget models or premium offerings. But the lack of detailed information significantly complicates the process of choosing such a vehicle.
What characteristics are important in the design of wheelchair bicycles for children? Up to what age are they recommended to use and are there models for twins? What features does this technique have? An overview of folding walking models, a detailed analysis of manufacturers and advice on choosing will help you get all the information you need.
Features, pros and cons
The compact and maneuverable wheelchair bike opens up a new world for the child and allows them to show more independence. Modern models with a handle retain control of the parents, allow you to properly rest and even sleep. In addition to a set of pedals, the children's bicycle stroller is equipped with a footrest, boosters, and a reclining chair.
Among the features of its design, one can also note:
- adaptation to the needs of children from 1 to 2 years old;
- the presence of an enlarged front wheel;
- safety harness belts;
- an ergonomic chair, often with a soft cover;
- shopping basket or trailer;
- folding visor.
Some models of children's stroller bicycles have a transforming design that allows you to extend the life of this versatile transport. In addition, there are models that are combined with a seat and pedals for a mother, a kind of tandem with more sophisticated technical equipment.
Among the obvious advantages of a bicycle stroller can be noted its maximum lightness and compactness. Most models will easily pass between the rows of goods in a supermarket, fit in an elevator, public transport. The weight of the bike stroller is much less than that of a four-wheeled recreational vehicle. Another significant advantage is easy transformation, allowing you to gradually remove the accessories that have become unnecessary.
As a result, by the age of 3, the child will receive his first independent "bike", having already learned to manage it confidently.
Not without its drawbacks. These include less cross-country ability than a classic stroller... In addition, even convertible models are difficult to fit in the trunk of a car.
Device
A stroller bike for children has 3 wheels with inflatable or molded PVC tires, their diameter usually does not exceed 20 cm, the front may be larger than the rest. The frame of such a transport is made of lightweight aluminum or thin chrome-plated steel. The first option is preferable because it provides greater reliability and safety. A seat is attached to the frame, more like a car seat - with a transforming backrest, removable boosters, seat belts.
The parent handle is an important part of the wheelchair design.... It is removable with a holder that can be fixed in several positions. Sometimes it has a telescopic design, adjustable for the height of an adult. Typical for bicycle strollers and combination of pedals and footrests, allowing you to provide the baby with rest or the possibility of independent skiing. The footrest is most often foldable, adjoining the fenders or frame.
Wheelchair bicycles do not use conventional brakes - they are not needed here. But the rear can be fitted with a hands-free wheel lock. The parental handle on models for children from 6 to 18 months should have full control of the vehicle. On versions for older toddlers, this structural element performs only the function of a pusher.
Among the additional attachments in the design of wheelchair bicycles there are baskets for transporting things, mounted on the steering wheel or frame at the back, visors, steering wheel covers. When choosing a model, it is important to pay attention to ease of use. The visor transformation option for the smallest children should provide the maximum number of positions. It's good if it is similar to the stroller hood and can provide full protection from the scorching sun or bad weather.
It is worth choosing large baskets for things, allowing them to withstand not only the weight of toys, but also the load of purchases.
Varieties
All baby strollers on the market are divided into single and multi-seat - you can find options with 2 consecutively fixed seats or one cradle in the back for a toddler and a seat for an older child. If you have to travel frequently with your child by car, it is worth exploring the transforming models with a folding handle and a roof. They will fit in the trunk and will always be at hand.
The 2-in-1 wheelchair bike is sometimes produced on a common chassis, the design of which allows you to combine different attachments. In this case, the three-wheel base is first used to install the cradle, then it turns into a walking model. By the age of 1, the child receives a full-fledged stroller-bicycle on a solid foundation and can master independent riding.
For children from 2 years old, the simplest version of a three-wheeled vehicle is used. This is a wheelchair with a handle that gives you maximum independence.The child is already pedaling more actively and at the same time remains in the safe space of the enclosing booster.
The most unusual design option is Taga 2-in-1 stroller bike, in which the child seat only plays a passenger role. A bicycle frame with a saddle and pedals goes to an adult. This is a great option for relaxing in a resort or for walking in an area with many walking paths and park alleys. On an ordinary sidewalk, such a hybrid will be cramped.
Popular brands
The modern market is full of interesting offers that allow each parent to choose a wheelchair for their child to their liking. The following manufacturers traditionally fall into the rating of the best brands.
- Moby Kids. One of the most famous manufacturers, a Russian brand that produces new collections of wheelchair bicycles with enviable regularity. The products are distinguished by their striking design, a large number of useful options at a relatively low cost. Among the popular models are New Leader, New Start, Stroller Trike.
- Lexus Trike. A Chinese brand owned by Rich Toys and Funny Jaguar. It manufactures products of various classes - from budget to VIP-level. In the presence of additional components - from a raincoat to pillows and even skis on wheels. Among the most popular lines are Original Next Anime Cape, VIP Trike Original Luxe, designed for the most demanding parents.
- Kreiss. The manufacturing company specializes in the manufacture of various types of two-wheeled vehicles, cooperates with large children's stores. The product is manufactured in China, prices range from budget to market average.
- Capella. A company from South Korea, quite popular not only in Asian countries. The cost of production is above average. Wheelchair bicycles are aimed at children of all ages - from toddlers to older children. Pediatricians and qualified designers are involved in product development. Among the most popular models are Capella Action trike II.
- Smoby. A French company that creates reliable, simple, high-quality strollers for toddlers. The brand offers a wide range of models, you can find offers in the middle price segment.
- Jetem. A German company that creates products in China at its own factory. The company has a wide range of models, average cost of production. The firm enjoys the confidence of consumers, but is known mainly outside the Russian Federation.
- Leader Kids. A Chinese company that sells its products in the budget segment of the market. There are both affordable models with a minimum set of options, and exclusive products with a full package of necessary functions.
- Kiddieland. The company, although based in China, is an official partner of Disney and produces branded products under its license. The brand has extensive experience in the production of plastic products for children. Wheelchair bicycles are designed mainly for toddlers and are above average.
The list of products on the market is not limited to these brands. The companies included in the list produce wheelchairs-bicycles according to Russian standards and are trustworthy.
How to choose?
When deciding which version of a wheelchair bike is suitable for a child, it is worth paying attention from the very beginning not only to the big name of the company or design. The following parameters will be of much greater importance.
- Age category. There are models for babies from 6 months old with a full back support carrycot. Babies from one year old can already recommend options with an armchair and a reclining backrest for rest. Transformers are offered for children aged 1.5 to 3 years, allowing to adapt the design to the needs of the young owner of the vehicle.
- Number of seats. A model for twins is more difficult to find than a single model, but with some effort it can be done.
- Design. The boy will be interested in such options as a bell or horn, unusual steering wheel covers.In addition, the strength of the structure in this case should also be maximized. For girls, models are produced with a certain set of accessories and colors. A basket for toys is more often installed here, a variety of decorations for the steering wheel are used.
- Parental handle. In high-quality wheelchair bicycles, it is height-adjustable, and supports the steering wheel lock. The older the child, the more control the youngest rider should have.
- Seat belts. On wheelchair bicycles up to 1.5 years old, they are mandatory, as well as a booster barrier that keeps the child from injuries and falls.
- Backrest height and type. For children under 1.5-2 years old, you need to choose models with high transforming seats, which allow you to fully relax on the road.
Adjusting the back of the chair in several positions is required for babies up to 1 year old.
- The presence of fenders protecting the wheels... They play the role of boosters from dirt, protect the child's clothes when walking in the slush. In addition, the presence of wings eliminates situations when a child can put his foot into a rotating wheel just out of curiosity, and protects from injury.
- Footrest. In models for toddlers, it should be made in the form of a wide pallet. In versions for older age, it is performed in the format of a folding step.
- Passability. Wide wheels with grooved tread will provide overcoming of mud, light snow, sand. For riding on asphalt, you can choose smooth tires. If you do not want to waste time on pumping up, it is better not to choose options with insert cameras. Cast tires are enough to ensure good cross-country ability and at the same time eliminate possible problems while walking.
All these recommendations will allow you to make the final purchase decision and choose a model that is suitable in size, color, style and comfort.
For information on how to choose a stroller bike for a child, see the next video.