Big wheels are different from regular trikes in the sense that these come with a much larger front wheel (hence the name) which allows kids to sit lower to the ground making it safe and also giving them a unique riding experience. Originally introduced in the 1970s, big wheels have proven to be a great source of fun for kids, and are a safer alternative to the standard trikes. You may skip to the best big wheel for kids here on Amazon.
Introduction to Big Wheels
A Big Wheel ride-on toy is basically a tricycle for kids in which the single front wheel in the front is much bigger than the two rear wheels. Lowrider, or classic, big wheels have a relaxed, backward-leaning seat. The rider seat is quite low, so the child sits low to the ground, with his/her feet forward on the pedals.
The first big wheel was designed by American toy company Louis Marx & Co., where the designers played around with the design of a tricycle, and came out with a upside down looking trike, which performed like a race car. The new design became an instant hit with kids as they were able to do 360-degree spins. Because of its low design, the Consumer Products Safety Commission even declared the Big Wheel to be safer than the traditional bikes/trikes.
The Big wheels became a national phenomenon, and over time, also become part of our popular culture. It is featured as one of the icons of 20th century pop culture in the Pop Century Resort in Disneyworld, Florida, where you get to see a 3-story tall replica of a Big Wheel.
While the Big Wheel may have undergone several changes over the years, its fundamental design has remained more or less the same for decades. The Big Wheel has several unique features that make them stand out, and these ride-on toys remain a favorite toy for many toddlers and very young children.
Big wheels are fun to use, helps a child learn motor skills and get some exercise for the legs, these can be used indoors as well as outdoors and have a nice, low design which makes them safe.
Because of the big wheels and better balance (compared to a tricycle), kids can ride this ride-on faster and also spin them around easily (without fear of tripping over).
Factors to consider:
- Frame: Available in plastic (easy to handle, various colors) as well as metal (durable, shiny appearance)
- Tires: Plastic, Foam, Solid-rubber, Air-filled Rubber
- Colors and Design: Variety foc colors and styles
- Weight Limit: All big wheels have a weight limit
- Adjustable seats allow the toy to be used for a few years
Most new models come with adjustable seats, which means kids can continue to use them for years to come. There’s no difference between the models made for “boys” and “girls” except for the design/colors. Big wheels from Radio Flyer are quite popular with kids (for ages 3 to 7).
We recommend a seat with some back support for the rider’s torso, especially useful for young riders.
Best Big Wheels for Kids (At a Glance)
Big wheels are ride-ons with a big wheel in the front, and two smaller wheels in the rear, providing more stability and fun while riding. There are several brands of big wheel ride-on toys such as Radio Flyer, Fisher-Price, Razor and more.
- Radio Flyer Deluxe Big Flyer (Ages 3-7)
- Razor RipRider 360 Caster Trike
- Fisher-Price Harley-Davidson Tough Trike (Ages 2 5 years)
Related: Check out more ride-on toys here
Big Wheels for Kids: Reviews
RadioFlyer Deluxe Big Flyer
Fly by your friends on the Deluxe Big Flyer (from Radio flyer), a chopper-style tricycle with sleek racing design. For ages 3-7 years old.
Radio Flyer is a trusted brand, well-known for its red-colored wagons and other ride-on toys, including the big wheels (available in red and pink colors).
Three adjustable seat positions allow this trike to grow with your child. This trike features real chrome handle bars and molded handgrips. Handle grips and thick pedals provide security while riders try to win imaginary races.
Features chrome handlebars and classic acing design. Adjustable seat and eye catching color.
It has a low design which gives it more stability. The seat can be adjusted as per your child’s growth. Better grip on the wheel prevents slipping. The handlebars of the Flyer looks borrowed from a Harley while the double barrel fork resembles the design of most mainstream superbikes.
The Big Flyer’s big 16″ front tire features a performance grip tread and the rear racing slick style tires are extra wide for stability. Low center of gravity for stability and added fun. Adjustable seat grows with your child. A racing pennant makes this trike more visible and safer for the child.
RipRider 360 Castor Trike
The Razor Rip Rider 360 features two inclined casters at the rear that makes spinning and drifting easy; it’s a lot easier to ride compared to other trikes.
Superior quality, feels rugged. Back casters spin 360-degree. Seat is not adjustable but is still easy for most kids to ride.
- Age: 5 and up
- Maximum weight: 160 lbs.
- Weight: 15 lbs.
- Dimensions When Assembled: 38” x 24” x 24”
The casters on the back of the RipRider 360 gives it a unique experience, allows resistance-free drifting and spinning action.
MX-style handlebar with rubber grips, double crown fork design, and welded steel frame and fork. Hi-Impact, front wheel with flat-free tire.
Its new free-wheel system allows smooth running without any jerky motion. The front tire is big in size and very sturdy.
- Pros: Nice design, sturdy, easy to use
- Cons: Hardly anything (perhaps it should have had locks on the rear wheels)
The Razor Riprider 360 ride-on is easy to assemble, construction is rock solid, is safe use, and has nice design. Overall, a great trike for kids.
Fisher-Price Harley-Davidson Tough Trike
A Harley-Davidson bike styled big wheel that kids will surely enjoy to ride, it can be used for indoor as well as outdoor playtimes.
For kids ages 2 5 years
Weighs just 4 pounds and measures 29.5 inches by 22.5 by 22.
Large, rugged front wheel and sturdy frame provide enhanced stability while riding. Big sized pedals and adjustable seat makes it even more comfortable to ride.
It also has a small secret area where your little one can store their favorite toys.
Razor FlashRider 360
The Razor Flash Rider 360 is an improved version of the classic three-wheeler (popular in the 1970s and 1980s). The company has given the 360 a modern twist and the design and technology and is based on Razor’s proprietary caster tricycle design. Kids love the Flashrider 360.
The Razor FlashRider 360 is a popular big wheel ride-on. Kids can spin and spark using this one (creates sparks that further ignites your kids excitement without compromising on safety).Designed for users six years old and above
Maximum rider weight: 160 lbs. Weight: 17.5 lbs.
The inclined caster wheels on the back reduce resistance in spins and drifts. MX style handlebars and the steel frame makes the Razor 360 Flash Rider appealing.
It requires some assembly but pretty easy to follow using the instruction manual.
Overall, a great trike to get for your kid. It looks stylish and appealing to kids, and parents will be happy with the safety features and durability.
Suitable for 6 years old and above. Accommodates kids up to 160 lbs Offers great stability, comfortable seating, is safe and sturdy, is easy to ride and maneuver. Tires can be replaced when needed Handlebars wrapped with non-slip rubber grips.
Fisher-Price DC Super Friends Batman Trike
Kid-friendly bike from Fisher-Price with features like working signal lights, music.
Big front wheel help kids pedal faster, Easy-grip handlebars, slip-resistant pedals and a three-position adjustable seat. It also has a Small storage space behind the seat.
Lots of features at bargain price. Adjustable seat, easy to assemble. For smaller kids.
It plays recognizable phrases from his favorite superhero, Batman.
Disney Big Wheel 16″ Ride On
With its large 16″ front wheel, the Big Wheel is a popular ride-on with kids. Available in more exciting graphics such as Spider-Man, Princess, Cars, Frozen and many other kids favorite Disney characters.
Low-riding design offers easy on and easy off access and a low center of gravity for comfort and security.
Assembly takes around 40-45 minutes. Instructions are clear and all the tool are included, all the stickers are also included. For the rear axle, tap the washer onto the axle using the tool (just to get it started on the axle); then hammer on the cap.
- Colorful character graphics included
- Sturdy plastic construction
- Grow with Me’ 3 position seat to fit your child’s growing needs
- Recommended weight limit of 70 lbs
- For ages 3 to 8 years
- Product Dimensions are 34.5″l x 21.3″w x 23.5″h
Radio Flyer Cyclone Ride-On
The Radio Flyer Cyclone Ride-On has a small bucket seat, close to the ground, and two big wheels on either side. You can see videos of kids whipping down the driveway, spinning and turning, skidding to a halt, and—best of all—keeping up with their siblings and friends across multiple kinds of difficult terrain.
Kids can sit on the bucket seat with their legs outstretched and two hands on either side of him, gripping the pedals that turn the two wheels. Because the toy’s center of gravity is so low to the ground, the child can go really fast and not worry about tipping over. And the toy can maneuver over grassy areas with ease.
You can go forward, reverse, or spin 360 degrees using arm powered action. The 16″ wheels offer a smooth ride. Features Solid steel frame, comfort handgrips to guide your ride and an ergonomic seat for a comfort ride.
- Recommended for ages 3-7 up to 70lbs.
- 16″ Wheels for a smooth ride
- Rear caster wheel
- Easy to assemble: You need a hammer, screwdriver, and wrench, takes about 5 minutes to set it up and get ready to ride.
Radio Flyer, Big Flyer Sport Trike
Radio Flyer, Big Flyer Sport Trike features a chopper style design. It features a 16″ Front Wheel and is designed for ages 3-7 years (Maximum weight capacity 65 lbs.). Its available in in Red and Pink colors.
The Big Flyer Sport Trike features an adjustable seat that will grow with your child and can be pedaled forwards as well as backwards. Big wheels ride-ons are designed to be low to the ground so its not going to hurt the baby if they fall from the tricycle.
- What we like: Reasonable cost, nice gifting option.
- What we dislike: Assembling takes time. Difficult to get traction on hardwood floor. The flag pole comes off often while the trike is in motion.
Although it says, its designed for ages 3-7 years, its a bit small in size and will be more comfortable for kids aged 3-5 years. It features chrome handlebars. Removable racing pennant for visibility and safety. It requires some assembling.
Overall, a nicely designed big wheel trike and is also reasonably priced.
Radio Flyer, Lights & Sounds Racer, Tricycle
Radio Flyer’s My First Big Flyer with Lights & Sounds features a 10-inch big front wheel and is designed for kids aged 2-5 years (weight capacity 49 lbs).
Unlike other model, this one has an electronic panel to turn on the various sounds, lights and play the different entertaining songs. It features turn signal lights. It works on AAA batteries.
7 interactive buttons with songs and sound. Traction Tread on front wheel. Adjustable seat. Made of sturdy plastic. Adult assembly is required.
Adult-Size Big Wheel
Big wheels are not just for kids, even adults can have some fun using these, and one such product is the High Roller Adult Size Big Wheel. Use them for open-road riding, skidding, and spinning.
- Steel frame and alloy rims
- Seat is adjustable.
- Pneumatic 26-inch front tire designed to support up to 275 pounds.
- 14-inch high-density polyethylene plastic wheels in the rear (five times thicker than the ones available on the kids version). These can be replaced easily if they wear out.
- The High Roller comes with a handlebar-operated V-brake.
Replacement Parts, Kit Assembly for Big Wheel
It’s common for ride-on toys to go through wear and tear, and certain parts may break or may require replacement.
The good thing is that its easy to find replacement parts such as wheel, axle, seat, and pedal for your big wheel ride-on toy.
FRONT WHEEL 16″ Diameter Replacement Parts Kit Assembly for The Original Big Wheel
If your little one is sad that the front wheel of his bike is broken, its now way to find a replacement; just buy one of these.
FRONT WHEEL replacement kit for the original Big Wheel.
BLACK FRONT WHEEL 16″ Diameter
A new pedal washer is Included
Parts Made in USA
Funtoyworld is a family-managed website with me (Ben), and my wife doing most of the work. We are proud parents of two wonderful kids and love reviewing toys. We have a firm but friendly “democratic parenting” style and offer several practical suggestions backed by extensive research. Our own experience with raising two children prompted us to share our knowledge. Read more.
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