Find the Best Tricycle For Every Age

 Tricycles are not just for kids; they are for everybody. In 2025, it doesn’t matter whether you are 8 or 83; there is a tricycle designed specifically for the challenges, riding needs, and overall preferences of people in your age group.

With this tricycle age chart, you will be able to tell what kind of tricycle is best for your kid(s), yourself, or an elderly person.

Complete Tricycle Age Chart

Notes Before Buying

• Height and inseam matter more than age alone. Always check size guides before purchasing.
• Adult trikes are also suitable for teens and young adults with balance or coordination issues.
• Electric trikes become more common from the teen years into adulthood, especially for mobility, errands, or commuting.

1. Best Tricycles For Children (Ages 1-12)

Usually, it takes until about 3-4 years old for a child to begin riding a tricycle on their own. However, as early as 1 year old, you can sit them on an infant push tricycle to get them familiar with the posture and feeling of a tricycle. In addition to being a good way to move the kid around, it helps with later transitioning them to toddler tricycles. 

i. For 1-2 Olds: Infant Push Tricycles (with Parent Handle)

At age 1-2 years, a toddler has not developed the coordination needed to pedal or steer on their own, so it is advisable to get them an infant push tricycle . These are good for 1-2-year-olds because:

ii. For 2-3 Year Olds: Toddler Tricycles (Foot-to-Floor or Pedal-Assisted)

For kids at 2-3 years old, who are usually just starting to develop leg strength and coordination, toddler tricycles are a great choice. They focus on muscle development, are great for early pedalling practice, and teach them a measure of independence without compromising safety.

iii. For 3-4 Years: Preschool Tricycles

Usually, a preschool child of about 3-4 years old is able to pedal consistently and is more aware of how to steer, which is why preschool tricycles are ideal for them. Here’s why these tiny tricycles work for preschoolers

They are simple, sturdy, and sized right, with wide tires for stability and minimal parts to distract.

iv. For 4-5 Year Olds: Transitional Trikes / Balance Trikes

For kids between 4 and 5 years, you want a transitional bike or a balance trike . Children this age may start preparing for two-wheelers or balance bikes, and transitional tricycles are great because they offer removable pedals or training wheels to ease the transition.

v. For 5-7 Year Olds: Larger Kids’ or Recumbent Trikes

Bigger kids need more durable, slightly more advanced models. Some tricycles in this range offer hand brakes, gears, or recumbent seating to increase comfort and fun.
These bikes often resemble mini-versions of adult trikes and give kids a more grown-up feel.

vi. For 8-12 Year Olds: Junior or Adaptive Tricycles

At ages between 8 and 12 years old, kids are typically confident riders, but if your child suffers from some kind of physical or cognitive challenge that precludes them from riding a regular bike, they may still benefit from the three-wheel stability of an adaptive tricycle.

Adaptive tricycles typically include custom supports, extra-wide wheels, and gearing for easier pedaling, and they are a safer, more practical option for kids who may not be able to ride regular two-wheel bikes.

Others just want the fun and speed of a solid trike for recreational riding.

2. Best Tricycles for Young Adults (13-30 Years Old)

vi. 13-30 Years Old: Smaller Frame Tricycles

From age 13 to about 17, the average teenager would prefer a regular bicycle over a tricycle. However, teenagers at this age are always looking for unique experiences and would hardly turn down anything that looks like fun. Hence, there are a number of tricycle options that may be attractive to them. Consider the following options:

• Drift trikes
• Recumbent Tricycles
• Smaller-frame electric tricycles.

For teens within this age group who may suffer from mobility challenges, consider regular adult tricycles, preferably adaptive tricycles or other models built with special features to accommodate the riding needs of physically or mentally challenged children.

Consider the Viribus 16-inch Folding Electric Tricycle

For a younger adult, you want a tricycle that is small enough and, most importantly, looks like fun. This 16-inch folding e-trike is small, compact, and practical for errands, adventures, and daily commutes. The dual-seat design carries kids or cargo (55 lb. capacity), while safety features like disc brakes and brake lights ensure confident riding. 

At a top speed of 9 mph, it is strong but safer for younger riders at this age.

3. Best Adult Tricycles for Middle-Aged Adults (30-59 Years) 

For adults between 30-59 years old, consider upright tricycles, Cargo tricycles, folding tricycles, or electric adult tricycles. When it comes to adult tricycles, adult riders tend to have varying preferences and needs depending on their age: 

• Adults (40-59) might want a comfortable adult tricycle for relaxed riding.
• Adult women might prefer adult tricycles with baskets .
• Some might prefer cargo trikes for hauling gear or groceries.

In general, adults of working age (18-59) would choose what tricycle is best based on utility, transportation, fitness, or lifestyle needs and preferences.

Recommended Bike for Adults 30-59 Years Old

The SC5 Fat Tire Electric Tricycle is an ideal fat tire electric tricycle for energetic, thrill-seeking young adult riders. It comes with a peak 750 motor and can reach a top speed of 20 mph. The 20×3-inch tires are durable, strong, and feature a granular thread design to provide strong traction and excellent cornering even in challenging terrain.  

At PAS Level 5 (20mph), you can ride this tricycle for 24 miles without charging, while overcoming slopes (up to 25 degrees). You also get a capable suspension system and a wide, comfortable seat to provide cushioning, no matter how bumpy the road is.

4. Best Adult Tricycles for the Elderly (60+ Years)

For older adults beyond 60 years old, consider Step-through or electric tricycles with especially incorporated comfort features like wide padded saddles, adjustable handlebars, and a good front and back suspension system.

The best adult tricycles for elderly riders feature low step-over frames, wide padded seats, and rear suspension that reduce strain and promote comfort.

• Electric tricycles provide motorized support to eliminate fatigue and increase range, especially for seniors with joint or heart conditions.
• Folding adult tricycles provide safe, independent mobility, whether for exercise, errands, or leisure.

Seniors (60+ years and above), the main priority for choosing an adult tricycle should be comfort, ease of use, safety features, and restoring independence. 

Recommended Adult Tricycle for Elderly Riders

Viribus’ TG1 Electric Tricycles for adults are specially designed for elderly riders, especially those about 60 and older. They come in a safety-first design with additional features to boost riders’ comfort and provide a less physically demanding ride.

Consider the Viribus TG1 Pro, which is the second adult tricycle in the collection and the middle-of-the-road option:

• A 350W motor, reaching a sufficient but safe top speed of 15 mph.
• A 36V 13 Ah battery for longer rides (up to 37 miles per charge).
• The frame is low and step-through for elders to easily mount and unmount. 
• 5 pedal assist levels to match the riding rhythm and preferences of all older riders.
• Dual mechanical disc brakes and a 7-speed gearing system for quick and responsive braking.

The purpose and design of this adult tricycle is to provide enough fun for adult riders, without compromising their safety or comfort. This is what makes the TG1 Pro, like all the other bikes in the TG1 Series, perfect for elderly riders.

Conclusion

Consulting a tricycle age chart is an efficient way to quickly determine what kind of tricycle best suits you based on your age and riding preferences. However, the adult tricycle chart is just the first step. Look through the features of individual tricycles to see which best fits your budget and your personal preferences. 

With incredible guidelines and a large collection of adult tricycles, you can always find your best adult tricycles at Viribus for a price that will not break the bank.

For more options, here are 5 affordable tricycles under $1,000 from Viribus

As a self-proclaimed bicycle fanatic, I’m James Carter, and I’ve been riding and racing bikes for over 20 years. Sunshine California is where I was born and raised. Now I live in Boulder, Colorado. I know a lot about designing and fixing bikes, and I’ve written for a few well-known bicycle magazines. I want to use easy language to explain complicated technology so that everyone can enjoy riding a bike.