When choosing a ride-on for your toddler, it can feel overwhelming with so many different options on the market, especially when it will be your little one's first experience riding on three wheels.
The Banwood Trike is one of the most aesthetically pleasing kids' brands we've ever encountered, but are the trikes, scooters, and balance bikes worth the slightly higher price tag? Even though they all look incredible, does the ride experience match the look? Mother&Baby's Digital Writer Hannah Mellin puts the Banwood Trike through its paces with her daredevil two-year-old, who loves scooting around in and on ride-on toys.
Mother&Babybanwood.co.uk
Pros
- It looks aesthetically pleasing
- Has a broader age range than other trikes
- Good quality materials
- Will last a long time
- Includes a basket and bell
Cons
- A little heavier than some trikes out there
| Age suitability: | 2-6 years |
| Weight: | 5kg |
| Materials: | Frame: Steel with a colored finish<br>Seat: Oak wood with soft padding in vegan leather<br>Tyres: Rubber<br>Grips: Vegan leather <br>Pedals: Oak wood |
| Seat height: | 30 cm |
- Adjustable handlebar height
- Includes a wicker basket and safety bell
Mother&Babybanwood.co.uk
Pros
- BPA and BPF free
- Protective inner foam lining
- Dial adjustment
- CE marked
- Adjustable chin strap
- Classic old school style
Cons
- The helmet can be damaged by contact with common substances cleaners
| Age suitability: | 48-52 cm (for 3-7 years old) |
| Cleaning: | Wipe clean only |
| Weight: | 360-380g |
- Durable ABS shell
- Adjustable helmet and chin strap
- CE marked
- Front, top and back ventilation
Testing the Banwood Trike
As a huge fan of anything pretty and vintage-looking, I've had my eye on Banwood's trike since my little boy was a baby. Our Banwood Trike and matching helmet is a striking forest green (there are loads of beautiful colours available). It looks amazing and is also easy for children to use and is perfect as their first introduction to riding a bike. This vintage-looking trike and matching helmet, complete with an adorable wicker basket and bell, are suitable for kids starting from two years old.
Build
As soon as we got the trike out of the box, we could see how well-made it was. In fact, my bike-obsessed partner was absolutely obsessed by the look and feel and couldn't wait to build it.
Even though my partner is skilled in building bikes, it was a little tricky, but well worth it. You really had to use some force to attach the wheel locking nuts, but this made it incredibly sturdy and well worth the work out. Building the rest of the trike was really simple and the instructions were incredibly clear. It also comes with a softly padded oak seat, durable rubber wheels, vegan leather details, wooden oak pedals, and a cute wicker basket in front that he couldn't wait to fill with his favourite toys.
I love the overall look of the trike; it comes with a lot more additional features (the basket and the bell) than other ride-on trikes and is bigger, so you don't have to worry about them growing out of it too quickly.
The matching Banwood helmet is an additional buy, but I love that it is in the exact shade as the trike in the signature classic style. It has a durable hard-shell made from ABS plastic and is lined with a soft inner foam that makes sure the helmet fits comfortably on your little one's head. My two-year-old hates hats most days, but he did allow us to put it on for him, and it looked comfortable enough on his head. It is also adjustable, with a dial fit system in the back that helps to secure a safe fitting for your toddler. This helmet is also an ideal buy if you have another bike or scooter in mind for your child.
Performance
The Banwood trike definitely feels more like a trike or bike than other ride-ons out there, which can be a negative if you want something simple without pedals getting in the way. My two-year-old adored sitting on it, playing with the handlebars and pushing along with his feet at first and I know using the pedals will come with time. He loves to be pushed around on it, but I would say that it can be a little tricky as there is only the seat and handlebars to hold onto.
I do love that when he grows, he can be in charge of steering the bike himself (something that you may need to keep an eye on to prevent any accidents from happening!) The only downside on how well it performs is the weight of the trike, as it weighs 5kg and doesn't fold down so if you're taking it to the park be prepared to be lumbered with carrying it around - but at least you'll look the part as it is so pretty and we got so many compliments when we took it out and about with us.
Final Verdict
Overall, the Banwood Balance Trike ticks so many boxes as a parent, as well as ticking so many more for toddlers. I loved the design, style and it a great way for little ones to get physical exercise, release all that energy and develop spatial awareness.
The Banwood Trike is suitable for children from two to six years, although I would say it would suit ages three to five a little more and will see them through until they can try a balance bike. Even though my little boy, who is tall for his age, loved sitting and scooting around, the trike did feel a little big for him at times, especially as when we first got it; his feet couldn't really reach the pedals. He soon grew into it, though, and the size is great for the big age range that covers the use of the trike. The matching helmet is vital to combat all the potential bumps and is easily adjustable. My final verdict, though, is that I can't wait to watch him grow with this trike and to have it in my family for years and years to come. It definitely looks and feels like it is built to last.
About the author
Hannah Mellin is a Digital Writer at Mother & Baby. She is a mama to a nearly two year old little boy and is is navigating her way through first-time parenthood, every developmental leap at a time. She is up for trying anything and everything to make mums feel less anxious and overwhelmed. She is passionate about nature, body positivity and children's mental health.