Is there anything that represents growing up more than getting your first bike? Even further than that, the “removal of the training wheels” is the modern-day version of a coming of age ceremony (only a bit less tribal). Getting a bike means freedom, excitement, and learning how to deal with scraped knees – it’s essential to growing up.
With it representing such an important stage of development, you want to make sure you pick the right “vehicle” for the right purpose. You don’t want a full BMX with footpegs for your 3 year old boy, you want something that will grow with them. From bikes to scooters, we have compiled a list of the best options that your boy can get right now.
Look through what we have and grab something perfectly suited to your individual kid. Like most things, one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to your boy. Check out the list below and once you’re done, head on over to our more comprehensive list of cool, unique gifts for 3 year old boys here!
RoyalBaby Kids Bike
If you are looking for ultimate customizability, the RoyalBaby might be the perfect bike for you. This bike comes with a variety of options in almost every aspect of its construction. The wheel size is one of the most important options (we have the 14-inch displayed) to consider. The tire size mostly has to do with bike height, so consider your boy’s inseam when looking for the right size. The RoyalBaby also comes with removable training wheels, giving you a lot of options as your kid grows. What’s more, it also comes in seven different color schemes!
Kidzone Electric Ride Bumper Car
Want something for your boy that none of the other neighborhood kids have? The KidZone bumper car might be your best bet. While this definitely isn’t an official “bike,” you can be sure it will provide hours of fun. It’s a fully rechargeable bumper car that can spin 360 degrees and move around the floor with the onboard controls (or a parent with a joystick). It’s a fun introduction into the world of “moving without walking” for your little one. It is built with a plastic shell and a thick rubber ring on the bottom that prevents it from scratching the things it runs into. It’s super easy to use and there no assembly required (a parent’s dream come true).
Lascoota Kick Scooter
Scooters can be a bit tough to ride for three-year-olds. Enter: Lascoota. This company has made a toddler scooter perfectly designed for kids still working on their balance. While most scooters are built with two inline wheels, the Lascoota was designed with three wheels. This has the desired effect of making a stable vehicle that doesn’t require movement to keep upright. You can ride by placing one foot on the platform and pushing or installing a seat on the main handlebar. The scooter also features flashing wheels and a ton of different color options.
Strider Sport Balance Bike
The journey to riding a bike without training wheels is a complicated and difficult one. Thankfully, bikes like the Strider exist. The Strider is specifically designed to help nervous or wary bike-riders “get their feet under them”. It does that by literally getting their feet under them. Think of this bike as a “walker” with wheels. When a kid sits on the chair, they can reach the ground while holding onto the handlebars. With a few pushes from their own feet, they can control their own motion and speed without losing contact with the ground (the scary part for most kids).
Fisher-Price Harley-Davidson Tough Trike
With a name that’s been in the game for years, the Fisher-Price trike is one-of-a-kind. Trikes are like entry-level bikes for little kids. They help kids understand how to pedal, how to sit and steer, and how to fall with grace. If you plan on getting your 3 year old boy a bike in a few years, a trike is a good option to start with. What makes this trike special, however, is the branding. Motorcycles are usually the bane of any mother’s existence (especially involving their sons), but this one shouldn’t give any moms trouble. It’s just fun Harley-Davidson branding with an approachable form-factor.
Micro Kickboard
Yes, we’ve already provided an option for a three-wheeled scooter. The Micro Kickboard is a bit different, though. This scooter has three wheels, giving extra stability and ease to any little one trying to ride it. What makes this one, in particular, stand out from the crowd is its lean-to-steer feature. The handlebars turn the wheels, yes, but you also have to lean to carve around tight corners or sidewalks. When riding a two-wheeled bike or scooter, leaning to turn is essential. This scooter combines the stability of three wheels with the future practice of lean-to-steer.
Radio Flyer Deluxe Big Flyer
If you are looking for a “chopper-style” trike, the Radio Flyer is a good option. Chopper-style simply means that the front wheel is oversized, forcing the rider to lean back into their seat as they drive. Think of the old-school Green Machines but without those control levers. This trike features a 16-inch front wheel that has performance grip tread to help the tires catch traction. The seat is adjustable too, allowing it to grow as your kid does. This trike is intended for outdoor use, unlike others, so the plastic is tough and durable. You can be sure your boy will have hours of fun pedaling this around the driveway.
Little Tikes Cozy Coupe 30th Anniversary Car
Is a childhood really complete without a Little Tikes car? I didn’t think so. These classic red and yellow toys are about as iconic as things get, making them an essential buy for any little kid. This car features a removable floor so you can push your kid (it has a handle on the back), or as they get older, they can walk themselves around. It has a highbacked seat and a little section in the back for storage. You can place kids’ supplies in it, or you can just allow them to fill it with the dirtiest thing they can find (they always know where to find it too). The driver seat features an ignition switch and a gas lid that can be opened and closed.
Radio Flyer Convertible Stroller Wagon
Ok, ok, not everything on this list is for the kids. This wagon-stroller is a little something for the parents! Evening walks, trips to the beach, or pool days are literally 10x easier with a way to transport your kid AND your supplies, all with one item. This wagon stroller combo can be pushed with its built-in handlebar, or it can be pulled like a conventional wagon. It can carry up to 120 pounds, plenty of capacity for a 3 year old boy and a bunch of pool food. For those extra-squirmy kids, this stroller features a 5 point harness and a UV canopy. When you are done pushing and pulling for the day, simply fold it away and store it for next time!
Razor RipRider 360 Caster Trike
While we’ve talked about a few trikes so far, the Razor RipRider is a special one. This trike’s special feature is its two 360 degree wheels attached to the back. Since these wheels can swivel on command, a quick jerk of the steering wheel can send any toddler careening in circles down the road, screaming in laughter the whole way. The frame is welded steel and made to last. The handlebars are coated in extra-grip rubber, and the front wheel is high-impact (designed to take some abuse). With the entire thing being made of steel and rubber, you can be sure this trike will last and provide hours of spinning fun.
Schwinn Roadster Tricycle
This retro-style trike is a classy spin on a toy that every kid needs. The Schwinn trike has all the trimmings to make you think it came out of an 80’s catalog while still providing the ultimate purpose that all trikes have – provide hours of riding fun. This trike features a sturdy steel frame and a low center of gravity (ideal for kids). The rear deck is genuine wood and the chrome fenders create a truly retro look. To complete the old-school vibes, the mustache handlebars even feature tassels that stream out as you pick up speed! If you needed any more reason to get this trike, it offers a limited lifetime warranty.
Banana LT Balance Bike
Our second balance bike on the list, the Banana has a few features that make it special. Firstly is the banana-shaped bar that gives the bike its name. Across the bottom of the bike runs the main frame. It’s designed to optimize the lowest center of gravity possible, resulting in a curved (banana) frame. This model is extremely lightweight (easier to hold straight) and perfect for toddlers and kids who are almost ready to start on their first bikes but need a bit more work. The tires are puncture-proof and come with improved traction over the previous version. This bike grows with your kids and can be adjusted as they get older.
Little Tikes Cozy Truck
Look, we get it, not every kid is meant to ride in a domed, red and yellow, foot-powered buggy. If your kid isn’t interested in anything that isn’t monster-truck-related, we have just the thing! Little Tikes makes an alternate version of their car called the Cozy Truck! This truck has a lot of the same features as the other one, it just looks a lot more rugged. This version offers a drop-down tailgate as well as the same removable floorboard (for pushing or self-powered movement). The wheels are chunky and look “off-road,” and the removable gas cap is still present. The driver’s door opens and closes, and the design comes with decals for the headlights, dash, and bumpers.
JOYSTAR Totem Kids Bike with Training Wheels
There is always that one neighborhood kid that can ride a bike without training wheels at the age of three. This bike is for the parent of that kid! The Totem bike is a small and simple bike that doesn’t skimp on the essentials. It’s crafted with a durable steel frame and is offered in five different color options. It is designed to grow with your child and features a height-adjustable seat and the option to remove the training wheels that come installed. To keep things safe, the Totem also features a chain guard to keep little fingers out. Once your toddler gets the basics of riding with the training wheels, simply pop them off and let them after it!
Aluminum Balance Bike
We have three balance bikes on the list for a reason – they help your kid to learn how to ride sooner! This aluminum bike is sturdy, lightweight, and looks awesome. Coming in at only 4 lbs, your kid will be able to walk it around the house or street and keep it upright without an issue. The seat is designed to sit super low, ensuring a low center of gravity and easy riding. With the foam-core wheels, you can take this bike indoors or outdoors and on nearly any terrain. As the tires wear down, they won’t lose traction, either. Since this bike is designed for toddlers, the seat can be adjusted as they grow (and grow they do!). It comes in four separate colors and is a great way to get your kid learning about balance and bike-riding!