Save your money at the Chiropractors
Apr 16 '00
Last September was my daughter's 2nd birthday. Her present from us was a long handled tricycle, the Kettrike Kalypso made by Kettler. Being that this would be her first tricycle it had to be one that she could enjoy now and next summer. We live in a neighborhood with no sidewalks. Our driveway is on a steep slope. I would most likely have to teach her to ride on the side of our semi-busy street. I've never claimed that she was a coordinated child, unless it was in reference to her clothes.<g> That is why I chose a tricycle with a handle.
There are many tricycles with handles that protrude from the back of the seat for an adult to push. Kettler offers tricycles in different sizes. The model I chose was the smallest model; however, the adjustable seat would grow with her.
Features
It is ~22" in length, front tire to back tire. The seat sits 9.5" from the ground. The removable, metal handle allows my husband or I to push in comfort. The three position handle can be adjusted from 37.5" to 39.5" in height. The handle end protrudes 20" from the back of the rear tires. The easy to grip handle end is made of black squishy plastic. The non-spoke metal wheels have durable plastic tires. The steel frame is painted in a primary green color. The textured plastic foot rest between the two rear tires allows for another small child to enjoy a piggy back ride. Nice touch for when my twins get older. The molded, plastic, purple seat has a high back and small opening slot for a child to hold onto. The handle bars have plastic yellow handles on the end. The yellow pedals are fully rotating. Sadly this trike has no rear or front tire brakes.
My daughter's tricycling experience
Keep in mind we are using this on our street. If we didn't have the handle she would have only been able to use this on a biking trail. Not an easy option for us with the twins. Last fall she had difficulty with both pedaling and steering. The handle allowed us to help her without breaking our backs and to keep her safe from oncoming traffic. I would push the twins in their stroller while my husband "pushed" her in the tricycle. Still she enjoyed her new trike. This spring she can now pedal but has trouble steering. We still use the handle for safety issues.
As for recommending a long handled tricycle to another, I would have to say it depends. Ask yourself the following questions:
* How coordinated is your child? I would suggest taking your child to the store with you. See how well they do on the tricycle. Or better yet borrow one from a friend for a couple of days to see how well they do with pedaling and steering. If they require a lot of assistance then a long handle may be worth your while.
* Where will your child be riding. If it is on the street or a public park, the handle will provide safety for your child and comfort for you.
* Do you have younger children? You may want to take into consideration that they too will use this trike one day.
Then you will want to consider price. I paid almost $100 on my daughter's tricycle. That's a lot more than what other tricycles cost. I believe that there are other long handled tricycles that are cheaper. I believe that I bought a quality tricycle that will outlast my three daughters.
What to look for if you decide to get a long handled tricycle
* Brakes * Some come with rear brakes operated by a lever located on the side of seat. Nice option for when the child no longer needs your help to stop them.
* Seat Belt * Nice option if you child wants to be pushed. I think this feature is not necessary. The child should have the freedom to get in and out on their own.
* Handle Height and Length * If two adults will be using this make sure both can use it comfortably. My husband is over 6 feet tall and I am only 5'3". I needed a handle that would be short enough for me to push and long enough away so that my husband's feet wouldn't hit the back of the tricycle.
* Tricycle Size * If you are going to spend a lot of money then it should last long enough for your child to learn how to pedal and steer. Can the seats adjusts to accommodate growing legs? Can their feet reach the pedals?
Getting a long handled tricycle is a decision that I have never regretted. Kisses to the person who thought of this idea!
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Epinions.com ID:
wavesandshells
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Member: Wendy
Location: Happy Valley, PA
Reviews written: 62
Trusted by: 137 members
About Me:
Hey Mom, how many last nerves do you have?
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