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Toddler sitting on SmarTrike Xtend Ride-on

SmarTrike Xtend Ride-on Review

May 30, 2024

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SmarTrike Xtend Ride-on Review : From twelve months to twelve years? Yes, you read that correctly, from twelve months to twelve years!

At Parenting Expert, we recognise how quickly expenses can pile up when trying to ensure your kids are happy, entertained, and well taken care of. Whether it’s buying new scooters, tricycles, or skateboards over the years, those costs can significantly impact your budget. Without careful planning, we know that it’s easy to overspend on a variety of toys and activities for your children.

Fortunately, SmarTrike offers a solution that can help ease some of the financial strain while providing hours of enjoyment for your little ones. This innovative product is designed to grow with your child. Offering a versatile and long-lasting option that could remain a family favourite for up to twelve years. By choosing SmarTrike, you can reduce the need for frequent toy purchases. Giving you a more budget-friendly and sustainable way to keep your children entertained and engaged throughout their early years.

The Basics

RRP

● £129

What’s in the box?

● Instructions
● Everything that’s needed to build the SmarTrike.

Xtend Ride-On by SmarTrike review

First Impressions

One of first things that caught our eye wasn’t just the vibrant and eye-catching design but the fact that this will see them right through their childhood. This three-in-one trike, scooter and ride-on really does suggest that it is the ultimate kids toy. However, we wanted to see whether this was all a bit of a gimmick and whether it would work effectively at all stages.

Our first impressions were very positive. It was obvious from the moment that we opened the box that this product was well made and was finished to a high quality.

Putting the SmarTrike Xtend together

The box’s considerable weight is a good sign that this product is built to last and not just a flimsy toy. Despite having several components, the SmarTrike comes with clear, numbered instructions. These included detailed illustrations, making it relatively straightforward to assemble, especially with the provided tools. This tricycle features large, chunky wheels with LED lights as well as a spacious storage compartment under the seat. It has a large button that makes folding it for storage or transport a breeze. While the initial assembly might require a bit of effort, it’s not a dealbreaker by any means.

The SmarTrike Xtend is a versatile convertible tricycle designed to grow with your child through various stages of their development. It will last right up to the age of 12! With five distinct stages, this tricycle/scooter can be used from as early as 12 months, allowing for years of fun and adventure. If you’re looking for a long-lasting, adaptable option for your little one, the SmarTrike Xtend is definitely worth considering.

Parent-Mode (12 months +)

This is the first stage, and we believe a 12-month-old child would need to have good core stability to get the most out of it. Twelve months might be a bit young, so you might want to use this stage only for short periods of time. A great feature is the handle at the back, which allows parents to maintain full control while giving their little one the feeling that they’re ‘driving’. We did find that the handle could be a bit tricky to lock into place, but once it’s secure, it works without any problems.

The seat is designed to be wide for additional stability, which is crucial when using this stage with a 12-month-old. If a child falls off during the early days, it can knock their confidence, so having a stable seat is key. While the tricycle in this mode can be a bit challenging to steer. It’s manageable as long as you’re not navigating a winding path or making sharp turns. Overall, it’s a solid start, but you might want to keep an eye on how your child adapts to it at this stage.

Ride-on Mode (2 years +)

Transitioning from parent-assisted mode to a more independent setup with the SmarTrike Xtend is a fantastic way to boost your toddler’s confidence and sense of autonomy. If they’ve been accustomed to the parent-controlled version, the switch to self-guided mode is a natural progression. The SmarTrike Xtend’s wide base provides excellent stability. This is crucial for toddlers as they gain confidence in their riding skills. This solid foundation allows them to focus on exploring and enjoying the ride without worrying about balance.

Another feature toddlers will enjoy is the storage compartment located under the seat. We loved this addition! It’s the perfect size for them to stash their favourite toys, snacks, or other small treasures. This adds an extra layer of excitement and ownership over their tricycle. This additional space can make each ride an adventure as they bring along their most cherished items.

Scooter-Mode (3 years +)

Once your child has become comfortable with the ride-on modes, it’s time for them to take the next step and move on to a “real” scooter. This transition can be an exciting milestone. However, it may require some perseverance as children work on building the coordination and balance needed to ride a scooter with confidence. It might take some time and practice, but the effort is well worth it.

Fortunately, the SmarTrike’s wheels are designed with smooth movement in mind, offering a fluid glide that makes it easier for children to get the hang of scootering. This smoothness can give them a sense of accomplishment early on, encouraging them to keep practicing. With these wheels, they can experience success quickly, which can boost their confidence and motivate them to keep trying. We were very impressed with the wheels!

The handle easily folds for transportation – an element that we approved of. It made fitting it in the boot really easy!

Scooter-Mode Xtend

There is the ability to extend the back of the scooter – a useful addition to allow older children more room for their feet. This really did impress us as it adds such longevity to the scooter!

As children become more adept at scootering, they’ll start to feel the rush of independence and speed, which can be a thrilling experience. The transition from ride-on modes to a real scooter marks a significant step in their development. Leading to countless hours of outdoor fun and adventure. With the SmarTrike, you can be sure that your child has a reliable and supportive start to their scootering journey.

Conclusion

Overall, the SmarTrike Xtend is in a league of its own, standing far above any competitors in terms of quality and versatility. It truly excels in every aspect, making it a clear choice when considering value for money and cost per use. With its durable construction, the Xtend is built to last through years of wear and tear, offering your child a reliable ride that can keep up with their growth and development.

One of the standout features is the LED wheels, which light up as they spin. This not only adds a fun visual element that can brighten even the gloomiest of days. This also enhances safety, especially in low-light conditions. The glowing wheels can make your child more visible, providing an added layer of security during those early evening playtimes or rainy afternoons.

Beyond the aesthetic appeal, the SmarTrike Xtend encourages confidence and spatial awareness in young children. As they learn to navigate and steer, they also engage in interactive play, whether it’s with friends or family. This tricycle encourages active outdoor time, helping children build essential motor skills while having a blast.

With its unique combination of durability, safety, and fun, the SmarTrike Xtend is more than just a tricycle—it’s an investment in your child’s growth, development, and enjoyment. It’s a product that delivers on its promises, making it a top choice for parents looking for a long-lasting and entertaining ride-on toy.

Parenting Expert highly recommends the SmarTrike Xtend for those families seeking quality, durability, and a touch fun! We give the SmarTrike Xtend a well-deserved 10 out of 10 stars.