Schwinn S1293TR Kids Bike Review
Our verdict
A solid entry-level toddler bike from a trusted brand, the Schwinn S1293TR earns its 4.3-star rating across 3,200 reviews by keeping things simple with a coaster brake and a manageable single-speed setup. At $139.99 it sits in the mid-range for 12-inch bikes, which is fair for the Schwinn name.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Toddlers ages 1 to 4 who are just starting out on their first pedal bike and need a simple, low-maintenance setup.
Skip if
Your child is taller than average for this age group or you want a hand brake option for earlier brake-lever practice.
- Bike type Kids Bike
- Wheel size 12.0 in
- Frame material Metal
- Frame size 12-Inch Wheels
- Speeds 1
- Brakes Pedal/Coaster Brakes
- Wheel size of 12.0 in - smaller than 81% of the 83 models we track
- Weight of 23.67 lb - heavier than 71% of the 83 models we track
- Min rider height of 28.0 in - lower than 98% of the 83 models we track
Our scorecard
-
Owner rating4.3/5
4.3 average across 3,200 owner ratings
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Popularity4.7/5
3,200 owner reviews, more than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other mountain, road, electric, cruiser, folding, hybrid and kids' bicycles we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
['The Schwinn S1293TR is built around a 12-inch wheel size and a metal frame, aimed squarely at the youngest riders. The bike requires a minimum rider height of 28 inches, which puts it in reach of most toddlers who have already mastered walking with confidence. The coaster brake means kids stop by pedaling backward, removing the hand coordination demand that can frustrate young beginners.', 'With a single speed and a rigid frame, there is nothing on this bike to adjust or break beyond the basics. The alloy steel wheels and vinyl seat keep weight at 23.67 pounds, which is on the heavier side for a 12-inch toddler bike. Parents should be ready to lift it in and out of vehicles fairly often at this age.', 'Schwinn has been making entry bikes for decades, and the S1293TR reflects that experience in its straightforward spec list. The pink colorway is a direct appeal to the youngest riders who care about aesthetics. Assembly is typically the main friction point buyers mention, but it is a one-time task.']
Pros
- Trusted Schwinn brand with strong 4.3-star rating from 3,200 buyers
- Coaster brake is intuitive for toddlers who have not developed hand-brake coordination yet
- Single-speed drivetrain means zero shifting to learn or maintain
- Rigid frame keeps the design simple and durable for rough early use
- Minimum height of 28 inches fits a wide range of toddler sizes
Cons
- At 23.67 lb it is heavy for a 12-inch bike, which can make it harder for small riders to maneuver
- No hand brake option limits transition practice for kids who will move to hand brakes on the next bike
- Price of $139.99 is a step above the cheapest 12-inch options on the market
Specifications
| Bike type | Kids Bike |
|---|---|
| Wheel size | 12.0 in |
| Frame material | Metal |
| Frame size | 12-Inch Wheels |
| Speeds | 1 |
| Brakes | Pedal/Coaster Brakes |
| Suspension | Rigid |
| Drivetrain | Single-Speed |
| Wheel material | Alloy Steel |
| Seat | Vinyl |
| Color | Pink |
| Weight | 23.67 lb |
| Min rider height | 28.0 in |
| Age range | 1-4 Years Old |
| Skill level | Beginner |
| Power | Pedal Power |
Performance notes
12-inch alloy steel wheels, metal frame, and a single-speed coaster brake drivetrain. Minimum rider height is 28 inches. Bike weighs 23.67 lb. Rigid suspension keeps maintenance minimal. No speeds to shift and no hand brake levers.
What buyers say
With 3,200 ratings and a 4.3-star average, the S1293TR has a broad, mostly positive track record. Common praise centers on ease of use for first-time riders. A recurring concern in negative reviews is the weight and occasional assembly complexity, but those complaints are a small fraction of the overall feedback.
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Frequently asked questions
What age is the Schwinn S1293TR designed for?
Schwinn lists this bike for children ages 1 to 4. The 28-inch minimum height requirement means most toddlers who are confidently walking and have some basic balance can get started. As with any small bike, height and inseam matter more than age, so check your child's measurements before buying.
Does the S1293TR come with training wheels?
The product specifications do not list training wheels as an included accessory. Parents of the youngest riders in the 1-to-4 age range often start with a balance bike first or add aftermarket training wheels. Confirm current package contents on the listing before purchasing.
Is the coaster brake safe for a toddler?
Coaster brakes are a common choice for beginner toddler bikes because braking by pedaling backward is easier to learn than squeezing a hand lever. The S1293TR uses only a coaster brake, which is a reasonable setup for this age group. As kids grow and move to larger bikes, they will need to learn hand brakes, so that transition is something to plan for.