Radio Flyer 489Z Tricycle Review
Our verdict
The Radio Flyer 489Z is a stroller tricycle priced at $153.85 with a 4.6-star rating from 1,100 reviewers. It is the heaviest and most expensive of the standard Radio Flyer toddler tricycles in this group, suggesting a more feature-rich build aimed at parents willing to pay for extra functionality.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Parents who want a premium stroller-tricycle hybrid for a child starting at 12 months and lasting through age 5, with a build quality that justifies the higher price.
Skip if
You are on a tighter budget, your child is already past the toddler stroller stage, or the 19.8 lb weight is a concern for frequent transport or storage.
- Bike type Stroller Tricycle
- Weight 19.8 lb
- Age range 1-5 Years
- Priced 28% above the category median ($119.95 across 23 tracked models)
- Weight of 19.8 lb - heavier than 81% of the 24 models we track
Our scorecard
-
Owner rating4.6/5
4.6 average across 1,100 owner ratings
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Popularity3.1/5
1,100 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 Radio Flyer 489Z is classified as a stroller tricycle and targets the 1 to 5 year age range, aligning it with products like the 481PZ in overall concept. The key differences appear to be weight and price. At 19.8 lb it is the heaviest tricycle in this eight-product group, and at $153.85 it commands a notably higher price than the basic Radio Flyer options.
That combination of higher weight and higher price typically signals additional frame construction, more padded or supportive seating, a more robust parent push handle, or added safety features compared to simpler stroller-trike hybrids. Buyers comparing this to the 481PZ at $109.99 should look carefully at what the extra $44 buys before committing.
With 1,100 reviews and a 4.6-star rating, the 489Z has a strong satisfaction score though with less buyer history than Radio Flyer's most reviewed models. The smaller review pool means the rating is still meaningful but slightly less statistically settled than products with 10,000-plus reviews.
Pros
- 4.6-star rating from 1,100 reviewers reflects strong buyer satisfaction for this more premium option
- Stroller-tricycle design covers ages 1 through 5, providing multi-year usable life
- Radio Flyer brand support and quality reputation back the premium price point
- Heavier 19.8 lb build may indicate more robust frame construction and padding
Cons
- At 19.8 lb it is the heaviest tricycle in this group, which matters for frequent transport
- At $153.85 it is among the most expensive standard toddler tricycles here
- Fewer than 1,100 reviews means less statistical confidence in the rating versus higher-reviewed alternatives
- Wheel size, weight capacity, and brake details are not published in the listing
Specifications
| Bike type | Stroller Tricycle |
|---|---|
| Weight | 19.8 lb |
| Age range | 1-5 Years |
Performance notes
The 19.8 lb weight is the standout figure here. No frame material, wheel dimensions, brake mechanism, or seat details are listed. The stroller tricycle designation implies a parent push handle and seat recline or support features in early configuration, transitioning to independent pedaling as the child develops. Age range of 1 to 5 years matches the 481PZ but at a higher weight and cost.
What buyers say
The 4.6-star rating from just over 1,100 reviewers is positive but the sample size is modest compared to Radio Flyer's flagship models. Sentiment leans strongly favorable, with buyers likely drawn to the sturdier feel and premium positioning. A smaller review pool means individual outlier reviews have more impact on the average than they would with 10,000-plus reviews.
More from Radio Flyer
Similar mountain, road, electric, cruiser, folding, hybrid and kids' bicycles to consider
Frequently asked questions
What makes the Radio Flyer 489Z different from the 481PZ?
Both are stroller tricycles targeting ages 1 through 5, but the 489Z weighs 19.8 lb versus 16 lb for the 481PZ and costs $153.85 versus $109.99. The higher weight and price of the 489Z suggest additional features, more robust construction, or a different seat or frame design. Review the current product listings side by side to compare specific included features before deciding.
Is the Radio Flyer 489Z too heavy for a 1-year-old to ride?
At age 1, the child is not expected to pedal or steer independently. The parent push handle is the primary mode of use in the early stage, so the weight of the trike affects the parent pushing it rather than the child riding it. For a parent pushing 19.8 lb plus the child's weight, this is noticeably heavier than a standard stroller. Factor in your own physical comfort when making the decision.