Most of what they develop, Schlegel notes, were not even wagons; the company’s tricycles are its biggest sellers these days. In a corner, several large lumps sit beneath black tarps, prototypes that are not for a stranger’s eyes. On a window ledge sits a wagon redesigned to resemble an old-school Soap Box Derby car. It’s very cool, and it will never get made, because the company decided that it would never sell.
The Radio Flyer Big Red Classic ATW was our best overall selection, based on its rigorous safety testing and all-terrain use. Plenty of storage for beach blankets, picnic lunches, beach balls, etc.
Large mesh panels along the sides allow plenty of ventilation. The Veer Cruiser can carry two kiddos weighing up to 55 pounds each. Seats are contoured with venting on the backs, one-touch foot braking offers parental peace of mind, and the wagon folds up into itself for optimal storage. The Step2 Wagon for 2 Plus can carry up to 75 pounds and is easy to keep clean with sanitizing wipes or soap and water. We researched kid wagons from top brands and retailers, considering size, structure, and durability, as well as any extra features each model offers.
Radio Flyer is engineered with safety and simplicity, and these tricycle and bike options all deliver a great first or second bicycle experience for little cyclers. In 1930, Liberty Coaster changed its name to the Radio Steel & Manufacturing Company. This new name made note of both the new metal technology and the popular Radio Flyer model. The rattle’s legs can break off, posing a choking hazard to young children. Maya Wei-Haas is the assistant editor for science and innovation at Smithsonian.com.
Working in Chicago as a manual laborer, Pasin bought used woodworking equipment and set up shop in a rented room. Building little red wagons at night and peddling them during the day, he saved enough money to found the Liberty Coaster Company in 1923, naming it after the statue he had admired in New York Harbor. In 1930, he began mass-producing the toys out of stamped metal. He called his new wagon the “Radio Flyer,” another patriotic reference to his homeland, this one after a famous Italian invention, the radio. Intended “for every girl and boy,” the wagons sold for less than $3 each.
Soon, the Liberty Coaster MFG Co. was also producing tricycles, scooters and other kid vehicles—a tiny fraction of which have stood the test of time. Designed for Starlight by Radio Flyer, the Hero Wagon has an IV pole radio flyer wagon attachment, making it easier for all patients to enjoy a wagon ride. Plus, each wagon features seat belts for safety, smooth surfaces, and durable fabric that is easily sanitized by hospital staff between each use.