A tricycle that knows no age barrier

Even big kids can ride tricycles -- if those trikes are cool, of course. Huffy’s new Green Machine is targeted at boys and girls ages 8 to 14 or even adults, provided they weigh 180 pounds or less. The Green Machine (aptly named for its screaming lime green color) has a steel frame and rides low to the ground, with a big front wheel and two wide back wheels. It has as adjustable seat and steers with two joysticks. The joysticks allow users to do spinouts, so the company recommends wearing a helmet and other safety gear, such as elbow and knee pads.

Huffy Green Machine: Riding trikes can be a good form of exercise for kids, says Dr. Jordan Metzl, medical director of the Sports Medicine Institute for Youth Athletes at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City. He cautions that parents should provide supervision.

“They should watch out that the trike doesn’t go off the path, on an uneven surface or downhill,” he says. “And make sure cars aren’t around. Parents should scout out where they’re going to be ridden because they can pick up speed very quickly, especially on downhill slopes.”

Metzl also recommends that parents thoroughly check out and test any equipment before purchasing it.

Price: $99. Available at Target, Wal-Mart and Kmart stores. For additional retailer information, go to www.huffybikes.com, or call (800) USA-BIKE.

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-- Jeannine Stein