I do not have kids and do not think I am any expert in the field...but considering we had a .89:1 child under 10yrs to adult ratio at our wedding...I have been around my share of wee ones!

with that said...my $0.02 on quality:
You know your child, how rough she is on products. You or your DH are mechanically inclined enough to keep your own machines in working order. So if you do go with a cheaper version of the trike to save some money and you care for the trike with quality control inspections now and again...nothing should be a problem. If you feel you have a little animal on your hands that may require higher quality toys you will make that judgement.

I for a fact remember my brothers big-wheels always falling apart, wheels mysteriously forming holes in them, bikes that never held up to be handed down (lucky me!)...as for me, I am still wearing shoes that i had in high school (uh...that'd be over 20 years ago) and if I were still 4 feet tall I might still be riding my first pink mtbike...not to say I do not ride hard, I am just not hard on my toys.

Good Luck and happy shopping!