We bought the Early Rider Seeker 14 for our grandson (3 years) as a present. Two reasons made us decide to buy it:
1. the bike explicitly has no coaster, but a front and rear brake.
2. this brand looks like a mountain bike. We ourselves and our children all ride such bikes without mudguards.
In addition, we can say today that our grandson has learned to ride a bike very quickly and he loves his bike. He learned to brake with his hands very quickly. In my opinion, a mudguard is not necessary at these low speeds.
In conclusion: we would buy this bike again in a heartbeat.