Best Balance Bikes For Kids

The best balance bikes for young kids that are easy to ride and give your child the confidence to balance and develop coordination skills as they learn.

It is not easy to teach a child how ride a bike. You can’t just hand them the bike and tell them to go ride it since they’ll be afraid of falling and may refuse to learn at all. Balance bikes are a great way to transition from a tricycle to a two-pedal bike without the use of training wheels or stabilisers! The best balancing bikes are light, easy to control, and have high-quality bearings that make riding more fun.

The decision to purchase a balance bike for your child can be difficult. There are numerous options on the market, making it difficult to determine which will work best for you. We’ve assembled evaluations of some of the most popular balancing bikes on the market today, whether you’re looking for a gift or just want to get ahead of the game.

This post may contain affiliate links. Full privacy policy and disclosure here.

what Is A Balance Bike

Balance bikes are intended to help toddlers establish balance and comfort on a bike before their feet leave the ground. When the pedals are removed, little kids are totally foot-powered, just like the Flintstones. This provides them far more control and a gradual introduction to the use of muscles they may not have used previously.

Using a balance bike to learn how to ride allows for a gradual and close-to-the-ground technique of learning to ride. Starting a toddler on the local mountain bike trails here will be beneficial for their future confidence.

Even for what appears to be a simple beginner’s toy for toddlers, there is a lot to consider.

how To Measure Your child For A Balance Bike

The key to picking the perfect bike for your young children is to measure his or her inseam. Measure your young children without shoes by having him stand against a wall. Squeeze a book between your child’s legs and slowly raise the book until it reaches his/her crotch.

Once you’ve determined that the book is level, measure the distance between the top of the book and the floor. The result will be the inseam height. The minimum and maximum seat heights are the best size indicators.

To allow for growth, choose a bike with a maximum seat height that is at least two inches higher than the inseam length. This will give your child access to the bike for the next two to three years.

To allow your child to sit properly, the seat height should be one to two inches below the inseam. Height should be checked on a regular basis to account for growth. Other size indications include:

• Your toddler can easily stand over the bike.
• Your child can ride the bike by himself.
• While seated in the seat, your toddler may easily reach the handlebars.
• When your child sits, her knees will bow slightly to allow her to push off the ground.

Things to Consider When Buying a Balance Bike

When it comes down to it, any balancing bike can help your child learn to ride, but you want your child to have the best experience possible. As a result, you need pay attention to key characteristics in order to encourage a positive experience.

Bike Size

When it comes to the best bike, one size does not fit all, despite the fact that certain manufacturers may sell balance bikes in this manner. In reality, size is the most critical factor because the bike must suit your young children right now, not in six or nine months. Getting one that is too huge will make your young children feel uneasy, and he or she will refuse to use it.

Tire Size

The two most essential parameters are tyre size and seat height. Most balancing bikes have tires that are 12 inches or 14 inches tall, while others have tires as little as 10 inches or as large as 16 inches for the tiniest and largest learners. Be mindful that if you get one with 10-inch wheels, your child will outgrow it shortly.

Tire Type

Pneumatic tires: Pneumatic tires are the most common and provide the most cushioning and traction on the ground. Several tread patterns are available, although standard treads are sufficient for most young riders. If your child will use her balance bike on gravel or other rough surfaces, consider knobby tires. Note that pneumatic tires will add three to four pounds to the bike’s weight. In most cases, air-filled tires can be repaired but in most cases, we recommend replacing the tube or tire whichever is damaged.

Foam tires: Although foam tires are lighter, less expensive, and can never go flat, they offer limited traction and cushioning. Tread is minimal and can soon wear out. Foam tires are adequate for paved areas, but they can cause issues while riding on hilly terrain or on extremely smooth surfaces, such as some indoor floors. They have a lower profile as well and are more typically found on smaller motorcycles.

Rubber tires: Rubber tires are likewise puncture-proof and of slightly higher quality than foam, but they lack grip and softness when compared to pneumatic tires. This type of tyre is used on Firstbike’s entry-level model.

Plastic tires: Plastic tires are the lightest and have the poorest quality. They are only suitable for indoor use due to their lack of traction.

Age Range

Looking at the age range is one of the best places to start. This will instantly tell you if your toddler is even eligible for a specific bike. The age range for balancing bikes coincides with one of the seasons when children grow the fastest and require a new pair of pants every other day.

Seat Height

One of the best markers of fit on a balancing bike is the seat height. Unlike age range, this may be easily measured before making a purchase and used to make a better informed decision.

A balancing bike with a wide range of seat heights is more likely to grow with your child. In general, you may expect a minimum height of 10 inches and a maximum height of 19 inches.

Weight and Frame Material

We’ve discussed how parents often find themselves constantly transporting equipment for their children. You could be interested in getting an extra workout, but you definitely don’t want to drag a 30-pound piece of steel around unnecessarily.

Fortunately, bike technology has advanced tremendously over time, especially in balancing bikes for children. Steel is still the most frequent material, although aluminium bikes are becoming more popular and are a less expensive option.

Best Balance Bikes For Kids

Woom 1

The Woom 1 ($199) was designed with all of the safety elements that mom and dad need to feel confident and delighted about sending their child soaring down the street. Woom’s steering limitation avoids unintentional overturning for additional safety.

According to the specifications, this bike is manufactured to the requirements of top-tier bike manufacturers. A lightweight aluminium frame with a low entrance and a big wheelbase makes this bike easy to jump onto and ride. The small V-brake has been specially designed for kids, and the ultralight “SOOPA DOOPA HOOPS” aluminium rims indicate to safety and comfort for all toddlers.

Overall, there are numerous reasons why this balance bike is the “best of the best.” Even with a reduced seat adjustment range, this is still the ideal option for novices. While it may benefit from a longer seat post to accommodate larger children, it has enough adjustment to grow with your child for several years.

Strider 12

The strider balance bike is a tough high quality steel-framed bike with never-flat foam tires, built-in footrests, and a fully adjustable seat post and handlebar that doesn’t require a single tool. This is one of the most low-maintenance bikes available, making it one of our top selections and a great option for parents who already have a lot on their plates.

Strider bikes provide a wide choice of accessories for their balancing bikes. Strap it into the Strider Rocking Base and have your child practise their balance before stepping onto the pavement. While the bike does not come with a hand brake, you can purchase one when your child is ready.

Chillafish Charlie

Kids quickly outgrow their bikes. It’s one of their specialties. If you don’t want to spend more than $100 on something that may end up gathering dust in your garage in a few years, the Chillafish Charlie balancing bike ($50) is a good choice. It even accomplishes this without compromising any of the quality.

This low-cost balance lightweight balance bike that has puncture-resistant tires. Furthermore, a carrying handle has been designed for all the moms and fathers who are obliged to drag the bike back to the car once their child tires out.

The Charlie rider is devoid of fluff. It is simply built and does just what it is intended to do, nothing more, nothing less. Chillafish promotes a stylish design that can be personalised with stickers, adding a distinctive and creative touch.

Overall, this is a fantastic and reasonably priced balancing bike. The only thing we’d change is a little more variation in the seat height so kids don’t outgrow it so quickly.

Retrospec Cricket

The design is simple and suitable for children from one to two years. Retrospec states that the Cricket promotes bilateral coordination without the risks of faulty training wheels or high seating.

This bike not only introduces kids to biking, but it also does so in a safe manner. The wheels are rounded, so they don’t endanger small children’s legs, they don’t damage your kitchen flooring, and they keep the bike from moving too quickly.

While the Cricket appears to be a good buy on paper, it only comes in one size that will be rapidly outgrown. An adjustable seat would vastly improve the design and allow your toddler to ride until they hit the older toddlers stage.

Wishbone 3in1

The tricycle design is readily convertible to a two-wheel version, allowing it to adjust as your toddler grows in confidence and skill. Because the wood is sourced from sustainable sources, repairs and changes can be performed without the need for an engineering degree.

A steering limiter and an adjustable seat are built into the elegant wooden frame design. The frame may be adjusted from low to high rise, thereby doubling the seat height range. There isn’t much to say against this bike until you consider the price. It is an investment, but it might last for a long time in the family.

Strider 14x

The Strider 14x not only has a wide age and seat height range, but it also has the option to convert to a pedal cycle when the time comes. It’s designed to instruct and assist young riders in getting started and continuing to shred.

The bike is naturally larger than the others, so if you want to start young, you may need to add another bike to the mix. Otherwise, the Strider 14x has the ability to last a long time.

Kinderfeets Wood Balance Bike

When you compare it to the other motorcycles on this list, you’ll see a lot of similarities. There’s a step-through frame for little children, airless tires, a fully adjustable seat and handlebars, a steering limiter, and all the additional bells and whistles you might want.

The only concern we have is that it is difficult to modify the bike’s sizes and that it has the potential to fall apart. To keep this balancing bike in working order, you may need to be adept with tools and feel comfortable performing a bit more tinkering.

TheCroco Balance Bike

Parents who want their children to carry their own bikes will appreciate the aluminium frame and EVA foam tires.

In addition to the usual features, TheCroco boasts sealed ball bearings that reduce tyre wobble and protect it from the elements. Most ultralight gear is prone to breaking, but TheCroco’s aluminium will never corrode and the tires will never go flat. Essentially, even the most rowdy of children will struggle to break this bike.

Prevelo Alpha Zero

The Prevelo Alpha Zero is a high-end balancing bike designed for choosy parents looking for the best bike for their children. It was fantastic to get our hands on a Prevelo and experience firsthand what made these bikes so special.

The Prevelo Alpha Zero redefines the concept of a balance bike. A bike with so many features that you’re left dumbfounded.

The Prevelo’s frame is made of 6061 aluminium alloy with custom formed tubing. The design of the bottom main frame tube reveals the unique tubing. With all of the amenities on this bike, it’s amazing that it’s still one of the lightest bikes we’ve tested. The bike weighted 8.5 pounds on our scales. The Alpha Zero fits the needs of quality-conscious parents looking for a lightweight bike. When it comes to smaller, more delicate riders, weight is everything. It increases their sense of control and the ride quality, especially when driving off-road.

KaZAM Bikes

A Kazam is one of the most prominent balancing bikes that provides an acceptable area for a child’s feet to rest while travelling. They started offering balance bikes in 2010 (or earlier). They began their firm by painstakingly creating a patented toddler bike for their two and a half-year-old child based on an idea that was growing outside of the United States.

Since then, much has changed: newer models, an expanded product line, and a partnership with famed shark tank investors Mark Cuban and Barbara Corcoran.

Both aluminium and steel variants are available, and both give a long-lasting, sturdy frame that is built to last. The aluminium frame drops a stunning 2 lbs of weight, which is a big benefit for younger riders who benefit from increased manoeuvrability as a result of the weight.

Schwinn 12-inch Balance Bike

The Schwinn balance bike is not only supported by a well-known company, but it also has a slew of great features! A standard bike’s handlebars are frequently too far away, which is a problem for many children. Falls will occur because to the difficulties of controlling and riding. The Schwinn 12-in Balance Bike lets you adjust the handlebars and seat so that your young children can ride it securely. As parents, we want our children to be as safe as possible when riding their bikes!

Yedoo Too Too Balance Bike

Yedoo is a Czech manufacturer of larger-wheeled foot bikes and scooters. With their success in developing these fantastic scooters, it was only logical for them to include a balance bike. Quality and safety are prioritised in its design and manufacturing. The term “Yedoo” is derived from the Czech word “jeduu,” which is an expression similar to the word “wee” while children ride their bikes and scooters.

The Too Too is a 12′′ balancing bike with a lightweight steel frame, aluminium wheels, a rear v-brake with an easy-to-reach lever, and steering limits to avoid jackknifing. The ergonomic seat, which adjusts farther away from the handlebars as the seat rises, is one of our favourite features. It makes sense because children’s legs and arms grow in tandem. At 8.2 pounds, this bike is remarkably light, despite having a sturdy steel frame. For the price, this may the best balance bike available.

FirstBIKE Limited Bike with Brake

The materials utilised to construct Firstbikes are very unique. The bike frame, fork, wheels, seat post, and handlebars are all comprised of a long-lasting composite plastic resin. The frame serves as a shock absorber, limiting the impact on a child’s spinal cord. The frame not only improves riding quality, but it is also resistant to fading, cracking, rusting, warping, and even fracture.

Another distinguishing feature is the rear drum brake, which provides a more gradual stop, is adjustable, and keeps young fingers from becoming pinched in the moving parts. The FirstBIKE Limited Bike and Cross come complete with Schwalbe tires, reflective frame highlights, sealed bearings, adjustable saddle height, and a steering limiter.

Cruzee Ultralite Balance Bike

There aren’t many high-end components on this model, but that’s how they keep it at 4.4 lbs. This bike ranks high because lightweight is a widely desired feature for a baby balancing bike. The Cruzee has lightweight 12′′ mag wheels with EVA foam tires, and buyers can choose between black and white mag wheels.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Age Is Best for a Balance Bike?

There is no “ideal age” for a child to begin riding a balance bike. Some children are ready by one year, while others may be ready at two or three. Development is difficult, and only parents truly understand when their child is ready to ride a bike.

To give an approximate age, 18 months is the approximate sweet spot for beginning to ride a balancing bike. Anywhere between 18 months and 3 years is a good time to start riding a bike. When they are ready, that is the best age. If they’re 18 months old and running around the home, go for it.

Why Choose a Balance Bike

Riding a bike is all about learning how to balance while moving forward. This necessitates muscle growth, which training wheels do not provide. Balance bikes aid in the development of those muscles as well as the confidence required to ride a pedal cycle.

Balance bikes aren’t for everyone, but they’re a great fit for most athletically inclined children. Because some children prefer a scooter or a four-wheeler, it is not always certain that your child will like riding a balancing bike.

If your child gets on a balancing bike, he or she will be on the fastest track to learning how to ride a pedal bike. The balancing bike familiarises them with the most challenging component of riding a bike, so when the time comes to add pedals, they’ll be ready.

Are Balance Bikes Better Than Training Bikes?

Balance bikes are the new training bikes as of today. They’re the next step in learning to ride a bike and blasting down singletrack lines. Even if technical riding is not the goal, balance bikes are often recognised as the best way to learn to ride while also having fun riding on their own.

Balance bikes are so near to the experience of riding a bike that they are superior to any other method of learning to ride. The balance bike teaches children to balance on a moving bike before progressing to braking and pedalling.

Surprisingly, pedalling a bike is one of the most natural aspects of biking. Moving your legs to move ahead makes sense with the addition of pedals. Balancing upright is where the latest skills come into play, and balancing bikes can aid with that.

Because of the gradual pace of the procedure, you can avoid using training wheels entirely. It’s the experts’ new favourite method for teaching kids to bike.

How Long Do Balance Bikes Last?

If you choose the right balance bike, it will be ridden by future generations of children. A good balance bike is made to last. So, while your child may outgrow the bike by the age of 6 or 7, it will be ready for your next toddler (if one is in the picture).

More Like this

• Types Of Bikes For Kids – A Parents Guide
• Best Scooters For Kids
• The Best Scooter For Toddlers
• Best Outdoor Toys For Kids
• Kids Need The Outdoors, And Here’s How To Get Them Off The Couch