A good balance bike is the perfect ride-on bike that develops coordination, balance, and confidence to ride a regular pedal bike. Use this guide to find the right bike for your toddler!
Balance bikes are perfect for a toddler over the tricycle but not quite ready for a regular pedal bike. If you’re looking for a new and better way to teach your toddler to ride a bike, a balance bike is what you’ve been looking for!
One of the key benefits is that it can help them develop their balance and coordination skills from an early age, making it much easier for them to learn how to ride a traditional two-wheeled bicycle when they get bigger.
Balance bikes are easy-to-use and will provide countless benefits for your child now and in the future. Learn more about balance bikes and find the best balance bike for your child below!
How do Balance Bikes Work?
Balance bikes are a revolutionary way for kids to learn to ride a bike without using training wheels.
If you grew up using training wheels as I did, prepare to try something new. Approach balance bikes with an open mind.
Balance bikes are very different from conventional bikes because they have no wheels or pedals. So to ride a balance bike, your little rider will just sit on the bike with their knees bent and feet flat on the ground. They will use their legs to push the bike forward and glide in a balanced, upright position.
At first, your little one may just walk while resting their bottom on the bike’s saddle. This is normal, and it may take them some time to get the hang of it. Stick with it through this phase. Eventually, they will be able to coast on the bike and eventually glide around almost like they were riding a regular bike.
Here’s a great clip of a 2 year old learning how to use a balance bike.
As you can probably see from this short clip, the benefit of using a balance bike instead of a conventional bike (or a bike with training wheels) is that it gives your child the ability to learn to ride centered and balanced and provides more freedom of movement. When your little one is ready to transition to a big kid bike with pedals, they’ll already have the motion down and know how to balance themselves.
No wobbly training wheels needed!
A balance bike is perfect for as young as 18 months and can be used through toddlerhood until your little one is ready for a traditional pedal bike. For some kids, this can be as young as age 3, while others might wait until ages 5 or 6.
Related: 15 Fun Outdoor Activities for Babies and Toddlers
The Best Balance Bikes for Toddlers
Of course, there are so many balance bikes on the market but remember, not all bikes will work for every child. You’re looking for a balance bike made with quality materials and safe mechanics, and one that fits your toddler’s height and skill level.
Here are my top recommendations for the best balance bikes for toddlers!
Strider 12 Balance Bike
This Strider Sport bike is a simple, lightweight balance bike perfect for younger toddlers. Coming in at about 6.7lbs, this bike has a low stand-over for easy balance and easy-grip handlebars sized to fit young toddlers. The seat also has a huge range of adjustability compared to other balance bikes: it can be adjusted up to 9 inches!
It does feature plastic wheels with foam rubber tires. It’s low maintenance which is nice, but the tires aren’t as good as all-rubber air tires. You won’t find a handbrake, but Strider offers an add-on foot brake.
- Tires: 12″ foam tires
- Seat height: 11-19″
- Adjustable handlebars: Yes
- Product weight: 6.7 lbs
- Weight limit: 60 lbs
Banana Bike LT V2 Balance Bike
This is definitely a budget pick, as it’s one of the less expensive balance bikes on this list. And while you may miss some of the bells and whistles of the pricier options, this balance bike still hits the mark.
This is a well-designed balance bike with a lightweight steel frame, a low stand-over height, and a wide range of height adjustability. With foam tires, you’ll have a maintenance-free bike that is great on paved surfaces but maybe a bit slippery on other surfaces.
Many parents say it can take longer to put this particular bike together, but it still is a great value.
- Tires: 12″ foam tires
- Seat height: 12.2-15.7″
- Adjustable handlebars: Yes
- Product weight: 6.4 lbs
- Weight limit: 55 lbs
Woom 1
This is one of the smaller balance bikes, perfect for younger riders 18 months and up. The Woom is very comfortable, stable, and easy to maneuver.
At just over 6lbs, this bike is one of the lightest, which makes toddlers feel more in control of their bike. It’s also easy to carry, which parents sometimes have to do! Made of aluminum, you’ll find that it’s extremely durable. It also has a low profile, so your child can easily stand with the bike.
And don’t fret about the investment for this one. While it’s on the pricier side, it will easily last all of toddlerhood as the adjustable seat covers 5″ and will grow with your kiddo.
I love that this one has a hand brake so that your kiddo doesn’t have to tear up his shoes. Note that Woom 1 Plus is also great for slightly older children (ages 5). It has large 14″ air tires, a removable “surfboard” footrest, and dual hand brakes.
- Tires: 12″ air tires
- Seat height: 10-14.4″
- Adjustable handlebars: Yes
- Product weight: 6.6 lbs
- Weight limit: 110 lbs
Prevolo Alpha Zero
This is a durable simple balance bike great for little riders. It features a lightweight aluminum frame with rear v-brakes with hand levers, a low ride on, and best of all, it comes (mostly) assembled! You just have to assemble the handlebar!
This bike features 12-inch air tires, so you will have to maintain them, but the rubber tires provide excellent traction (and therefore, safety). The adjustable seat does provide an adequate range of 3″, so it will grow with your little one as well.
- Tires: 12″ air tires
- Seat height: 11-14″
- Adjustable handlebars: Yes
- Product weight: 8.5 lbs
- Weight limit: 75 lbs
Schwinn Koen Balance Bike
The Schwinn Koen balance bike is a great first balance bike. It has a durable steel frame that can handle a lot of wear and tear. The adjustable seat is also super easy to move (no tools needed); it features a quick-release seat post clamp. This is particularly helpful if you have two toddlers who may want to share the bike but need different adjustments.
The tires are made of EVA foam, so they are puncture-proof. The bike doesn’t have as good traction as air tires might. That said, this bike would be totally fine on sidewalks, roads, and other smooth surfaces.
- Tires: 12″ EVA foam tires
- Seat height: 14.25 -16.75″
- Adjustable handlebars: Yes
- Product weight: 8.18 lbs
- Weight limit: 60 lbs
REI Co-Op Cycles Rev 12
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This balance bike features air tires for a solid ride. You’ll also like the low standing height at 8 inches, so even smaller-sized toddlers will have no problem standing and balancing this bike.
The adjustable seat options are totally fine for most little riders at 4 inches. You can definitely use this bike for a couple of years and keep up with your growing toddler.
- Tires: 12″ air tires
- Seat height: 13.75-17.5″
- Adjustable handlebars: Yes
- Product weight: 9.3 lbs
- Weight limit: 60 lbs
Radio Flyer Air Ride Bike
Featuring 12-inch air-filled rubber tires, this nostalgic brand makes a great balance bike for toddlers and little riders. It is easy to maneuver, rides smoothly on flat surfaces, and provides a comfortable and adjustable seat.
The steel lightweight frame provides a steady and sturdy ride. Kids will also love that this bike comes with a ringing bell! (Love Radio Flyer!)
This balance bike is recommended for young children from 18 months through 5 years old.
- Tires: 12″ air tires
- Seat height: 14.2 – 18.5″
- Adjustable handlebars: Yes
- Product weight: 9.92 lbs
- Weight limit: 50 lbs
Choosing a Balance Bike for Your Toddler
There are a few factors to consider when deciding on the best balance bike for your toddler.
The Size
As mentioned, the right size bike is critical for a safe ride for young children. And by size, I am talking about a few bike parts. This includes the seat height, the weight, and the wheel diameter.
Seat Height
The best way to determine what seat height to look for is to measure your child’s inseam length from the groin to the bottom of their feet. This should give you a good idea of how high a bike seat should be from the ground.
When standing, the seat should fall about one inch below the crotch and the handlebars should be leveled around the stomach. When sitting, your child should be able to put their feet flat on the ground, with their weight resting on the bike saddle.
I always recommend choosing a balance bike with an adjustable seat height so that the bike can keep up with your fast-growing toddler!
Bicycle Weight
The weight of the bike is also something to keep in mind. A young toddler, for example, does not need a heavy bike. In fact, for a younger child, the bike should be extremely lightweight so they can feel in control of the bike. It will also ensure that the bike’s weight will not hurt if your little one takes a tumble.
Wheel Size
You’ll see wheel sizes range from 10 inches up to 14 inches. Most riders will want 12-inch wheels to start. If your child is very young (18 months) or on the smaller side, you can look at bikes with 10-inch wheels. And if you have a taller kiddo or your child is just starting to ride a bike at age 5, you might purchase a bike with 14-inch wheels.
The Fit
In addition to the size, you want to set your toddler on the bike to make sure with the adjustments, the bike properly fits your child.
First, set your kiddo on the bike seat. They should be able to have their feet flat on the ground when sitting. And they should also be able to put all their weight on the seat (no balancing act required to sit down!). Your little one should also be able to reach the handlebars easily while sitting upright; there should not be too much lean involved. Next, you’ll have your child stand up. The handlebars should be at stomach height, and he should be able to stand up comfortably over the stand-through.
The Tire Type
Tires can be particularly important to both the safety of the ride but also how it feels for your toddler.
Plastic Wheels
Plastic wheels, for example, do not offer a great grip on the ground and the feedback plastic wheels give can feel unsteady. I don’t recommend plastic wheels.
Foam Wheels
These don’t have much compression and can feel pretty solid, so the feedback for these wheels will be similar to that of a plastic wheel. However, they do have more traction than a plastic wheel. The good thing about foam wheels is that they are virtually maintenance-free. No air required! Foam tires are also extremely lightweight, so they won’t add much weight to the bike frame itself.
Air Wheels
This is what I generally recommend. They provide good traction and are pretty smooth when going over bumps and whatnot. This type of tire will feel fairly secure for your new rider. Keep in mind, like any regular tire, they do require you to add air as needed.
Brakes
Without pedals, you don’t have pedal brakes!
However, some newer balance bikes might have a hand brake or. foot brake. This can be useful for older children who may go faster on their balance bikes.
Having a hand or foot brake also saves the shoes! Those soles get a lot of wear as kids generally will stop with their feet if a bike does not have a handbrake. Again, the hand brake isn’t necessary for younger kiddos just learning to ride, but consider it for older, faster riders.
Other Rules of Thumb
- Consider overall safety features as you select a bike for your little one.
- Make sure there is space between the seat and handlebars.
- If the bike has a hand brake, make sure the brake is easy enough for your child to grasp.
- Make sure the handlebar is comfortable for your child (not too thick for your child’s hand to wrap around).
- Feet should touch the ground! Since the bike is propelled (and stopped) by those little feet, they need to comfortably touch the ground.
- Make sure no sharp screws or other metal pieces stick out as they could scratch your child’s legs.
- Check the weight of the bike. It should not be heavy!
Happy Riding!
I hope this guide helps you and your toddler pick out just the right balance bike to start cycling on the right foot. Any of these balance bikes will provide a wonderful first bike experience. Remember not to push your toddler into cycling; give it time and be patient, and your little one will eventually find joy in learning to ride. And don’t forget the helmet!
Which balance bike did you choose for your toddler? Any tips for other parents?
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