There’s nothing better than seeing a happy little toddler rolling around on a bike. I remember when my first child was toddling around and, once he got a bit steadier on his feet, I started to look at getting him a little bike. The trouble was, I didn’t know where to look or indeed what it was that I was looking for. I ended up getting him a real bargain-priced toddler bike. Only, I soon realized my mistake.
It was then that I started to do some real research, but it was not easy. I wanted to find the best toddler bike out there, so I employed the Gearbikesreview team to carry out extensive research on them. Today, I’ll share everything that we learned through our probing and practical testing with the wider world so that, with a bit of luck, others would not have the same problems in making the right bike choice for their kids.
Table of Contents
Top Toddler Bikes: Comparison Chart
| Pick Name | Thumbnail | Product Name | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Editor’s Choice |  |
Strider 12 Sport Balance Bike ST-S4BL | Check Price |
| Top Balance Bike |  |
Schwinn Balance Bike | Check Price |
| Our Budget Choice |  |
Retrospec Cub Kids Balance Bike | Check Price |
| Great for Adventurous Riders |  |
Dynacraft Magna Gravel Blaster | Check Price |
| 5th |  |
Strider Classic Balance Bike ST-M4RD | Check Price |
| 6th |  |
Woom 1 Balance Bike | Check Price |
| 7th |  |
The Croco Lightweight Balance Bike | Check Price |
| 8th |  |
Banana Bike LT | Check Price |
| 9th |  |
Glide Bikes Kid’s Go Glider | Check Price |
| 10th |  |
Schwinn Koen Boy’s Bike | Check Price |
Why Follow Our Lead
At Gearbikesreview, a cluster of young talents and expert bike mechanics dedicate weeks in researching and testing a wide range of bikes and bike gear before coming up with authentic reviews and how-to blogs. We know our bikes and gear better than the back of our hands. Our decades of professional experience with bike mechanics authorizes us to be the most reliable reviewers in this category on the internet.
Needless to say, we don’t have any affiliation with any brand or manufacturer, we maintain our impartial and objective approach in carrying out our research and tests, so our readers have the right understanding of the market scenario. Our mission is to reveal as many facts as possible, in the following section, you’ll get to know more about our enterprise.
How We Made Our Selection
We went through several stages including online market research, feature comparison and analysis, field-tests, and reevaluation to hunt out the best toddler bike.
First, we conducted over 30 hours of extensive online research to track down 25 toddlers’ bike models with the highest number of ratings and the maximum number of real user reviews.
Once we got the first list, we proceeded to arrange a series of field tests on each and every item on the list. A group of community-based volunteers helped us complete our tests.
We closely monitored the build quality, ease of seating position, braking, weight, ergonomics, speed and durability during our tests. Based on these criteria we narrowed down our list by championing 10 from the rest.
Next, we consulted with other industry experts and engineers and had their insights into our listed choices. Their suggestions had helped us rank the ultimate models based on their distinctive features before we proceeded to write elaborate reviews on them.
Our 10 Best Toddler Bicycle List
So, what’s the best bike for kids? Below we covered a wide range of the coolest toddler bikes for all toddler age categories. Please carefully go through the details to get the most out of them.
1 Editor’s Choice: Strider 12 Sport Balance Bike ST-S4BL
Our Editor’s Choice is the Strider 12 Sport Balance Bike. This was one of the first balance bikes out there with toddlers as young as one-year-old learning to cruise on two wheels, even before they have ditched the diapers!
We liked this one due to its flexibility with the handlebar and seat heights being completely adjustable so that they can fit toddlers from 18 months up to 5 years old, or those with an inseam that measures between 12 and 20” – it’s a toolless job too! You can also upgrade the tires later on or add a foot brake too.
The bike itself weights only 6.7lbs (that’s 3kg), making it easy for your toddler to cruise around and gain confidence. There are mini-grips too, helping your child to control the bike. We loved how easily our young testers could maneuver it around.
It’s not just a toy either. It will give your child that first taste of freedom that is only gained with the wind in your hair as you glide down the sidewalk. It’ll give them years of fun thanks to its durable frame that’s made from steel and its tires that are puncture-proof.
There’ll be limited maintenance as a result, which is what you want when you’ve got a toddler who’s begging you to hurry up so he can go for a ride! Additionally, there’s a handlebar pad in case of any knocks and built-in footrests. It cost under $100 – not the cheapest in our list nor the most expensive!
Pros
- Practically maintenance-free
- 12” wheels
- Fully adjustable (aged 18 months to five years)
- Mini-grips, handlebar pad, and footrests
Cons
- One of the more expensive options in our list
Our Verdict
Of all the toddler bikes that we tested, this one came out top in many different ways. With 12” wheels and a fully-adjustable seat and handlebar, this one grows with your child, right from their new-found toddlerhood right up until they start kindergarten (and beyond!). It is a little on the pricey side but, being practically maintenance-free, it offers a good value for the price. We highly recommend this one.
2 Top Balance Bike: Schwinn Balance Bike
Next up is the Schwinn Balance Bike. This one is designed to have the look and feel of a BMX bike with a pedal-free frame made from durable steel. The lower center of gravity makes it perfect for young riders and gives them an easier ride.
This no-pedal bike has a quick-release seat collar so you can help your child as they learn to ride and as they grow. The wheels are 12” in size and are spoked, mag wheels with air-filled tires. This means that the tires roll easily, and the rider won’t feel every bump and crack in the pavement.
The headset has ball bearings for easier steering and a nice, shiny chrome finish to the handle bars. This one is suited to kids that are aged between two and four years old. The fact that the design is foot-to-floor means that new riders can improve their coordination as well as their confidence, getting them ready for riding a pedal bike when they’re older.
It costs slightly less than our Editor’s Choice; so, it isn’t the cheapest out there either. We believe this is the best toddler bike in terms of cool look and fab design!
Pros
- Great BMX design
- Ball-bearing headset
- For kids aged 2-year to 4-year old
- Air-filled tires
- Foot-to-floor design
Cons
- A little on the heavy side
Our Verdict
This is certainly a great choice of balance bike for toddlers with a ton of positive features such as its cool BMX design that’s suitable for girls and boys alike. It is a little high to get on and off for little ones, so it is most suited to those aged two years and above. We loved the smoothness of the ball bearing headset which made for lovely turning for our little testers.
3 Our Budget Choice: Retrospec Cub Kids Balance Bike
It’s no surprise that our budget buy is the cheapest balance bike on our list. However, that does not mean that we have compromised on its design or positive features. In fact, for such a cheap bike, it rates really highly on top eStores.
This one creates confidence in little riders thanks to its step-through design on the frame and a foot-to-floor height. The bike reduces injury-risk thanks to its safe design too – and we all know how prone to falling off little ones are! Their coordination and balance will improve very quickly with this bike, meaning they’ll transition to a pedal bike easily when the time is right.
Its maintenance-free design requires minimal assembly and has tires that are air-free so won’t go flat. You can also worry less thanks to its brakes that are CPSC compliant. Your child is certainly safe riding this little bike. It will fit children that are around 20 months to up to five years thanks to adjustable handlebars and seatpost. The frame is virtually indestructible that allows your child to ride intuitively and you need not worry about them breaking their bike.
Coming in less than $50, it’s a real snap! This is why we believe it’s one of the finest bikes for toddlers in the budget buy price range.
Pros
- Cheap price
- Safety compliant
- Indestructible frame
Cons
- Has foam tires
Our Verdict
Despite its slightly-too big footrest and foam tires, this one ticks a lot of boxes even though it’s a budget buy. We loved the fact that it was indestructible for kids – we know how much kids try and destroy their stuff. Our mini testers certainly tried! But the bikes barely had a scratch! The foam tires aren’t the most comfortable ride, but at least they didn’t get a puncture. If money’s an issue, this cheap balance bike is a great buy!
4 Great for Adventurous Riders: Dynacraft Magna Gravel Blaster
Our next choice is one for the kid in your life that is hell-bent on destroying most things! Well, not this bike! Its robust, durable design is there to give you peace of mind that it won’t be destroyed by well-meaning and inquisitive little ones. It is an early beginner design bike in a BMX/dirt bike style and has coaster brakes.
It has 12” wheels and, due to its weight and size, is recommended for children between three and five years old as this one is a pedal bike. It does come with training wheels, should you desire to use them. The training wheels are adjustable and the bike itself weighs 21lbs, so it’s a little on the heavy side compared with some others.
There’s a nice handlebar pad to protect little daredevils should they hit a bump in the road and the fork and frame have a lifetime warranty (see, I told you it’s a great choice for those wanting a robust and durable bike for the more adventurous of riders). It also has a ‘gravel blaster’ power, turning gravel into sand allegedly.
It comes with great, green and black decals to decorate the frame so your little one really can get involved in owning their own bike. The seat is fully adjustable and there’s a chain guard to protect little feet and ankles.
Pros
- Bold colors in a striking BMX design
- Comes with training wheels and decals to personalize the ride
- Adjustable seat
Cons
- Only has rear brakes
Our Verdict
This is the first pedal bike in our top 10 list rather than a balance bike. It’s certainly a bargain to be had, but you’ll need to consider whether it’s everything you’re wanting in your toddler’s bike. Of course, you can add the training wheels but these days many experts recommend skipping training wheels. This might be a good buy for the slightly older toddler who has perhaps already mastered the basics of balancing on a bike.
5 Strider Classic Balance Bike ST-M4RD
This fifth-place bike is another starter model from Strider. It’s another balance bike too, perfect for your growing toddler. This one is the classic design, meaning it’s a great choice for those that want to start out riding but have not quite got the confidence there yet.
The Strider Classic has “no-flat” tires that are able to withstand heavy riding and muddy puddles that toddlers will no doubt love to ride through. Both the handlebar and the seat adjust so it will easily fit toddlers from 18 months to three years old (or any child with a 12” to 17” inseam).
It hardly weighs anything – just 6.7lbs in fact! – making it a perfect choice for your toddler girl or boy to ride. There are also footrests built in so that they can learn to keep their balance and cruise along.
With the tires being puncture-proof and the robust steel frame, your child is certainly going to be able to put this bike through its paces without you needing to worry about the damage. It’ll stand the test of time thanks to its adjustability too.
This one is certainly not just a toy like some balance bikes. It is a great little bike to transition the youngest of riders into fully-fledged bike riders over time. Over a million of these have been sold worldwide, so don’t just take our word for it!
Pros
- Grows with your child
- Very lightweight
- Durable, long-lasting construction
Cons
- Not suitable for the four or five-year-olds
Our Verdict
Another Strider bike and it’s certainly something to write home about! This little cycle is a great balance bike for toddlers who are less confident in biking and want to learn the easy way. It allows children to transition from ride-on toys to full pedal cycles in the in-between way that only balance bikes can offer. The fact it is fully adjustable and extremely lightweight are huge advantages.
6 Woom 1 Balance Bike
Woom 1 is another excellent choice for a balance bike. These bikes are so easy to set up! The company’s team of qualified mechanics quality check each bike before shipping, preparing it for its life on the road. It comes with everything you need to set it up easily at home.
The Woom allows kids to have their first taste of riding in two weeks, giving them a great intro to bicycling. This one is designed with 18-month to 3-and-a-half-year-old children in mind, or those that measure between 32” and 39” in height.
This one comes with a perfect-sized brake, which is an essential skill for kids of all ages to master. Introducing a brake at this early stage of biking means that transitioning to a pedal will be even easier. It also comes with a steering limiter as another safety feature, preventing oversteering and promoting riding in a straight line.
It is made from lightweight aluminum with a stable, long wheelbase that is perfect for riding in an upright position. The tires are air-filled too, meaning they will provide the right amount of cushioning of all those bumps in the road!
Woom started out with kids in mind – they knew what kids wanted and needed and that’s what they set out to do. We think they did a pretty good job – and our little testers thought so too. In fact, their range of bikes includes bikes from aged 18 months to 14 years old!
As far as its price goes, this one is one of the more expensive balance bikes in our list, selling at just under $200 at the time of our research.
Pros
- Perfectly designed for the littlest of riders
- Very well built
- A handbrake, which not all balance bikes have
- Air-filled tires
- Safety features such as a steering limiter
Cons
- No extended post for the seat is available
Our Verdict
If you are wanting a well-designed and well-built first balance bike for your toddler then this is a great choice. Furthermore, we haven’t even mentioned how it’s available in five different colors yet! It has a handbrake to get them used to braking and has safety features that most others don’t have. But what you must bear in mind for this popular little bike is that it is more expensive than others on our list.
7 The Croco Lightweight Balance Bike
The Croco Lightweight balance bike is perfect for toddlers from 18 months to children as old as five. It is, as you would expect, extremely light in weight, allowing your child to have the utmost focus on balancing well. It is also very well designed, allowing you to eventually transition to a pedal bike.
As a balance bike, your child will learn how to balance before they can learn to pedal – an essential skill that is often missed if you skip the balance bike stage and jump straight for a pedal bike. The seat is adjustable from 11.5” to 18.5” meaning that it can grow with your child as they develop their skills. The bike only weighs 4.3lbs, making it one of the lightest bikes out there today.
It has wide, cushioned tires too and routed cables. The fact it is so light also means that it’s really portable so you can chuck it in the trunk and head out to find somewhere to ride. This is all thanks to its aluminum frame, seat and handlebars.
The EVA tires won’t need any maintenance and they won’t scratch any wooden floors should your child be using it inside. However, this type of tire isn’t great on grass or rough surfaces. We absolutely loved how lightweight it was.
Pros
- One of the lightest balance bikes around
- Portable
- Well made
Cons
- Low seat for those that are taller than average
Our Verdict
This bike is a lovely, lightweight lowrider and it doesn’t cost the earth too. It’s well-made but we were a bit disappointed that the tires are made from EVA as this means they’re not well suited to grass or rough areas of pavement. Still, for the price, we were really pleased with this nifty little cycle. Our little testers were too!
8 Banana Bike LT
This bike has a fun shape – it’s an original banana-shaped bike frame which means it has a step-through design that’s great for easy dismounting and has a low center of gravity too. It is also a very lightweight bike, weighing in at only 6.4lbs! This all makes it a great choice of training bike for two to 5-year-olds.
This is a newer model, meaning the company has made improvements to its original design. It now has a super-comfy seat that’s durable too as well as cushioned bar ends, new additional safety grips, clamps that are well-designed for easy adjustment as well as puncture-free EVA tires.
There’s also improved traction in the wheels and a new axle design so that they can spin faster. There’s a twin-bearing headset making steering a cinch as well as a handlebar hex clamp that is childproof.
Additionally, this bike comes with a full warranty (unlike some) as well as additional customer support if there are any problems. The fact that this one has an easy release mechanism means that it can be adjusted really quickly for growing children without the need for tools. The seat height can be adjusted to measure from 12.2” to 15.7”.
This one costs under $60, so it’s one of the cheapest in our list. We loved this one for its funky design and lightweight feel that meant that when we inevitably ended up having to carry it for a bit, it didn’t weigh us down!
Pros
- Lightweight
- Cheap price
- Easily adjustable
- Great design
Cons
- Not as durable as others
Our Verdict
Overall, for a cheaper balance bike, this one is pretty good. Its striking yellow, the banana design is what many of our testers loved. We did need to put it together but, once we did, adjusting the seat to fit different children was really easy. It was also lightweight when I had to carry it for a while too. Above all, it’s an excellent bike for sale and offers a good value for money.
9 Glide Bikes Kid’s Go Glider
This bike is a larger balance bike that’s designed for kids that are aged between five and 10 years old. It has a drum brake as well as a kickstand. The seat and handlebars can be adjusted too.
The wheels are composite mag design and have air-filled tires making it a great choice for any ground surface. There are also footpegs that our testers liked, making learning to cruise and glide really easy.
Because of its size, this one is a good choice for older kids who have yet to master the balance needed for riding a pedal bike. Indeed, this one can be converted into a pedal bike with a kit.
The fact that this one has 16” wheels is what draws bigger kids in as most four- to six-year-old children are already getting too big for a 12” wheel. Older kids will also soon be confident in trying out some moves or tricks thanks to the footrest! Our smaller testers did find it too big to balance on though!
It cost just shy of $150, making it one of the most expensive bikes on our list. We liked it for its flexibility for bigger kids who need a bit more help learning to ride as well as the fact that a pedal bike conversion kit is available for around $30.
Pros
- One of the largest balance bikes available, having 16” tires
- Can convert to a pedal bike with an additional kit
Cons
- Handlebar and seat positions were not the most comfortable
Our Verdict
If your older child still hasn’t learned to balance on a pedal bike or has never really tried cycling until a later age, then this balance bike would make a great choice as it is one of the few out there that is suitable for bigger kids.
This does mean, however, that it is not the best choice if you have a little one. Having said that, the fact it can convert to a pedal bike means that it is a good purchase as you don’t end up buying two bikes in quick succession once your child has learned to master the balancing skill. It is a little on the expensive side though.
10 Schwinn Koen Boy’s Bike
This one has a steel frame and a nice, smart design. There are both front and rear coaster brakes, meaning that kids can learn how to use front brakes as soon as possible. It’s also got the added safety features of a full chain guard to protect little legs (and clothes!).
This one isn’t a balance bike but a pedal bike and, as such, it comes with training wheels to help littler riders learn how to cycle. This is important considering the smaller proportions of the bike as it is designed with young riders of between three and four years old in mind. It does have an adjustable seat in terms of its height and angle too.
There’s also a parent handle for towing/storing it and a number plate! It also comes with a limited lifetime warranty too! Because this one has pedals and is so adjustable it can last for a lot longer than some balance bikes, which is great.
This one wasn’t the most popular choice for our testers due to it being a pedal bike and not many of them had mastered pedaling. But it was not too expensive for a pedal bike, at a little below $150 at the time of our research.
Pros
- Comes with training wheels should you desire to use them
- Designed for 3-4-year-olds
- Fairly reasonable price
Cons
- A pedal bike rather than a balance bike
Our Verdict
If it’s a pedal bike you’re wanting then this one is a good choice. However, most of the younger ones definitely preferred balance bikes to start off with. Still, it wasn’t a bad little bike and it did come with training wheels that weren’t too cumbersome to fit.
Other Good Brands
We came across hundreds of other notable brands and their popular models during our research. Here are a few noteworthy names you might look up if needed:
Specialized, Toys R Us, JOYSTAR ( popular for their vintage bikes), Nickelodeon (popular for their cruiser models), Razor (popular for their electric motorized models), Kettler, PJ Masks, Halfords, My Little Pony, Hello Kitty, VTech, Mongoose, RASTAR x BMW, Yamaha, Jeep, Dino Bikes (try their Avengers and Captain America), Peppa Pig, Giant, Tauki, Mobo, Cleary Bikes (popular model- Geck), Thomas The Train, Strider (known for their convertible models), John Deere, TMNT (popular for Ninja Turtle), Goplus, and Little Tikes.
Why Get Your Toddler A Bike
Learning to ride a bike is a childhood rite of passage that most adults remember learning how to do. These days, most adults remember learning to ride from around aged five to aged eight. So, why should you bite the bullet early and get your toddler a bike?
The earlier a child starts to try to ride a bike, the easier it will be throughout their life. Children who learn as toddlers grasp the aspects of balancing, pedaling, cruising and braking with much more ease than those who wait until a later age.
When my second son came along, I had learned from the mistakes I made with my first and I got him a balance bike. He ended up being able to ride a proper bike without stabilizing training wheels at a much earlier age than his peers.
Even if it’s not really your family’s thing, there are lots of other reasons why bikes for toddlers are a great idea. They get kids outdoors, build their confidence and provide an opportunity for exercise, which is crucial in a society where there are increasing numbers of obese children. Balance bikes particularly help boost gross motor skills, which is something that all very young children need to develop.
Toddler Bikes – A Comprehensive Buying Guide
1. Indoor Use Vs Outdoor Use
Toddlers spend lots of time on ride-on toys inside as well as outside, but it really depends on your circumstances as to which they will benefit from more. You can get ride-ons with foamy or rubberized wheels for indoor use so they won’t mark your floors like plastic wheels could. Plastic wheels might be slippery too.
If outside is your preference, then you should opt for a real bike rather than a ride-on toy style which has tires that have air in them. Plastic wheels are not a great choice for outdoor bikes. Think about the terrain on which they will ride – grit, dirt, pavements, gravel – and then choose your bike and its wheels accordingly! You can install a basket in the front for carrying the necessary stuff too.
2. Toy vs Bike
Toy bikes such as ride-on toys are suitable for toddlers aged between 12 and 18 months. These children might not be fully walking and therefore having a ride-on toy can be a lot of fun. Usually, these toys have three or four wheels which gives toddlers a change to learn how to scoot around. They’re also great if your child is a little bit too small for a balance bike. Some push along toys come without pedals.
3. Size and Fit
2 to 3-year old preschoolers generally need a bike that measures 12 or 14 inches. This will mean that they can continue to ride the bike even when they are a little bit older. If you’re looking for a bike for a child that is already four years old, you need one that’s 16” so that there’s more growing room.
However, you should also consider the fact that 12” or 14” bikes should be considered only for children who can already manage with a balance bike. If your child hasn’t used one before, they will need training wheels. Having said that, using a balance bike is a much better choice.
Whilst we are outlining sizes, it is important to mention that not all 12 or 14” bikes will be suitable for all children. You should get your child to try out the bikes if at all possible so that you can choose one that will be a good fit for them.
4. Geometry & Readiness
If you’re wondering when your child is ready for a bike, well, the answer is pretty much as soon as they can walk! As we’ve mentioned, even the smallest of toddlers at around 1 year of age may show a willing interest in riding a bicycle or a ride-on.
Once they reach 18 months, a balance bike is ideal. But at such a young age, finding one that fits them can be a challenge. Your child’s inside leg measurements should be as tall as the seat post height set to its lowest setting at a minimum to make sure they can ride comfortably.
As with anything, some toddlers will be right in there and pick it up straight away. For others, it may take a while but just keep on offering until they show readiness.
5. Weight
When looking for the best toddler bike, check to see that your preferred model doesn’t weigh in excess of 40% of your toddler’s own body weight. If you are learning to balance and pedal a bike at the same time, if the bike is heavy it makes it so much more difficult. Also, if the child were to fall off, getting back up again from under a heavy bike is also a lot more discouraging.
6. Wheels
The good thing about having a bike with 12” tires is that they’re suitable for young riders, even those who have only just turned two and a half. If a child has used a balance bike with stabilisers previously, they should be ready for a 12″ pedal bike earlier than many other kids.
However, if your child is over 3 yr old or half a year more than a 14” wheel size would be better as the larger wheels make it easier to get over any pavement obstacles such as gravel, cracks or bumps.
7. Types
a) Ride-On Toys
As mentioned, a ride-on toy is a first step toward independent bike riding, right from when a child is around one year in age. Getting a good ride-on toy (perhaps as a first birthday present) can really excite your child and make them excited about starting to ride a real bike in the future.
b) Balance Bikes
Balance bikes are great for toddlers from around 18 months old until they are confident enough to try riding a real pedal bike. Balance bikes don’t have pedals and rely on the child themselves to propel themselves along with their feet, learning to balance as they do so. They let kids pick up the skills they are going to need to ride a pedal bike later on. Usually, those that have learned to ride a balance bike then don’t need a training wheel on their first pedal bike, which is really encouraging for riders and parents alike.
c) Tricycles
One popular choice for toddlers are tricycles. Big-wheels or tricycles are great fun for toddlers to use in your backyard but actually don’t really teach many skills that are required for later cycling. If you do opt for a trike, getting a balance bike alongside it is recommended. You can, however, get tricycles for toddlers that convert to balance bikes too!
d) Pedal Bikes
A pedal bike is a last step up to free cycling for children. Pedal bikes come with training wheels, but these often stop the development of natural balance skills at this age. These bikes are usually heavier than balance bikes which can make the transition to them a little difficult for young kids.
If you want to go for a pedal bike, I would recommend removing the pedals and cranks to start off with, so that your child can learn how to balance first as they would do on a balance bike.
Once they’ve mastered it, switch the pedals back on and see them go! You’ll soon know if they are ready or not.
e) Tandem Bikes
Tandem bikes allow more than one user to ride and pedal (in some cases just sitting) at the same time. It’s quite popular in many areas where families prefer them for their twins and closely aged children.
8. Frame Design & Color
Most littler bikes are not very well designed. They tend to have short wheelbases, which means that children are often squished on without too much room between the seat and the handlebars. This can affect the child learning to ride in a negative way. Also, few learner bikes come with push handles attached to the frames, so moms or dads can use the push along feature.
A bike that is properly designed needs to have a longer wheelbase to give the rider more space which will allow them to maneuver the bike more easily and be more stable, making the whole learning-to-ride process a heck of a lot easier. The child also ends up in a more upright position, meaning that they are more comfortable when they start out riding a bike.
In terms of color, most toddler models are vibrant with popular thematic graphics. Dominant colors include red, pink, purple, green, white, black, blue, violet, orange and yellow.
9. Brakes
CPSC standards mean that all 12” and 14” bikes need to have back pedal brakes, also known as coaster breaks. This can be tricky to master when you are learning to ride. Children automatically start to pedal backwards when they need to regain their balance which means that they can fall thus losing motivation.
A child who has the coordination to ride a bike usually has the coordination to use the brakes too. You should be looking for bikes that have both hand brakes and coaster brakes.
10. Tires
As mentioned, air-filled tires made from rubber are the best option generally. Mountain bike style tires are also better for little ones as they tend to cushion any bumps in the road a little better.
11. Gearing
The majority of children’s bikes have a single speed. Some have different gear combos and are easier to ride uphill whereas others are better suited to flats. You should be able to compare the cog sizes of different bikes so you can work out what is the right option for you and your child.
12. Components
You need to choose a model of bike that your toddler will get the most use from. Look out for bikes that have slidable seats on rails as well as adjustable height for the handlebars so that you can really customize the fit.
You could also look at the length of the crank to make sure that it will suit your child’s size. You need to have a bike that has a narrow stance as children generally have hips that are much narrower than those of an adult.
13. Price
Usually, parents are a little reluctant to buy a first bike that costs more than around $50 to $100. Of course, you can easily get a bike for this price, it is wise to choose a good quality bike for your toddler following our recommendations rather than on price alone. This is what I did, and I regret it immensely.
Safety Tips
Learning to ride a bike is always fraught with anxiety for parents as you expect your child to take a few knocks on the way. Preventing injury and encouraging safe riding has to be paramount for parents. Here are some safety tips to get you (and them!) on your way.
- Ensure that the bike is an appropriate size for the child. It might be tempting to buy a bigger bike for a child that will only grow but buying a bike that they are big enough to ride is the safest thing that you could do.
- Make sure it is built correctly and that the wheels are connected correctly.
- Dress your child appropriately in eye-catching clothing so that they can be seen if near to roads.
- Always have them wear a helmet! We shouldn’t have to stress the importance of this but it is always surprising how many parents let their children get away with not wearing one! Wearing one becomes a habit that is crucial.
- Maintain the bike as is needed, checking for any damage or punctures.
- Teach your child some basic signals when they’re riding as well as road safety and etiquette for parks and paths.
- Ride only in places that are safe to do so and keep watch on your child at all times.
A Word From Us
I hope that you’ve found the best toddler bike for your own wants and needs! We were spoilt for choice but hopefully one of our top 10 bikes for toddlers will fit the bill. If you’re still not sure, you can’t go wrong with our Editor’s Choice! It really was the most popular bike amongst all our little toddler testers as well as their parents.
Of course, the other options were great choices too, especially if you’re looking for something a bit different. Still, at the end of reading these reviews, what I hope that you’ve achieved is a knowledge that I didn’t have when I first bought my little boy his first bike.
It really was a challenging time and I made a lot of mistakes. With my help, I’m sure that your child will be riding the best bicycle for toddlers in next to no time. Happy riding little ones!
FAQs
1. Can my 2-year-old ride a bike?
Ans. Yes, they can. This will be helpful in teaching them the skills needed to ride a full-sized bike when they’re older.
2. How to find the right bike size for my toddler?
Ans. Instead of age, consider your kid’ height. For instance, a 12 inch wheel will fit a 90-100 cm tall child perfectly while a child over 140 cm in height will need a 26 inch wheel.
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