Most of the children go through a bicycle learning process, which may take days, weeks, or even months. The fact is, every child is different and learns at a different pace, Being a parent if you are struggling to teach bike riding to your kids, then you are at the right place to buy kids balance bikes.
Balance is the important thing when you are learning how to ride, and balancing bikes with a low seat and no pedals help kids to learn and become masters in this important skill. Kids love riding these bikes because they make them feel more confident and in control. Children who started learning on a balance bike, skip tricycles and stabilizers and start straight on a pedal bike when they are big enough.
What is a Kids Balance Bike?
A bike without pedals is a balance bike, it has a frame, fork, handlebars, wheels, etc. Kids have to push off the ground with their feet to move forward.
Balance bikes also do not have stabilizers or training wheels. Since kids have their feet on the ground, they can develop their balance and coordination. This helps kids develop their balance first, before moving on to pedals.
Which Age Group can use Balance Bikes?
Normally balance bikes are suitable for kids from 18 months to 7 years old. If your child can walk, they can use a balance bike.
As balance bikes do not have pedals, they are lower to the ground and are much lighter than normal kids bikes. This makes it easier for small kids to steer the bike.
How does a balance bike work?
Balance bikes are low to the ground, kids can reach the ground with their feet. They have to move forwards by pushing off the ground and begin by walking the bike, then progress to running, striding, and gliding. Once they started gliding along independently, then they are mastering their balance and are getting ready to begin pedaling. Kids can keep going on the balance bike for as long as they wish.
Balance bikes are also helpful to teach kids how to steer properly by leaning the bike towards the corner, with the assurance of having their feet on the ground.
How to ride a balance bike?
Balance bikes are simple for kids to ride and they won’t even need any guidance to use. To ride the balance bike, kids have to sit on the low saddle holding the handlebars. Then they can move forward by walking, running, striding, or gliding, depending on their experience.
See also: Best kids bike accessories
Even more timid kids can start on a balance bike by standing over the frame, in front of the saddle, and just walk normally. Kids can hold the handlebars and get used to the weight and feel of the bike.
How to teach your child to ride a balance bike?
Balance bikes do not require much guidance. Kids can hop on and ride without much fuss. But there are a few things to check before you start:
- Find a clean open space that is free from obstacles.
- Fit a helmet to ensure a gentle fall does not make your child lose confidence.
- Adjust the saddle height so your child’s feet are flat on the ground.
- If the bike has brakes, instruct your child how to use them.
- If required, give a gentle push to get started.
- Watch your child riding a balance bike.
Best Kids Balance Bikes to Buy
1. TheCroco Lightweight Balance Bike
TheCroco Balance Bike helps children to focus on balancing instead of pedaling. It also develops their coordination and confidence, making the transition to a pedal bike much easier. It is ultra-light and of supreme quality, these bikes are designed to make easy learning.
The premium model is lighter, handlebars are adjustable, tool-free setup, and rust-resistant. It is made out of top quality Aluminum which is light, making it the lightest bike available, lightweight is essential for your kids to easily control it, increasing their confidence while learning, Our Steel Bike is also super light.
It has flat-free rubber foam tires, 5 min tool-free easy assembly, ultra-soft hand grips, padded seat, sealed bearings, and safety-end screws for additional protection and extreme comfort. TheCroco Balance Bikes are specially designed to focus on balance rather than pedaling to improve coordination, prevent crashes, and master bike riding.
Key Features
- Super light and High quality
- Adjustable padded seat
- Flat-free EVA polymer wheels
- Long-lasting sealed bearings
- Padded hand grips
2. JOYSTAR 10″/12″ Kids Balance Bike
JoyStar Balance Bike allows teaching little ones how to ride a bicycle. similar to training wheels, this bike lets kids learn how to balance at a small age, so they will be confident and comfortable riding a big kid bike in no time. As the transition to the pedal bike, the footrest helps to find the center of gravity some as the pedal bike, get used to the pedal bicycle quickly.
The EVA foam tires are lightweight and low maintenance. The tires are lightweight, weighing 1.0lb each, which is 40% lighter than a rubber tire. It has an adjustable handlebar & seat for height adjustment, that help them find the fun of cycling. The bending frame, easy for them to get on & off the balance bike. Kids can ride more easily on this bike, developing balance and coordination.
Key Features
- Footrest for gravity
- Airless EVA foam tire
- Adjustable seat and handlebar
- Simple design
- Great size and very lightweight
3. GOMO Balance Bike
The GOMO comes with safety features. The Turn Limiter provides control while kids learn to steer in a straight line. The Custom footrest lets them place their toes out of the way. No need to worry about wheels falling off because it has strong Through-Wheel Axles as prevention.
This boy’s and girl’s bike 6.4 pounds is light enough. Toddlers can lift and drag it easily as they can scoot along. The 14.6” T-Bar with its special GOMO Grips is easy for little hands to grab while the 12” Heavy Duty Foam Wheels, can be dragged over gravel without punctures.
The GOMO’s unique S-Curve shape is designed for a strong ride, right up to age 5. The ABS Plastic finish does not just minimize scrapes on kids, but it also protects the bike too. The heavy-duty wheels are puncture-proof and toddler-friendly. The puncture-proof wheels can be moved across the concrete, dragged through the mud, and the thick wheel core won’t bend.
Key Features
- High quality and ultralight
- Adjustable seat
- Light enough to lift and drag
- Puncture-proof wheels
4. Retrospec Cub Kids Balance Bike
Cub balance bike helps your cyclist to learn without the training wheels. The less distance between their feet and the ground helps kids to better control their speed, avoid falls, and reduce the chance of getting hurt. Keep riding with air-free tires or puncture-free tires.
This bike has no pedals, kids have to scoot themselves along, constantly balancing on their legs. Kids feel in control of their ride, reducing the possibility of speeding faster than their comfort zone and getting hurt. Cub encourages learning to balance and coordinate. Keeping this in mind, kids who are familiar with a balance bike will more easily move on a two-wheeler rather than sustaining wheels.
Cub requires less assembly and basically no maintenance. The high-tensile strength steel frame and fork are strong enough to avoid scratches and damage. The handles and seat are adjustable, cub does not require brakes, pedals, gears, or even air in the tires.
Key Features
- Adjustable handle and seat
- Puncture-free tires
- Indestructible Frame
- Lightweight and Maneuverable
- Simple Pedal-Free Push Bike
See also: How to choose the best bicycle pumps for kids bikes?
5. Bixe 16″ Pro Balance Bike
A balance bike provides a safer and easier way to learn to ride a bike by letting your child master balance and steering first in a distraction-free way. Once they feel comfortable gliding on a balance bike, then riding a pedal bike becomes easy.
The Green Pro balance bike has tamper-proof clamps, both wheels are equipped with safety washers and each frame is built with the capacity to withstand the weight of the largest children. This balance bike is perfect for kids who are just learning to ride a bike.
Each bike is partially assembled and the wheels are securely attached and ready to ride. Just you have to slide the seat and handlebars in the right position for your child, clamp it down with the wrench provided, inflate the tires and you are good to go.
Key Features
- Cost-effective
- High-quality material
- Capacity to withstand more weight
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6. Reeple Toddler Balance Bike
Reeple balance bikes provide a better alternative to training wheels. This balance bike focuses on the essential piece of learning i.e. Balance. With this Reeple Balance Bike, kids can learn on their own without fear of falling, and guidance is not required. The Reeple bike is the ideal first bicycle for your child, that offers a safe platform to develop their coordination and balance. This design is suitable for children 2 – 6 years, the balance bike seat can be adjusted to fit most riders and adjust as your child grows.
The 360 degree rotatable handlebar along with Anti-vibration rubber grips and soft sponge grips helps children easy to control. With an adjustable, quick-release seat collar, the bike is designed to grow with your little one as they learn to balance, and more easily they can move on to a traditional bicycle. It weighs only 8.3 lbs and is the light balance bike available, which makes it much easier for your child to learn to ride.
Key Features
- 360-degree rotatable handlebar
- High-quality EVA polymer foam tire
- Adjustable seat with faux leather soft saddle
- More elastic and durable rubber tires.
7. Chillafish Charlie Lightweight Toddler Balance Bike
Chillafish charlie is the best lightweight balance bike for kids of 18 to 48 months. The seat height is adjustable from 11 to 14,5 inches and the handlebar can grow from 18,7 to 19,8 inches.
This bike is perfect for a toddler to train the basic skills of riding and to learn to ride a real bike. This bike is easy to carry because it is extremely lightweight but also because of the integrated carry handle, you can take this favorite ride-on toy everywhere around. Chillafish is a leading manufacturer of activity toys and balance bikes.
Key Features
- Easily adjustable seat and handlebar
- Lightweight metal frame
- Integrated carry handle
- No puncture 10 inch EVA tires
8. INFANS Lightweight Balance Bike
INFANS kids balance bike is manufactured using rugged steel, that is sturdy enough to withstand weight up to 55lbs. The exterior surface with a non-toxic protective powder coat finish prevents the bike from being scratched and rust. The height of the seat and handlebar are all adjustable to meet the different heights of kids at different stages. The main steel frame ensures the tricycle for stable and durable use.
The balance bike is welded without sharp edges for a secure ride as safety is the most important. The Non-slip handlebar for kids helps easy controlling, and the seat is well-designed to prevent your kid from slipping off when riding downhill.
Different from other balance bikes, the no-pedal bike has a 360-degree rotatable handlebar with a non-slip handle design. Our balance bike is easier for toddlers to control and to provide a more comfortable using experience. The padded seat has a beautiful curve design which enables kids to play for a long time comfortably
Key Features
- Lightweight balance bike
- Premium quality materials
- Streamline design ensures the safety
- 360-degree rotatable handlebar
- Lightweight and inflation-free tires
See also: Best kids bike seats with soft cushion
9. Swagtron Childrens-Balance-Bikes
The swagtron no-pedal bike is perfect for helping kids of 2-5 years to improve their balance, stamina, and coordination. It weighs about 7 lb which is child-friendly and supports kids up to 55 lb. The Air-filled rubber tires HUG the pavement better than the solid foam or hard plastic of other toddler bikes. It provides a riding experience that is smooth and fluid.
The seat height can be adjusted between 12 and 16 inches high to accommodate 13- to 17-inch inseams. The seat padding is supportive and soft enough to prevent chafing, which makes our balance bike for kids more comfortable for young learners. Other training bikes are made either with steel that is too heavy for young riders, or it is made of cheap plastic that won’t last long with active kids.
Key Features
- Height-adjustable seat
- Lightweight and durable
- Quick & easy assemble
- Streamlined design
10. Uenjoy Kids Balance Bike
Uenjoy no-pedal bike is perfect for kids of 2-4 years to improve their balance and stamina. Our balance pushbike is easy to ride as walking. The Puncture-resistant EVA Foam tires provide a smooth ride and the PP wheel enhances stability, all materials are eco-friendly and non-toxic. EVA solid tires for maximum grip and high shock absorption.
The height of the seat can be adjusted from 12.2 inches to 16.1 inches and that of the handlebar from 20.9 inches to 23.6 inches to meet their different requirements on the process of growing up. The bike is equipped with a comfortable padded seat and Non-slip handle grips, providing comfortable cycling for the young rider. This makes a great transition to pedal bikes for kids.
Key Features
- Adjustable seat & handlebar
- High performance
- Comfortable seat
- EVA polymer foam tire
How to choose the right balance bike for your child?
There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a balance bike for your child:
Size
Balance bike sizes are based on inseam rather than the wheel or frame size. The Children should be able to touch their feet flat onto the ground while sitting in the saddle. Measure your child’s inseam to check if the bike is a good size with shoes on. This should be the same length as the minimum saddle of the bike.
If your child’s inseam is longer than the maximum saddle height of the bike, then you need to go for a bigger bike. The balance bikes with a longer arm reach will allow your child to go faster and maintain a forward-leaning stance on the bike.
Weight
The bike should be as light as possible for your child to easily use it. The kids balance bike frames are usually made from aluminum alloy, steel, wood, or plastic. The best lightweight material for balance bikes is aluminum alloy as it is rust-proof.
Wood balance bikes look cute but they do not come with brakes. Look out for those using marine plywood as this will not warp and delaminate when wet, similar to the cheaper bikes made of standard plywood.
See also: How to teach your child to ride a balance bike?
Cost
Cost is an important factor for many parents and really what you choose depends on the bike’s intended use. A costly bike will usually be lighter and longer-lasting, and it uses better components, has better customer service, and will have a better resale value. Most quality kids bikes will use quality bike parts that can be serviced and replaced by a bike shop.
The cheaper bikes can look like their more expensive counterparts. They usually miss some important features such as brakes, air tires, and ball bearings.
Wheels
It is best to go with air tires, alloy rims, and hubs with steel spokes. Air tires will provide more cushioning and grip giving them more confidence. Tires with a wide tread will give better grip on rough surfaces and those with a narrower smooth tread will roll faster.
Some of the brands use EVA foam tires which are puncture-proof and they do not provide much grip. Once they wear out they cannot be replaced.
Conclusion
Our suggestions above are the best kids balance bike available in the market in every price range. These balance bikes are useful for kids to learn balancing and coordination when they initially start riding. The balance bikes are safe for your kids as there are fewer chances of falling down while riding.
