Best Balance Bikes for Kids

Teaching your child how to ride a bike is an important process and this is why choosing the best balance bike for kids is necessary. You want your children to gain a head start in life and learn valuable skills that can benefit them in years to come. Cycling is one such skill and it can be difficult to know where to start. What type of bike should you try your child with first? How do you help them understand the basics of cycling and improve their technique? How can you help them balance?

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We completely understand these problems and that you want to get it right for your children. This is where we can help at Bikesist.com! We have in-depth knowledge of children’s bikes and which bike is suitable to help learn how to cycle. We can show you what you need to get your child in the saddle and cycling. In the paragraphs below we will share with you our wisdom, answer your questions, and help you choose the best balance bike for toddlers and kids.     

Balance bikes designed for kids 3-7 years old are stronger, larger, and come with more innovative features than balance bikes for toddlers. Safety features are crucial because of higher speeds. Riding such a balance bike is a final stage before switching to a bike with pedals, so it is important to choose a model similar to what your kid will use later.

However, choosing one can become a real problem for some parents. This article is aimed at helping you find the best kids balance bike available in 2019 to satisfy your child’s needs and your personal wishes.

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  • Item Weight: 6.7 lbs
  • Frame: Steel
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2
  • Item Weight: 11 lbs
  • Frame: Steel
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3
  • Item Weight: 20.59 lbs
  • Frame: Steel
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4
  • Item Weight: 10.6 lbs
  • Frame: Steel
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5
  • Item Weight: 12.13 lbs
  • Frame: Steel
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  • Item Weight: 6 lbs
  • Frame:
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7
  • Item Weight: 8.75 lbs
  • Frame: Aluminum
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8
  • Item Weight: 12 lbs
  • Frame: Steel
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9
  • Item Weight: 13 lb
  • Frame: Steel
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10
  • Item Weight: 7.59 lbs
  • Frame: Aluminum
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Table of Content

How to Choose the Best Balance Bike for your Kid?

Choosing a suitable option is a challenge. There are many important aspects that you have to keep in mind in order to select a worthy and high-quality bicycle. We are here to assist you with this issue! Below you will find a range of parameters that you should learn and consider to figure out what to look for, each of them may differ from one model to another, so you should be attentive to make the right choice.

  • Price

Bikes for older kids cost more than those for toddlers. The price depends on features, materials, and overall quality and since even the lowest-priced model will allow your kid to master riding skills, it is up to you what to choose.

  • Suitability

Suitability is important regardless of a bicycle type. Any bicycle that you buy for your kids should be chosen in accordance with your son’s or daughter’s age, height, and weight.

  • Adjustability

Good adjustability is always preferable because not only does it allow using a bicycle for years, but makes it suitable for kids of different ages. An ideal option is an adjustable seat or steering wheel. Some bike models allow adjusting only the seat, which may also be enough depending on your situation and requirements.

  • Weight

A lightweight bike is important but not crucial. Since 3-7 years old kids are able to lift and carry around heavier things, it is unnecessary to purchase exceptionally models with a low weight, everything here depends on your child’s needs.

  • Safety

Safety is very important. Older kids will love to test their abilities to ride fast and do various moves on the bike, so you want to make sure that they will enjoy a safe riding experience.

  • Footrests

Some models include footrests, which is good in some cases as it can be convenient for a kid to put his/her feet somewhere, but it is important to ensure that footrests do not interfere with a child’s stride.

  • Tires

Solid tires are not an option. Kids of 3-7 years old can ride pretty fast on the road and air-filled tires allow enjoying the smother riding experience.

  • Wheels

As for wheels, do not choose those made of plastic because they will not match the safety and durability requirements because 4 year old kids or even younger kids are ready to use their bicycles more intensively than toddlers.

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Top-10 Bikes for Children

PicturesBike NameKey FeaturesCheck Price
Strider – 12 Sport Balance BikeItem Weight: 6.7 lbs
Frame: Steel
Go Glider Kids Balance BikeItem Weight: 11 lbs
Frame: Steel
Strider – 14X Balance BikeItem Weight: 20.59 lbs
Frame: Steel
Mini Glide Balance BikeItem Weight: 10.6 lbs
Frame: Steel
BIKESTAR® Original Balance Running BikeItem Weight: 12.13 lbs
Frame: Steel
Balance bike for kidsItem Weight: 6 lbs
Frame:
Joovy Bicycoo Balance BikeItem Weight: 8.75 lbs
Frame: Aluminum
Verso by Kettler Racer BalanceItem Weight: 12 lbs
Frame: Steel
Schwinn Balance BikeItem Weight: 13 lb
Frame: Steel
XJD Balance BikeItem Weight: 7.59 lbs
Frame: Aluminum

So how to make a choice? Before making up your mind, you may read our reviews, which may help you find the best model suitable the needs of your kid the most

 

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1. Strider – 14X Balance Bike – Best Balance Bikes for Kids in 2019

This model is suitable for kids of 3-7 years old. What makes it good? Main purpose of balance bike is to prepare kids for pedal bike, and this specific model allows to do it very easily – simply bolt-on pedals when your child is ready for them. Besides that, it comes with adjustable seat and handlebar, air-filled tires and brakes – all you need in one package. It is absolutely the best option in accordance to the overall characteristics (including the price, features, adjustability, and design), which is why it is worth considering it.

PROS:
  • Great adjustability;
  • Has a pedal kit;
  • Good safety.

CONS:
  • Weighs more than an average balance bicycle.

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2. BIKESTAR Original Balance Running Bike – Best Balance Bikes for 3-7 Years Old

This model is suitable for kids of 3+ years old. It is designed for children weighing no more than 110 lbs. The seat can be adjusted easily, which is the first benefit and, besides, it also has brakes, a steering angle limitation, air-filled tires. This model allows you enjoy the best value in terms of the quality/price combination.

PROS:
  • Low weight;
  • Great safety;
  • Adjustable seat.

CONS:
  • Bar is not adjustable.

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3. Mini Glide Balance Bike – Top-Rated Kids Balance Bike in 2019

It is suitable for kids of 2-5 years old. The model is equipped with a rear brake, air-filled tires, removable foot pegs, and an adjustable seat.

This model provides the best functionality, allowing a kid to control the bike easily.

PROS:
  • Good safety;
  • Does not weigh a lot (10.6 lbs.);
  • Adjustability;
  • Good price.

CONS:
  • Does not have an adjustable bar.

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4. Balance bike for kids – High Quality Bike for your Child

It is suitable for 3 to 7 year old kids. The model has adjustable handlebar and seat, air-filled tires, brakes, and extremely low weight of only 6 lbs. This bicycle comes at the best price if compared to the other similar models for kids of 3-7 years old.

PROS:
  • Great adjustability;
  • Small weight;
  • Cheap.

CONS:
  • No footrests.

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5. Go Glider Kids Balance Bike – One of the Best Balance Bike for Older Child

It is a lightweight model with patented slow speed geometry. This option comes with air-filled tires, footrests, removable foot pegs, and rear brake, the seat is adjustable, and it weighs 11 lbs., which is fine parameter for most kids. This model is the best for 5 year old, allowing them to enjoy a safe riding experience.

PROS:
  • It is lightweight;
  • Different features;
  • Safe design.

CONS:
  • Non-adjustable bar

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6. Joovy Bicycoo Balance Bike – Good Kid Bike without Pedals

This model is recommended for kids from 1.5 years old. It has 2.25″ tires for better stability, handbrake for safety, and an adjustable seat. Its weight is only 8.75 lbs, which explains why this model is only suitable for those kids weighing less than 55 lbs.

This is the best balance bike for 3 year old kids for low weight and easy control.

PROS:
  • It is lightweight;
  • Great safety;
  • Good adjustability.

CONS:
  • Relatively high price;
  • No footrests.

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7. Verso by Kettler Racer Balance – High Quality Kid Bike with no Pedals

This option is suitable for kids of 3-6 years old. It weighs 12 lbs. and has air-filled tires, comfort rubber hand grips, front racing plate, and safety pad. The model comes with height adjustable padded seat.

It is great for learning balance and coordination to prepare for riding pedal bikes and that is the main reason why so many parents prefer to stick with this option. This is the most comfortable model, which will allow your kids to learn how to ride in a safe manner.

PROS:
  • Good adjustability;
  • Comfortable and safe;
  • Good price.

CONS:
  • Medium weight.

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8. Strider – 12 Sport Balance Bike – Good Children’S Bike without Pedals

This model is suitable for kids of 2-5 years old. It has an adjustable seat, air-filled tires, and double brakes for the best safety. Its weight is 24.85 lbs.

Verso by Kettler Racer Balance provides the best safety and for first-time little riders.

PROS:
  • Great safety;
  • Good adjustability;
  • Amazing design.

CONS:
  • High price;
  • High weight.

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9. Schwinn Balance Bike – Cool New Balance Bike in 2019

It is suitable for 3 to 6 year old kids. The bike has air-filled tires, ball bearing headset, and an adjustable seat, its weight is 13 lbs, and what is even better – this interesting and functional model is available at the affordable price of $79.99. This is the best extreme bike for kid enjoying high speeds.

PROS:
  • Adjustable seat;
  • Air-filled tires;
  • Good price.

CONS:
  • No safety features.

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10. XJD Balance Bike – Good Childrens Bike without Pedals

This model is suitable for kids of 3-6 years old. It comes with lightweight aluminium frame, adjustable leather seat (from 13.8 inches to 19 inches), and air-filled tires. It weighs only 7.59 pounds. It has no safety features, but thanks to the anti-vibrating materials it will ensure comfortable riding.

PROS:
  • Low weight;
  • Good adjustability;

CONS:
  • No safety features;
  • High price.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Balance Bikes for Kids

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How to measure a kids bike?

To measure a bike for your kids, you must look at the diameter of the tires. The tire size can help define what age range the bike is suitable for. The diameter of the tire is effectively from the base to the top of the tire – it should be measured in inches. Alternatively, you can look at the tire as the size should be noted on the sidewall. The tire size correlates to the bike frame and the age range as well. A 10” tire for example would be suitable for 2 to 3 year olds, whereas a 16” tire would be suitable for 3 to 6 year olds.

How to adjust kids bike brakes?

You may need to adjust your child’s bike brakes if they cannot reach the lever when reaching to apply the brake. Your child’s fingers may not be long enough for example. You will need a small wrench, an allen key, and a screwdriver. You must loosen the brake cable bolt which will allow you to adjust the brake reach. Adjust the reach as required and ensure you leave enough room so the brake can still be pulled. Once you have adjusted the reach to the required distance, then re-tighten the brake cable bolt.

What age do kids learn to ride a bike?

Kids typically learn to ride a bike from the age of 2 onwards. By the age of 2, it is deemed that a child’s coordination and strength should have developed sufficiently to allow them to at least sit on a bike and get used to the motions. There is no set age however, your child is ready when they start taking an interest in biking. Some children are comfortable learning to ride a bike sooner than others while some may not be ready until they are older.        

What is a balance bike?

A balance bike is specifically designed to help a child learn how to balance while riding. This type of bike is also known as a training bike. A balance bike is one of the simplest forms of cycle available and they often do not even have pedals or a drivetrain. The main focus of a balance bike is for a child to learn how to be stable on a bicycle– this is why it is stripped down and not as complex as a standard bike. A balance bike will not have training wheels either as it gives the child chance to learn how to balance properly.   

Why are balance bikes good?

Balancing is essential to the learning the process for riding a bike. If you cannot balance, you will not be able to keep your bike upright or pedal long distances without falling off. A balance bike helps teach this basic function. They remove the need for training wheels and teach a child how to balance without any aids. Moreover, they can introduce a child to the basic processes involved with cycling. A child can use a balance bike in a safe manner on a paved surface for example where they should not suffer any injury if they do fall over.

How does a balance bike work?

Balance bikes are usually made from thick materials with chunky frames and tires. The chunky build of the bike and the thick tires helps natural balance. A toddler can sit on a balance bike and roll it along a paved surface or path and practice balancing with their feet off of the ground. The lack of pedals (and sometimes brakes) means your child can concentrate fully on balancing and rolling their bike.  Moreover, the bike is constructed in such a way that it promotes balancing.

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What is the Best Balance Bike for Kids?

best balance bike for kids The Strider – 14xWe hope you have found this guide useful. You should now have a clear understanding of what balance bikes can offer. This type of bicycle is beneficial for children who are learning how to ride a bike. Moreover, they are generally inexpensive and easy to transport. If you want your child to learn how to ride a bike properly, this is definitely the way to go. Your toddler will learn how to balance properly without the need for training wheels. Find below our choice for the best balance bike for kids:

The Strider – 14x Balance Bike

This balance bike is built for children between the ages of 3 and 7. As standard, this balance bike comes without pedals. This means your child can concentrate on balancing and getting used to how a bike works. When your child is ready, the Strider has bolt-on pedals that can be attached! Moreover, the bike also comes with an adjustable seat and handlebars. Finally, the design is fantastic and your child will love the bright colors used on the frame. This really is a fantastic model and provides your child with everything they could need for their first training bike!

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