Balance bikes, contrary to bikes that have removable training wheels, these are bikes that do not have pedals but they can be steered and ridden on by most kids of toddler age.
They are similar to regular two-wheeled bikes but usually have thicker tires and have a lower design so that your child won’t easily fall off and have accidents. Many people have been trying out balance bikes due to their unique style.
Are balance bikes better?
Generally, yes. Balance bikes are beneficial for the following:
1. An alternative to training wheels. If your child has been used to training wheels then they could possibly learn better and faster in a balance bike. Just a few seconds of gliding through the street or backyard can make them learn the basics of balancing.
This can be much faster than having to ride a bike with training wheels all the time. If you are a parent who isn’t concerned with how much times your child falls off a bike, using balance bikes can be a great alternative.
2. Less bulky than tricycles. If you have always been wary about the bulkiness of a regular tricycle or a bike with training wheels, the fact that a balance bike doesn’t have pedals can help you to carry less along the way, especially if you are practicing somewhere else.
3. Easy to glide over uneven surfaces. With a balance bike, your child gets to ride on thicker tires (explained further below). This allows them to easily ride even on uneven ground, dirt, grass, and the like, much like with off-road bikes.
4. Thick tires for easy balancing. The tires of a balance bike are usually designed more differently. They have a thicker and wider design, which helps your little one to ride easily and balance more effectively without parents worrying too much.
5. Learning independence at a young age. Learning independence in an early childhood stage makes it easier for your child to learn to ride a bike on their own without worrying too much. Kids who have been conditioned to be independent without over-nagging parents can definitely have a better way of learning and that all starts with a good set of gear.
What age is best for a balance bike?
The right age of riding a balance bike can be around 18 months old up to 5 years of age. This is usually the right age when they mostly ride tricycles and balancing wheels that are attached to regular bikes.
Therefore, it is good to start young with a smaller balance bike so that your child can get ahead. In this way, they can get the hang of balancing on a bike.
Best Balance Bike for Toddlers and Kids
Here are our top picks for the best balance bike for toddlers and kids:
Strider – 12 Sport Balance Bike
Presumably, one of the best-known balance bikes out there, Strider’s bike is ideal for kids who are 18 months old up to 5 years old and it can also be adjusted from 12 to 20 inches for the handlebar, which can be convenient for growing children. You can also choose from different colors.
The weight of this balance bike is only 6.7 lbs. so it is easy to take with you on your next trip or for your little one to carry it on their own, which also means they may be able to steer it easily as compared to other bikes. Its small grips can help them to ride on safely and without hurting their hands all the time.
Retrospec Cub Kids Balance Bike
As a balance bike, this one has an age range of 20 months old up to 5 years old. It can also be adjusted depending on your child’s age and height due to the seat post being adjustable and the handlebars can be tweaked as well. The foot-to-floor height is safe in case your child falls.
The tires are also pretty large and they never go flat due to their air-free material. This makes it less of a hassle in maintenance as compared to the rubber tires of a regular bike. Also, the balance bike is CPSC-compliant (CPSC/CPSIA CFR 16:1512 to be exact) to ensure your kid’s safety. You have 18 colors to choose from with this bike.
Cruzee Ultralite Balance Bike
With 8 colors to choose from, this balance bike is applicable for kids who are 1 1/2 years old up to 5 years old. It is also very lightweight at only 4.4 lbs. so it can be easy to lift for both boys and girls. The handlebar can be adjusted just fine while the rust-free anodized aluminum frame can make it last longer than other brands.
The soft grips can be easy to grip for young ones for hours of riding, while the comfortable seat is low-profile in design. Its tires also never go flat and are still made of rubber while the axle bolts are placed just fine. It is backed by a lifetime warranty.
Chicco 1716000070 Red Bullet Balance Training Bike
If you want a training bike that has a striking red color, this one may be for you. It has a long handlebar so it can be great even for big kids, but it is also adjustable, along with the seat. It is applicable for kids who are 3 years old and above and its seat is adjustable from 13 up to 15 inches in height.
The frame is also not too heavy due to the ergonomic design, which allows your child to carry it on their own or steer it properly with fewer problems and effort. It supports kids up to 55 lbs. or 25 kg. of weight and it comes in its own assembly kit.
Glide Bikes Kid’s Go Glider Balance Bike
With 5 colors to choose from, this balance bike has footpegs but can be removed so that your child will learn without distractions. It also has a handbrake on its own so that your child can ride and stop safely whenever they want or need to. It has a steel alloy frame, which can make it both durable and lightweight.
The air tires are coupled with composite mag wheels that can be ideal even for rough grounds. It also comes with its own kickstand for convenience. The balance bike can be used on skate parks, driveways, sidewalks, and different terrain. It is also backed by a limited lifetime warranty from the manufacturer and may be applicable for kids 5 to 7 years old.
Strider – 14X 2-in-1 Balance to Pedal Bike Kit
Yet another one from Strider, this one is for the big kids who are aged 3 to 7 years old since it is adjustable from 16 to 23 inches for its inseam. It is available in 2 bright colors, which can be easily seen at night or in dark areas. The frame is only 12 lbs. so it is super lightweight and easy to glide for most kids.
It also comes with its own footrests for your child to feel comfortable while they are gliding. A chainguard is also available along with the package since it also comes with pedals to help train your little one into riding a real bike. It is a convertible bike and balance bike in one unit.
TheCroco Aluminum Lightweight Balance Bike
As a lightweight balance bike, this one has a thick set of tires which are also made with special grips. This allows it to cross terrains that are uneven, such as dirt and grass. It is also quite easy to set up at only about 5 minutes of time and is applicable for kids who are 18 months to 5 years old.
Since it is made with rust-resistant aluminum, it can be a convenient choice for kids who often spend time in humid places or near the water. The soft hand grips can keep them comfortable for hours of riding while the padded seat also adds a comfort factor. It also has sturdy sealed bearings so it doesn’t make a lot of noise.
KaZAM v2e No-Pedal Balance Bike
This balance bike has a unique footrest on its middle part, which can help your little one if they feel tired with their feet. It is made with EVA tires so it also doesn’t go flat, unlike regular air tires. The balance bike is ideal for kids up to 5 years of age.
The handlebar and the seat are both adjustable depending on your child’s age. It also has different colors to choose from, which also changes the wheel rims. It also has all of the tools needed to set it up, and it will only weigh 8 lbs. when you put it together. Also, the weight limit for the balance bike is up to 60 lbs. per child.
Schwinn Balance Bike
Schwinn is a known brand of bikes, but did you know they also have a balance bike for sale? Yep, this one has different colors to choose from and it has thick tires that are filled with air with spoked mag wheels, much like a real bike does.
The headset is ball-bearing so it doesn’t make a lot of noise while the handlebars are finished with chrome for durability. It looks like a BMX but without pedals, so it is also quite stylish. The balance bike is backed by a limited lifetime warranty and may be ideal for kids from 2 to 4 years old.
Radio Flyer Glide & Go Balance Bike Red
Radio Flyer is yet another known brand but with kids’ bikes and outdoor equipment. This balance bike has a steel frame with a real ringing bell to warn people that they are going to pass by. The tread on the tires can help it to cross even uneven terrain or ground.
Ideal for kids who are 2 1/2 to 5 years old, this balance bike is capable of handling children up to 50 lbs. of weight. It measures 34.25″ x 16″ x 20″ when put together and its seat can also be adjusted depending on your child’s height.
Bixe 16″ Pro Balance Bike
Made for kids who are 5 to 9 years old, this balance bike is available in 4 colors to choose from and has the look of a real BMX or bike. There is a footrest that can be gripped so that your child can ride the balance bike comfortably while the footrest also doesn’t get in the way of its design (sitting at the back).
It is made with rubber tires so it feels like an actual bike with sufficient shockproof qualities. It is backed by a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty as well.
Conclusion
In the long run, having a bike for your toddler or kid can be great, but for learning that properly, they need a training tool first, and a balance bike tends to be much faster and more efficient than having to do with training wheels or tricycles. We hope you liked our top picks for the best balance bike for toddlers and kids!
