Best Balance Bikes For Toddlers | What age are balance bikes for?

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The first balance bike or, better to say, dandy-horse was invented in 1818 by Karl Drais. It had two wheels with no pedals providing that the rider pushes it along the ground as if he would walk or run in his daily life. Nowadays, balance bikes are widely known and extremely popular among toddlers and kids starting from 18 months up to 6 years of age.

In today’s guide, you will answer such important questions as

How do balance bikes work?
What are the best balance bikes for toddlers on the market?
What age are balance bikes for?
How to ride a balance bike?

What is a balance bike for toddlers?

A balancing bike for kids is a baby bicycle without pedals (no drivetrain) that your child has to push inevitably to be able to ride. Some of the best balance bikes for toddlers have brakes too. The balance bike with brakes is important to have especially when your child starts to pick up speed.

The trick is that your child pushes the bike and naturally learns how to balance before progressing to pedals. Therefore, bike stabilizers won’t be needed in a real bike. It will just seem natural for your baby to push the pedals.

What age are balance bikes for?

The kid’s age for a balance bike ranges from 18 months up to 6 years of age. Your baby can start riding the balance bike as soon as he firmly walks and runs. However, from a practical point of view, the time when your child will focus more on the balance bike is between 18 months and 3.5 years of age. Once he grasps the balance skill, it is time to upgrade to a bicycle with pedals. The majority of balance bikes that we are going to review today are 10” and 12” wheels. We recommend focusing on 12” wheels with a rear-wheel hand brake in place.

Another amazing feature of toddlers’ bikes is that they are extremely light and easy to steer. Also, depending on the age run bikes are much lower to the ground which only helps children to run them.

How do balance bikes work?

As mentioned previously, balance bikes are quite intuitive. Since the balance bike is usually low to the ground, your child is able to walk the bike first by pushing it forward. Give it a time, every toddler is different at learning.

Soon after mastering how to steer a balance bike properly by leaning it towards the corner and walk it fast enough, you will see your baby running it, and finally gliding. Once your child sliding on the bike, it is a signal for you to buy his first bike with pedals (but no stabilizers)!

How to ride a balance bike?

Except for safety, not much instruction is needed. But of course, motivation should always be there. As soon as your baby sits on the saddle and grabs the handlebar, let him feel the balance bike for a while. Push the bike slowly if necessary and let your child take a few steps forward while sitting on it.

Your child may start running the balance bike straight away, but most likely he may stand over the frame and walk normally for some time. Soon by getting used to the weight of his first bike, your child will progress to riding it.

What are the best balance bikes for toddlers?

Woom1

Technical info:

Wheel size: 12″
Weight: 6.6 lbs/ 2.99 kg
Child’s age: 18 months – 3.5 years  
Seat height: 10 – 14.40 inches (25.40 – 36.58 cm)

Woom1 original bike is an innovative balance bike for kids that grow with your little rider as he improves upon his technique. Although Woom balance bikes come at a cost, there is no better bike on the market. If you just look at the specs, you will realize that even Strider 12 Sport may get more expensive than Woom 1 because it will lack a rear-wheel hand brake regardless if you decide to add extra features, such as inflatable wheels.

The things that distinguish the Woom 1 are:

A lightweight aluminum frame makes it easier for small children to move around.
Very low step-through height making it easier for kids to mount.
A rear-wheel hand brake.
High-quality inflatable wheels.

Prevelo Alphazero

Technical info:

Wheel size: 12″
Weight: 8.5 lbs/ 3.80 kg
Child’s age: 18 months – 3 years  
Seat height: 11.50 – 14.60 inches (29.20 – 37 cm)

It is no secret that a balance bike is a great investment as it helps your child to work on core strength and teaches him how to balance. Prevelo Alphazero is another great brand that makes it happen. It is a high-quality balance bike with a custom-formed 6061 aluminum construction. Although it weighs a bit more than Woom1 or Strider 12 Sport, it is still considered to be a very light balance bike.

Like with Woom1, Alphazero offers a rear-wheel hand brake. Another great advantage is that it has a very low frame making it easy and friendly for young riders to safely get on and off the balance bike. The seat is well-cushioned. Grips can be customized in your child’s favorite color, such as green, yellow, blue, red, green, or pink. Also, you can customize the entire balance bike by applying your toddler’s name to the bike.

Price-wise it has the same range as Woom1.

The things that distinguish the Prevelo Alphazero are:

Lightweight 6061 aluminum frame with custom formed tubing.
Lightweight aluminum alloy fork with Chromoly steerer.
Tektro rear v-brakes with small reach brake levers.
Front and rear hubs with low profile rounded hex bolts and no harsh edged nuts for little legs to knock against.
99% assembled. Just install the handlebar. Instructions and tools are included in the box.

Strider 12 Sport

Strider is a fantastic brand that focuses on balancing bikes and making your kids feel confident. Every model is very well thought through. Strider 12 Sport is designed for kids from 18 months up to five years of age and is considered to be most commonly used among other Strider options. However, Strider 12 Pro has a much lighter frame which is a plus, especially for two-year-olds.

The frame is sturdy, the seat is ergonomically padded, and the grips are just right for your child. The inseam varies from 12 to 20 inches (30-51 cm) however, it may be slightly lower for younger toddlers. The Strider’s handlebar also adjusts the heights as your child grows.

Strider 12 Sport is a super light balance bike, weighing only 6.7 lbs / 3 kg. Max. rider weight reaches up to 60 lbs/ 27 kg.

Tires never go flat, no-maintenance tires
Easy and quick tool-free assembly
Durable steel frame
High-quality and well-built
Snow kit and pedal conversion kits are available separately

Puncture-proof foam tires
No rear wheel hand brake system
Getting a bit expensive if upgrading a bike with a foot brake or heavy-duty tires.

Accessories

Snow kit
Pedal conversion kit
Front brake
Heavy-duty tires

Or check different varieties, including but not limited to

Strider 12 Sport Balance Bike
Strider 12 Sport Baby Bundle
Strider 12 Classic Balance Bike
Strider 12 Pro Balance Bike

FirstBike Street

Technical info:

Wheel size: 12″
Weight: 8.6 lbs/ 3.9 kg
Child’s age: 2 – 5 years  
Seat height: 12 – 17.5 inches (30.48 – 44.45 cm)

Absolutely fabulous balance bike with a very stylish design and the possibility to get a ski kit for your toddler. Safety grip, padded saddle seat, rear drum break with gradual breaking, sealed bearings, steel frame, tire options, mudguards, steering limiter, no sharp edges, reflective stickers and so much more.

FirstBike Street is lightweight, durable, strong, and weatherproof. But the ski set is my favorite!

Tires: world-renowned Schwab Big Apple tires
Rear-wheel hand brake available
Comes partially assembled
Ergonomically padded seat
Cushioned non-slip grips
Sturdy steel frame
Price range: premium
Lifetime guarantee on frame and fork and 5 years on all other parts.

Frog Tadpole

Technical info:

Wheel size: 12″
Weight: 9.20 lbs/ 4.17 kg
Child’s age: 2 – 3 years  
Seat height: 12 – 14.96 inches (31 – 38 cm)

Frog Tadpole is a bit heavier balance bike compared to its competitors. And it also has the smallest toddler age range. It comes in a variety of colors and although it is quite pricey, it has lots of important features to offer, such as reflectors and a bell. Frog Tadpole doesn’t forget about the rear wheel hand brake which is important when it comes to a balance bike. But the best feature to consider is a free 5-year warranty on the frame and fork + 2 years on all other parts!

All Frog Tadpole balance bikes arrive 95% assembled. All you need to do is install the seat post, handlebars, and front wheel.  

Tires: Kenda 12.5” x 1.75” hybrid tires
Front reflector: white
Rear reflector: red, hangs from saddle rails.

Below we offer a selection of budget balance bikes for your toddler. These bikes do not offer all spectrum of important features that the balance bike requires, but each one of them has a unique twist to it. The price ranges from $50 to $100 USD.

The Croco balance bike

The Croco is the lightest balance bike compared to any competitors which makes it super easy for your child to handle.

Technical info:

Wheel size: 12″
Weight: 4.30 lbs/ 1.95 kg
Child’s age: 2 – 4 years  
Seat height: 11 – 18 inches (27.94 – 45.72 cm)

Tires: No-puncture foam tires + wheel bearings
Lightweight all-aluminum frame
Included features: bell, handlebar pad, soft hand grips, padded seat, gripped footrest, safety end screws.
Tool-free adjustable seat and handlebar
Price range: budget
2-year warranty

Schwinn balance bikes

Schwinn has a long history of creating and developing balance bikes, bicycles, and wagons for kids. It has a budget product range but provides all that you really need from a practical point of view.

Schwinn Balance Toddler Bike

Technical info:

Wheel size: 12″
Weight: 14 lbs/ 6.35 kg
Child’s age: 2 – 4 years  
Seat height: 14 – 16.50 inches (35.56 – 41.91 cm)

Tires: air-filled
Padded seat
Cushioned grips
Durable steel frame
Price range: budget
Limited lifetime warranty

Heavy
No rear-wheel hand brake
The minimum height of the seat is quite high, so kids shorter than 35” (89 cm) can’t ride the bike as much.

Schwinn Elm Balance Bike

Technical info:

Wheel size: 12″
Weight: 14 lbs/ 6.35 kg
Child’s age: 2 – 4 years  
Seat height: 14 – 16.50 inches (35.56 – 41.91 cm)

Tires: Eva-foam
Padded seat
Cushioned grips
Durable steel frame
Price range: budget
Limited lifetime warranty

Heavy
No rear-wheel hand brake
The minimum height of the seat is quite high, so kids shorter than 35” (89 cm) can’t ride the bike as much.

Schwinn Koen Balance Bike

Technical info:

Wheel size: 12″
Weight: 15 lbs/ 6.80 kg
Child’s age: 2 – 4 years  
Seat height: 14 – 16.50 inches (35.56 – 41.91 cm)

Tires: Eva-foam
Padded seat
Cushioned grips
Durable steel frame
Price range: budget
Limited lifetime warranty

Heavy
No rear-wheel hand brake
The minimum height of the seat is quite high, so kids shorter than 35” (89 cm) can’t ride the bike as much.

Radio Flyer Balance Bike

Radio Flyer is one of the amazing brand makers creating wagons for kids, balance bikes, push trikes, tricycles, scooters, ride-ons, battery-powered cars and so much more.

Their balance bike is in the budget range.

Technical info:

Wheel size: 12″
Weight: 9.58 lbs/ 4.35 kg
Child’s age: 18 months – 5 years  
Seat height: 13 inches (33.02 cm)

Tires: Rubber air tires
Tool-free adjustable seat
Ringing bell
Padded seat
Cushioned grips
Sturdy steel frame
Price range: budget

Bixe Balance Bike

Like with Croco, the Bixe balance bike is another extremely lightweight option. The all-aluminum frame and foam tires make this one of the lightest balance bikes in the world.

Technical info:

Wheel size: 12″
Weight: 4 lbs/ 1.81 kg
Child’s age: 18 months – 5 years  
Seat height: 10 – 17 inches (25.40 – 43.18 cm)

Handlebar adjustment: 20 – 24 inches (50.80 – 60.96 cm) tall
Tires: foam tires
Comes partially assembled
Padded seat
Cushioned grips
Sturdy steel frame
Price range: budget
100% money-back guarantee and defective parts replacement

INFANS Kids Balance Bike

Infans can be a great balance bike for your toddler to start, but it has slightly smaller wheels compared to other models; it is heavier than Croco, but way lighter than Woom and Strider; the seat height is higher than usual – 13.5” compared to the usual 10”-12” which means this balance bike is more for kids over 2 years of age. The price is beyond the expectation. So, in general, if you want to try the bike and avoid paying a fortune for it, Infans may be your good choice. 

Technical info:

Wheel size: 10″
Weight: 6 lbs/ 2.72 kg
Child’s age: 2 – 5 years  
Seat height: 13.5 – 17.5 inches (34.29 – 44.45 cm)

360° rotatable handlebar adjustment: 21.5 – 24 inches (54.61 – 60.96 cm) tall
Tires: inflation-free EVA tires
Ergonomically padded seat
Cushioned non-slip grips
Sturdy carbon steel frame
Price range: budget

Gomo Balance Bike

GOMO comes in a variety of colors for a very good price. It is a bit heavy but offers a good minimum seat height allowing your child to start balancing from 18 months. Another cool feature is that the GOMO balance bike comes with a complete 2-year warranty.

Technical info:

Weight: 10.25 lbs/ 4.65 kg
Child’s age: 18 months – 5 years  
Seat height: 12 – 17.5 inches (30.48 – 44.45 cm)

Tires: aluminum and puncture-proof EVA foam
Quick 1-minute assembly with instructions and tools included.
Padded seat
Cushioned grips
Durable steel frame
Price range: budget

Retrospec Cun Kids Balance Bike

Retrospec Cub requires minimal assembly and basically no maintenance. Cub doesn’t require brakes, pedals, gears, or even air in the tires. The best thing is that it comes in 21 different colors.

Technical info:

Weight: 9 lbs/ 4.08 kg
Child’s age: 2 – 5 years  
Seat height: 12.5 – 17.5 inches (31.75 – 44.45 cm)

Tires: hard foam
Quick 1-minute assembly with instructions and tools included.
Padded seat
Cushioned grips
Durable steel frame
Price range: budget/ mid-range

Swagtron K3 Balance Bike

With the Swagtron K3 Balance Bike, learning to ride is easy as walking. Crafted from a sturdy aluminum alloy frame, the K3 weighs a light 7 lbs (3.18 kg) yet is able to support kids up to 55 lbs (24.94 kg). It’s perfect for kids ages 2 to 5, helping them improve their balance, coordination, and stamina. All without the hassle of frustrating or wobbly training wheels.

Compared to other budget balance bikes that are made either with solid steel which is too heavy for young riders, or cheap plastic that won’t last long with active kids, the Swagtron K3 features a reinforced aluminum alloy frame for extra durability and longevity.

Technical info:

Wheel size: 12″
Weight: 7 lbs/ 3.18 kg
Child’s age: 2 – 5 years  
Seat height: 12 – 16 inches (30.48 – 40.64 cm)

Tires: air-filled rubber tires
Quick 1-minute assembly with instructions and tools included.
Padded seat
Cushioned grips
Reinforced aluminum alloy frame
Price range: budget

Swagtron K6 Toddler Scooter

Although it includes the word “scooter” in the name, Swagtron K6 offers to young kids aged 3 to 5 a smart 4-in-1 design that is worth mentioning as it includes:

Stand-up kick scooter
Stand-up 3-wheel balance scooter
Sit-down balance bike
Sit-down trike

Technical info:

Weight: 6.4 lbs/ 2.90 kg
Child’s age: 3 – 5 years  
Tires: plastic
Price range: budget

Joystar 12” Balance Bike

Finally, Joystar balance helps your child skip the training wheels and go straight to a two-wheeler in no time.

Technical info:

Wheel size: 12″
Weight: 8.38 lbs/ 3.80 kg
Child’s age: 18 months – 5 years  
Seat height: 12.6 – 18.5 inches (32 – 47 cm)

Handlebar height: 20.4 – 22.4 inches (52 – 57 cm)
Tires: EVA polymer foam
Padded seat
Cushioned grips
High-tensile steel frame
Price range: budget

Joystar 10” Balance Bike

Technical info:

Wheel size: 10″
Weight: 5.95 lbs/ 2.70 kg
Child’s age: 1 – 3 years  
Seat height: 11.6 – 17.5 inches (30 – 45 cm)

Handlebar height: 19.4 – 21.4 inches (50 – 55 cm)
Tires: EVA polymer foam
Padded seat
Cushioned grips
High-tensile steel frame
Price range: budget

Is a balancing bike for toddlers really worth it?

It really does. What it teaches your child is balance and coordination in the most natural way possible. As a parent, you don’t need to do anything but let your baby find his own way first pushing and walking, then running, and finally gliding the balance bike. Bicycles for babies are quite intuitive, without having too much on the plate, such as pedaling. Kids usually have much more freedom and independence to focus on important tasks, such as the skill of balancing the bike. They are just much easier for toddlers to understand.

The fact is that by the age of 24 to 36 months, a toddler starts riding his very first bicycle with pedals without any stabilizers or training wheels. Isn’t it brilliant?!

How to teach your child to ride a balance bike?

You don’t need to do anything except buying your child a good helmet, knee pads, and instructing him on general safety rules. In the beginning, it would be worth starting in an open space away from the road and lots of people. Once your toddler starts pushing the balance bike, simply let him find his balance and learn how to control the movement.

Every child is different, but pretty quickly you will notice that your child started to push the bike gradually increasing the speed, and oh wow! He is gliding all the way to the park!

Do you need brakes for balancing bikes?

Once your child starts gliding and maneuvers his balance bike at a solid speed, this is the right time to think about getting a balance bike with brakes. In fact, the majority of push bikes for toddlers are designed with brakes. They also help to protect the soles of your child’s shoes.

You generally don’t need brakes for very young babies that have just started using the balance bike as the weight is low.  

What is the difference between balance bikes for babies and bicycles with training wheels/stabilisers?

Needless to say, bikes with pedals and stabilizers/ training wheels are still widely used and very popular in the market. Indeed, they help your child to ride his very first bicycle and prevent falling. However, one thing they do not teach is balance.

Stabilizers are usually set up higher than the rear bike wheel, so they help to keep the bike in the upright position. But there are three downsides to mention:

Bikes with stabilizers are heavier, and so, harder to start. If using the balance bike your child leans towards to push it, in case of a bicycle with pedals, he sits upright, and it takes him much more effort to start riding it.
Secondly, once the child reaches the corner, the stabilizer wheel supports his weight. This means that your toddler learns leaning to the wrong way, instead of leaning inwards, he will lean outwards.
Stabilizers are not good on rough terrains.

The best balance bikes for toddlers are the contrary solving all these problems.

How to choose the best balance bike for kids?

There are a few things to note before committing to purchase the best balance bike for your toddler.

Size and height of the balance bike seat

Your child should be able to stand with his legs straight and feet flat on the ground.

How do you check this? In the case of balance bikes, you should always base your calculations on the inseam length of your child. This should be the same or slightly longer than the minimum saddle of the bike.

Most of the balance bikes’ saddles can be adjusted. But your child’s inseam should be shorter than the maximum saddle height.

Comfort

When your child stands over the frame, check that he feels comfortable reaching the handlebar slightly leaning forward.

Weight

It is important that the balance bike is light for your toddler to push it easily. There is a huge variety of balance bikes made out of different materials.

The best balance bikes for toddlers are the ones made from aluminum alloy. They are lighter than steel and not getting rusty.

Steel balance bikes, however, are slightly heavier than the aluminum alloy ones. Wood balance bikes look super cute, but the majority come without brakes.

Balance bikes made out of plywood material are cheap, but problems may start when it gets wet as they can delaminate quite quickly.

Wheels

A few important things to note here. Your best bet is pneumatic tires, alloy rims, and hubs with steel spokes. This type of wheel provides more cushioning for your toddler. Besides, they are generally better with rough terrains and roll faster.

EVA foam tires are good too. Unlike air pneumatic tires, they do not provide as much grip, but they are puncture-proof. However, it is important to remember that once they wear out, they cannot be replaced. You will need to buy a whole new wheel.

Ball bearings in any transport gear are important. Make sure you have them when purchasing your first balance bike

Brakes

As mentioned above, brakes are important when your baby starts picking up on speed and glides through. Firstly, make sure the brakes are easy to use for your child, check how he gets along with pushing them.

Secondly, check what brakes there are. Some of the balance have only a rear brake, some have both, rear and front brakes.

Finally, ask what type of brakes the balance bike provides, V brakes or Sidepull ones. The recommendation is to go for the first option

Saddle

It is always preferable to look for a fully padded saddle for your baby’s maximum comfort. Hard plastic or wood saddles with foam on top are not necessarily comfortable or sturdy as a material

Grips

Similarly, grips, they can be made out of plastic or rubber. Latter is definitely better, but it depends on the final cost of the balance bike.

Warranty and parts’ replacement availability

Checking on the warranty is always a plus. Besides, some of the parts of your balance bike are replaceable, so that your bike can serve you years. In this case, it really depends on your purpose of purchasing the balance bike whether it is a toy or a long-term strategic investment.

What are the Pros and Cons of having a balance bike for 1-year-old?

In general, balance bikes increase your baby’s confidence, they are safer than any other bike out there and versatile. They can be used by children from 18 months of age all the way up to 7 years. There is no better first transport for kids that teaches them balance and coordination as naturally as it does balance bike.

Besides, nowadays balancing bikes are so popular that you can find them in any style or color for any budget you have.

But like with any type of transport, balance bikes also have their limitations.

Balance bikes are so effective in teaching your child how to balance that it is easy to outgrow them within a couple of months. Therefore, it may come at a cost, especially considering that the price of the decent balance bike starts from $100.

Lastly, the competition is fierce. There is a long history of kids being able to learn how to ride a bicycle without using balance bikes, so for some people, it remains as an additional but not a must-to-buy transport.

Are balance bikes dangerous?

Balance bikes are very safe. The biggest advantage of a balance bike is that it is simple, and so it is very easy to maintain. It is light for a child to control too. No matter how speedy your child is, he is always able to control his balance bike using his feet, and this is what gives him extra confidence. Besides, brakes are there too.

Are balance bikes a waste of money and what is the real cost?

Obviously, the cost is a big factor for every parent, especially if you consider how many other types of interesting transport for your child is out there: scooter, ride-ons, tricycles, bicycles, skates, etc.

The best balance bikes for toddlers should have a balance among cost, size, weight, functionality, and customer support.

You will find a huge variety of balance bikes for infants out there but look for the one you are aiming for. Determine whether you wish to get a balance bike as “a short-term playing around the backyard toy” or riding it professionally for many years ahead.

The price may vary anywhere between $50 and $200 USD.

Can I use a regular bike as a balance bike?

Yes, you can remove pedals from a regular bike, but it is recommended for kids over five years of age. You should consider 16”, 20”, and 24” bikes. The main reason is the heavyweight of the bicycle, it will be hard to control the weight and learn the balance for smaller kids. Besides, investing in a balance bike lets your child have a lot of fun before they are actually tall enough to fit on their first real bike with pedals.

Can you add pedals to a balance bike?

Not all balance bikes have this option. You can add pedals only to convertible balance bikes, such as Strider 14x with the pedal conversion kit sold separately.

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