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While being an avid bike rider is already in your genes, don’t just trust that your kid will become one without proper training early on. We all have to start somewhere and for your precious little angels, it begins with coasting around on balance bikes.
Balance bikes help your kid gain crucial balancing and steering skills and coordination without the distraction or added complexity of pedaling. More importantly, balance bikes help children develop confidence which will help them progress quickly from a balance bike to a regular kids pedal bike.
The Best Balance Bikes You can Get for Your Kids this [year]
First bike Cross with Brake
This balance bike may first look like an ordinary one but don’t be fooled. The Firstbike Cross with Brake is a classic bike with a plethora of safety features to keep your kid safe and sound while riding.
Designed by German engineers, this balance bike is guaranteed to be child-friendly. It makes a perfect training companion for kids and their nervous parents. The Firstbike Cross comes with a speed limiter, which you can control, coupled with an intuitive braking mechanism. These features are easy to set-up, making it an ideal all-rounder for choosy parents.
Bike specs:
| Age | 2-5 years old |
| Weight | 8.6 lbs. (3.9 kg) |
| Tire Size | 1 ft. (12 inches) |
| Brakes | Yes |
| Frame | Glass fiber + reinforced plastic |
Early Rider Road Runner
True to its name, the Early Rider Road Runner has the feel and look of a road bike with the peace of mind that only a balance bike can offer. The Early Rider brands scream fantastic quality so you’ll never go wrong with this one.
The Early Rider Road Runner comes in a sleek design that will make children feel like biking pros the moment they ride on it. It’s very road-friendly too! Quite sad that the famed balance bike makers did not include brakes on a balance bike with this price tag.
Bike specs:
| Age | 3-5 years old |
| Weight | 8.4 lbs. (3.8 kg) |
| Tire Size | 1.2 ft. (14 inches) |
| Brakes | No |
| Frame | Aluminum |
Yvolution Velo Junior Balance Bike
Despite its crude sounding name, the Yvolution Velo Junior Balance Bike earns its spot in our list as one of the best budget bikes for babies. It one of a kind rear wheels and fork brake promising safe steering, stability, and ease of use makes the Yvolution Velo Junior the best balance bike — even for absolute beginners.
This beauty can be used outdoors and indoors. And oh, did we mention it comes at a bargain?Unfortunately, the Yvolution Velo Junior is a bit heavy for its size.
Bike specs:
| Age | 1-3 years old |
| Weight | 11 lbs. (5 kg) |
| Tire Size | 0.75 ft., 1 ft. (9 inches, 12 inches) |
| Brakes | No |
| Frame | Aluminum |
Strider 12 Sport
Want to make your little one into an adventurer early on? Look no further than the Strider 12 Sport. This balance bike looks sporty and fits your little wannabe thrill-seekers perfectly.
Affordable and versatile — these two words describe the Strider 12 Sport perfectly. This push bike comes with game-winner EVA puncture-proof tires and an adjustable seat.
The Strider 12 Sport also comes in different super-bright shade colors that’ll surely get your attention even when your little racer storms off ahead.
Bike specs:
| Age | 1-5 years old |
| Weight | 6.4 lbs. (2.9 kg) |
| Tire Size | 1 ft. (12 inches) |
| Brakes | No |
| Frame | Steel |
Wishbone 3 in 1 Balance Bike
For the budget conscious who don’t want to spend a lot of money on a baby walker, toddler trike, and balance bike, the Wishbone 3 in 1 Balance Bike is for you. This versatile all-rounder wooden bike is one of the best balance bikes in the market today. It’s lightweight, durable, and classic — all enough to justify its somewhat steep price tag.
Bike specs:
| Age | 1-5 years old |
| Weight | 8.4 lbs. (3.8 kg) |
| Tire Size | 1 ft. (12 inches) |
| Brakes | No |
| Frame | Wooden |
Retrospec Cycles Cub Balance Bike
The Retrospec Cycles Cub Balance Bike features a unique step-thru and foot-to-floor construction. Designed with your child’s safety in mind, this balance bike reduces the risks of injuries common to training wheels.
This bike also boasts air-free tires which are completely maintenance free. Aside from that, the Retrospec Cycles Cub also comes with adjustable handlebars and seats.
Bike specs:
| Age | 1.5-5 years old |
| Weight | 9.0 lbs. (4.1 kg) |
| Tire Size | 1 ft. (12 inches) |
| Brakes | No |
| Frame | Lightweight High-Tensile Strength Steel |
KaZAM v2e No-Pedal Balance Bike
The KaZAM v2e No-Pedal Balance Bike boasts a patented easy step-in design. The footrest is designed to be in its natural location when coasting, making it easier for your wannabe bikers to find their center of gravity.
The KaZAM v2e No-Pedal Balance Bike also comes with an adjustable seat and handlebars. It also features maintenance-free and puncture-resistant EVA tires. The KaZAM balance bike was once featured on the hit American Reality TV show Shark Tank.
Bike specs:
| Age | 1.5-5 years old |
| Weight | 8.0 lbs. (3.6 kg) |
| Tire Size | 1 ft. (12 inches) |
| Brakes | No |
| Frame | Steel |
Joovy Bicycoo Balance Bike
The Joovy Bicycoo Balance Bike is designed with kids’ safety in mind. It is highly durable. The frame of the bike is made from lightweight aluminum which makes it easy for kids to control and carry around.
Instead of EVA tires, Joovy Bicycoo Balance Bike use rubber tires which manufacturers claimed to last longer than their plastic counterparts. What’s even better is that the Joovy Bicycoo comes with real hand brakes so your kid can practice braking early on.
Bike specs:
| Age | 1.5-5 years old |
| Weight | 8.75 lbs. (4 kg) |
| Tire Size | 1 ft. (12 inches) |
| Brakes | Yes |
| Frame | Aluminum |
Yedoo TooToo Balance Bike
The Yedoo TooToo Balance Bike is an affordable balance bike packed with safety and premium features. It’s made from lightweight aluminum and comes with an ergonomic adjustable seat.
The Yedoo TooToo Balance Bike boasts a pair of premium inflated Kenda tires. It also comes with Rear V-brakes to help manage stopping. The handlebar of this bike contains an integral steering limiter too!
Bike specs:
| Age | 2-5 years old |
| Weight | 8.0 lbs. (3.6 kg) |
| Tire Size | 1 ft. (12 inches) |
| Brakes | Yes |
| Frame | Aluminum |
Enkeoo 12 Sports Balance Bike
The Enkeoo 12 Sports Balance Bike is designed to help you’re your kid develop core balancing skills, coordination, and steering. Designed with your child’s safety in mind, this balance bike sports not just a cool look but also a range of safety features.
The Enkeoo 12 Sports Balance Bike rides on a pair of EVA puncture resistant tires. It also comes with adjustable seats and handlebars to make sure it’s a perfect fit. Made from carbon steel, the Enkeoo 12 Sport is lightweight and easy to control. You can get it in several colors too!
Bike specs:
| Age | 2-6 years old |
| Weight | 9.9 lbs. (4.5 kg) |
| Tire Size | 1 ft. (12 inches) |
| Brakes | No |
| Frame | Carbon Steel |
Frequently Asked Questions on Balance Bikes
How do you get the best balance bike for your kid?
A crucial part of motivating your kid to bike is choosing the right balance bike for him or her. According to experts, training bikes should not weigh more than 30% of your child.
Tire height is also important. Most balance bikes in the market come in 1-foot (12-inch) wheels. But there are also some that are slightly bigger to accommodate taller kids.
Another factor to consider is the bike seat. The ideal seat height should allow for a slight bend. If your kid is riding upright, that means the seat is too high. If you little biker is crouched too low, well, the seat is too low.
Should I get a balance bike with brakes?
You may notice that some of the balance bikes featured in this article have brakes while others have none. Brakes are good and we recommend getting one that has one for added safety (we also highly recommend that your child wears a bike helmet). It’s also helpful for teaching your kid the importance of braking early on. This safety feature along with speed limiters can add up to the cost though, so mind your budget.
Are balance bikes better than training wheels?
When talking about developing balance, yes. Experts found out that children who learned to ride a bike on training wheels need to relearn it again once they’re off it. This is because children tend to rely too much on it.
Balance bikes, on the other hand, encourage your kid to develop balance on his own. As the balance of the bike is maintained by your kid, they get an opportunity to focus more on muscle control and coordination — key skills that they’ll need once they start riding a regular bike.
Is there a recommended starting age for balance bikes?
Some balance bikes are designed for children as young as 1. The rule of the thumb is: if your kid is old enough to walk and their feet touch the ground while seated on a balance bike, then they’re good to go. You’ll find out that your kid will learn to move with the bike almost immediately.
What is the maximum weight for balance bikes?
It depends. Each bike has its own maximum weight so better check with the manufacturer. Some standard metal balance bikes can hold over 100 lbs.
How do balance bikes differ from tricycles?
Balance bikes are designed solely to help your kid develop his sense of balance. Tricycle, on the other hand, are for pedaling and steering. We believe that balance is the single most important skill to learn when starting to bike. The rest will just follow.
Most kids who started off on tricycles need training wheels to learn balance before making the step to a regular 2 wheel bike.
