Take Strider's 12 Sport Balance Bike, for example. It's lightweight, ergonomically built, and durable enough to accommodate your growing child. We've got nine more parent-approved balance bikes plus a buying guide to help steer you in the right direction of selecting the best one.
To pick our recommended balance bikes, we’ve looked at factors such as ease of use, design, weight capacity and suitable age range.
$109.99
Suitable age | 18 mos. to 5 yrs. old |
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Wheel size | 12 in. |
Weight | 6.7 lbs. |
Weight limit | 60 lbs. |
Adjustable seat | Yes |
Inseam dimensions | 12-20 in. |
$59.99
Suitable age | 18 mos. to 5 yrs. old |
---|---|
Wheel size | 12 in. |
Weight | 9.68 lbs. |
Weight limit | 50 lbs. |
Adjustable seat | Yes |
Inseam dimensions | 12 in. (minimum) |
$59.99
Suitable age | 10 mos. to 2 yrs. old |
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Wheel size | Not provided |
Weight | 5 lbs. |
Weight limit | 55 lbs. |
Adjustable seat | No |
Inseam dimensions | About 10 in. |
$109.99
Suitable age | 3 to 5 yrs. old |
---|---|
Wheel size | Not provided |
Weight | 8.9 lbs. |
Weight limit | Not provided |
Adjustable seat | Yes |
Inseam dimensions | 12.6 in. (minimum) |
$130.42
Suitable age | 5 yrs. old and above |
---|---|
Wheel size | 16 in. |
Weight | 11 lbs. |
Weight limit | Around 95 lbs. |
Adjustable seat | Yes |
Inseam dimensions | 17.5-26.5 in. |
$74.90
Suitable age | 18 mos. to 5 yrs. old |
---|---|
Wheel size | 12 in. |
Weight | 4.2 lbs. |
Weight limit | 50 lbs. |
Adjustable seat | Yes |
Inseam dimensions | 11-17 in. |
$95.99
Suitable age | 2.5 to 5 yrs. old |
---|---|
Wheel size | 12.5 in. |
Weight | 11 lbs. |
Weight limit | 77 lbs. |
Adjustable seat | Yes |
Inseam dimensions | 13 in. (minimum) |
$59.99
Suitable age | 10 to 2 yrs. old |
---|---|
Wheel size | Not provided |
Weight | 5 lbs. (including packaging) |
Weight limit | Not provided |
Adjustable seat | No |
Inseam dimensions | 12 in. |
$59.99
Suitable age | 2 to 5 yrs. old |
---|---|
Wheel size | Not provided |
Weight | 6.4 lbs. |
Weight limit | 55 lbs. |
Adjustable seat | Yes |
Inseam dimensions | 12 in. (minimum) |
$69.99
Suitable age | 18 mos. to 5 yrs. old |
---|---|
Wheel size | 12 in. |
Weight | 7.1 lbs. |
Weight limit | 75 lbs. |
Adjustable seat | Yes |
Inseam dimensions | 12-17.5 in. |
Image | 1 ![]() Strider | 2 ![]() Radio Flyer | 3 ![]() Ancaixin | 4 ![]() Janod | 5 ![]() Glide Bikes | 6 ![]() The Croco | 7 ![]() Aceger | 8 ![]() Xiapia | 9 ![]() Banana Bike | 10 ![]() Gomo |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name | 12 Sport Balance Bike | Air Ride Balance Bike | Baby Balance Bikes | Scooter Mint Balance Bike | Kid's Go Glider Balance Bike | Lightweight Balance Bike for Toddlers and Kids | Balance Bike for Kids with Basket | Baby Balance Bike | LT Balance Bike | Balance Bike |
Features | Ergonomic Seat and Footrests for Comfortable Riding | Kid-Friendly Design That Teaches Balance | A Balance Bike for the Young Learner | Kids Can Ride in Style | An Ideal Balance Bike for Late Bloomers | Extremely Lightweight and Simple to Assemble | A Fancy Kids Ride With Air-Filled Tires | Limited Turn Control for Extra Stability | Get On and Off This Bike Easily | A Transitional Bike With a Turn Limiter |
Price | $109.99 | $59.99 | $59.99 | $109.99 | $130.42 | $74.90 | $95.99 | $59.99 | $59.99 | $69.99 |
Suitable age | 18 mos. to 5 yrs. old | 18 mos. to 5 yrs. old | 10 mos. to 2 yrs. old | 3 to 5 yrs. old | 5 yrs. old and above | 18 mos. to 5 yrs. old | 2.5 to 5 yrs. old | 10 to 2 yrs. old | 2 to 5 yrs. old | 18 mos. to 5 yrs. old |
Wheel size | 12 in. | 12 in. | Not provided | Not provided | 16 in. | 12 in. | 12.5 in. | Not provided | Not provided | 12 in. |
Weight | 6.7 lbs. | 9.68 lbs. | 5 lbs. | 8.9 lbs. | 11 lbs. | 4.2 lbs. | 11 lbs. | 5 lbs. (including packaging) | 6.4 lbs. | 7.1 lbs. |
Weight limit | 60 lbs. | 50 lbs. | 55 lbs. | Not provided | Around 95 lbs. | 50 lbs. | 77 lbs. | Not provided | 55 lbs. | 75 lbs. |
Adjustable seat | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
Inseam dimensions | 12-20 in. | 12 in. (minimum) | About 10 in. | 12.6 in. (minimum) | 17.5-26.5 in. | 11-17 in. | 13 in. (minimum) | 12 in. | 12 in. (minimum) | 12-17.5 in. |
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Balance bikes are intended for small children, usually toddlers, although there are balance bikes for babies developing motor skills. Balance bikes for toddlers have become quite popular and offer a great alternative to training wheels. Make sure to consider the bike's weight and height and the intended rider, among other safety features when picking one.
One of the first things you should consider when choosing a balance bike is your child’s age and height. Many children are capable of riding a balance bike, starting around 18 months old. However, children grow at different speeds, and their heights may be different, even though they’re the same age.
While most balance bikes for toddlers have a wheel size ranging from 12 to 16 inches, it is not enough to get the optimal height based on wheel size, unlike regular bikes. With that said, a more accurate way to pair the right height with your child is to measure your child's inseam or the distance between your child's topmost inner thigh area to the ground.
The inseam should then be paired with the bike's height, with the seat about half an inch to an inch shorter to get the most comfortable height. For example, a 13-inch inseam should have a seat height of about 12.5 inches. The seat height and its adjustability (if any) should be readily available in the product description or reviews.
Your child must be able to stand with his or her feet firmly on the ground while straddling the balance bike. Their knees should be bent just a bit when seated so they can comfortably push themselves forward or stop conveniently. We also recommend adjusting the handlebars, if possible, on your child’s bike so it matches his or her height.
Baby balance bikes are smaller and shorter and are suitable for babies ten months and above or those about 26 to 35 inches in height. Also known as baby walkers, these bikes are best for those who can already walk. They often come with three to four wheels that keep the bike upright at all times.
Balance bikes for babies help develop motor skills such as steering and maneuvering, balancing, or pushing themselves while on the seat without tumbling over as the wheels provide constant support.
You should also consider the bike's tire material. Tires play a crucial part in the bike's performance and comfort for the rider. They are often made with plastic, for a no-inflating-needed approach or the typical air-filled rubber tire.
Foam tires are lightweight and never go flat. However, you need to consider the surface the bike will be ridden on. If the child will mainly stick to pavement or indoor flooring, foam tires would suffice. More aggressive riders who prefer a variety of terrains like off-road, grass, or pebbled streets, for example, would need rubber tires.
When using foam tires, it is important to note that the material has less traction than rubber ones, so they might slip or slide during leaning turns. The decision would then be based on the riding surface and the child's riding style.
Having a lightweight bike is convenient for parents who may have to carry it to the park or the car. They may weight as light as six pounds, so a lightweight balance bike means the child can lift it independently if they tip over or need to carry it across a street. Plus, it's easier to control a lightweight bike, meaning a smoother ride.
On top of the bike's weight, the child's weight should also be considered to ensure they match. A general rule would be a bike that doesn't weigh more than 30 percent of your kid's weight. We also recommend checking the maximum weight capacity of the bicycle as an extra precautionary measure to gauge if the overall design could handle the rider safely.
Most balance bikes don’t have a handbrake, so are they even necessary? The answer is they're optional and not a requirement. While having handbrakes is standard for bicycles, a balance bike is meant for young riders who are still honing their balance and might find the hand-eye coordination of braking too distracting.
Furthermore, toddlers often find it difficult to grasp and pull brakes, given their smaller hands. When they do get older, however, hand brakes are a great addition to help save their shoes, prevent injury and prepare them for the pedal bike.
Other added features on a balance bike make a child's experience more worthwhile, such as turn limiters, footrests, kickstands, and handlebar grips. Turn limiters are an attachment located above the front wheel which prevents it from completing a full revolution. This safety feature prevents sharp turns on the handlebar.
The jury is still out on turn limiters - some noting it is an essential safety feature for young kids still learning how to ride at slow speeds and others saying it prevents kids from learning proper steering. In line with handlebar capabilities, you might also be interested in extra padding or gripping on this area to help your child maintain better control.
Footrests, although not easily spotted at first glance, are often included on the bike's frame. The extra frame space near the back wheel lets your child relax when stationary or while gliding, although they should not obstruct the feet when pushing.
Meanwhile, kickstands are nifty features, especially if you don't have a designated spot to lean the balance bike. They might be sold separately, so we recommend checking for this add-on if necessary.
Since your child will eventually graduate to a standard pedal bike, it makes sense to purchase a balance bike that can transform into a pedal bike. That way, you don’t have to buy a second bike, saving you money, and your kid will transition easily, as he or she gets to use the same bike.
However, we recommend checking the child's height and weight beforehand, to estimate if they will outgrow a balance bike, resulting in the same one being too small for a pedal bike.
Are you ready for more must-have activities and tools for kids that guarantee hours of fun? We've got a few suggestions to get you started.
We hope this guide gave you a better idea of what balance bike to choose for your child. After considering all the stuff we’ve talked about here, don’t forget the most important thing - making sure the kids have fun!
If you're looking for something safe to entertain your tiniest ones while they're taking a bath, then look no further! These mold-free bath squirts come highly recommended by pediatrician Dr. S. Amna Husain.
4 pack
$8.99
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