A balance bike is a two-wheeled pedal-less bike. They can be ridden like pedal bikes, but instead of the pedalling action, they are powered by the child's legs on the ground pushing themselves along.
What ages are balance bikes for?
Balance bikes are perfect for toddlers aged 18 months and up. Some trikes are available for as young as 12 months, and then they also convert to balance bikes, so perfect to get them on wheels sooner.
What size balance bike do I need?
Balance bikes come in various sizes to suit the different heights of the toddlers and preschoolers.
The best way to choose the right size bike is to look at the seat height of the bike and compare it to the childs inseam measurement. This is important as the child needs to be able to put both feet down flat on the floor with a slight bend in their leg when they sit on the saddle.
Take the inseam measurement with shoes on, using a hardback book and wall method.
- Stand the child, with shoes on, with back against a wall with their feet slightly apart
- Put a hardback book between the legs and slowly raise until its firm against their crotch
- Measure from the top of the book to the ground - that's the inseam measurement
Ideally, the balance bike seat should be 1-2cm lower than the inseam measurement.
You also need to look at the maximum seat height to make sure you don't get a bike that is too small for them and also gives them room to grow. The maximum seat height should be at least 4cm higher than the current inseam measurement.
So for example, if the child's inseam measurement is 28cm, they need a balance bike with a minimum seat height of no higher than 27cm, and a maximum seat height which is greater than 32cm.
What other features do I need to look for?
Lightweight is always going to be easier to ride, even more so if you have a child who is also light in stature. Aim to get a bike that weighs no more than 30% more than the child's weight if you want to make it easier (and more fun!) for them to ride.
