Getting your child their first balance bike can be an exciting and nerve-wracking experience. As parents, you want to make sure you get the best bike for your kid, and that’s why we’ve created this comprehensive guide to the 5 best balance bikes for your child.
We started with a Strider balance bike, which was very useful for my son. He is uber-active outside so we always have several options for him to keep busy with.
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Balance bikes are a great way to teach your child how to ride a bike without them having to worry about the pedals. These bikes can help your child gain the confidence and skills they need to start riding a two-wheeled bike.
We will provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision when shopping for a balance bike. On top of that, we’ll discuss the features to look for, the different types of balance bikes, and the best brands and models on the market.
We’ll also provide you with our top picks to help you make the best choice for your child. With our comprehensive guide, you can be sure that you’ll find the perfect balance bike for your little one.
What is a Balance Bike?
A balance bike is a type of bike with no pedals but teaches your child how to balance and steer without using training wheels. They have a wider wheelbase and a smaller frame that is sized to fit children.
They are an excellent introduction to the world of biking. While they are often compared to training wheels, balance bikes are actually a much better way to teach your child how to ride a bike. Training wheels can be dangerous for toddlers who are still learning how to balance and steer.
With training wheels, your child can easily fall over and injure themselves if they aren’t paying attention. A balance bike, on the other hand, will help your little one gain the confidence and keep them safer as it’s closer to the ground.
Benefits of Balance Bikes
As we discussed above, balance bikes help toddlers gain the right tools to be able to transition to a two-wheeled bike.
If you’re looking to save money, balance bikes can also be used for your child as they grow. You can simply adjust the seat of the bike as your child grows taller. They can cruise around the backyard or the park, and your child can have tons of fun doing so. My son took a long time to get used to balancing on his Strider and we soon transitioned to a Zoko Jaguar bike for kids.
Features to Look For in a Balance Bike
When shopping for a balance bike for your toddler, it’s important to consider certain features. You want to make sure that the balance bike you purchase is designed for your toddler’s age and size. You also want to make sure that the balance bike has the features your toddler needs.
Features like a wide wheelbase, high-quality construction, and good tires are important for toddlers who are just learning how to balance and steer on two wheels. Other features you may want to consider when shopping for a balance bike include:
Wheel Size
The larger the wheel, the easier it will be for your child to balance on and steer their bike. A bike with wheels sized between 12 and 14 inches is ideal for a toddler who is just learning how to ride a bike.
Handlebars
Look for a handlebar that is easy to grip and can be adjusted to fit your child as they grow taller.
Seat
The seat of the bike should be easy to adjust, as toddlers grow quickly and will likely outgrow the seat within a few months.
Wheels/Tires – Wheels should be wide to make it easier for your toddler to balance and steer their bike. Air-filled tires vs Hard plastic.
Our Top 5 Balance Bikes for Kids
KaZAM v2s Balance Bike
The Kazam balance bike for toddlers is a great option! It has a low-back frame that is designed for younger children. The bike features wide air-filled wheels that are designed for both indoor and outdoor use.
The frame of the bike has a footrest for the child to keep their center of gravity. This is a great option for toddlers who are just learning how to ride a bike without assistance and this one is good for kids up to 5 years old.
Schwinn Koen Balance Bike
Schwinn is one of the most trusted brands in biking, and they have a great selection of balance bikes for toddlers. I remember the good old days when my best friend had a new Schwinn mountain bike and I thought it was the coolest-looking one in the neighborhood.
The modern Schwinn still sports its iconic look and that dripped down to its balance bikes. They come in all colors and sizes depending on your little one’s height and age.
Chillafish balance bikes for Toddlers
Chillafish Bmxie² is a show stopper! As fathers, many of us had our own BMX bikes when we were young. Chillafish balance bikes have the Bmxie and it’ll be the envy of the neighborhood kids. This is another great balance bike for toddlers. The bike is designed for children who are between the ages of 2 to 5 years old.
The Chillafish company offers a variety of colors as well as designs, so you can choose the color that best suits your child’s tastes. The Chillafish is lightweight and has an integrated footrest and footbrake. The footrest differs from the Kazam bike as you can see in the pictures, nonetheless, it’s helpful for their center of gravity.
Strider Balance Bike 14X Patented
Probably the best-known of the balance bikes for toddlers. Strider balance bikes are what we opted for in the early years. No regrets as my son loved coasting on it but he grew tired of it and wanted a big bike like the big kids…
The Strider balance bike offers no-flat, low-maintenance EVA-Polymer tires that are ideal for kids who are constantly on the move. But I actually disliked these tires as they seemed to make bumps and rocks seem harder and larger than they really were. The air-filled or rubber type of tires would be best for pavement use.
Radio Flyer Deluxe Steer and Stroll Bike
Radio Flyer balance bike is a new kid on the block, but the name Radio Flyer is not…It’s best known for its iconic red wagons. The bike has a sleek cool classic feel to it and offers air-filled tires or the polymer type. Same as all the other above-mentioned bikes, it’s easy to assemble and comes in colors and designs that meet the needs of your boy or girl.
Conclusion
Comfort is a big part of riding bikes as adults, as well as for our kids. The seat is important, but you can buy a slip-on cushion for it if it’s too hard. The grips on the handlebars can also be changed. But my biggest thing was the tires. I did not shop around enough to compare tires before purchasing my Strider balance bike.
If I would have to redo my purchase I would go with rubber air-filled tires for a smoother ride… and probably go with the Kazam balance bike.
Also, let’s talk about safety!… I’m a safety nut. Aren’t we all at some point in the early stages of our children growing up? It’s vital to keep them safe at all costs, and I think that having a balance bike helps a lot with their confidence levels when the time comes to upgrade to a real bike as well as being a safe alternative to bigger bikes with pedals.
As you see from the main picture, my son is wearing a helmet and if I could have I would have wrapped him in bubble-wrap. Be safe, have fun and make sure they wear safety equipment.
It’s all about going outside and having fun!
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