Best Kids Bike: How to Choose the Best Balance Bike
- Written by NewsCo
Do you want to get your kids a balance bike but don’t know where to start? Do you think the best first bike for any toddler should be a balance bike but don’t know what to look for in such bikes? If your answers are all yes, then you come to the right place.
We understand that balance bikes might not be that easy to choose. They are a relatively recent development in kids’ bikes, and thus not many parents know of them. We have all the features you need to know about them and how to choose the best one.
But first,
What Are Balance Bikes?
Most old-school parents remember learning how to ride bikes with tricycles or training wheels. That might explain why most of them wouldn’t know what a balance bike is or its features.
So, what are balance bikes?
Balance bikes are small, low-profile bikes that kids use to learn bike balancing before using a real bike.
What are the features of Balance Bikes?
Balance bikes are a simpler version of the actual bike, only that they don’t have any pedals, a gearing system, or a chain. They are purely for the kid to learn how to balance without the distraction of the pedal or gearing system.
Balance bikes are also usually short bikes. That is why they are ideal for kids as young as 18 months. Such a kid can have their feet safely on the ground while seated on their bike’s seat.
Kids can learn how to push off, coordinate and steer a bike with the help of balance bikes.
Why are Balance Bikes the Best Option for Your Toddler?
Some old-school parents would sneer at the prospect of having to ditch the tried and tested method of tricycles and training wheels. But before you do that, hear us out.
Balance bikes will be better for your child since they solely teach a child how to balance on a bike. Most people would agree that balancing is one of the hardest things to learn when bike riding.
A kid who can’t balance the bike can’t pedal or coordinate a bike. They will fall off the bike! Therefore, balance bikes will have them ready to learn the other less crucial skills such as pedalling and gear coordination.
Balance bikes are also the better option since they are safer than the other options. Tricycles and training wheels have a comparatively higher centre of gravity than balance bikes. That means they can easily tip over with the child on board.
The fact that your child will be in their comfort zone thanks to the wheels means they most likely won’t see the fall coming. Tricycles induce the child t think they are quite safe. Balance bikes with their low centre of gravity and lower height are closer to the ground.
A child falling from a balance bike would only get away with a couple of bruises depending on the place they feel. You wouldn’t say the same about the training wheels or tricycles.
Although balance bikes will set you back a more generous amount than training wheels, their lightweight nature means they are the better option. Kids will have an easier time raising them from the ground or steering them.
So how do you choose the best balance bike?
Choosing a balance bike for your Kids
You will need to consider several factors before picking a balance bike apart from the kid’s age. Although marketers would want you to believe it, balance bikes aren’t a universal size. You can’t go out and get just any bike for your kid.
Size of the Bike
When it comes to a balance bikes size, you will have to look at the size of the wheels and how high the seat is. Knowing the size of the bike and relating it against the child’s inseam will help you know whether the bike will be a fit or not.
Your child’s height will play a significant role in the size of the bike. If they are barely a year old, then you will need to get a relatively low bike. The toddler needs to be able to mount and unmount the bike with ease.
The Weight of the Bike
A kid, especially an 18month old toddler, doesn’t have the strength to push off or lift a bike that weighs more than half their weight. That’s why you will need to ensure you get a bike that is as slight as possible.
Lightweight bikes are easier to lift off the ground and steer. They will also make the bike easier to balance, hastening the learning process. The best thing to do here is to ensure the bike's weight is lesser than 30% of the toddler’s weight.
The Type of Tires on the Bike
Certain tires considerably increase the weight of the bike. Here you will have to look for a bike with foam tires as opposed to air tires. That’s because air tires are usually heavier than foam tires.
However, most balance bikes come with foam tires, so you won’t have to worry too much about that.
The Bikes Material
The bike’s material will often play a significant role in the final weight of the bike. Balance bikes can be of different materials, but most are usually aluminium or steel. However, wooden balance bikes are also a popular option.
Wooden bikes won’t hurt your kid that much in an accident.
The General Bike Design
An ideal balance bike should have accessible footrests, a comfortable seat and a turning limiter if possible. Such features make it as easy as possible for the kid to learn how to balance.
The Bottom Line
Although the new kid on the block, Balance bikes are a worthy replacement for the olden tricycles and training wheels. Your toddler would have an easier time using it to learn how to ride a bike. Get it for them if you can.
