The features to look for will change depending on the age and ability of your child, but keep things simple with this handy list: This makes it easier for your child to play on it longer. Plus, it makes it easier for you to carry it around when they inevitably abandon it in the most inconvenient place imaginable . You can start as young as 18 months. The traditional learning-to-ride journey on bikes with training wheels first develops the child’s pedalling skill, before introducing the balance skill later. Balance bikes flip that approach on its head, by first developing balance and later introducing pedalling. In my experience, children find the progression on a balance bike more intuitive than trying to adapt to a regular pedal bike with training wheels. A child’s confidence also grows as they progress on a balance bike, building another key component for when the time comes to pedal off unassisted. At that age, the child’s centre of gravity is lower and because they have both feet on the ground they are less likely to fall than on a larger bike with stabilisers. There’s a natural progression from walking on a balance bike to scooting then gliding as their confidence increases. A balance bike, unlike a bike with stabilisers, can be ridden easily on uneven ground, too. The Woom 2 has been designed for children aged between 3 - 5 years, with a low sitting position, long wheelbase, light aluminium frame and 14-inch wheels that are robust for whizzing around the park on. The bike also comes equipped with easy-to-reach brakes so children can learn how to stop safely. This makes the Woom 2 perfect for children who have built up their confidence on a balance bike or are learning to ride for the first time. We also love the range of colours available.

Crafted by folding bike specialist Tern, the well thought-out design of the Kokua is what really stands out. The integrated elastomer bumper and steering limiter are both nice touches, but it’s the basic rear suspension that really sets this balance bike apart. Then, when the time comes to move up to their first pedal bike, half the problem has been conquered. They know how to balance in the saddle, all they need to do now is get used to pedalling forwards. Pros Of course it’s impossible to prove fully, but I do believe that had we gone down the route of a lightweight balance bike for our elder daughter, she would not have struggled as much with controlling the bike.Thankfully the experience hasn’tput Krystal off riding, and she’s now really enjoying the freedom of pedalling by herself.As the world evolves, so do the methods for learning to ride a bike. Traditional stabilizers, also known as training wheels, have been the go-to for many years. However, in recent times, balance bikes have emerged as a new method to teach children how to ride a bike. Both have their pros and cons, and the choice between the two depends on various factors.

Knowing this can make a parents decision for them. If they are going to buy this size bike anyway, learning to cycle on the stabilisers provided just makes sense . Safety. After weighing up the pros and cons of tricycles, toddler balance bike, and bikes with stabilisers, you might have a better idea of the best option for your child . Thanks to its mammoth tyres and stout aluminium frame, this balance bike is completely ready for an off-road adventure.The temptation to spend less rather than more is understandable if you’re worried about splashing out on an item that could end up gathering dust. However, it’s really worth remembering that the likelihood of this happening is slashed if the bike is fun to ride.

When your child graduates to riding a bike without stabilisers, they will do so without developing balance skills . Balancing is hard to grasp, which can mean having to reteach cycling to your child. Develop bad habits. There’s also the option to remove pedals from a bike sized for a larger child and use that as a balance bike if your child is too tall for a balance bike when they start to learn to ride. It's even an option for adults. Stabilisers still have their place Tricycles allow kids to learn pedalling early in life, making it intuitive when they eventually ride a pedal bike . Stability. Based around an aluminium frame, the Hoozar features a steering limiter to help keep things on an even keel. Also guarding against accidents are padding on the stem and bumpers on the ends of the handlebar. My eldest daughter, Krystal, had started out riding a Toddle Bike (a pre-balance bike for ages 18 months and over),so she already had the two-legged pushing motion needed for a balance bike. When she was about 2½ we bought hera Claude Butler Hopper balance bike, but the step up to a balance bike just didn’t happen. Unfortunatelyshe just didn’t take to the balance bikeat all.

Child’s Bike Accessories

One thing’s for sure: footrests are not essential. Footrests can be fun for the child and offer a place to rest their feet when they get up to speed. Resting their feet up and out of the way, the child can coast, corner, and slalom to their heart’s content. However, oversized and/or poorly positioned footrests can get in the way and obstruct the child’s stride. For Lily we indulged in an aluminium framed Islabike Rothan balance bike (having seen how well Krystal took to her Cnoc 14), which is much lighter. Whilst both bikes come with12″ wheels, the specially designed rims and tyres on theIslabikes Rothan, together with thelower handlebar position,make the entire balancebike feel smaller and more age appropriate.

Balance bikes work out all the muscles in your child's bodyand help them develop their motor skills. They have to coordinate their arms and legs but won't feel overwhelmed because they are already familiar with the steady walking motion. which is better a bike with training wheels or a balance bike Is a Balance Bike or a Bike with Stabilisers better for which age of child? When you remove the pedals from a bike all the weight of the rider is naturally going to sit on the saddle, so the inclusion of suspension should make the Kokua more comfortable to ride. What's more, after a few years when it’s time for your child to move onto a bigger bike, you’ll most likely find that no stabilisers are needed. Here at Cyclist we’re all avid riders, so naturally when it comes to getting our kids riding we want them to have the best experience possible. That means that we know what to look for in a kid’s balance bike; it needs to be lightweight, robust and easy for the child to get along with. And it needs to be easy to carry when they get tired and want dad or mum to take it home for them.Kids usually also tend to learn the correct steering motion, which involves coordinating their eyes and hands, on their own without any real explanation. Before too long, they are proudly navigating around their first corners. It also has the added benefit of allowing you to steer the tricycle if your kid needs help. Plus, they usually are removable for once they've gained confidence. Rest Time.