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Best Balance Bikes
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Materials
Just as best ones have different wheels and tire types, they also vary in frame material. Common frame materials include wood, steel, and aluminum. Wooden-framed ones can be considered as classic, just like other wooden toys in general. However, it is also a heavy material especially when you carry it around although it does provide better ground footing due to its weight. More so, it should be given some extra care in terms of weather exposure and usage.
Meanwhile, a balance bicycle with aluminum frame is a more lightweight material than wood. Such frame material is excellent for young kids who are just starting out with balance bicycle. On the contrary, it may not be recommended for kids on the hefty side as they may find aluminum too light, it may not support their weight properly. Lastly, a balance cycle with steel frame is considered the cheapest material around, and it’s durable too – at least according to many users. Steel material is also heavier but durable, as already mentioned. Young children may tend to be reckless with their things, which make steel frame materials ideal for them. It can withstand years of children’s use and abuse.
Features
Some other may have other features that stand out from the other bikes. Likewise, it is also important to consider your budget when buying a balanced bike. Of course, the more feature-loaded and high-quality the bike is, the more you’ll expect it to be expensive. Nonetheless, think of buying one as an investment. Most parents would buy one to be passed on to their next children after their older siblings have already outgrown it. Aside from features, one should also consider the child’s overall safety when he or she is riding it. Meanwhile, tire types also vary among bikes. There are foam tires, and there are also pneumatic tires. The former is more lightweight, which can be ideal for young kids. It is also puncture and flat-resistant which can help you spare from changing tires all the time.
Size
As mentioned earlier, the best bike should have your child seated on the bike saddle with their feet flat on the ground and their knees slightly bent. These traits provide extra stability, power, and confidence to a child to control their own bikes. The seat height may also depend on your child’s height, which is why it is also important to choose one that can be adjusted accordingly in the long run.
On the other hand, it is also important to choose a bike that is easy for your child to get on and off of. Hence, the right standover height of a bike should be an important consideration when choosing one. Apart from the ease of getting on and off, it lessens or minimizes the impact of pain in case they fall forward due to hitting the bike’s top tube.
Durability
These bikes also have a wide variety of designs you can choose from. As we all know, kids are drawn to attractive designs and aesthetic appeal which can influence their choices and frequency of use of certain toys and other sources of entertainment. That is why manufacturers have specially developed them to cater to young children.
Aside from aesthetical appeal, a good one should also provide overall safety and optimum function incorporated in its design. After all, its nice-looking exterior will be useless if it’s not generally safe to use by young kids. Hence, attractive exteriors, safety features, and overall easy handling should compose a thoughtfully-designed product.
Top 10 Picks
1. Schwinn
This is also one of the products around. Aside from its attractive exterior, it is also packed with useful features that can make a child’s bike-riding experience worthwhile every time.
Read moreAge Bracket
This is suitable for kids aged 18 months up to 4 years of age. Kids will surely love this balance bike thanks to its attractive colors and overall easy control.
Design
This bike is available in four color options – blue, green, pink, and red. It has a footrest that is useful, although it does present some issues when ridden.
Height
It has a base seat height of 14.5 inches, but can be adjusted up to 17 inches when needed.
Weight
This balance bike has a hefty weight of 10.5 lbs., which can be heavy for small children to carry around. Nonetheless, it can be easily navigated and controlled by young riders.
Wheel Size
Each wheel measures a standard 12 inches diameter, which provides the usual stability for young riders.
Tire Type
It has a cushioned air tires which are generally durable and provide more traction on the ground.
Frame Material
The bike is made of durable steel frame material that can last for years.
Other Features
Other features include soft cushioned hand grips, spoked wheels, and handlebars with chrome finish. It also has a footrest although it may or may not affect a child’s stride while riding the bike.
Warranty
This offers a limited warranty for its components and frame. For more details about their warranty, you can ask the company directly.
2. Critical Cycles
Perhaps one of the most eye-catching exterior available in a balance, this bike won’t disappoint. It has several kid-friendly features which will assure overall pleasant riding experience for every child out there.
Read moreAge Bracket
This cute bike is recommended for kids 20 months to 5 years of age. Kids will surely love this balance bike, thanks to its attractive color combinations.
Design
As mentioned, this comes in a variety of eye-catching color combinations. You can choose between yellow, orange-and-black combo, pink, lavender, powder blue, royal blue, and many more. However, there are some negative comments about the bike’s large footrest which protrudes on both sides and affect the child’s strides.
Height
The base height of the seat measures 12.5 inches but can be adjusted up to 16 inches.
Weight
This weighs 9.2 lbs., which is quite hefty for a small bike. With that said, it is more recommended for kids weighing around 30 lbs. or a bit more.
Wheel Size
Each wheel measures a standard 12 inches diameter, which provides the usual stability for young riders.
Tire Type
It also has puncture-proof foam tires that make the bike sturdy. On the downside, it may provide less traction than air tires.
Frame Material
This bike is made from durable powder-coated steel material, which can assure durability and stability with every ride.
Other Features
This product boasts itself as CPSC-compliant that assures your child’s safety.
Warranty
There is no specified warranty for this product.
3. Haptoo
This is yet another affordable offer for adventurous toddlers out there. It has soft seat saddles, adjustable seat and handlebars, a fiery red exterior, and so much more!
Read moreAge Bracket
This is suitable for kids aged 1.5 to 6 years old. With this, your toddler can enjoy biking at such a young age.
Design
This is available in red and pink colors, which are too catchy not to miss. It also has foldable handlebars so transport from one place to another is a breeze.
Height
It has an initial seat height of 13.4 inches, but it can be adjusted up to 17.7 inches when needed. On the other hand, the handlebars can be adjusted from its base height of 21.6 inches to up to 24.8 inches height.
Weight
This is also a lightweight – weighing only around 5 kilograms. It can support up to 50 kilograms of weight as well.
Wheel Size
Each wheel measures a standard 12 inches diameter, which provides the usual stability for young riders.
Tire Type
It also has puncture-proof air rubber tires that make the bike sturdy and stable to ride. Inflating the tires is not necessary.
Frame Material
The frame and handlebar material is made of magnesium alloy, while one-third of the total frame is made from aluminum. This lightweight frame material enables young children to easily move the bike around.
Other Features
Aside from the high-quality frame material and attractive exteriors, the item also has a soft rubber handle grip ideal for little hands. The handlebars can also be folded for easy storage or more convenient transportation.
Warranty
The brand offers a lifetime warranty for the product.
4. Yedoo
This is a great purchase for small kids who want to unleash their inner outdoor adventurous side. It also has great features which can make your kid’s riding experience a more pleasant one every time.
Read moreAge Bracket
This is suitable for small kids aged 2 to 4 years old. At these ages, these kids can now enjoy a ride suited for their size and age range.
Design
This is a perfect combination of an impressive bike packed with amazing features. It comes in a variety of designs kids will surely love. Among designs available include Ambulance, Police, Firetruck, and other color options.
Height
The seat has an initial height of 12 inches, but it can be adjusted up to 18 inches in height.
Weight
The item weighs a reasonably-weighed 8.2 lbs., which makes control and navigation easy for our little outdoor adventurer. It can support up to 132 lbs. of weight.
Wheel Size
Each wheel measures a standard 12 inches diameter, which provides the usual stability for young riders.
Tire Type
Its tires have Kenda air tires which ensure easy navigation and control by little ones.
Frame Material
Its material is made from durable steel material, which assures durability and stability with every ride.
Other Features
Among its other features include a built-in turning limiter that helps prevent over steering and avoids the brake cable from being unintentionally twisted during rides. It also has child-friendly pull brakes, and toddler-sized and non-porous saddle seats.
Warranty
This brand offers a three-year full warranty for all of their products.
5. Ridgeback UK
This is a perfect combination of optimum control and comfort. It has a variety of features that are worth the buck – including adjustable seat, a longer wheelbase and handlebars, ease of control and navigation, and different color selections to choose from. It can be considered as one of the best around.
Read moreAge Bracket
This cute bike can cater to kids aged 18 months up to 6 years old. Ideally, this one can comfortably fit kids aged 3 to 6 years old due to its size.
Design
This is available in three color options – gloss pink, gloss tangerine orange, and matte blue.
Height
This is taller and longer than the usual balance bikes. The seat height can be adjusted from 14 to 20 inches height. It also has a quick-release clamp that makes seat adjustment easier and hassle-free.
Weight
This is quite heftier than the abovementioned features, weighing at 11 lbs. Despite the weight, this balance bike is generally easier to control and navigate.
Wheel Size
Each wheel of this balance bike measure 12 inches in diameter, which your kid will surely enjoy riding on.
Tire Type
On the other hand, the tires of this product are made with heavy-duty and flat-proof inflatable tires. Inside the tire is a protective liner which prevents sharp objects from creating damage to the tube.
Frame Material
Its frame is made with durable 6061 aluminum which ensures durability and stability. It also has a decal design that is protected with a clear coating to minimize damage or scratches.
Other Features
The seat has thicker padding and a handle for easier transport. It also has wider handlebars for better control and longer wheelbase. It also has an easy-reach handbrake, steering limiters, and footrests.
Warranty
There is no specified warranty for this product.
6. Cruzee
This beautifully-crafted item also offers a wide variety of fun colors your kids will surely love. It also comes in different color combinations that can be attractive among kids.
Read moreAge Bracket
This caters to kids aged 18 months up to 5 years old. The bike can also support kids weighing up to 75 lbs.
Design
It has long seats that can fit up to two kids simultaneously. Plus, it has a total of nine color combinations to choose from – including black, blue, yellow, green, red, pink, and purple.
Height
Its initial seat height measures 11.5 inches, but it can be adjusted up to an additional 8 inches in height. Likewise, the handlebars can be adjusted up to 5 inches in height.
Weight
As its name implies, this is so lightweight at just 4.4 lbs, which makes carrying and moving around easier for your little one.
Wheel Size
Each of this bike’s wheels measures 12 inches in diameter. Your kid will surely enjoy riding a bike that is appropriate for his or her size.
Tire Type
Its tires are made with flat and puncture-proof foam tires which makes control and navigation more manageable.
Frame Material
It is made from a rust-proof aluminum frame that is durable and can last for years.
Other Features
This has soft grips and a comfortable saddle seat, which makes riding a pleasant experience for your little one. The entire bike is also easy to assemble and maintain.
Warranty
Cruzee comes with a lifetime warranty which assures overall good product quality.
7. TootScoot II
This one is cute. It is a pint-sized bike suitable for kids as early as 12 months (or as long as your baby can already walk steadily). Unlike its other competitors, this one is smaller but with wider tires. Nonetheless, it’s a nice item for toddlers.
Read moreAge Bracket
Ideally, this bike caters to kids aged 18 months to 3 years old. However, kids as young as 12 months or as long as they can already walk steadily can use this bike.
Design
As already mentioned, this is smaller than the usual products featured above. Nonetheless, the former provides much smaller kids the chance to try out bikes at a very young age. It also comes in three color options – blue, red, and purple.
Height
The initial seat height measures 11 inches, but it can be adjusted up to 14 inches when needed.
Weight
This weighs 7 lbs., which generally is easy to move and carry around even by your little one.
Wheel Size
Its wheels are wider, stable, and flat rather than rounded, for easier use by smaller kids. This helps them balance easier unlike when using thinner tires. The wheel only measures 7 inches in diameter as compared to the usual 12-inch balance bike wheels.
Tire Type
Its tires are made from puncture-proof rubber that is also stable and durable. However, it can be heavier than other tires (ex. foam or air tires).
Frame Material
On the other hand, its frame is made from durable steel for more stability and safety for your child.
Other Features
This balance bike also features a footrest so the kid’s legs won’t be hanging out on both sides.
Warranty
This brand offers a 30-day satisfaction guarantee and a one-year manufacturer’s warranty on all their bikes.
8. Woom Bikes USA
At first look, you would know that this is a well thought out product. Aside from its distinct upright position so it won’t force your kid to hunch, it mostly has positive feedback from satisfied customers.
Read moreAge Bracket
This bike is specially designed for kids aged 18 months up to 4 years of age, or children standing up to 39 inches in height.
Design
This is available in five bright and attractive colors – blue, green, purple, red, and yellow. It has a distinct upright position that won’t force your child to hunch over while riding the bike.
Height
This mini bike has a low step over the frame that makes getting on and off the bike easier for your kid.
Weight
This weighs 7.5 lbs., which generally is easy to move and carry around.
Wheel Size
Each of this tot-sized bike’s wheels measures 12 inches in diameter, which is ideal for small kids learning to ride a bike. Your kid will surely enjoy riding a bike that is appropriate for his or her size.
Tire Type
This has an air-filled tire that is easy to control and maintain.
Frame Material
This has a lightweight aluminum frame and a long wheelbase for more stability and safety for your child.
Other Features
As mentioned, this has a steering limiter that helps prevent oversteering that can cause swerving and accidents. In other words, this feature ensures safety while your kid is riding the bike. It also has an optional bell that can be installed.
Warranty
This offers a free 30-day satisfaction guarantee. Likewise, you will experience 100 percent amazing customer service.
9. Banana Bike
This is also a good choice for a high-quality yet affordable product. It is lightweight and sturdy, easy to assemble, and helps little kids to learn the basics of biking in a fun and safe way.
Read moreAge Bracket
This bike is ideal for kids aged 2 to 4 years old. However, kids younger than 2 can also manage this bike as well.
Design
This is available in three color options – green, blue, and pink. It has been actually updated in terms of design – now with upgraded bearings, seats, quick-release seat bracket, stronger metal headset, and handlebars. It has also been made easier to assemble.
Height
The bike’s saddle seat originally measures 12.2 inches in height but can be adjusted up to 15.75 inches when necessary. Thus, this bike can be great for small children thanks to its adjustable seats. It also has a low standover height, which makes getting on and off the bike easier for little kids.
Weight
This weighs only 7.28 lbs, which makes it easy to carry and move around.
Wheel Size
Its tires measure 12 inches in diameter, which is ideal for small kids learning to ride a bike. Your kid will surely enjoy riding a bike that is appropriate for his or her size.
Tire Type
This has tires made of lightweight and puncture-proof EVA foam material which makes the bike easier to control and maintain.
Frame Material
This has a durable steel frame material that can last for years, depending on the maintenance level and usage.
Other Features
As mentioned, this bike has been upgraded for a more enjoyable use among young kids. Upgrades include bearings, seats, quick-release seat bracket, stronger metal headset, handlebars, and easier assembly.
Warranty
This brand offers a one-year warranty for its bikes against manufacturing defects and issues.
10. Strider
This brand is a lightweight bike ideal for younger kids. It is also one of the most trusted brands in the balance bicycle category. It can be easily carried around during out of town trips, or just riding outside your lawn or within the neighborhood or the local park.
Read moreAge Bracket
This accommodates kids aged 18 months to 5 years old. This enables your little one to enjoy biking at such a young age.
Design
This durable item for kids is available in 7 color options – Strider black, blue, green, orange, pink, red, and yellow. It is specially designed for young kids, thanks to its lightweight frame material and mini-grips which provide easy control. More importantly, it provides kids with freedom and responsibility to ride a bike on their own without being too child-like.
Height
This bike for kids is available in 12-inch seat height (for ages 18 months to 3 years), and 19-inch seat height (for ages 18 months up to 5 years). It also has a low standover height which makes getting on and off the bike easier for small kids. Plus, the seat and handlebar can be easily adjusted, too.
Weight
This weighs around 3 kilograms (or 6.7 lbs.), which makes it easy to carry and move around.
Wheel Size
Its tires measure 12 inches in diameter, which is ideal for small kids learning to ride a bike. Your kid will surely enjoy riding a bike that is apt for his or her size.
Tire Type
This mini bike for small children has foam type tires, a lightweight material which makes the bike easier to control. Plus, it’s puncture-proof, too. On the downside, foam type tires do not provide more stable traction and are not ideal for bigger kids.
Frame Material
This is made of steel frame material which is generally durable and can last for years, depending on the usage and maintenance.
Other Features
This mini-bike has a non-intrusive footrest that is strategically tucked in below the bike seat, which provides a safer spot to rest their feet while riding. It does not have a hand brake, but rather a footbrake located at the base of the seat post that can be activated using their heels. It also has a toddler-sized hand grip which makes controlling the bike easier.
Warranty
This brand offers a two-year warranty for its bikes against manufacturing defects and issues.
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