Specialized Hotwalk Balance Bike

Specialized Hotwalk Balance Bike 2019
  • High quality bike
  • Lower seat height for 2020
  • Lightweight aluminium frame
  • Step through frame great for younger children
  • Padded seat and Rhythm Lite Airless tyres


Specialized are well known in the cycling industry for producing high specification bikes for all ages, so it is no surprise that the Specialized Hotwalk Balance Bike is one of the best quality models available for toddlers and early riders.

The Specialized Hotwalk Balance bike has been relaunched, with a redesigned frame and a longer wheelbase for more stable riding.

The Specialized Hotwalk Balance bike is highly recommended to be purchased for children from the age of 2 onwards, although the saddle height of 34cm - 43cm may make it more suitable for 3 year olds. The tough and rugged design should last riders of this age right through to their first pedal bike.

Specialized balance bike key features

The Specialized Hotwalk Balance Bike for 2020 now has a lower starting saddle height so it is suitable for children from 82cm in height.

Another key feature is the step through frame, which makes the bike easier to access for younger children. This is a similar feature to some of the other great bikes for 2 year olds like the Puky LRM balance bike and the Weeride Deluxe.

Specialized have previously offered different frames for boys and girls, but this has now all changed with a standard frame including the step through frame and a footrest. Younger children will also enjoy the footrest which comes in handy as they ride along.

The Specialized Hotwalk Balance bike is at the higher end of the price range for balance bikes, but this does include quality features such as a frame which is constructed from Specialized A1 Premium Aluminium which helps to keep the weight of the bike down.

The bike also includes alloy rims and a Specialised Kid’s Henge padded seat for a comfortable ride. The tyres are Rhythm Lite Airless tyres so they will never get a puncture, and they also provide fantastic traction.

Appearance wise, this bike looks top of the range with a stylish design that is available in a choice of green, blue, pink or red.

Overall, this is a top quality balance bike which will last the test of time and will retain its value or can be passed down to friends and family.


Early Rider Lite Balance Bike

As an Amazon associate I may earn a small fee from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. This helps us to run the site. Thank you for your support!

The Early Rider Lite balance bike is a quality, lightweight wooden balance bike produced by Early Rider, a forward thinking and innovative British company that also manufacture the Spherovelo, The Early Rider Classic and The Alley Runner.

Early rider lite balance bike
  • High quality wooden balance bike
  • Low saddle height makes it ideal for 2 year olds
  • Dual steering system
  • Fiery design
  • Lightweight and easy to handle

The Early Rider Lite balance bike is aimed at younger riders from 18 months to 3 years, and as the name suggests it is the smaller version of the Early Rider Classic, which is the flagship model of the Early Rider range. These are both quality bikes, and we have dedicated an entire blog post to the differences between these two models if you are looking to choose between them.

The Early Rider Lite is a beautiful looking wooden bike, featuring a stylish fiery design on the main body and it is made from marine birch ply. It is a really lightweight bike weighing in at just 3.2kg, so it is easy to handle and this is one of the reasons that it is an ideal starter bike for younger children.

The bike features an adjustable saddle with the lowest height at just 29.5cm (this compares very favourably with the Puky LRM balance bike which starts at a similar height). The saddle can be extended up to 38cm so it will grow with your child.

Another feature that makes it a great bike for younger riders is the steering lock that can be set to restricted or unrestricted. This means that when the lock is in place the rider can concentrate on their balance so they can go a little bit faster, and once the lock is removed they can then use the steering for balance rather than just putting down their feet.

Other features of the Early Rider Lite Balance bike are the 12 inch pneumatic air tyres at the front and the rear. The benefit of the air tyres is that these provide a more comfortable ride, although there is also the possibility of a puncture! The air tyres are a feature common with the Early Rider Classic. The faux leather seat also looks great with the wooden frame and stylish design.

This is one of the more expensive wooden balance bikes on the market. There are less expensive wooden balance bikes such as the Kiddimoto Kurve or the Jiggy Wooden Balance bike.

However, it is a fast and nimble bike that is one of the most popular around and makes an ideal birthday present for a 2 year old if they are ready to learn to ride by then, and the large range on the adjustable saddle means that the Early Rider Lite should see your child all the way through to a pedal bike.

Storm balance bike

Storm balance bike

CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE

The Storm Balance Bike is currently out of stock. Please see our guides and reviews below for recommended alternatives:

Best Balance Bike for a 2 year old

Best Balance Bike for a 3 year old

Chicco Red Bullet Balance Bike 

Boppi Balance Bike 

Here is our review of the Storm Balance Bike for when it is back in stock:

The Storm balance bike is one of the lightest balance bikes on the market, and as it is one of the smaller bikes around then it would be ideal for younger children learning to ride and would make an excellent 2nd birthday present. It would also be a great Christmas present for any children around this age who could grow into the bike.

The Storm balance bike looks great, and little riders will love to emulate their older cousins from the 1980’s with the stand out BMX style. The metal frame means that the bike is sturdy and robust and it is available in blue, red or pink. We really love the design of the white frame with the coloured forks that give the bike a fresh and contemporary feel.

Other features of the Storm balance bike include adjustable handlebars and safety rubber handlebar grips which will come in useful in the event of a fall and to help protect little hands and fingers. The saddle has an adjustable height from 35 – 43cm which means that your child can grow with the bike, however, if you are shopping for bikes with the lowest initial saddle heights then you might want to look at a rival such as the Puky LRM Learner bike which starts at just 29cm.

This bike is one of the best value balance bikes available. This means it is great value and a direct competitor for bikes such as the Chicco Red Bullet Balance bike, however one drawback we found with the bike is the hard plastic tyres which would not provide as comfortable a ride as pneumatic air tyres. If your child really takes to the bike then the wheels may need replacing after some heavy use!

The Storm balance bike is a great choice for a starter bike and ideal for children to learn the principles of balance and steering from a young age.

Mongoose balance bike

Mongoose boys balance bike

CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE

The Mongoose Balance Bike is currently unavailable. Please see our recommendations for alternative wooden balance bikes for this age group:

Here is our review of the Mongoose balance bike for when it is available again:

The Mongoose balance bike for boys is one of our favourite bikes that we have reviewed.

The first thing that stands out about this bike is the frame, which is produced from natural birch plywood and offers an eye catching design.

The wooden frame means that the bike is environmentally friendly, and the black background is complemented by flames along the side and on the front of the bike, and with red handlebars, 12 inch red aluminium wheels and a black saddle so this will really appeal to little riders who want to get on their bike.

Other features of the Mongoose balance bike for boys include an adjustable saddle and pneumatic air tyres which provide a comfortable ride. Most leading balance bikes offer this style of tyre, although others such as Strider prefer the EVA foam tyre.

The maximum weight of the bike is 3.5kg, and this bike will be suitable for children from age 3 and upwards as 2 year olds will struggle with the weight of the bike and the saddle height. If you are buying a bike for a 2 year old then check out our recommended bikes here.

Differences between Early Rider Lite and Early Rider Classic

As an Amazon associate I may earn a small fee from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. This helps us to run the site. Thank you for your support!

Early rider offer some of the best quality wooden balance bikes around - they are brilliant bikes made from high quality birch wood, offer a range of superb features and look stylish with a sleek design and fiery emblem on the frame.

If you have looked through all of the reviews and decided on an Early Rider balance bike as the most suitable for your child (great choice by the way), then a quandary that you may find yourself in as a parent is whether to buy the Early Rider Lite or to go for the Early Rider classic - so we thought it would be useful to compare the two bikes for you!

Main differences between Early Rider Lite and Early Rider Classic

Although the Early Rider Classic is a superb balance bike, and one of the leading bikes on the market - some children will be on their feet and ready to ride before they are big enough to handle the Classic. This is where the Early Rider Lite really comes into it's own, as it is designed for children as young as 18-20 months with a range of features to suit.

Weight

The first main difference that you will notice is the weight of the bike. The Early Rider Lite weighs in at just 3.25kg, making it one of the lightest wooden balance bikes available and easy to handle for smaller children.

The Classic weighs 4.25kg in comparison, which would make it quite difficult for a smaller 2 year old to get to grips with - but on the other hand the Classic will be able to support older children as they grow and is suitable for riders up to 5 years of age.

Saddle Height

Both bikes offer adjustable seat heights, which means that you can increase the height of the saddle as your child grows. One of the most important aspects to consider when buying a balance bike is the seat height (check out our saddle height guide), and if you buy a bike where the saddle is too high then your child will be disappointed as they won't be able to ride it properly!

The lowest saddle height on the Early Rider Lite is just 29cm, so this will be suitable for younger children and is comparable with models such as the Puky LRM Balance bike. The lowest seat height on the Classic is 31.5cm.

Tyres

The third main difference between the bikes is the tyres. Both bikes come equipped with pneumatic (air) tyres, but the Early Rider Lite offers 12" tyres at the front and rear, while the Classic features a 14" front tyre and a 'Fat Boy' 12" tyre on the rear. These tyres help to support the sturdier frame of the Early Rider Classic, with the Lite offering speed and agility.

We hope this helps to summarise the main differences between Early Rider Lite and Early Rider classic. They are both very high quality balance bikes, and both models come equipped with a range of other features including the stylish wooden frame, an embossed faux leather seat and a dual steering system.

The Early Rider Lite is built for younger children, so if your child is ready for a balance bike by the age of 18 - 20 months then this will be the bike for you. If they master balance, steering and riding by the age of 4 then they should be ready for a pedal bike by this age, but if you think your child will be enjoying their balance to the age of 4 and beyond then the Early Rider Classic will be a better investment. Happy riding!

Scoot Balance Bike

  • Lightweight Alloy Frame
  • 14 inch wheels with air tyres
  • Great bike for 4 - 7 year olds
  • Saddle Height 40cm - 54cm

The Scoot XL balance bike is manufactured by Ridgeback, who have been established for over 30 years and have grown from offering a single mountain bike to a wide range of cycles and accessories.

The Ridgeback Scoot XL balance bike is for slightly older children than most balance bikes, with 14 inch wheels and a saddle height starting at 40cm. Other balance bikes with 14 inch wheels include the Weeride Deluxe and the Frog Tadpole Plus balance bikes.

It sits towards the top end of the balance bike market in terms of price with a wide range of excellent features.

The Scoot XL balance bike looks like a quality bike, with a sturdy, but lightweight alloy frame, a stylish design and air tyres on alloy rims. 

As already mentioned, the larger wheels and higher saddle make this bike more suitable for 4 - 7 year olds who have not previously tried a balance bike or who don’t yet have the confidence to progress and use a pedal bike.

This bike comes with air tyres, so this provides a comfortable ride as the tyres will provide plenty of ‘give’ when riding over rough surfaces or up and down kerbs etc. 

Riders of the Scoot XL balance bike also love the wide handlebars, which allow a more natural riding position and also contributes to comfort.

Final features of this balance bike are an adjustable hand brake (great for older children), a carry handle, a bell and safety handlebars to help protect small hands in the event of a fall.

The Scoot XL balance bike makes a great choice for a quality balance bike, especially for children aged between 4 -7.

Tiny Bike Balance Bike

Tiny Balance Bike

CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE

The Tiny Bike Balance Bike is currently unavailable but please see our reviews and guides for other suitable bikes.

Best balance bike for 2 year old

Best balance bike for 3 year old

Boppi Metal Balance Bike 

Strider Classic Balance Bike 


Here is our review of the Tiny Balance Bike for when it is available to purchase again:

  • Wide rubber wheels
  • Steel frame
  • Can be used indoors and outdoors

The Tiny Bike Balance Bike is a great little balance bike that looks great and has a robust build.

The bike is aimed at children aged 2-4 years, but it lives up to its name as one of the smaller bikes in the market so would make an ideal present for a child’s 2nd birthday.

It would also be suitable or some children aged under 2 if they are big for their age and you are keen for them to get on their bike. It makes a great starter bike to help children steer and balance before they graduate to a ‘proper’ pedal bike. It weighs in at a lightweight 3.2kg.

Easy to assemble straight out of the box, the Tiny Bike Balance Bike is sturdy and stylish and features a steel frame that is available in a range of colours, including pink, purple, red and white.

Other features include a footrest that is ideal for children as they glide along, an adjustable seat and safety handlebars. Check out our guide to balance bike saddle heights for advice on how to choose a bike that is the correct size for your child. The tyres are solid, which means there is no risk of punctures but the ride may not be as comfortable a bike with air tyres.

The Tiny Bike Balance Bike is fantastic value for money and competes directly with bikes such as Chillafish and Bike Star which are a similar price.

We think this is a great choice for a starter bike as it can be ridden indoors and outdoors, so if you do decide to purchase the Tiny Bike Balance Bike then your child should be off and about in no time at all.

Oowee Pink Balance Bike

Oowee Pink Balance Bike
  • Wooden balance bike with floral design
  • 3 different saddle heights from 38cm
  • Too big for 2 year old – best for 3 or 4 year old
  • Air tyres give a comfortable ride


The Oowee Pink Balance bike is another funky and fun bike from Kidzmotion, who also manufacture the Jiggy Wooden Balance Bike, which we featured recently on this website.

The Oowee Pink Balance bike is definitely one for the girls in the family, with the wheels and saddle a striking pink, which complements the flower petal design on the frame. This is one of our favourite pink balance bikes!

Manufactured from birch plywood, the wooden frame is environmentally friendly and the bike is easy to manoeuvre which is one of the main advantages of wooden balance bikes.

Other features include safety handlebars which have a soft grip on either end, a soft padded seat and a saddle height which can be adjusted between three heights of 38cm, 40cm and 42cm.

This means that the bike will probably be too big if you are looking for a bike for a 2 year old, as these bikes will start with saddle heights starting at 28cm or 29cm. Check out our guide to balance bike saddle heights and our recommendations for the best balance bike for 2 year olds.

This is a fun bike that your kids are sure to love, and the Oowee Pink Balance bike also features a carry handle and air tyres. This gives the advantage of a more comfortable ride with plenty of ‘give’ as the rider goes over bumps and up and down kerbs. Read our guide to balance bike tyres.

The bike does require some assembly this is really straightforward so your child should soon be off and on their bike.

Although it does not boast some of the features of the more expensive bikes available – the Oowee Pink Balance bike is a great way to learn to ride and is ideal for outings to the park this year!

Jiggy Wooden Balance Bike

As an Amazon associate I may earn a small fee from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. This helps us to run the site. Thank you for your support!

Jiggy Wooden Balance Bike
  • Stylish Retro Design
  • Wooden Frame
  • Lightweight
  • Soft Plastic Handlebars
  • Saddle height from 34cm
  • Great value

There are several manufacturers that produce quality wooden balance bikes, and another option is the Jiggy Wooden Balance Bike.

The bike is manufactured by Kidzmotion, who are a small and family run business that offer a range of balance bikes and other products. This is also the sister bike to the Oowee Pink Balance Bike.

As you can see from the image, the Jiggy Wooden Balance Bike scores well on appearance, with a retro style that offers a red, white and blue design than runs throughout the bike including the frame, the tyres and the handlebars.

The frame is made from birch plywood, so this means that it is lightweight at 4kg and good for the environment. The soft padded seat provides a comfortable ride and can be adjusted to three heights from 34cm, 36cm and 38cm.

This means that the Jiggy Wooden Balance Bike would suit children from 2 years old and upwards – but make sure you read our balance bike seat guide and measure the child’s inseam first!

Other features include soft plastic handlebars with safety ends, and a carry handle so the bike is easy to transport when the rider has had enough and just wants to walk. We also think the wheels look great with a blue circular infill and inflatable tyres – just like a proper bike. Check out the other sorts of tyres that are used on balance bikes in our balance bike tyres guide.

This is a stylish and sleek wooden balance bike that will look great in the playground, on the street or at the local park.

The design means that it will suit both boys and girls – so it is ideal if you have younger brothers and sisters waiting in line that the bike can be passed on to.

The Jiggy Wooden Balance bike's nearest competitor is the wooden Boppi balance bike. This bike is a similar price and are available in a number of different designs.

Good luck in searching for the best balance bike!

Go Glider Balance Bike

Go Glider balance bike

The Go Glider balance bike is currently unavailable.

Here are some recommended alternatives:

We will let you know when it is back in stock!

Here is our review of the Go-Glider Balance Bike for when it is available again:

Balance bikes are not just for younger children, and we have already examined the best balance bikes for 6 year olds elsewhere on this website. Although most children of this age are ready for a pedal bike, some children like to continue with balance bikes while others are later learners.

One of the best balance bikes for older children is the Go Glider balance bike, which is suitable for children from 5 to 10 years old.

The bike is manufactured by the Glide Bike Company, and is equipped with 16 inch wheels, which makes it a comfortable ride for older children.

The Go Glider Balance bike looks great and closely resembles a quality pedal bike, and the low centre of gravity on the bike means that children should soon be able to take their feet off the floor to begin ‘gliding’.

The Go Glider Balance bike does require some assembling, although this should not take more than about 30 minutes before you are ready for a ride.

Features include a kickstand, a rear drum brake and a footrest – which can be great for the rider to stand on and perform tricks. The tyres are maintenance free EVA foam tyres.

This bike is usually in available in several colours including blue, red, pink, green and orange. Although this bike is generally more expensive than most balance bikes designed for younger children, riders of the Go Glider Balance Bike should not outgrow their bike as quickly, especially with the adjustable handlebars and padded seat.

Many children like to continue riding balance bikes well beyond when they can ride a pedal bike – just because balance bikes are so much fun and easy to handle! The Go Glider Balance bike definitely fits into this category, and riders should be able to build up plenty of speed and a great repertoire of tricks once they have mastered the initial skills of balancing and steering.