Balance bike brands

Stompee Balance Bike

Stompee Balance Bike Review

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  • Excellent price
  • Cool mountain bike appearace
  • Pneumatic tyres
  • Min saddle height 35cm
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The Stompee Balance bike is a great choice if your child is a budding mountain biker, produced by Stomp who are a leading pit bike manufacturer.

The Stompee Balance Bike is very popular as it has the appearance of a genuine mini mountain bike, helped by the chunky pneumatic tyres and quality build. The pneumatic tyres help to provide a comfortable ride, and kids will love the style of this bike as Stomp specialise in cool off road motorbikes.

Other features of the Stompee Balance Bike include a steel tube frame, alloy rims and a large padded seat that is adjustable from 35cm – 45cm. The light weight frame means that the Stompee weighs in a 4.2kg, and the padded seat is really comfy! It is available in several colours including black, bright blue, bright red and hot pink.

This is the only balance bike in the Stomp range, and is suitable for children from 2 years through to 5 or 6, by which time they will more than likely  have outgrown their Stompee and be ready to move on to a larger pedal bike. 

You might find that the bike is slightly too big and heavy for a 2 year old of average height, as some other balance bikes such as a Puky balance bike have a saddle height starting at 29cm, so these may be more suitable for younger children. We have a full guide to the best balance bikes for 2 years olds here.

The Stompee Balance bike comes with plenty of features for a mid range priced bike, and these include a high performance V-brake. This is applied to the left handlebar and is attached to the rear wheel so this will help your child get used to the principle of braking as they learn to steer and balance. It will also help to save on their shoes if they learn to use it properly! Check out our guide to balance bike brakes here!

Overall, this is a great all round balance bike that looks cool and provides fantastic value. However there are some very good alternative BMX balance bikes available such as a Bike Star balance bike, a Chillafish balance bike or a Strider balance bike.

Happy cycling and don't forget your balance bike accessories such as the essential helmets and kids bike gloves.

Prince Lionheart Balance Bike

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Prince Lionheart is a company that specialises in innovative products for babies and young children, and they offer a really good quality balance bike as part of their range

Prince Lionheart Balance Bike review


  • Lightweight and strong wooden balance bike
  • Sporty design
  • 12" rubber air filled tyres
  • Great option for a mid-range bike
  • Best for 3 – 5 year olds with 37cm minimum saddle height


Buy the Prince Lionheart Balance Bike

The Prince Lionheart balance bike is made from 100% birch plywood, which gives the benefit of being good for the environment as well as being lightweight and strong.

This bike is aimed at the core market of 2-5 years olds, and weighs in at a competitive 4.5kg.

It has a stylish and sporty design, with the makers name brandished down the side of the bike and the racing number 73 on the front, which kids will love.

The wide 12” rubber tyres have a spoked design which enhances the appearance of the bike, and comfort is provided with rubber hand grips and the padded seat.

Making sure you select a bike with the correct saddle height is one of the most important aspects of choosing the best balance bike for your child. The seat on the Prince Lionheart balance bike can be adjusted to 3 different heights between 37cm and 43cm, so this bike is included in our recommended balance bikes for 3 year olds.

You can read more in our balance bike saddle height guide, and if you are looking for a bike for a 2 year old you can also check our guide to this age range.

The Prince Lionheart Balance bike is a good quality wooden bike that won’t let you down, and gets very favourable reviews. An alternative wooden balance bike in this category is the Jiggy Wooden balance bike, and there are plenty of options of metal bikes including Bike Star, Strider and Puky.

Bike Star Balance Bike

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Bike Star is a specialist German child bike's company that produces a wide range of children’s vehicles including scooters and skateboards. Bike Star balance bikes are suitable for children from as young as 18 months all the way through to 5 year olds.

Introduction

Bike Star are well known for ergonomically friendly bikes for young children as well as sporty styles for those that are accomplished riders.

This guide will review the Bike Star range in some detail, so to get started on this leading brand we have produced this easy to use table which show each model, the suitable age, the size of the bike and distinguishing features.

Image

Model

Saddle Height

Features


Classic 10 inch

30cm plus

Step through frame

10 inch tyres

Air tyres

Includes hand brake


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Classic 12 inch

30cm plus

Step through frame

12 inch tyres

AIr tyres

Includes hand brake

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Sport 10 inch

30cm plus

Sporty design


Recommended 2 - 5 yr


Metal frame


Air Tyres


10 inch tyres

Check Price

Sport 12 inch

30cm plus

Sporty design


Recommended 3 - 5yr


Metal frame


Air tyres


12 inch tyres

Check Price

Wooden 12 inch

37cm - 43cm

Beech Wooden frame


Recommended 3 - 5 yr


Lightweight


12 inch air filled tyres

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Convertible Mini Bike and Tricycle

26cm - 28cm

Unique 2 in 1 design


Recommended 18 month - 3 years


Wooden frame


One of the smallest balance bikes available

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Bike Star Balance Bike Reviews

Bike Star Classic Balance Bike


  • Saddle height from 30cm
  • Step through frame
  • Air tyres
  • Includes hand brake and ergonomic saddle
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The signature model of the Bike Star range is the Bike Star Classic Balance bike. This is a high quality metal balance bike, and of the key features is the low platform or footboard which makes it ideal for balance bike beginners.

The footboard allows the child to rest their feet as they scoot along, so they easily put their feet on the floor as they ride until they learn how to balance. This is very similar feature to the PUKY LRM Learner bike.

This bike scores well on appearance, with a high quality metallic paint finish and it is available in either Blue, Green, Heartbeat Red or Pink and White. It is well made with strong welds so will be able to withstand being ridden, manhandled and dumped on the floor by a small child.

One of the most important aspects of choosing the best balance bike for your child is the saddle height, and the saddle on this bike starts at just 30cm which makes it ideal for children aged 2 or above.

This height compares well with other recommended balance bikes for 2 year olds, and it can easily be adjusted as your child grows so this should see them all the way through to a pedal bike!

The Bike Star Classic Balance Bike also comes equipped with a child friendly handbrake and a stand, extra features which really add value to the bike.

This bike is available with either 10 inch or 12 inch tyres, and speaking of the tyres these are pneumatic air tyres which provide a smooth ride on all surfaces.

The 12 inch model is larger and slightly heavier so this would be a better choice for an older child of 3 or above.

The Bike Star Classic Balance Bike is a great, mid-range balance bike.


Bike Star Sport Balance Bike


  • Sporty design
  • 10 or 12 inch tyres
  • Saddle height from 30cm
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The Bike Star Sport Balance Bike offers something completely different to the Classic bike, with a sporty style and exciting designs on the frame and wheel forks.

The low footboard has also been removed, giving the child more room to move their legs during the ride and giving the bike a sportier appearance.

Features include air tyres, alloy wheels, an adjustable handlebar and an adjustable saddle height that starts at just 30cm and can be raised as your child grows.

The Bike Star Sport Balance bike is available in several striking designs including Brilliant Green, Flamingo Pink and Berry & Turquoise.

Similarly to the Classic model, the Sport is available with either 10 inch or 12 inch tyres, with the larger bike being more suitable for children aged 3 or above.

This is another great option for a high quality, mid-range balance bike.


Bike Star Wooden Balance Bike


  • Beech wooden frame
  • Lightweight
  • Fun design
  • Saddle height 37cm - 43cm
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Bike Star now also offer a wooden balance bike as part of their range, so if you prefer the benefits of a wooden bike this may be the bike for you.

The frame is made from environmentally friendly beech wood, which makes it much lighter than the metal Classic and Sport models and therefore easier for a young child to handle.

The bike has designed with a great eye for detail, and is available in a number of different painted colours and designs that will appeal to young children.

Features include an extra-large handle which makes the bike easy to transport, as well as rubber handlebar grips for protection from falls.

As with most other wooden balance bikes, the saddle is not as adjustable as on the wooden bikes with a limited number of settings. We would recommend the 10 inch version of this bike for 2 year olds and the 12 inch version for 3 years and above.

The final feature of the Bike Star Wooden Balance Bike is the air filled tyres, which provide a comfortable ride and good suspension. 

This bike is a great choice if you prefer a wooden balance bike.


Bike Star Convertible Mini 2 in 1 Bike and Tricycle


  • Suitable from 18 months plus
  • Convers from a trike to a bike as they get older
  • Lightweight and quality wooden frame
  • Saddle height from 26cm
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The final balance bike in the Bike Star range is the extremely clever convertible mini 2 in 1 Bike and Tricycle.

This bike is suitable for children as young as 18 months, as they can start off riding the tricycle with 3 wheels which can then convert to a small balance bike as they gain more confidence!

It is made from a lightweight and high quality wooden frame, painted in bright colours which will appeal to very young children.

This really is one of the smallest balance bikes available, with a seat height starting at just 26cm (there is another option of 28cm). If your child is already 2 or about to turn 2 then we would recommend the 10 inch Bike Star Classic or Sport or one of our other recommended balance bikes for 2 year olds.

This bike is available as a ‘Little Sheriff’ or ‘Little Princess’ and is one of the best balance bike models available for 18 month olds. 


John Crane Balance Bike

John Crane Tidlo First Balance Bike

Currently Unavailable

The John Crane Tidlo Balance Bike is currently unavailable. 

Check out these reviews of alternative balance bikes and relevant age groups for our recommendations.

Jiggy Wooden Balance Bike 

Boppi Wooden Balance Bike 

Best Balance Bike for 2 year old guide

Best Balance Bike for 3 year old guide

Here is our review of the John Crane Tidlo Balance Bike for when it is available again:

John Crane is a British company that specialises in wooden toys of all shapes and sizes. They offer a small range of quality balance bikes through their own label brand, Tidlo, and all bikes are suitable for children of 3 years and above.

All John Crane balance bikes are made from replenishable rubberwood, so they are environmentally friendly as the trees have reached the end of their natural life.

Their signature bike is the Tidlo First Balance Bike, and this makes an ideal first balance bike with a study wooden structure which will help the child to get to grips with the concept of balance and steering

Tidlo bikes are brightly painted in red, pink or blue and features include a padded seat, easy grip handlebars, pneumatic tyres and a bell so that they can let you know they are coming!

As with most wooden balance bikes, there is not a huge range of seat positions available but the seat height of the Tidlo First Wooden Balance bike can be adjusted to 3 different heights from the lowest height of 34cm up to 38cm. This would probably make the bike slightly too big for an average 2 year old, so we would recommend this bike to children aged 3 and above.

The Tidlo First Balance Bike weighs in at 4.7kg and is an excellent choice if you are looking for a great value balance bike and you would prefer a wooden bike. Other wooden balance bikes worth considering in this price range would be the Jiggy Wooden Balance Bike, the Boppi Wooden Balance bike or the Prince Lionheart Balance Bike which is usually slightly more expensive.

Also available from John Crane is the ‘Branching Out First Bike’, which is also made from environmentally friendly wood and has many of the same features as the Tidlo bike

Tidlo Scooter Balance bike

An alternative to the traditional balance bike is the funky Tidlo Scooter Balance Bike, that is available in bright red or lemon colours.

Shaped in the style of a retro Italian scooter, this bike is suitable for children aged 3 years and above with the regular features of an adjustable seat, pneumatic tyres and easy grip handlebar.

The scooter is a stylish way to scoot around the playground or local park.

John Crane balance bikes are definitely worth considering when you are looking for the best balance bike. The paintwork may chip off as the bikes can take a bit of a battering from smaller children, but these are quality bikes with an excellent range of features and a funky design.

Kettler Balance Bike

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Kettler balance bikes are aimed at children aged 2-4 in the core balance bike age range, and with several different bikes in their range, Kettler is an excellent brand to consider when you are looking for the best balance bike for your child.

Kettler Speedy Balance Bike

Kettler Speedy Balance Bike
  • Sturdy steel frame
  • Scratch resistant finish
  • Adjustable saddle from 33cm - 43cm
  • Good bike for 2.5 - 3 years plus
  • Hand brake included


Buy the Kettler Speedy Balance Bike

The entry level Kettler balance bike is the Kettler Speedy Balance bike, which provides a great value option and a very good bike to get your toddler on the move.

The bike is well constructed with a sturdy steel frame (although it does require some construction out of the box), but this means that the bike is likely to stand the test of time with a scratch resistant finish.

All of the basic features of a good value balance bike are included, with a padded, adjustable seat and a safety handlebar, which is useful for when the bike is dumped on the ground.

The seat can be adjusted from 33 - 43cm, so while this may make the Kettler Speedy Balance bike a little too big for the average 2 year old, the large range of seat heights mean that this bike should see your child through to a proper pedal bike.

If you are shopping for a child approaching their 2nd birthday, then read our guide to the best balance bikes for 2 year olds.

The Kettler Speedy Balance Bike also comes equipped with a hand brake, which is not always found on bikes in this price category. This can save a lot on the wear and tear of your child's shoes as they won't need to use their feet for braking!

The Kettler Speedy Balance bike is available in different colours and sizes, including the Kettler Speedy Pablo 12.5” model. 

This bike has larger wheels, so it is suitable for slightly older children and the handlebar does not have a turning limiter. 

The Kettler Speedy Balance bike weighs in at 4.1kg, so this lines up with the fact that we would recommend these bikes to children aged 2 and a half or older as a 2 year old may find this difficult to handle. 

The Kettler Speedy Balance bike will give you everything you need from a starter bike with all of the features you will need and a little bit more.


Kettler Spirit Air Balance Bike

Kettler Spirit Air
  • Includes boarding frame with running board
  • 12.5" wheels
  • Ergonomic seat for comfort
  • Adjustable saddle from 37cm - 46cm
  • Slightly heavier bike better for older children


Buy the Kettler Spirit Air Balance Bike

If you are sold on a Kettler balance bike, then it may be worth spending a bit more for the next model in their range which is the Kettler Spirit Air balance bike.

This bike features a step through frame with a running board, for safely boarding and dismounting the bike. This feature is only usually found on bikes for the youngest children, but if your 3 or 4 year old is new to balance bikes this will make it easier for them to get going.

The steel frame is scratch resistant and durable, and the bike also features ball bearing mounted, 12.5” wheels with pneumatic tyres for a comfortable ride.

Safety features include a handlebar with rear brake and there is also a parking stand so your child can enjoy “parking” their bike when they are not using it.

The Kettler Spirit Air Balance bike weighs 6.3kg. The heavier weight of this bike means that it would probably be most suitable for children that are slightly older as it would be difficult for a 2 year old to handle.


Kettler Run Air Balance Bike

Kettler Run Air
  • Similar features to the Spirit Air 
  • Step through frame with running board 
  • 12.5" spoke rims
  • Ergonomic seat for comfort
  • Hand brake and parking stand included


Buy the Kettler Run Air Balance Bike

The final model to feature in the range of Kettler balance bikes is the Kettler Run Air balance bike. This has a similar design to the Spirit Air bike, with the step through frame and a running board included.

The ergonomic seat is also a feature of this bike, and the saddle can be adjusted from 37cm – 46cm. Additional features include the 12.5” spoke rims, safety handlebar with brake and the park stand.

The Run Air balance bike is available in a sporty black and red design or a stylish purple and green.

Kettler balance bikes cater for children of all ages, from the very youngest children with the Kettler Speedy through to sportier models like the Run Air balance bike.

Weeride balance bike

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Weeride are well known for their range of excellent bike seats, but they also produce award winning balance bikes that are well worth considering when you are looking for the best balance bike.

Weeride balance bikes are available for all children aged between 18 months and 6 years, with the range containing just two options which are the Weeride First Balance Bike and the Weeride Deluxe Balance Bike.

Weeride First Balance Bike

Weeride First balance bike
  • Step through frame
  • Adjustable saddle from 31cm
  • Great option for 2 year olds
  • Soft saddle with carry handle
  • Non slip, rubber air tyres


Buy the Weeride First Balance Bike

The Weeride First Balance Bike will be a great introduction to cycling for the very youngest children, with a stylish metal frame that comes in a choice of red or green.

One of the defining features of the Weeride First Balance bike is the easy step through frame which makes the bike manageable for young riders, and the seat is adjustable from 31 - 42cm which means that the saddle height can be changed as your child grows.

This makes it comparable to the Puky LRM Learner Bike which has a similar feature (but is usually more expensive at around £70).

The bike has been recently improved with a soft saddle that makes for a comfortable ride and also comes with a carry handle for parents. This comes in handy when your child has had enough of riding and you end up carrying the bike!

The Weeride First balance bike now includes pneumatic air tyres with an angled valve, a rear band brake for extra safety and safe non slip hand grips.

These features make this bike an excellent choice for 2 year olds and is featured in our guide to the best balance bikes for 2 year olds. 

It is marketed as being suitable for those from 18 months, but we think that toddlers of this age might struggle with this bike and there are more suitable options available.

Weeride Deluxe Balance Bike

Weeride Deluxe Balance Bike
  • Quality 14 inch frame
  • A range of excellent features
  • Seat height from 45cm - 52cm
  • Suitable for 4-6 year olds


Buy the Weeride Deluxe Balance Bike

If you are shopping for a slightly older child or need a bike larger than the Weeride First Balance bike, then your next option from Weeride is the Weeride Deluxe Balance Bike.

This is a much larger bike that is designed for older children that are not ready to ride a pedal bike yet, and it is a quality bike with a 14 inch frame, a beautiful Weeride paint finish and a stylish two tone seat.

The 14 inch wheels make this a great choice for older children as many other models use bikes with a 12 inch frame. Other bikes which have 14 inch wheels include the Ridgeback Scoot XL and the Frog Tadpole Plus.

The seat height ranges from 45cm – 52cm, so this bike might even be too old for 3 year olds and we think it would be most suitable for the 4-6 year age range.

Check out our other recommendations in our guide to the best balance bikes for 4 year olds.

The Weeride Deluxe Balance bike also features proper air tyres which provide a comfortable ride, a rear hand brake and safe non slip hand grips.

This is not a budget option but the quality finish in silver or red from Weeride means this will be one of the best looking bikes in the playground.

Kiddimoto balance bike

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Hands up who wants a Union Jack, Pastel Dotty or Fire Engine themed balance bike?

Then you will love the range of wooden Kiddimoto balance bikes that are British made and are among the best wooden balance bikes available. There are also lightweight metal bikes as well as BMX bikes and mod scooters on offer from Kiddimoto to complete their range.

A fantastic choice during your search for the best balance bike!

Kiddimoto Kurve balance bike


  • Wooden frames
  • A range of eye catching designs
  • Award winning British bikes
  • Three different saddle heights from 37cm
  • Most suited to 3 years and above
Buy the Kiddimoto Kurve balance bike

The most well known bikes of the Kiddimoto range are the Kiddimoto Kurve balance bikes, which are beautifully designed wooden bikes with a gracious curved styling and a sturdy construction manufactured from birch ply wood.

The Kiddimoto Kurve balance bikes come in a wide range of exciting and distinctive styles, including Police, Fire, Flower, Union Jack and Pastel Dotty (one of our favourite pink balance bikes). Other options include Red Dotty, Skullz and a funky Splatz style so there should be something for everyone!

The Kiddimoto Kurve is one of our recommended balance bikes for 3 years olds, partly due to the saddle heights which offer three different positions ranging from 37cm to 39.5cm

This is a relatively high starting saddle position so the bike would be too big for 2 year olds. However, it would be ideal for 3 or 4 year olds who are just starting to learn to ride. As a comparison, our recommended balance bikes for 2 year olds such as the LAVA balance bike or the Strider Classic have saddle heights starting between 29 - 31cm.

Other features of the Kiddimoto Kurve balance bikes include a 12 inch pneumatic tyre with inner tube and safety is also a priority with a steering lock that stops the bike from turning more than 30 degrees and preventing jack knife. The comfortable rubber hand grips protect little hands and the bike weighs in at 4.5kg.


Kiddimoto Super Junior Balance Bike

Kiddimoto Super Junior Balance Bike
  • Lightweight steel frame
  • Saddle height from 34cm - 45cm
  • Pneumatic rubber tyres


Buy the Kiddimoto Super Junior Balance Bike

The second bike in the Kiddimoto range is the Kiddimoto Super Junior Balance bike, which we has also reviewed in a separate post.

This is completely different from the Kiddimoto Kurve, as it is made from metal and has a lower starting saddle height so it is great for younger children.

It boasts an impressive range of features, including a padded seat for comfort and an adjustable saddle with a minimum height of 34cm. This can extend up to 45cm so it can grow with your child until they are ready for a pedal bike.

The lightweight steel frame makes the bike easy to transport and it is available in a number of funky and exciting colours.


Kiddimoto Super Junior Max balance bike


  • Extra features including a brake and grippy footplate
  • A range of funky designs
  • Pneumatic air tyres
Buy the Kiddimoto Super Junior Max

The Kiddimoto Super Junior Max is based on the same frame as the Super Junior, but offers a number of extra features such as a brake for the front wheel, an extra grippy footplate and pneumatic air tyres. 

This makes for a more comfortable ride and a superior performance, although the extra weight of this bike would make it more suitable for children aged 3 and above. A carry handle is also included on the seat for if (and when) the child gets tired.

Similarly to the Kiddimoto Kurve, it is available in a number of funky designs including the Union Jack, Stars (pictured), Skullz and Pastel Dotty.


Kiddimoto BMX Balance Bike


  • All terrain balance bike, BMX style
  • 12 inch pneumatic air tyres
  • Saddle height from 38cm


Buy the Kiddimoto BMX Balance Bike

This high quality, BMX style balance bike is perfect for any terrain with a lightweight, durable frame and 12 inch pneumatic tyres.

The bike has a saddle height starting at 38cm, so it is ideal for slightly older children aged from 3.5 – 5 years.

The bike is painted in a striking gloss blue or red, so it looks great and weight in at just 4.8kg.

Kiddimoto Scooter Balance Bike


  • Distinctive Mod Scooter design
  • Birch Plywood Frame
  • Footboards for freewheeling
Buy the Kiddimoto Scooter Balance Bike

Our final featured bike from the Kiddimoto range is the Kiddimoto Scooter Wooden Balance bike.

This is an excellent replica of the real thing, with the Union Jack design based on the iconic Mod Scooters of the 1960’s.

The scooters are manufactured from sustainable birch plywood, and feature footboards for freewheeling as well as pneumatic tyres for a comfortable ride.

The saddle is not adjustable on this bike, so it may only be suitable for your child for a short while – but it is fun bike balance bike and one of the most distinctive models available.

Accessories

Kiddimoto also offer a great range of accessories including a number of kids helmets which are perfect for smaller heads. Designs include Police, Pastel Dotty and Pink Goggles.

There are also kids bike gloves available to complete your outfit and to make sure your child is fully protected while they are out on their bike.