Balance bike saddle height guide

We have already seen from all of the models that we have reviewed on this website that there is a huge range of balance bikes that vary in style, tyre size, frame structure and many other variables.

However, probably the most important factor to consider when you are choosing the best balance bike is the saddle height.

If you get this wrong, then your child is going to have problems getting on and off their bike and won’t be comfortable during their ride. This might mean they become reluctant to use the bike and they miss out on the freedom and excitement that a balance bike can bring!

How to choose the correct saddle height

The first thing you will need to do is to accurately obtain the inside leg measurement of the child for whom you are buying the bike. You can do this by standing the child with their feet flat on the floor (with no shoes). Then place an object (such as a book or magazine) between their legs as high as comfortable, and when they step away measure how high this is from the ground.

You will then need to compare this measurement with the minimum saddle height of the balance bikes that you are looking at.

The critical thing to consider is that when you are comparing the inside leg measurement of your child with the balance bike, make sure that the minimum saddle height is around 2.5cm – 3cm less than their inside leg.

This sentence is in bold because it is probably the most important thing we have written this entire website!

If you get this measurement correct, the child will be able to get on to the bike easily and they should be able to get their feet flat on the floor. This will allow them to propel the bike along and use their feet to stop when necessary.

Saddle Height Guide

We have prepared this useful guide below to provide a starting point to finding the bike with the best saddle height for your child.

Age

Average inside leg

measurement

Minimum Saddle Height

Recommended models

Guide

2

31cm - 35cm

28cm

Strider 12 Classic Balance Bike

Strider Classic balance bike

3

35cm - 40cm

32cm

Metal Boppi balance bike

Boppi balance bike

4

40cm - 50cm

37cm

Kiddimoto Kurve Pastel Dotty balance bike

Kiddimoto Kurve balance bike

5

43cm - 50cm

40cm

Weeride Deluxe Balance Bike

Weeride Deluxe balance bike

6

48cm - 55cm

45cm

Strider Youth balance bike

Strider Youth balance bike

The table also provides links to our full guides for choosing balance bikes for each age group. Although the saddle height is crucially important, there are plenty of other factors to consider!

It is also worth noting that every child is different, so different bikes will suit different children. However, the relationship between the inside leg measurement and the minimum saddle height should never change!

Adjustable saddles

Almost all balance bikes come with an adjustable seat, and they will advertise the range of heights available.

We have made an effort to highlight the saddle height ranges on our reviews of each model, and the lowest saddle height provides a good indication of the most suitable age range for the bike.

You will find that metal balance bikes have a larger range of heights than wooden balance bikes, and some bikes such as the Strider Classic have a large range of heights between 29cm and 40cm.

This means that a good quality bike with a large range of heights can grow with your child, and once they have mastered the concept of balance and steering it should see them all the way through to a ‘proper’ pedal bike. The Strider Classic also offers adjustable handlebars and an extendable seat post.

We hope you found this guide to balance bike saddle heights useful and good luck in choosing the best balance bike for your child!

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


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.