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.