Frog Tadpole Balance Bike

Frog bikes specialise in high quality children’s bikes, and this includes a selection of balance bikes for younger children just starting to learn to ride.

Frog balance bikes are designed with the child in mind, so they are not just scaled down adult bikes. This is reflected in the geometry and style of the bike with high quality features throughout.

The signature balance bike in the Frog range is the Tadpole bike, and this review will focus on the Tadpole bike as well as the Frog Tadpole Plus.

Frog Tadpole Balance Bike

RRP £160

  • 12" wheels
  • Ideal for 2.5 and 3 year olds
  • Long wheel base for stability
  • Kendra tyres
  • Saddle height 33.7 - 42cm
  • Rear hand brake

Frog Tadpole Plus Balance Bike

RRP £180

  • 14" wheels
  • Ideal for 3.5 and 4-5 year olds
  • Similar features to the Frog Tadpole
  • Suitable for children with inseam from 38cm


Frog Tadpole Balance Bike Review

On first impressions, the Frog Tadpole Balance Bike is a sleek and elegant bike that looks like it is just waiting to be taken for a ride!

The lightweight, sturdy aluminium frame gives a very sporty and stylish appearance, which means that the bike is nimble and easy for the child to handle as well as convenient for parents to carry when they tire of riding.

It is important that the balance bike you select for your child is not too heavy and cumbersome, as this will put them off from riding the bike and could set their cycling skills back by some time.

Saddle Height

The Frog Tadpole balance bike has 12” wheels, and it is equipped with a saddle which can be adjusted from 33.7cm to 42cm.

This means that we think this bike would be ideal for 2.5 to 3 year olds looking to learn to ride, as a 33.7cm saddle may be too high for a 2 year old. The weight of 4.17kg is also more suitable for a 3 year old child.

An average 2 year old has an inside leg measurement of 31cm - 35cm, and the minimum saddle height of your chosen bike should be around 2.5cm - 3cm less than their inside leg.

This is why the Frog Tadpole balance bike may be slightly too big for a child just turning 2, but it would be ideal for an older 2 year old or a 3 year old.

There are more details about how to choose a balance bike based on saddle height in our balance bike saddle height guide.

There are other balance bikes such as the Strider Sport, Puky LRM and LAVA Sport balance bikes which have lower saddles and these are featured in our recommendations for the best balance bike for 2 year olds.

The saddle is easy to adjust with a quick release seat post so it is a very quick process to move the saddle up as your child grows.

High Quality Features

The Frog Tadpole Balance Bike is packed with high quality features throughout, including a thickly padded seat for comfort, a safety steering lock to prevent oversteering, an easy to grip Tetkro rear brake and a bell (which we find is always popular with young children!)

You can see a visual guide to all of these features on the video below:

The bike also features Kenda hybrid tyres, which means that they provide a comfortable ride while also allowing for traction and grip.

As mentioned at the start of the review, this bike has been designed specifically with younger children in mind and this includes a long wheel base for extra stability.

This makes the bike easier to handle and will increase confidence as the child gets to grips with the bike. They will be riding far away from you at the park or down the road before you know it!


Frog Tadpole Balance Bike Review

As suggested by the name, the Frog Tadpole Plus balance bike includes many of the features of the Frog Tadpole bike, but it is a larger bike so it is suitable for slightly older children.

Saddle Height

It features 14” wheels, so this puts it in the same category as the Weeride Deluxe and the Ridgeback Scoot XL balance bikes.

We do not have the exact measurements for the saddle height, but Frog Bikes suggest that the bike is suitable for children with an inside leg measurement from 38cm.

As the average 4 year old has an inside leg measurement of around 37cm, we think this bike would fit firmly into the category as one of the best balance bikes for 4 year olds. It is always important to check the saddle height measurement before deciding on your bike.

Other features

The Frog Tadpole Plus weighs in at 4.18kg, so this makes it very light for a bike of this size and should be easy for a 3 or 4 year old to handle.

The same quality features such as a lightweight aluminium frame, rear brake and safety steering lock are included, as well as the quick release clamp to adjust the saddle and a bell.

Summary

Frog balance bikes are some of the more expensive balance bikes available, but with a range of quality features and a choice of 2 bikes there should be a bike suitable for you.

Both bikes score very well on performance, weight and comfort of the ride, so if you have a budget of over £150 for your balance bike then you won’t be disappointed with either the Frog Tadpole or the Frog Tadpole Plus.

LAVA Sport Balance Bike

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  • Extremely lightweight
  • Aluminium frame, fork and handlebars
  • Saddle height from 31cm - 40cm
  • Ideal for both 2 and 3 year olds

The new LAVA Sport Aluminium balance bike is now available, and it is one of our favourite balance bikes for 2020!

This bike really stands out from the crowd with not only a sporty design, but a fully aluminium frame, fork, handlebar and seat post.

The beautiful anodized aluminium finish means that the bike won’t chip like traditional paint, and it is available in Fuji Blue or stunning Hot Pink!

The aluminium frame and parts mean that this balance bike is extremely lightweight at just 2.1kg. This makes it even lighter than competitors such as the Strider Sport, making it easy for young children to handle.

The bike also includes features such as a padded seat, lightweight foam tyres and durable handlebar grips.

Moving on to the all important saddle height, the LAVA Sport balance bike rates really well in this department as the saddle can be adjusted from just 31cm - 40cm.

This means that it should be suitable for most young children learning to ride, from any age between 2 and 5. The saddle can easily be adjusted using a quick release clap.

This is a great balance bike that has really raised the standard of balance bike available for a mid-range price. It has already received fantastic reviews and we anticipate it will be a best-seller very soon!

Ridestar Balance Bike

Ridestar Balance Bike Review

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  • Classic BMX design
  • Great value
  • Lightweight frame and puncture proof tyres
  • 10 inch diameter wheels
  • Great choice for 2 or 3 year old

This Ridestar balance bike has a classic BMX design, so it looks great and also serves as a very good option when you are looking for the best balance bike.

This bike makes a great choice for younger age groups, in particular if you are looking for the best balance bike for a 2 year old or for a 3 year old.

This is because the all-important saddle height starts at just 32cm, and goes up to 40cm so it can be adjusted as your child grows. If your child starts riding at age 2 or 3, then they should be ready for a pedal bike once they have mastered the skills of balancing and steering with this bike.

The Ridestar balance bike also has a lightweight steel frame, so it should be easy for a younger child to handle. If you choose a bike which is too heavy, this can put their child off their bike and it will end up gathering dust.

Another feature of this bike is the EVA foam tyres, which are puncture proof so you don’t have to worry about changing the wheel or pumping them up. These tyres give a good grip on most surfaces, although the ride comfort may not be quite as good as on bikes with air tyres.

As well as an adjustable seat, the handlebars can also be adjusted. This is important to make sure that your child retains a good posture when they are riding. The handlebars also have rubber grips to protect little hands during a fall.

The Ridestar balance bike is available in a range of colours including blue, black, pink, white and red, and it is one of our very favourite balance bikes for 2020!

Best Balance Bike for 18 month old

As most children will learn to walk between the ages of 9 months and 18 months, this means there is nothing to stop them getting a balance bike and learning to ride as well!

Although most bikes will be more like toys for this age group, balance bikes for 18 month old children do provide a great way to learn the fundamentals of balance and steering. They will also love to have their own independence while improving motor skills and confidence.

They also provide a great form of exercise as your child will be able to join you on family walks rather than just riding in the pushchair!

There is a great selection of balance bikes for 18 month olds available and we have highlighted a few of our favourite models below:

Bike

Image

Saddle Height

Price

Yvolution Y Velo Toddle Bike

28cm - 35.5cm

Nicko Mini Wooden Balance Bike

23cm or 27cm

Beehive Zebra Balance Bike

22cm

Wishbone 3-in-1

28cm - 46cm

Chillafish Quadie

22cm - 25cm

Features of a Balance Bike for 18 month old

The features of a balance bike for an 18 month old will be very different from balance bikes for older children.

Your toddler is unlikely to be able to handle a standard balance bike, but most designers have realised this and produced bikes which are suitable for this age range while also helping with balance.

Stability

Most balance bikes for 18 month olds will have 3 wheels (at least to start with), as this will get your child familiar with sitting in a saddle and propelling the bike with their feet.

Fun Designs

These models often have fun and quirky designs, so choose one which your child will enjoy. The main aim at this age is just to get them to engage in riding and having fun!

They Can Grow with Your Child

As your child progresses, some bikes will grow with your child and turn into a more standard balance bike (such as the Wishbone 3 in 1), or bikes can be adapted as balance improves. The Yvolution Toddle Bike is a great example of this as the double width rear wheel can be changed to a standard width.

Balance bikes for 18 month olds are great fun, and if they get really good at riding they may be able to progress straight to a pedal bike. However, it is probably more likely they will need a bit more practise on a slightly larger bike and there is a great choice of balance bikes for 2 year olds and 3 year olds.

We have reviewed some of our recommended balance bikes for 18 month olds below:


Yvolution Y Velo Toddle Bike


  • Double rear wheel which can be removed as your child progresses
  • Available in a choice of vibrant colours
  • Suitable for height range 70cm – 95cm
  • Saddle height 28cm – 35.5cm

The Y Velo Balance Bike is one of our recommended balance bikes for 18 month olds due to the iconic dual rear wheel.

This innovative design makes it easier for children to learn to balance on just two wheels, and should fast-track their progress to a pedal bike.

The saddle height starts at 28cm, so do make sure your child is tall enough for the bike. You can check by measuring the inseam of your child which should be 2-3cm lower than the saddle.

Other features of this bike include comfortable hand grips, an adjustable saddle and puncture proof tyres.

Nicko Mini Wooden Balance Bike


  • 2 in 1 option as a trike or balance bike
  • Birch wooden frame available in different colours
  • Saddle height of 23cm or 27cm

The Nicko Mini Wooden Balance Bike is a great option for 18 month olds as it can be used as either a trike (with 3 wheels) or a 2 wheel balance bike.

It is smaller than an average balance bike, so makes a great introduction for very young children while improving motor skills and co-ordination.

Features include a soft padded seat, EVA foam tyres (no punctures), and non slip grip handlebars with safety ends.

This bike can be used both indoors and outdoors and weighs just 2.3kg with a carry handle. Very useful for when the child gets tired of riding and wants a ride in the buggy instead!

Beehive Zebra Balance Bike


  • Fun Zebra design
  • Comfortable saddle designed for very small children
  • EVA wheels are anti-skid and ideal for indoor or outdoor use

Your toddler will love this fun zebra balance bike, and will soon be zooming around the house in no time!

Although it is not technically a balance bike, the three-wheel design provides stability and is ideal for 1 to 2 year old children to learn at their own pace.

Features include a comfortable saddle which has been designed specifically for very small children, as well as cushioned handlebars and anti-skid EVA wheels.

This bike can be used indoors as well as outside, and is also available in a fun Giraffe design as well!

Wishbone 3 in 1 Balance Bike


  • Innovative design allows for trike and 2 styles of balance bike
  • Grows with your child from toddler through to pedal bike
  • Eco friendly design

The Wishbone 3 in 1 Balance Bike makes our list as it is probably the most adaptable balance bike available and a great option that will take your child from a 3 wheel trike all the way through to a pedal bike.

The unique design means that the bike can be transformed from a trike to a ‘short’ balance bike and then to a ‘long’ balance bike with a higher saddle.

This means that it can be used by all children from 1 year olds through to 3, 4 or 5 year olds in balance bike mode.

The patented Rotafix™ joint connects the front and rear of the frame, and allows for a huge range of adjustments to fit every child.

The trike mode allows young children to cruise around getting used to balancing, while the balance bike modes provide the next step on getting ready for a pedal bike.

We also like this bike as it has a strong frame made from recycled material,so although the Wishbone 3 in 1 Balance Bike is at the top end of the scale when it comes to budget it will be in use for one or more children for quite some time.

Chillafish Quadie


  • Great pre-balance bike 4-wheeler
  • Seat height 22cm – 25cm
  • Lightweight and easy to carry
  • Rubber tyres great for indoor and outdoor use

Although the Chillafish Quadie is not technically a balance bike like some of the other models we have reviewed here, it makes a great introduction to riding and will make the step up to a balance bike easier.

The Quadie is made from quality materials, with a lightweight steel V-tube and silent, non-marking rubber tyres which mean the bike is ideal for use both indoors and out.

Small children will love zooming around on the Quadie, but when they get tired there is a convenient handgrip on the seat. We really love the hidden storage box in the seat for toys or snacks when they get hungry.

This bike is recommended for children between the ages of 1-3, and if they get on well with the Quadie they can then progress to other balance bikes in the Chillafish range such as the BMXie and Jack and Josie.

Conclusion

These are just a few of the best balance bikes for 18 month olds. The most important thing at this age is for the child to have fun, but these makes and models should improve motor skills, co-ordination and help them to learn to ride as well!

You can also check out our guides to the best balance bikes for 2 year olds, 3 year olds, 4 year olds and 6 year olds on this website as well.

BMX Balance Bikes

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A BMX balance bike makes a great choice when learning to ride, as it will allow you to get off road (or off-pavement) and experience all of the fun of a BMX while riding in the park!

A good BMX style balance bike will resemble the real thing, with a sporty design and a lightweight frame that is easy to handle and manoeuvre. As with all balance bikes, a good quality bike will have an adjustable saddle, a comfortable seat and handlebars offering plenty of grip.

Several different manufacturers offer balance bikes in a BMX styles, and we have highlighted some of our preferred models below:

Chillafish BMXie Balance Bike

Chillafish BMXie balance bike
  • Cool design with vibrant colours
  • The look and feel of a real BMX
  • High quality features and fun extras
  • Saddle height 32cm - 39cm


Our favourite BMX style balance bike is the Chillafish BMXie bike.

This bike has a cool and stylish design that is just like a real BMX, as well as a fibre glass-reinforced frame and Airless RubberSkin tyres.

The saddle height can be adjusted from 32cm – 39cm, so this makes it an ideal bike for 3-4 year olds or those approaching their third birthday. The seat is easy to adjust with a simple twist and lock system.

Budding BMX riders will love this bike which is available in a range of vibrant colours, and also includes fun extra features such as a detachable front number plate and detachable footrest for gliding.


Boppi BMX Balance Bike

Boppi BMX balance bike
  • Great value BMX balance bike
  • Saddle height from 30cm so great for 2 years plus
  • Lightweight and easy to handle


The Boppi BMX balance bike is an excellent alternative which is slightly cheaper, and makes a great choice for 2-3 year olds with a lightweight frame in combination with an adjustable padded seat and cushion pad handlebars.

The bike weighs just 3kg, so this should be comfortable for a small child to handle and it is also extremely well balanced.

The saddle height starts at just 30cm and can be adjusted up to 40cm, so this places the bike firmly in the ideal size for 2-3 year olds.

This bike features EVA foam tyres, so this means they are puncture proof and easy to maintain. One point to note is that the ride is generally smoother on air tyres than foam tyres.

It is available in several different colours, and this is a great value BMX balance bike that is available for around £35.

Scooch BMX Balance Bike

Scooch BMX Balance Bike
  • Clean and stylish BMX design
  • Good range of basic features
  • Excellent value
  • Higher minimum saddle height from 35cm
  • Best for age 3 and upwards


Our final choice is the Scooch BMX balance bike.

This bike has a clean and simple BMX design, with a steel fork and frame and spoked tyres which enhance the appearance of the bike.

This bike has a slightly higher minimum saddle height than our other recommended bikes, starting at 35cm and going up to 43cm. This means it would be suitable for children aged 3 – 5 years.

The comfortable grip handlebars make for an easy ride, and it is available in 3 different colours including blue, pink and red.

The Scooch BMX balance bike is one of the best value bikes on the market, so this is an ideal bike for those on a budget.

Whichever bike you choose, don’t forget you will need accessories such as a good quality helmet and perhaps some gloves for extra grip.

Banana Balance Bike

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Banana balance bikes are among our favourite models for 2020, as they combine a really competitive price with a fantastic design and a range of superb features.

Banana Balance Bike LT model

  • Signature curved frame helps with access to the bike
  • Saddle height from 31cm - 40cm
  • Ideal bike for 2 years plus
  • Upgraded features for 2019/20


There are 2 different models available of the Banana balance bike, and the first of these is the LT model.

The signature feature of this bike, that both models share, is that is the frame is curved like a banana. This has the dual benefits of allowing the child to easily access the bike – and it also looks really cool!

This bike is lightweight and strong, and with a saddle that is adjustable from 31cm to 40cm it is suitable for children aged between 2 and 4. We think it will be an ideal gift for a 2nd or 3rd birthday!

The Banana balance bike has been improved for 2019, and one of the upgraded features is the twin bearing headset. This provides a smooth steering action and is both lightweight, strong and durable.

The wheels have also been updated, with a grippier tread pattern which helps in wet conditions and a revised spindle and bearing set up which allows for better free spinning of the wheels.

Another fantastic feature of the Banana balance bike is the handlebars, which are wide enough to help with steering and include safety features with updated rubber grips. The handlebars can also easily be adjusted using the clamp.

There is little to fault the Banana balance bike, as it includes a great range of features, the ergonomic design will help children to learn and it is available for just £37.99.

Colours available include blue, pink and green (pictured).

Banana Balance Bike GT model

Banana Balance Bike GT
  • Improved features include 12" alloy wheels
  • Saddle height from 32cm - 40cm
  • Quality aluminium handlebars and steering set up
  • Slightly heavier than LT model


The GT model includes all of the benefits of the LT model, but with a range of improved features that give it a slick and premium look.

The GT model features 12” alloy wheels, so this really improves the appearance of the bike and air filled tyres provide a comfortable ride and greater traction.

The aluminium handlebars are lightweight and strong, and combined with the threadless headset provide a steering and handlebar set up that is often only found on adult bikes.

The saddle height on this bike ranges from 32cm – 40cm, so this is a similar range to the LT model and makes it suitable for 2 year olds and upwards. However, it is slightly heavier than the LT model (3.6kg v 2.9kg), so if it is a younger child you are buying for we would recommend the LT model.

The Banana balance bike GT model is slightly more expensive, but if you are looking for a cool, cruising bike for your child to begin their journey on two wheels this makes a fantastic choice!

Balance bike brakes

Brake or no brake? That is often one of the questions when you are trying to decide upon the best balance bike for you and your child!

The purpose of balance bikes is to help children learn to ride, balance and steer before they graduate to larger, heavier pedal bikes. Balance bikes are lightweight, easy to transport and maintain so they are the perfect introduction to cycling.

The natural way for children to stop themselves on a balance bike is to put their feet on the floor, and this will also happen if they find they are losing their balance to stop them from falling.

Younger children don't need brakes

This means that there often is not the need for a brake on balance bikes, especially bikes for younger children aged from 18 months – 3 years. Children of this age also lack the ability and don’t have big enough hands to use a brake, so many of the smaller models will come without one as it is not necessary.

As your child becomes a more confident rider, then it is worth considering buying a balance bike with a brake or fitting a brake to their existing bike. A confident rider can gain a decent amount of speed, especially if they are going downhill so it would be useful to have a brake in these situations where it is not practical to use their feet to stop.

They can help with the transition to a pedal bike

Another argument for buying a balance bike with a brake is that this will help children with the transition from a balance bike to a normal pedal bike, that will be fitted with a brake. It can be difficult for children to change their habits if they are used to stopping themselves with their feet, and it can be dangerous to be dragging your feet along when riding a pedal bike.

Balance bikes with and without brakes

Puky LRM Balance Bike 2018

Puky LRM Balance Bike

A good example of brakes on balance bikes is to look at the Puky range of bikes.

 Puky offer several models of balance bikes in their range, and the smallest two models are the Puky LRM Learner bike and the LR1L Learner bike.

The Puky LRM model (pictured)  is aimed at the youngest children aged 2 and upwards, and does not come with any sort of brake as it would not be used.

The LR1L bike has the option of a rear drum brake, and the largest model in their range is the Puky LR XL Learner bike, aimed at older children and comes equipped with a rear V-brake.

Although the presence of a brake on your balance bike is another factor to consider when choosing the right bike for your child, there are more important aspects to think about including the style, colour and most importantly the right size.

It is vital that you choose a bike that is the correct size for your child or they will be very reluctant to use it. This is the single most important factor to think about when looking through the balance bikes available and we have reviewed this point in detail in our balance bike saddle height guide.

We also have guides to the best balance bikes for 2 year olds, 3 year olds, 4 year olds and older children aged 6 or above.

Whichever bike you choose for your child, make sure they have fun and get on their bike!


Balance bike seats

Not only do balance bikes come in all shapes, colours, materials and sizes – so do the seats on the bikes so we thought it would be useful to prepare some information on balance bike seats to help you in your search for the best balance bike.

Most balance bikes will have a triangular shaped seat, and the material of the seat and the amount of padding provided will often depend on the cost and overall quality of the bike.

Chicco Red Bullet Balance Bike

Chicco Red Bullet Balance Bike

Many bikes towards the lower end of the price range will have a hard plastic seat, so although these types of seats are very durable they don’t provide much comfort for the rider.

A good example of this is the Chicco Red Bullet Balance Bike, which is one of the best value balance bikes available at around £30.

Although it does not have a huge range of features, it is great for younger children just learning to ride and it is one of the smaller balance bikes available.

Some of the more expensive bikes towards the higher end of the market will offer various layers of foam padding, which does make the ride more comfortable although will usually increase the cost of the bike.

The Specialized Hotwalk Balance bike includes a padded seat, and although it is much more expensive at around £130 it has a high specification and a great range of features.

We must not forget wooden balance bikes, which will usually come with a wooden seat! One of the main disadvantages of wooden balance bikes is that the seat does not usually have as large a range of heights as metal bikes, although they are more environmentally friendly and look great as well. You can read our full guide to the best wooden balance bikes elsewhere on this website.

Some balance bikes now also offer U-shaped seats, which will help the rider to stay on the bike - especially if they are freewheeling downhill when they might be likely to slide off a plastic seat.

The material and shape of the seat is just one aspect to consider when you are buying a balance bike, and perhaps a more important factor is the actual height of the seat and the range of heights available. Check out our Balance Bike Seat Height Guide here!

Balance bike handlebars

The handlebars are another important feature of every balance bike, as they provide one of the child’s contact points with the bike.

This means the handlebars should be correctly aligned with the rest of the bike to provide a comfortable ride and improve the experience of learning to balance for the child.

The relationship between the saddle height and the handlebars on a balance bike is closely linked, and the saddle can be adjusted on most good quality balance bikes. We have looked at the importance of buying a bike with the correct saddle height in our Balance Bike Saddle Height Guide.

It is equally important to consider the height of the handlebars so that the rider can sit comfortably and is not reaching too high or stooping too low over the front of the bike.

We have found that metal balance bikes are more likely to have adjustable handlebars than wooden balance bikes, and the range will usually be a few centimetres so that the bike can grow with your child.

The Puky LR1 Learner bike has a seat that can be adjusted from 29cm – 40cm, so this is one of our recommended balance bikes for 2 year old as it is an ideal first balance bike. The bike is also designed so that the handlebars can also be adjusted when you are ready to move the saddle up – so the rider maintains the same comfortable position.

The handlebars on wooden balance bikes tend to be less adjustable, although the handlebars on the top of the range Early Rider wooden bikes are manufactured from a very luxurious foam and are easy grip for the rider. The handlebars may be fixed on less expensive wooden balance bikes.

The safety aspect of balance bike handlebars is provided by the knobby rubber ends that are usually found on most bikes. These will stop a wayward child scraping their hands against hedges, trees and walls – and they should also provide some protection in the event of a fall.

So, although you may not think about handlebars too much when you are looking for the best balance bike, they are an important part of the bike and play a major factor in providing a comfortable ride.

How to ride a balance bike

Many children now learn to ride on a balance bike, which teaches them the principles of balance and steering before they graduate to a pedal bike. There are a huge number of bikes of many different styles, models and colours that are designed for children as young as 18 months – but how do you actually get your child going on their balance bike?

You may well have spent hours researching the best balance bike, decided on a wooden, steel or aluminium bike and then selected your favourite model and colour. But what do you do if your child takes little or no interest in actually learning to use the bike?

This can be quite a common problem as many bikes are designed for very young children – and as any parent will testify it can be more than difficult getting children of 2 or 3 years of age to go along with your wishes!

Learning to ride a balance bike

Learning to ride a balance bike is a gradual process, much like learning to ride a proper bike. Some children will take to it straight away, and will be enjoying their new found freedom within an hour or so of mounting the saddle for the first time. Others may be a bit more reluctant to join the world of two wheels, so you may need to employ some gentle encouragement and use some of the tips below to get them going.

One of the most important aspects when choosing a balance bike is the saddle height. The child needs to be able to sit on the bike with the saddle at it's lowest height with their feet flat on the floor, so they can sit in comfort with their knees slightly bent.

Read our balance bike saddle height guide for details on how to measure your child correctly.

Once they are comfortable on the bike, they just need to start moving the bike along with their feet while staying in the saddle. Make sure they get plenty of practise and they will soon gain in confidence enough to lift their feet.

Use a flat area for their first attempt – the local park or playground is perfect – but make sure they have some protection for arms, knees and heads in case they take a tumble!

The magical moment of balancing comes when the child lifts their feet off the floor. They don’t need to concentrate on pedalling or braking, and although they are bound to be shaky at first they can easily put their feet on the ground so the risk of falling off is much lower than a normal pedal bike.

If your child is quite reluctant to use their bike, then a good idea is to go for walks with them and to take the balance bike with you, with the child riding or just pushing the bike. You may have to carry the bike along with you, but if you persevere and offer encouragement, then hopefully they will soon realise that they can ride the bike and scoot along as fast (or faster!) than you can walk.

Try to make the walk part of your daily routine – take the bike to the shops or to the park with you (as long as it is safe of course), and maybe go to an area where you have seen other children riding balance bikes (or normal bikes!)

Let your child take their time, make sure they have all of the right equipment (helmets etc), have plenty of patience and your child will soon be whizzing off into the distance!