Wooden Balance Bike

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Balance bikes have a huge range of features, and one of the decisions to be made when choosing the best balance bike is the type of frame component.

Introduction

Your main choice will be to choose between a wooden frame and a metal frame, which will comprise of steel or aluminium. This guide is going to look into wooden balance bikes in some detail, the features and advantages of wooden balance bikes as well as some recommended models.

Advantages of Wooden Balance Bikes

The first advantage of wooden balance bikes is that they look great and kids love them. Wooden balance bikes can be painted in all colours and in funky, stylish and fun designs. 

Wooden balance bikes are also environmentally friendly with most bikes made from birch plywood. This material is favoured as the birch is very light but also very strong and durable, so this is essential for bikes that might see some heavy use over a couple of years.

A third advantage of wooden balance bikes is that many of them have spoke less wheels so there is less chance of little fingers and toes getting trapped. They are also easy to manoeuvre and great fun!

Disadvantages of Wooden Balance Bikes

Although wooden balance bikes look great, they are not as close in appearance to a real bike. If your child would prefer a sleeker and sportier model then you may want to look for a steel or aluminium bike instead.

Wooden balance bikes will also generally have a much smaller range of heights on the saddle so they are not as adjustable as metal balance bikes. This means that they may not last as long as your child may outgrow the bike if they have a growth spurt. Wooden balance bikes will also generally have a higher starting height for the saddle, so if you are looking for a balance bike for a 2 year old you might be better looking at our recommended models for this age group.

Some might be concerned about a wooden balance bike warping, but this should not be a problem as long as you don't leave the bike out in the rain!

Product reviews

Kiddimoto Wooden Balance bikes

One of the leading manufacturers of wooden balance bikes are Kiddimoto, who offer a range of balance bikes for children from 2 to 6 years.

Kiddimoto Kurve

Their bikes are made of natural birch plywood and are sourced from managed forests so you will be doing your bit for the environment if you choose one of their bikes.

The most well known model from Kiddimoto is probably their Kiddimoto Kurve bike (pictured). This is available in a whole range of fun designs, including Pastel Dotty, Union Jack and Skullz. 

The Kiddimoto Kurve is recommended for children aged between 3 and 5.

Prince Lionheart Wooden Balance Bike

Prince Lionheart is another brand of wooden balance bikes, and they are also made from birch plywood so they are light and strong.

Prince Lionheart balance bike

Prince Lionheart balance bike

The Prince Lionheart balance bike has a stylish and sporty appearance, with comfortable rubber grip handlebars, the makers name across the side and the racing number 73 on the front of the bike.

The bike is usually less expensive than the Kiddimoto Kurve.

Jiggy Wooden Balance Bike

If your budget for a wooden balance bike is less than £50, then a great option is the Jiggy Wooden Balance Bike.

Jiggy Wooden Balance Bike

This bike has a great retro style, with a red, blue and white design running throughout including the handlebars.

The birch plywood frame is lightweight, and the padded seat can be adjusted between 34cm and 38cm height.

The soft plastic handlebars feature safety ends, and the wheels have inflatable tyres with a blue infill.

This is a really popular bike that is supplied with an optional stand available for just a few extra ££ for easy storage.

Boppi Wooden Balance Bike

An alternative wooden balance bike that usually costs less than £50 is the Boppi Wooden Balance Bike.

Boppi Wooden Balance Bike

Boppi Wooden Balance Bike

This brightly coloured bike is really lightweight and will really stand out in the playground!

It has EVA foam tyres so they can't be punctured, and saddle height starting at 35cm. This means it might be a little too big for 2 year olds, but perfect for children learning to ride between 3 and 5

The Boppi Wooden balance bike is a great value wooden balance bike.


The most important factor to consider when you are choosing the best balance bike is the fit for your child, but there are definitely pros and cons to buying a wooden balance bike.

At the end of the day, it will come down to personal preference, the style and design as well as the frame. There is a great choice of bikes out there to suit everybody!

Best balance bike for 4 year old

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The best balance bike for a 4 year old will depend on a number of factors, and almost all manufacturers will have balance bikes that are suitable this age group.

It is impossible to list all of the available balance bikes for 4 year olds, so we have provided details of some of our favourite models below:

Bike

Image

Saddle Height

Frame Type

Price

Bike Star Sport 12"

30cm plus

Metal

Weeride Deluxe 14"

Weeride Deluxe Balance Bike

45cm - 52cm

Metal

Kiddimoto Kurve 12"

Kiddimoto Kurve Pastel Dotty balance bike

37 - 39.5cm

Wooden

Radio Flyer Guide and Go


37 - 48cm

Metal

Ridgeback Scoot XL

40 - 54cm

Alloy / Metal

Factors to consider when buying a balance bike for a 4 year old

Children in this age group will be very confident on their feet, although abilities on the bike may vary. Some children may have been practising for 2 years or more on a smaller balance bike and need an upgrade, whereas other children may have preferred scooters or not been introduced to balance bikes before now.

Size of the bike and saddle height

Probably the most important factor to consider when looking for the best balance bike for 4 year olds is the size of the bike, and in particular the saddle height.

Four and five year old children are much bigger than 2 year olds, so they will need a bigger and heavier bike to support the extra weight.

This means that many of the bikes, especially in the higher price bracket, will look and behave more like proper bikes than toys. We would recommend a balance bike with 12 or 14 inch wheels for 4 year olds, as this will provide the basis for the correct size of bike. You will also find that balance bikes for this age are generally a bit more expensive than those for smaller children with not as many budget options available.

You should always measure the inside leg of your child when you are sizing up the best balance bike to buy.

You need to make sure that the lowest setting of the saddle is around 2.5 – 3cm lower than their inside leg, so this means that you will probably find that you will need a saddle height from around 36 - 40cm for a 4 year old. However, children can vary in height at this age so some children will need larger bikes than others.

The correct saddle height means that the child will be able to rest their feet flat on the ground easily when sitting on the bike and you can read more on this in our balance bike saddle height guide.

Other factors to consider include the style of the bike, the type of frame (it usually comes down to between wooden and metal) and which other features you will like included such as brakes, tyre type and plenty more!

Recommended balance bikes for 4 year olds

Bike Star Sport 12" Balance Bike

Bike Star Sport 12 inch

We have highlighted 4 models of balance bike in the table above, and the first of these is the Bike Star Sport 12" balance bike.

This bike is fun and sporty to ride, and features include 12" wheels, air tyres, alloy wheels, a padded seat, adjustable handlebars and is available in a number of exciting designs.

This is a lightweight bike that should be easy for a 4 year old to handle, and the hand brake provides the perfect introduction to brakes as well as saving on shoe leather.

A great all round bike that is also very reasonably priced.


Weeride Deluxe 14" Balance Bike

Weeride Deluxe Balance Bike

This is a larger balance bike with 14 inch wheels and a higher saddle height so it will be more suitable for bigger 4 year olds or those approaching their fifth birthday.

This balance bike really does have the look and feel of a proper bike with a high quality finish to the frame and a range of excellent features including proper air tyres, a rear hand brake and non-slip hand grips.


Ridgeback Scoot XL 14" Balance Bike

This balance bike also has 14 inch wheels, and with a saddle height starting at 40cm it is also a good fit for slightly older children who haven't yet been introduced to balance bikes.

The bike includes a lightweight alloy frame, a handbrake and a range of quality features, so although it is towards the top end of the price scale you get what you pay for with a very good balance bike.


Kiddimoto Kurve 12" Balance Bike

Kiddimoto Kurve Pastel Dotty balance bike

We included the Kiddimoto Kurve in our recommendations for 3 year olds but we are including it here as well as it is such a great bike!

The Kiddimito Kurve is very different from the other balance bikes mentioned here, as it has a wooden frame and is available in a number of different designs including Union Jack and Pastel Dotty.

The frame is made from birth plywood and the bike includes 12 inch tyres much like the Strider Sport and Bike Star Sport.

The saddle height can be adjusted to 3 different heights between 37cm and 39.5cm, and as this is a limited range it is super important you make sure your child will be the right size for this bike before purchasing.


Radio Flyer Glide and Go Balance Bike


The Radio Flyer Glide and Go balance bike has the perfect dimensions for most 4 year old with an adjustable saddle between 37cm and 48cm.

The main difference between this and the other bikes featured here is the EVA foam tyres. This means that there is no risk of getting a flat tyre, although air tyres will quite often give a smoother ride over bumpy ground.

The seat on this bike has been specifically designed for comfort, and other features include a bell, rubber grips on the handlebars and a saddle post clamp which makes the seat very easy to adjust


Summary

All of these balance bikes would be a great choice for 4 year olds learning to ride, and once they have mastered the concepts of steering and balance they will be more than ready to move on to a pedal bike.

Maintaining your balance bike

Balance bikes can be a considerable investment, with a good quality bike like a Strider Sport or an Adventure Zooom bike costing close to £100.

This means that it is recommended to look after your child’s balance bike, so even if they want to throw the bike in the shed and collapse on the sofa after use you really should give the bike a good clean, especially if you have been out in the mud!

Cleaning your Balance Bike

If your child owns a metal balance bike, then you can remove the worst of the dirt with a bucket of soapy water and a dishcloth. This will help to prevent salt corrosion and extend the life of the bike.

Strider 12 Sport balance bike

To keep the bike in top condition, you might want to consider using one of the excellent bike specific cleaners which are now available. If you are a keen cyclist yourself, then you may have some bike cleaning solution which you use on your own bike.

These solutions are biodegrable and easy to use, as they are easily applied by spray and removed with some fresh water.

Many of the most popular balance bikes have wooden frames, such as the range of Kiddimoto balance bikes and the excellent models from Early Rider including the Early Rider Lite.

Some parents express concern that wooden balance bikes will warp, but this won’t be case as long as you don’t leave them out in the rain.

You should also keep wooden balance bikes nice and clean, and this can also be achieved with some soapy water and a household detergent. It is best not to soak the frame too much in the water, simply to remove the excess dirt as much as you can.

Look after the tyres

It is well worth looking after all aspects of your balance bike, including the tyres, brakes, handlebars and all of the nuts and bolts. Make sure that you keep the tyres inflated, as this can help the child balance as harder tyres help you ride faster with less effort.

Although your child’s bike will probably take a bit of a battering through plenty of use, a clean balance bike in good condition will be easier to ride and last for longer.

Balance bikes also have a good resale value, so if you have invested in a good quality bike and looked after it properly then you should find it is in good condition to pass on to another owner.

Balance bikes are great fun, and they are even better when they are clean and in good condition. Hopefully these tips will help you to enjoy your bikes even more!

Chillafish balance bike

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Chillafish balance bikes cater for all ages with bikes ranging from the Bunzi balance bike for very small children through to the BMXie balance bikes and the new Chillafish Fixie with racing style handlebars.

We have prepared the table below as an easy to use guide to the main Chillafish models.

Image

Model

Saddle height

Features

Price

Chillafish BMXie-RS

32cm - 39cm

Stylish BMX design


Ideal for 3-4 year olds

Chillafish BMXie 2

32cm - 39cm

Updated BMXie model


Includes integrated footrest and footbrake

Chillafish BMX Fixie

32cm - 42cm

Unique drop handlebars


12 inch airless rubberskin tyres

Chillafish Bunzi 2-in-1

22cm - 25cm

Ideal for 1-3 year olds


Switches from trike to bike

Chillafish Balance Bike reviews

All Chillafish balance bikes have high quality features as well as stylish designs, so they make a great choice when looking for the best balance bike.

We have reviewed their most popular models in more depth below:

Chillafish BMXie-RS balance bike

  • Cool and stylish BMX design
  • High quality fibre glass frame
  • Airless Rubberskin tyres for grip and appearance 
  • Seat height from 32 - 39cm
  • Ideal bike for 3 year olds

The Chillafish BMXie-RS balance bike has a cool and stylish BMX design, so it looks great and also performs very well with a range of quality features.

This bike is great to use on more uneven surfaces like the park or rough trails, as it now includes Airless Rubberskin tyres for excellent grip and performance.

These tyres includes a foam core so they do not puncture, but an outside rubber layer gives them the appearance of real tyres. This provides a great combination of good grip with no need to pump the tyre up.

The frame is made from high quality fibre glass material, which sets it apart from the competition and makes it very light and easy to handle. Other clever features include a detachable footrest which can be stored under the frame

Kids will also love the number plates as well as the sticker set for customisation.

The seat is adjustable, which is the case with most balance bikes and with a seat height ranging from 32 – 39cm it will be suitable for most 2 to 5 year olds.

You may find that 32cm is a little high for most 2 year olds, so consider a Strider or Puky bike as an alternative which start at 29cm. You can check out our recommended balance bikes for 2 year olds in our guide.

We think this bike is ideal for 3 year olds, with the perfect saddle height, a great value price and some excellent features that should see your child all the way through to a pedal bike.

Other recommended balance bikes for 3 year olds include the PUKY LR1 Learner Bike, the Strider Classic and the great value range of Boppi balance bikes.

The Chillafish BMXie-RS is perfect for riders who prefer a BMX and off road style with a superb design, high quality specification and it is really fun to ride.

It is available in several colours including blue, green, red, pink and yellow.


Chillafish BMXie 2 Balance Bike


  • New version of the BMXie bike
  • Includes integrated footrest and footbrake
  • Airless 12 inch rubberskin tyres

Also now available is the Chillafish BMXie 2 Balance Bike.

This model has retained many of the features of the BMXie RS, and also includes an integrated footrest and footbrake. This means that the rider can rest their feet while they are cruising control skids and stopping using the brake.

A fantastic upgrade for this very popular bike, with a lightweight frame and airless rubberskin tyres which mean that you don't have to worry about punctures.

Chillafish Bunzi Balance Bike

  • Can be converted from a tricyle to a balance bike (no tools)
  • Great introduction to balance bikes
  • Very low saddle height from 22cm
  • Indoor or outdoor use

The Bunzi balance bike is an extremely clever design as a unique 2-in-1 balance bike that can be converted from a 3 wheel tricycle into a 2 wheel balance bike without the need for tools.

This means that it is suitable for younger children from around 12 months, and the extra stability provided by the 3 wheels means they will soon be racing around the living room and enjoying life on their bike.

The seat position is low to the ground on the 3 wheel bike, which makes it easy to ride and an ideal way to learn the principles of steering and using your feet to get along.

The Bunzi balance bike can then be converted by removing the seat and changing the bike into balance mode, but if you find your child isn’t quite ready for this yet you can switch between the modes as often as you like.

The seat is adjustable on the Bunzi balance bike (from 22cm in 3 wheel mode to 25cm in 3 wheel mode), and this is essential as children grow very quickly at this age!

The bike is made from lightweight high quality ABS material which makes it very light, and it is also easy to carry with the seat handgrip.

Another clever feature is a hidden storage box in the seat which means that your child can bring along their favourite toy, a snack or a drink for the ride.

The Chillafish Bunzi balance bike is a really exciting option which makes cycling a lot of fun for very young children. It is great introduction to balance bikes and the anti-skid, non-marking rubber synthetic tyres means it is ideal for use both in and out of the home.


Chillafish Fixie Balance Bike

  • Unique drop bar handlebar
  • Integrated footrest and footbrake
  • High quality steel frame
  • Saddle height 32 - 39cm

The Chillafish Fixie is a unique balance bike with a drop bar handlebar giving it the appearance of a real racing bike!

This will give your child the chance to emulate their heroes in the Tour de France, and there are different hand positions so they can cruise with their hands on the top or drop into a racing mode.

This bike has high quality features throughout, with a steel frame and 12 inch airless rubberskin tyres. This means there is no need to worry about punctures but they provide a comfortable ride. 

This bike also features an integrated footrest and a foot brake which allows for fun skidding.

The Chillafish Fixie makes a great alternative to the BMXie bikes, with a saddle height which can be adjusted between 32cm and 39cm. 

A great addition to the Chillafish balance bike range and one of the coolest bikes available for 2020!

Summary

All of these beautifully engineered bikes from Chillafish are extremely high quality, so although they may be more slightly expensive than other bikes on the market you will definitely get what you pay for and the bikes should retain a high resale value.

The Chillafish balance bike range caters for all balance bike riders from toddlers just learning to walk to more experienced riders ready to try some tricks on their BMXie. Enjoy the ride!

Staying safe on your balance bike

Now that spring is here, more and more children will be taking the opportunity to get outside in the lighter evenings and warmer weekends to enjoy some riding on their balance bikes. Maybe you got a bike for Christmas, but just haven’t had the chance to ride it properly yet?

While there is no doubt that riding balance bikes is great fun, a fantastic family activity and also has plenty of health benefits – it is also important to stay safe and make sure that you are well protected from falls and other hazards.

Find a safe place to ride

Probably the most important safety aspect when it comes to riding balance bikes is to find a safe place to ride. Although city streets and life in general is very busy, try to find a quiet and protected area to practise riding – especially if the child is still getting to grips with the principles of balance and steering.

It is best to practice on a flat and smooth surface so a playground or somewhere like tennis courts are ideal. This will allow you to help the child improve their riding without having to worry about traffic hazards.

If you have to practice on the street or pavement, then a residential cul-de-sac or quiet street make the best options.

Protective gear

A couple of falls are almost inevitable when learning to ride a balance bike, and even more experienced riders can take a tumble from time to time.

Kiddimoto Union Jack Helmet

There is a lot of protective gear available for children, and the most essential piece of kit is a balance bike helmet.

We have already looked at options from manufacturers such as Kiddimoto who provide bright and cheerful designs, (including the Union Jack helmt) although there are plenty of other options available as well which even include a Peppa Pig helmet!

Balance bike riders can also wear kids bike gloves, which help the rider to look cool as well as providing extra grip and protection from falls.

Kids bike gloves are also available from Kiddimoto, as well as from more specialist providers such as Polaris.

Children’s knee and elbow pads are also available to complete the protective gear, and these are strongly recommended as knees are always likely to get cut, bruised and grazed in the event of a fall.

Supervision

It should also go without saying that balance bike riders should always be supervised, especially younger riders who are possibly more likely to fall. When your child gets more proficient at riding, it can be tempting to let them ride off into the distance but just make sure they don’t go too far!

Safety should always be paramount when enjoying balance bikes, and with the right protective gear you can help your child to concentrate on their riding skills. This means you should enjoy some even longer riders and hopefully encourage a love of cycling into later childhood!

Early Rider Spherovelo

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Early Rider Spherovelo

CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE

The Early Rider Spherovelo is currently unavailable.

Please see our recommendations for balance bikes for this age group:

Chillafish Bunzi Balance Bike


Here is the Early Rider Spherovelo review for when it is available again:

The Early Rider Spherovelo is part of the balance bike collection on offer from Early Rider, who also offer the beautiful Early Rider Lite and Early Rider Classics which are firmly established as top quality balance bikes.

Early Rider have taken recognised that some parents might want to start teaching their children the concept of balance from an even earlier age, and this is where the Early Rider Spherovelo comes into play.

Although it is not a balance bike in the traditional sense of the word, the Early Rider Spherovelo introduces the concepts of balance and co-ordination to very young children. It can be used by children as young as 7 – 10 months (with parental help), but is mainly aimed at toddlers aged between 1 and 2 as a precursor to a ‘normal’ balance bike.

This means the wonderful world of balance bikes and cycling is available for toddlers who can learn to ride before they can walk!

The Early Rider Spherovelo is very different from any other balance bike around, as it comprises of two spheres encased in a hard wearing polyurethane covered shell complete with a moulded saddle and handlebars.

The front wheel rotates on a normal bike axis, so what makes this product unique is the rear spherical wheel which rotates on all axises providing manoeuvrability.

Early Rider Spherovelo settings

The Spherovelo has two main settings, with the ‘stable’ setting designed for the youngest riders. In this setting, the spheres are supported by stabilisers which mean that the bike can’t topple over and if the rider loses balance it will just move in another direction as dictated by the rear sphere.

This can result in the Spherovelo heading in all sorts of different directions, but it will allow the child to start building some confidence to remove the stabilisers and move into the ‘balance’ mode suitable for children 12 months or older.

The stabilisers are removed at this stage, which means that the rider will have to exert some control on the bike to stop it toppling over, hence improving essential motor skills. It is still much more difficult to fall off than a normal bike and should avoid too many toddler tears!

The Early Rider Spherovelo allows children to start developing motor skills at a very young age, and it is a revolutionary product in the balance bike market that has won several awards.

It is mainly designed to be used inside on a smooth wooden floor or carpet – but could also be used out in the garden on a sunny day. It is also a surprising nimble little bike, so once the child gets the hang of the concept they should be able to zoom around the house or the garden in much more style than a traditional baby walker.

It is a great option if you are looking for a bike for a very young child, and it is available in four different colours including white, blue, red and green.

Adult balance bike

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Balance bikes have revolutionised the way that children learn to ride over the last few years, and there is now a huge range of models that allow children to learn to balance, steer and understand the concepts of riding a bike.

The vast majority of these bikes are designed for children from as young as 18 months through to the age of 5 or 6, as by this time most children will be ready to move on to a ‘proper’ pedal bike.

However, there are some balance bikes designed for older children between 6 - 12 – and as balance bikes are such a fantastic product there is also a growing market for companies to produce an adult balance bike.

Pedal less bikes for adults

An adult balance bike is developed for teenagers and adults who might be learning to ride for the first time. They are also very useful for those who have special needs challenges, providing the opportunity to enjoy the freedom and excitement of cycling.

As these bikes are much larger, they are generally more expensive than balance bikes for young children. You should expect to have to pay from £175 for a good quality adult balance bike, with some bikes costing more than that.

There are only a handful of adult balance bikes available at the moment, and the best models are reviewed below.

ZAQ Balance Bike


  • No pedal balance bike for heights 155 - 185cm - suitable for most adults
  • Adjustable saddle and handlebar
  • Max rider weight of 100kg
  • Lightweight steel frame
  • Rear brake and air tyres for comfortable ride

The ZAQ balance bike is suited for teenagers and adults that are looking to develop the skills associated with riding a bike for the first time.

This bike acts as a balance bike for adults, with a range of features including a lightweight steel frame, 20 inch wheels and pneumatic air tyres.

It also features an adjustable saddle and handlebar, with saddle heights available between 65cm - 75cm. This means the bike is suitable for people between heights of 155cm and 185cm.

The pneumatic air tyres are refillable and provide a very comfortable ride - the bike is also lightweight and easy to handle

You can check the current price and reviews on Amazon using the link above.


Seveni Large Balance Bike


  • Seat height 65cm - 80cm
  • Footrest included
  • Frame is made of high strength carbon steel
  • 18 inch rubber air tyres
  • Less expensive than the ZAQ bike

The Seveni balance bike is also suitable for adults and teenagers with an adjustable saddle between 65cm and 80cm.

This is an ideal bike for those learning to ride for the first time, and comprises of a strong carbon steel frame and wide handlebars which include a soft hand grip.

The 18 inch wheels include rubber air tyres and steel spokes for greater shock absorption. These type of tyres provide a strong grip and are excellent for all different types of road surfaces. The bike also features a footrest as well as an ergonomically designed seat for comfort.

This adult balance bike is slightly cheaper than the ZAG bike and makes a great alternative.

Strider 20 Sport Balance Bike

Strider Adult 20 Sport


  • Part of the excellent range of Strider bikes
  • Wide handlebars and a fully padded seat
  • Footrest allows riders to perform tricks


CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE

The Strider 20 Sport is a beautifully designed balance bike with wide handlebars, a lightweight frame and all of the features and components that you would expect from a quality manufacturer like Strider.

These include cross terrain tyres, front and rear v-brakes and a fully padded seat for comfort. The saddles is easily adjustable, and the height range is from 67.3 – 81.9cm.

The simple design of the bike allows the rider to balance very easily, and the footrest allows the rider to coast along once they have built up some speed. The footrest can be added or removed according to the riders ability.

The footrest also means that advanced riders can build up some speed and perform some amazing tricks on this bike. There are already several competitions and races for balance bike users including the Strider Cup!


There are still relatively few adult balance bikes available, but if the popularity of children’s balance bikes is anything to go by then we are sure that it won’t be long before there are more and more models available for teenagers and adults.

There are plenty of 6-12 year old already tearing it up at the skate board parks on their balance bikes so they will need larger bikes as they get older!

We will be sure to review as many of these bikes as we can as they get released! Happy riding.

Micro balance bike

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The Micro Balance bike is manufactured by Micro Scooters Ltd, who are most well known for their fantastic range of scooters. However they also provide an excellent balance bike as part of their range as well.

Micro balance bike review

Micro Balance Bike
  • Clean, simple and unique design
  • High quality, lightweight aluminium frame
  • Saddle height 36cm - 42cm
  • Quick and nimble

The Micro Balance bike is designed in Switzerland and with a clean and simple design it looks great and really stands out from most other balance bikes.

The frame consists of lightweight aluminium, and is available in a choice of either orange or purple.

Micro balance bike saddle height

The bike is advertised as being suitable for children aged 2-5, although with an adjustable saddle height between 36 – 42cm this means that it may be slightly too large for an average 2 year old.

If you are looking for balance bikes for 2 year olds then check out our recommendations here – these bikes include models such as the Puky LRM Learner bike which has a saddle height starting at just 29cm.

However, if your child is the right height for the Micro Balance bike then they will enjoy the range of features which include a lightweight frame, adjustable handlebars (with a thick rubber bumper to protect little hands) and mark free wheels, which makes the bike ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. The bike weighs in at just 3.2kg, which is one of the lightest on the market and makes it easy to carry and transport.

The Micro balance bike is quick and nimble, so once the rider has mastered the art of balance and steering they will be racing away enjoying their freedom. It is beautifully designed, with a smooth and flat fork, no exposed bolts and a comfortable foam seat which gives bike a slick and stylish look.

Solid wheels

One point to note is that although the solid wheels are great for indoor use or on paved surfaces, the solid wheels of the Micro balance bike provide very little cushioning, and the small diameter wheels would make it difficult to ride the bike on non-paved surfaces.

If you are looking for a more BMX style balance bike, then try the Chillafish BMXie balance bike which is much more suitable for getting off the beaten track.

The Micro balance bike has a quality build, as would be expected from such a market leading company so this bike will retain its value and be able to be handed down through the family or to friends.

The Micro balance bike is in the higher end of the price range of the balance bike market, but the lightweight and quality build nature of the bike justify this cost and it is a quality bike for indoor use or getting around towns and villages.

Balance bike bolts

Balance bikes are equipped with a huge range of features these days, and the most important factors in your decision on buying the best balance bike will be determined by the type of frame you prefer, which sort of tyres and many other factors including the age of the child, style of bike and if the bike has a brake (or not).

One of the features often overlooked is the bolts that hold the bike together, and if they are exposed, recessed or covered.

Exposed bolts are common on many metal balance bikes, and although this means that the bolts are easy enough to access and adjust if required they can prove a slight concern. This is because exposed metal bolts can get scratched over time, and if they are very prominent this means that they can scratch the inside of the child’s leg while riding.

Prince Lionheart balance bike

This problem is avoided with recessed bolts, which are often found on wooden balance bikes such as the Prince Lionheart Balance bike (pictured)

The bolts on this style of bike are hidden away within the wooden frame of the bike so they are out of sight and don’t cause any hindrance to the rider.

Another advantage of balance bikes with recessed bolts is that they are out of the way if the child has a fall. Small children will sometimes fall directly on top of the bike during a fall, so exposed bolts can cause an injury so this is not a problem with bikes with recessed bolts. This also applies to balance bikes with covered bolts.

Bolts are an essential feature of balance bikes as they hold the entire bike together. Although recessed and covered bolts do help to prevent injury in the event of a fall, there are many excellent metal balance bikes with exposed bolts that don’t hinder the performance of the bike.

Safetots Balance bike

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The Safetots Ultimate Balance bike is produced by Safetots, who are a leading British company that offers a range of quality services and products for babies and children.

Safetots Balance Bike review

Safetots balance bike
  • Good range of features for the price
  • Minimum saddle height 39cm (too large for 2 year olds)
  • Good choice for 3-4 year olds


The Safetots Balance bike has an unspectacular, yet solid appearance on first viewing, with a steel frame, horse shoe saddle and spoked wheels which improve the look of the bike and improve the flexibility to help the learning process.

As with most steel balance bikes, the Safetots Ultimate Balance bike is equipped with a fully adjustable saddle and handlebars so you can change the height as your child grows.

However, although this bike is advertised as being suitable for children age 2 through to 5 – the lowest seat height on this bike is around 39cm which will make it too big for most 2 year olds as they will most likely require a seat at around 29cm.

We have full guides for the best balance bikes for 2 year olds as well as recommended balance bikes for 3 year olds elsewhere on this website.

The Safetots Balance bike offers a good range of features for the price, with rubber handlebars to protect little hands, a ‘horse shoe’ saddle for comfort and mud guards which look great!

The rubber tyres have a high spec tred, so this does reduce the risk of skidding and means the bike can be used indoors.

The Safetots balance bike is great value and a very good competitor for the Chicco Red Bullet Balance Bike which is the market leader in this price range.

The bikes are very different though, as the Chicco Red Bullet Balance bike is much smaller and more suited for 2 year old riders and the Safetots Balance bike would be a great buy for children aged 3 or 4 who are just taking to the saddle.

The bike is available in red or pink, and don’t forget the essential accessories such as a protective helmet when getting your children learning to ride!


Safetots Superman Balance Bike

Safetots Superman Balance Bike
  • Same features as the Safetots Ultimate Balance Bike
  • Superman style
  • Minimum Saddle Height 39cm


If your child loves superheroes, then this balance bike from Safetots could be for you!

It offers all the same features as the Safetots Ultimate Balance Bike, but with one important difference and that is that the frame has been decorated in full Superman regalia!

This includes the Superman logo on the frame as well as the mudguards which have been painted a bright red to incorporate the superhero theme.

As with the Ultimate Balance Bike, the minimum seat height is quite high at 39cm so this bike would be best for 3-4 year olds learning to ride.

This bike will definitely be popular with comic lovers!