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.