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.

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.

Best balance bike for 3 year old

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Now we are really talking! This is the age when there is nothing to stop children getting on their bikes, learning to ride and really finding their independence! Although some 2 year olds might be reluctant to start using balance bikes, and many 6 year olds will have grown out of balance bikes, most 3 year olds should be raring to go!

This means that there is a huge range of models available for children aged around 3, so it would be impossible to fit them all into this review. We have selected our favourite 5 models and listed them in the table below, so you can see the sort of bikes that are available when you are looking for the best balance bike for 3 year olds.

Bike

Image

Saddle Height

Price

Banana Balance Bike GT

32cm - 44cm

Strider Sport

28cm - 48cm

Birtech Balance Bike

36cm - 41cm

Specialized Hotwalk 2020

34cm - 43cm

Chillafish BMXie 

32cm - 39cm

Puky 4014 Learner Bike

34cm - 45cm

Boppi Wooden Bike

35cm - 39cm

How to find the Best Balance Bike for a 3 year old

Find the most suitable saddle height

By the time your child is approaching their 3rd birthday, they will probably be too big for one of the smaller balance bikes we featured in our reviews for the best balance bikes for 2 year olds.

This means they will need a bike with a larger seat height, and this is probably the most important factor to consider when buying a balance bike!

You need to make sure that the lowest setting of the saddle is around 2.5 – 3cm lower than the inside leg of the child. The average inside leg measurement for a 3 year old is between 35 – 38cm, so this means that you should be looking for bikes with saddle heights starting from between 32 – 35cm.

This means that the child will be able to get on and off the bike comfortably, and as long as the seat is adjustable (which it will be on most models), then a good quality bike bought at this age should see them right through to their first pedal bike.

We have more details on seat height in our Balance Bike Seat Height Guide.

Frame type

The majority of the best balance bikes for 3 year olds have traditionally been made from either a metal or wooden frame.

The advantage of metal frames is that this means the bike is usually more lightweight than wooden frames and metal bikes generally have more of an appearance of a 'real bike'.

Another big advantage of metal frames is that range of saddle heights is much greater than on wooden frames, and this is important at the age of 3 when children are growing so quickly.

However, this does not mean that you should discount wooden balance bikes for a 3 year olds as these bikes are also very popular.

Wooden balance bikes can be painted in a number of funky designs, and a good example is the range of Kiddimoto balance bikes. These bikes usually have a birch wooden frame so they are better for the environment.

Another option becoming more widely available is aluminium frames. A balance bike with an aluminium frame will be even lighter than a metal bike, and one of the lightest bikes currently available is the LAVA Sport balance bike which has an aluminium frame and fork.

There are plenty of other things to consider though when choosing a balance bike for a 3 year old, including style, tyres, brakes and plenty more! We have examined a few of our favourites below.

Recommended Balance Bikes for 3 year olds

Strider Sport Balance Bike


  • Lightweight and sporty balance bike
  • Saddle height from 28cm all the way to 48cm
  • Footrests great for gliding
  • Puncture proof EVA polymer tyres

We have included the Strider Sport balance bike in our recommendations for 2 year olds, but we also think it is perfect for 3 year olds as well!

Strider are renowned for producing quality balance bikes, and the Strider Sport model has plenty of features that make it an excellent  choice.

Firstly, it has a stylish and sporty design, and it is very lightweight at just 2.9kg which makes it one of the lightest balance bikes on the market.

It also has a very low starter saddle height at just 28cm, which makes it suitable for very young children and this can be extended all the way to 48cm with the help of a seatpost extension. However it is likely your child will have mastered balance before they need this if they start riding at age 2 or 3..

The Strider Sport also has a footrest which is handy when the child is gliding, and although it is more expensive than some of the other balance bikes available it is a great choice as a first bike for your child.


Banana Balance Bike GT


  • Saddle height 32cm - 40cm
  • Signature curved frame
  • 12" inflatable tyres
  • Super light aluminium handlebars

The Banana Balance Bike GT is one of our very favourite balance bikes for 3 year olds for a number of reasons.

The signature curved frame gives it a fun and stylish design, and this also has the added benefit of making the bike easy to access for the child.

The bike is lightweight and strong, and it is the perfect size for a 3 year old to grow with a saddle height between 32cm and 44cm,.

The GT version includes 12" alloy wheels as well as air tyres for a smooth ride. In addition, the threadless headset provides a steering and handlebar set up that is often only found on adult bikes.


Chillafish BMXie Balance Bike


  • BMX design
  • Inflatable tyres for grip
  • Saddle height from 32cm

One of our favourite models for 3 years old's is the Chillafish BMXie balance bike which is featured in the table above.

The Chillafish BMXie balance bike has a cool and stylish BMX design, with a frame made from high quality fibre glass material and inflatable tyres for excellent grip. This bike looks and performs like a real BMX!

The seat height ranges from 32cm – 39cm so this is perfect for 3 year olds, and the robust design means that this bike should be able to stand the test of whatever most energetic 3 and 4 year olds can throw at it!


Puky 4014 Learner Bike


  • Step through frame
  • Special learner bike saddle
  • Stand included

Another great option is the Puky 4014 Learner bike.

Puky provide models for children of all ages, but we find that the Puky 4014 Learner bike is perfect for this age group.

The lowest seat height of this bike is 34cm, and it is also different from some other models with the low platform which makes it easier for smaller children to get on and off the bike.


Wooden Balance Bikes for 3 year olds

If you would prefer a wooden balance bike for your 3 year old, then there are several options in this category.

One of the advantages of wooden balance bikes is that they can be painted in all colours so they are available in a lot of fun and exciting designs. Although the saddle does not usually have as many available heights, the range on most bikes should cater for 3 year old needs.

Kiddimoto Kurve Balance Bike


  • Birch wooden frame
  • A range of funky designs
  • Saddle height 37cm - 39cm


The Kiddimoto Kurve series of bikes is perfect for 3 year olds, and you can choose between designs such as Pastel Dotty, Union Jack, Police and Fire among many more.

They have a very different look to metal balance bikes – and you may have even seen them on Dragon’s Den!

The Kiddimoto Kurve has a higher saddle height that some other balance bikes, with height starting at 37cm and can be adjusted to 39cm. This means it is better for slightly taller children but should be suitable for most 3 year olds.

Other excellent wooden balance bikes for 3 year olds are the Prince Lionheart balance bike and the Jiggy Wooden Balance Bike

The Boppi Wooden Balance Bike is another great option and is usually slighty cheaper.

Top of the range balance bikes for 3 year olds

Specialized Hotwalk 2020 Balance BIke


  • Step through frame
  • Rubber skin, puncture proof tyres
  • Padded saddle and high quality build

Finally, if you can stretch your budget to over £100 or more then we would recommend the Specialized Hotwalk Balance Bike.

This is a stylish and high quality bike that caters perfectly for 3 year olds, and it has been redesigned for 2020 with a step through frame and rubber skin, puncture proof tyres.

This new generation of balance bike tyres provides fantastic traction without the concern of a puncture. This bike is also easy to handle and is equipped with a range of top quality features such as a padded seat and stem with threadless headset.

The saddle height is from 34cm - 43cm, so this is a fantastic way for your child to learn the fundamentals of balance and steering.


Summary

It is very important to choose the best balance bike for your 3 year old, as if you select the wrong model at this age then it can easily set your child back a good couple of years when it comes to riding a pedal bike.

However, with such a wide range of quality models available, there should be something for all 3 year olds who are looking to get on their bike and explore the world.

We have featured many more on this website, so happy riding!

Best Balance Bike for 2 year old

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You can buy balance bikes for children from any age from 18 months all the way through to the age of 10 or 12, so when you are looking for the best balance bike there is a huge range of models, sizes, colours and designs to choose from.

However, the most popular age for children to start riding balance bikes is between the ages of 2 and 3, so we thought it would be useful to provide a guide to the best balance bike for 2 year olds.

Comparison Table

The table below outlines some of the most popular balance bikes for 2 year olds, and we have highlighted the model, the weight, the frame composition and of course – the price!

Image

Bike

Saddle Height

Weight

Frame

Price

Banana Balance Bike LT

31cm - 40cm

2.9kg

Metal

Strider Sport Balance Bike 

28cm - 48cm

3kg

Metal

Bike Star Classic

30cm - 37cm

4.8kg

Metal

Puky LRM Learner Bike

29cm - 40cm

3.54kg

Steel

Chicco Red Bullet Balance Bike

33cm - 38cm

2.7kg

Steel

Jiggy Wooden Balance Bike

34cm - 38cm

4kg

Wood

If your child is between the age of 2 and 3 then this is the perfect time to start learning to ride with a balance bike. A normal pedal bike will be too heavy and cumbersome to use at this age – and balance bikes are a lot more fun than traditional tricycles or bikes with stabilisers.

One of the main advantages of balance bikes is that they are very light, which makes them easy to manoeuvre for younger children. This also makes them very safe, and easy to clean and transport.

If your child is just about to turn 2, then a balance bike is the perfect present for their 2nd birthday! A child that gets to grips with balance and steering between the ages of 2 and 3 is likely to be able to progress to a normal pedal bike by the age of 4.

As this is such a great age for learning to ride using a balance bike, then there is a huge choice of bikes available for this age range. We have highlighted some of the most popular in the table above, but some of the main features to look out for are:

Features of Balance Bikes for 2 year olds

Seat Height

All balance bikes will come with an adjustable seat so that they can grow with your child. However, it is important to make sure that you measure the inside leg of your child and buy a bike that has the correct seat height for them. We have some more details in our Balance Bike Seat Guide.

If you are buying a bike for a 2 year old, then you are going to want to purchase a bike with one of the lower saddles, and seat heights tend to start at around 29cm. You need to make sure that the lowest seat height is around 2.5 -3cm lower than the inside leg so that the child can get on and off the bike comfortably.

This is why we recommend the Puky LRM Learner Bike, the Banana Balance Bike and the Ridestar balance bike for 2 year olds. These bikes all have adjustable saddles with seat heights starting at just 29cm or 32cm, so these are perfect for this age group.

In general, we find that metal balance bikes have more adjustable saddles than wooden balance bikes, so although wooden balance bikes can be painted in lots of fun and exciting colours a metal bike might fit your child better.

Some of the balance bikes for younger children also have a special learner bike saddle.

Step through frames

Some of the most popular balance bikes for 2 year olds have a step through frame with a low platform. This allows the child to build their confidence by resting their feet on the platform as they scoot along.

It also makes it easier for them to get on and off the bike, and an excellent example of this is the Puky LRM Learner Bike.

Another great option is the Banana Bike range, as the signature curved frame on these bikes allow easy access.



Frame Composition

As already mentioned, the majority of the best balance bikes for 2 year olds are made from metal. However, if you would prefer a wooden balance bike there are some great choices such as the Jiggy Wooden Balance Bike.

This has a great retro design and is very reasonably priced, and another great alternative is a Tidlo Balance bike which is manufactured by John Crane. These lovely balance bikes are painted in some beautiful colours and wooden balance bikes also have the advantage of being great for the environment.

Tyres

Check out our Balance Bike Tyres Guide for more details on balance bike tyres, but you will find that the choice comes down to traditional pneumatic (air) tyres or EVA foam tyres. Pneumatic tyres have the advantage of providing more ‘give’ so a more comfortable ride, but foam tyres have the benefit of being puncture proof and they are also perfect for younger children learning to ride on smooth surfaces.

Strider offer foam tyres on the Strider 12 Sport – although they do offer the option of air tyres on some of their models. The Strider 12 classic also has the advantage of weighing just 3kg which means it is probably the lightest bike on the market!

Other features

Balance bikes for 2 year old's should also have safety handlebars grips, which are rubber grips with a knobby end to protect little hands and fingers if they run into something – they will also come into play in the event of a fall.

Some balance bikes are equipped with brakes, but we really don't feel this is an important feature for 2 year olds. They have enough to concentrate on with balance and steering, and will be able to slow down and stop with their feet. You might have to be prepared to get through a bit of extra shoe leather while they are learning to ride! Brakes can be useful on balance bikes for older age groups, but this is not nearly as important as choosing a lightweight bike with the correct saddle height.


Best Balance Bike for 2 year olds - Reviews

Strider Sport Balance Bike


  • Lightweight and sporty balance bike
  • Saddle height from just 28cm all the way to 48cm
  • Footrest helps child to learn balance
  • EVA polymer tyres are puncture proof

The Strider Sport balance bike is a fantastic balance bike, not just for 2 year olds but for any child learning to ride.

Strider are renowned for producing quality balance bikes, and the Strider Sport model has plenty of features that make it an excellent  choice.

Firstly, it has a stylish and sporty design, and it is very lightweight at just 2.9kg which makes it one of the lightest balance bikes on the market.

It also has a very low starter saddle height at just 28cm, which makes it suitable for very young children and this can be extended all the way to 48cm with the help of a seatpost extension. However it is likely your child will have mastered balance before they need this if they start riding at age 2.

The Strider Sport also has a footrest which is handy when the child is gliding, and although it is more expensive than some of the other balance bikes available it is a great choice as a first bike for your child.

Banana Balance Bike LT


  • Saddle height from 31cm - 40cm
  • Lightweight at just 2.9kg
  • Signature curved frame

The Banana balance bike LT model is one of our very favourite balance bikes for 2 year olds, and for several reasons.

The first, and most important reason is that the saddle is fully adjustable between 31cm and 40cm. There are no tools required, so it is a simple 2 minute job to raise the saddle when your 2 year old goes on a growth spurt.

This bike is also lightweight and easy to handle, with the signature curved banana frame providing great looks and easy access.

It should also be easy for your child to pick up steering, as the wide handlebars have been designed for riders using a bike for the first time. The handlebars also have the essential rubber grips for protection during a fall.

An excellent balance bike for 2 year olds and great value as well!


Ridestar Balance Bike


  • Classic BMX design
  • Lightweight frame
  • Puncture proof tyres
  • Saddle height 32cm - 40cm

The Ridestar balance bike is another great choice for 2 year olds, offering a classic BMX design and all the essential features required to learn to ride.

The saddle height starts at 32cm, so this is ever so slightly higher than the Banana balance bike. However, this bike should still be a good fit for most children of this age.

The lightweight frame should be easy to handle, and the EVA foam tyres remove any worries about punctures.

Another great value bike for 2 year olds.

Puky LRM Balance Bike


  • Step through frame
  • Saddle height from 29cm
  • Safety handlebars
  • High quality bike

The Puky LRM balance bike is more expensive than most of the other bikes in our selection. However, we have included it as part of our recommendations as it offers a very low saddle height of just 29cm and a step through frame.

These features make the bike ideal for 2 year olds, and the low platform will allow the children to rest their feet as they scoot along. This is very handy when they get up speed having got used to the bike!

Puky is a brand that produces high quality bikes, so this really is a great choice for a starter bike for young children.


Chicco Red Bullet Balance Bike


  • Very light at 2.7kg
  • Saddle height from 33cm
  • Shorter wheel base than some other bikes

Another popular balance bike for 2 year olds is the Chicco Red Bullet balance bike.

This is smaller than some of the other bikes we have featured, which makes it very lightweight and the frame weighs just 2.7kg.

Although this is great for young children, some riders have found that the shorter wheel base on this bike can make it a little bit more difficult to handle.

The saddle height is from 33cm, so although this is slightly higher than our other recommendations, it should still be a good fit for most children this age.

A great option and one of the least expensive balance bikes available for 2 year olds as it is generally available for under £30.


Boppi BMX Balance Bike


  • BMX style bike
  • Saddle height from 30cm
  • Puncture proof tyres
  • Lightweight frame

The Boppi BMX metal balance bike is another great option for 2 year olds.

The saddle height starts at just 30cm, so this makes the bike ideal for this age group and it can easily be adjusted as your child grows.

This bike also offers a lightweight frame, puncture proof tyres and safety handlebars.


Jiggy Wooden Balance Bike


  • Stylish retro design
  • Wooden frame
  • Saddle height from 34cm

The Jiggy Wooden balance bike is the only bike on our list with a wooden frame.

This is not because we dislike wooden balance bikes, we think that they are great fun with brightly coloured frames.

However, most wooden balance bikes don’t have the same seat height range as metal bikes, and the Jiggy Wooden balance bike offers three choices between 34cm and 38cm.

This means it should be suitable for some 2 year olds, but do make sure you measure your child’s inseam before purchasing the bike. Check out our balance bike saddle height guide for full details.

This bike has a retro style with a fantastic design, and is our recommended option if you would prefer a wooden balance bike for your child.


Summary

There is so much choice for children age between 2 and 3 that there are plenty of excellent bikes even if they are not mentioned in the table above.

Your child is likely to be extremely excited at the prospect of riding a ‘real’ bike, and their first balance bike is likely to provide hours of fun and set them well on the way to riding a proper pedal bike.

Best balance bike for 6 year olds

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If your child has been using balance bikes since they were 2 or 3, then by the time they approach the age of 6 they should have well and truly mastered the arts of balance and steering and be ready to move on to larger bikes.

However, some children do not discover balance bikes or take to cycling until an older age . This could be due to lack of space if you live in a big city, a preference for other activities or that you just don't have enough time to learn to ride with a busy schedule.

Other children love balance bikes so much that they want to continue to become expert riders. Balance bikes are much lighter than normal pedal bikes which have a heavy chain and pedals, so they allow children to perform some tricks and stunts that just aren’t possible on normal bikes!

The range of bikes in this category is much smaller than the number of bikes that are available for children aged 18 month – 5 years.

But although there is much less choice, there are still some quality options when looking for the best balance bike for 6 year olds, and although older children may not take to riding quite as easily as younger children they still have the choice of several very good models.

Ridgeback Scoot XL Balance Bike 14"


  • Lightweight alloy frame
  • Saddle Height 40cm - 54cm
  • High quality spec

Although the other bikes we have recommended for 6 year olds have 16 inch wheels, we have included the Ridgeback Scoot XL in our selection as it would fit well with some 6 year olds and it is a high quality bike.

It has a long wheelbase for stability, as well as wide handlebars and air tyres for a comfortable ride. Ridgeback are well known for the quality of their bikes so you know you will be getting a very good bike here.

The bike also includes a very comfortable leather saddle as well as a hand brake.

LLF 16" Balance Bike


  • Suitbable for children 80cm - 120cm
  • Non slip handle and soft seat
  • Polymer tyres so no stopping for flats
  • Sturdy enough for children up to 30kg


This carbon steel balance bike is suitable for children between 80cm and 120cm, so it should cater for most 5 and 6 year olds that are just learning to ride a bike.

It is designed without any sharp points, with a non-slip handle and a soft seat to absorb all bumps in the road.

It also features polymer tyres, so there will be no problem with flats. It also has a really cool and stylish design so it is perfect for the playground or the park.

This bike is sturdy enough for children up to 30kg, so it is ideal for slightly older children looking to get on with riding a bike.


YUMEIGE 16" Balance Bike


  • Strong, high-carbon steel frame
  • Wide Dayan handlebars
  • Ergonomically designed seat cushion
  • Seat height 59cm - 76cm

This bike makes an excellent alternative to the Strider Youth bike, and is ideal for older children learning to ride.

It has a strong, high-carbon steel frame and wide Dayan handlebars which increase stability and make the bike easier to ride. The bike also features super wide anti-wear tyres, which have excellent elasticity and give a smoother ride.

Another feature of this bike is the ergonomically designed seat cushion, which is soft-filled, hollow and breathable for comfort. The saddle height on this bike is from 59cm – 76cm so it is also great for children in the 6 – 12 age group.

The market for balance bikes for older children is growing, so there are sure to be some more models available for this age group soon. We will keep you updated as soon as they become available!