Balance Bike Buying Guide
You may have wondered what the fuss is all about with balance bikes (otherwise known as pedal-less bikes, walking bikes, prebikes, or push bikes). “Children as young as two years old can learn the skills of balancing, steering and coordination in a progressive and natural way,” says WheeBikes owner Rob Heinrichs, who claims these skills are essential for riding a “bike kid” bike.
Balance Bike: Teaching Tool and Riding Toy
It makes sense. A balance bike is both a teaching tool and a fun riding toy since kids can not only learn the fundamentals of balance but can enjoy the bike at a very young age. Since kids can reach the ground with their feet while riding a balance bike, they are much less likely to wipe out while learning to balance on two wheels. Kids start out walking, but soon graduate to running and gliding. Rob also adds that many children go straight from a balance bike to a pedal bike without training wheels because they gain so much confidence and practice from their pedal-less bike.
“Balance bikes are not meant to replace traditional bikes,” says Rob, who suggests them as an alternative to a tricycle, which can’t teach balance and control of a two-wheeler, or a bike with training wheels.
What To Look For In Your Balance Bike
Factors to consider when shopping for a balance bike include:
- Weight. The weight of the bike should be light enough for the rider to control it. Says Rob: “The lighter the bike, the easier it will be for young children to maneuver it.“
- Adjustability. “Many of the bikes have adjustable handle bars and seats,” says Rob, who suggests that you have your child sit on the bike or, even better, test it out before you purchase it. “Many of the bikes do not adjust very low and you may end up with a bike that is sitting and waiting for your child to grow a few inches so that they are able to stand over the seat.”
- Style. Typical options are wooden balance bikes or ones styled more like pedal-bikes and made of metal.
- Extras. Some balance bikes have hand brakes and foot rests. Some bikes for older kids can convert to regular pedal bikes (see below for some model options).
Remember the Helmet
Most balance bikes are designed for children from two to six, depending on the height of the bike. A child’s feet should be able to fully touch the ground on both sides comfortably (and the child should obviously be a confident walker already). While learning to ride a balance bike, children should wear helmets, both for safety reasons and to develop good habits for later on. Also, avoid steep hills and areas with traffic. Most balance bikes perform well on a variety of surfaces—not only sidewalks, but also grass, dirt, and gravel, just like a “real” bike. Rob adds: “Balance bikes allow children to be creative and ride their bikes off road in ways that tricycles and bikes with training wheels don’t.”
A balance bike can help you and your child enjoy many adventures together—in your neighborhood, at the park, or on the bike trail. To find out more about balance bikes, or to pick the perfect balance bike for your child, visit WheeBikes.ca.
