Looking for the perfect bike for your toddler? Our exciting range of balance bikes and trikes for toddlers has everything you need to get your little one started. Whether you are teaching your child how to ride a bike or looking for a fun way to keep your kids active, a balance bike or trike is a wonderful experience for any child.
The SMALL SMART collection of kids bikes, trikes, and helmets has everything you need to introduce your little one to the joy of riding a bike. With help from this informative buying guide, you will have everything you need to know before you buy a balance bike or trike.
Why Choose a Balance Bike for Your Child?
If you’re considering a bike for your child, you might be deciding between a balance bike or a bike with pedals. Here’s why balance bikes and trikes are excellent options:
What is a Balance Bike?
Balance bikes are small starter bikes aimed at children between 2-5 years old. They traditionally do not have pedals and are designed to be pushed along by the child’s feet.
Bikes for toddler and preschool children teach children how to balance and steer a bike, providing the foundational skills for riding a pedal bike when they are older. They are a great way to get kids outside and are the perfect tool for their cognitive development. However, if you are thinking about a balance bike for a 1-year-old, you could also consider a trike.
Balance Bike vs. Trike for Toddler
Whether you choose a trike for a 1-year-old or a balance bike for a 2-year-old depends largely on your child’s development and abilities. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Balance Bike | Trike |
|---|---|---|
| Wheels | Two wheels, no pedals. Encourages balance and coordination. | Three wheels. Provides stability and is easier for younger children to use. |
| Age Range | 18 months to 5 years old. | 1 year and older. |
| Key Benefit | Teaches balance and steering, preparing kids for pedal bikes. | Offers stability and introduces kids to biking motions. |
| Parental Assistance | Children control the bike themselves. | Some trikes include push handles for parents. |
Balance bikes are designed as small starter bikes. They have two wheels and no pedals, encouraging children to learn how to balance and steer a bike. Balance bikes are powered by the momentum of your child pushing the bike with their feet.
Trikes have three wheels and offer more stability than a balance bike. Your child won't need to balance when riding a trike, making them perfect for children as young as 1 year old. Some trikes have handles for parents to push along, and others can be adjusted to transform into balance bikes.
Balance Bike and Trike Buying Guide
Balance bikes and trikes are ideal for small children from the age of 18 months to 5 years. Here are the top tips to consider when buying a toddler balance bike:
1. The Best Age for a Balance Bike
The best age for a balance bike is between 2 and 5 years old. Balance bikes are an excellent learning tool for children and help to build confidence and boost their self-esteem [1]. Using a balance bike can be tricky at first, but once they get the hang of it, they will be whizzing around.
There is a wide range of balance bikes available, including adjustable balance bikes that are suitable for two-year-olds and can be adapted for children up to the age of 5.However, if you are looking for a bike for a younger child, a trike is a great option. Trikes are great for children as young as 1 year old, as they teach children the correct way to sit on a bike and the motion of steering.
2. What to Look for When Buying a Balance Bike
- Adjustable height: For a long-lasting bike experience, look for an adjustable balance bike that grows with your child. Many balance bikes for 2-year-olds have adjustable seats and handlebars, allowing you to adapt the bike for 4- and 5-year-old children.
- Weight: A lightweight bike will be much easier for your little adventurer to handle and will greatly improve their experience on the bike. Let's be honest: as a parent, you will need to carry the bike too, so choose a lightweight balance bike.
- Brakes: Handbrakes are a useful addition to a balance bike and will help reduce your child’s shoes being worn down.
3. Safety Tips When Using Balance Bikes
- A kids bike helmet is essential for children when riding a balance bike or trike. Our range of helmets is designed for toddlers with adjustable straps and dials to get the perfect fit, ensuring their safety wherever their adventures take them.
- Choose a safe area with lots of space to practice. A park or an enclosed space with a smooth surface or short grass [2] is a great place to start.
Top picks from the SMALL SMART Collection
We provide everything you need to prepare your mini adventurers for their first bike. From balance bikes and trikes to helmets and accessories, here are our favorites from our collection.
1. Hooga Playroom 2-in-1 Toddler Balance Bike
The Hooga Playroom bike is a trike and balance bike 2-in-one. This eco-friendly trike for 18-month-olds transforms into a wooden balance bike for older children. Key features include puncture-proof tires, non-slip handles, and a lightweight frame, weighing only 2.6 kg. Available in Dino, Unicorn, and Zebra designs, this sustainable balance bike will make any toddler happy.
2. Allis Baby LUMI Kids Balance Bike
This sleek balance bike has an eye-catching design and is the ideal first kids balance bike for 2-year-olds. If you are looking for a lightweight balance bike, the Allis Baby Lumi is a popular choice, weighing only 2.6 kg, making it easy for children to steer and light for parents to carry. Its key features include puncture-proof PU tires and an adjustable seat that grows with your child.
3. Banwood First Go Kids Bikes
This stylish balance bike is the perfect first bike for preschoolers, combining functionality with an attractive design. If you’re searching for an adjustable balance bike, the Banwood First Go Kids Bike is an excellent choice. With a seat height adjustable up to 44 cm, it grows with your child, ensuring a long-lasting fit.
Key features include a wicker basket, a safety bell, and sturdy 12-inch wheels for smooth and safe rides. This Banwood balance bike is a top pick for parents looking for a balance bike for 3-year-olds and matches the Banwood Classic Kids Bike Helmet.
FAQs
What is a balance bike?
A balance bike is a pedal-free toddler bike designed to teach kids balance and coordination. Lightweight and often adjustable, it’s the perfect starter bike for toddlers transitioning to pedal bikes.
Are balance bikes safe for babies?
Balance bikes are suitable for young children, with some designed for kids as young as 1 year old. For babies, trikes provide extra safety with their three-wheel design. Always pair with a helmet for maximum safety.
Why are balance bikes better than training wheels?
Balance bikes teach kids balance and coordination from the start, making the transition to pedal bikes smoother. Unlike training wheels, balance bikes promote proper posture and confidence without relying on additional support [3].
Conclusion
Kids balance bikes teach the fundamentals of riding a bike in a fun and safe way! Our range of toddler balance bikes for toddlers and trikes has something for every little explorer to get going.
Whether you are looking for a trike for younger children or a lightweight balance bike for a 5-year-old, SMALL SMART has an excellent range of bikes and accessories, including stylish helmets to ensure your child’s safety wherever their biking adventures take them.
Ready to find your child’s perfect bike? Explore our full collection of balance bikes, trikes, and accessories today!
[1] Quora (2024). The Benefits Of Balance Bikes For Child Development. Forbes. [online] 22 Mar. Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/quora/2024/03/22/the-benefits-of-balance-bikes-for-child-development/
[2] BBC Tiny Happy People. (2024). Stabilisers or balance bikes? Seven tips to help your child learn to ride a bike. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/tiny-happy-people/articles/z8tc239
[3] Balance (2022). Milestones & Motherhood. [online] Milestones & Motherhood. Available at: https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/blog/a-pediatric-pts-thoughts-on-balance-bikes
