The Best Balance Bikes To Help Your Child Master A Two-Wheeler

Tire size: 12 inches | Bike weight: 6.6 pounds | Bike height: 18.7 inches | Brake type: Handbrake | Adjustable seat: Yes | Adjustable handlebar: Yes

Ballew calls this Woom model “the perfect bike” to teach new riders. “The lightweight design and ergonomics geared specifically toward children riders greatly reduces the learning curve toward balancing and then pedaling,” he says. This Woom balance bike is especially designed for older tots who didn’t learn to ride right away, according to the brand, but it can truly be used for any child 18 months and older. This bike is the first in a lineup of Woom bikes that grow with your child’s stage of development and bike riding skills. It has a lightweight aluminum frame, making it easy for a young child to handle and maneuver, a low seat so it’s a cinch to climb on board, ergonomically designed saddle and handle grips for added comfort and ease of use. The adjustable handbrake lever can be tailored to fit your child’s hand. 

The steering limiter prevents oversteering and accidents that may ensue, and the real rubber, air-filled tires provide traction for novice riders. Ballew also points out that any Woom makes six sizes of children’s bikes and that any one of them can be made into a balance bike by simply removing the pedals and lowering the seat so that the new rider can place both feet flat on the ground. “Starting the child on a quality, lightweight bike like a Woom will help to instill a lifelong love of biking,” he says.

Tire size: 12 inches | Bike weight: 6.7 pounds | Bike height: Handlebar height 18-22 inches | Brake type: None | Adjustable seat: Yes | Adjustable handlebar: Yes

The Strider 12 Sport is a great value without skimping on quality and thoughtful features. Designed for kids 18-months-old to 5-years-old, this training bicycle has no pedals, a lightweight frame and foam rubber tires that are less likely to go flat. Strider says the Sport is its “best all-around model” and says that’s probably why it’s the brand’s bestselling balance bike. The seat and handlebars can be adjusted without tools as your child grows, and the wide seat height range and longer cushioned seat accommodate kids as they go from baby to big kid. Built-in foot rests are a nice added detail that enable kids to learn to coast and balance like they eventually will on a pedal bike.

What our writers say: “Strider stands the test of time as well, making it an excellent and durable pass-down item between siblings,” says co-author Alexandra Frost. “I was able to use the same bike with my fifth child as I did with my first, years later.”

Tire size: 12 inches | Bike weight: 4.63 pounds | Bike height: 35 inches | Brake type: n/a | Adjustable seat: Yes | Adjustable handlebar: No

Hotwalk Carbon Balance Bike from Specialized is a splurge-worthy purchase. The bike brand has been crafting world-championship winning bicycles since 1974, and has earned its esteemed reputation for designing some of the most innovative bikes on the planet. Specialized expertly adjusted the bike proportions of its adult bicycles to meet the requirements of the youngest riders in the Hotwalk—designed for kids from 18-months-old to 4-years-old. The brand employs the same tech, high-quality materials and craftsmanship to fashion this balance bike, which consists of an all-carbon lightweight frame, fork, handlebars and carbon wheels with Rhythm Lite tires.

Specialized calls its balance bike “the ultimate first ride,” and while young riders might not understand its value, they’re certain to love its sleek, impressive design and how great it is to ride. Parents appreciate the bike’s carrying handle under the saddle and its weight (less than 5 pounds) in the event little ones tire out and mom and dad are tasked with toting the bike home.

Tire size: 12 inches | Bike weight: 11.4 pounds | Bike height: Varies | Brake type: None | Adjustable seat: Yes | Adjustable handlebar: No

Stretch your dollar further by investing in Wishbone Design Studio’s 3-in-1 bike. It grows with your child by converting from a baby walker to a toddler trike to a balance bike, so kids between the ages of 1 and 5 years old can walk, run and ride on this cleverly designed wooden ride system. Crafted using sustainably-harvested birch and eucalyptus wood, nontoxic glues and finishes, the bike frame flips for low or high riding. It also has a steering limiter and air-filled tires. It’s sturdy and ready for adventures both indoors and outdoors, but store this sweet ride inside overnight given its wooden frame.

Tire size: 11 inches | Bike weight: 8.40 pounds | Bike height: 19.7 inches | Brake type: None | Adjustable seat: Yes | Adjustable handlebar: No

When kids get tired of coasting around on their balance bike, this customizable ride has much more to do. Kids who love tools can work on it alongside their parents with child-safe screws and an included screwdriver, making it a fun bonding project from the start. Then, they get some of the pizazz of riding a real motorcycle, with “vroom vroom” motor sounds while they ride. Swap out one of three “Turbo cards” to change the sounds.

Kids can customize their detachable front name plates with numerous stickers to give it a different look as they grow. But they won’t want to change the BMX-style oversized tubing that makes this bike looks as motorcycle-ish as it can for toddlers and young kids.

Tire size: 12 inches | Bike weight: 8.50 pounds | Bike height: 12 inches | Brake type: Hand brake | Adjustable seat: Yes | Adjustable handlebar: No

Kids ages 1.5- to 4-years-old who find it a bit difficult to jump on bikes with a straight bar between the legs might benefit from the innovative design of the Guardian Balance Bike. The bar through the middle dips to allow for easy entry and exit, even for the tiniest legs, perhaps even those toddlers who have recently learned to walk.  

The product is also notably easier to set up than some, and with an excited kid bouncing around you during assembly, that can be a real plus. User reviews on Guardian’s website frequently confirm the brand’s “easy three minute setup” promise. One says all they had to do was attach the handlebars and it was ready. Guardian has a “Ridesizer” tool which helps you find the size right for your child, based on their height and age. Frost notes this tool was helpful when her kids were sizing out of their balance bikes, and ready to move up to the next size with pedals. The tool tells parents how long the bike will fit their child. 

What our writers say: “This brand’s quality and intuitive design and features made me want to invest in Guardian bikes for each of my older children as well,” says Frost. “One of my kids who never loved riding bikes before said this one feels good and ‘easier’ and is now happily zooming around the neighborhood, much to my relief.”

Tire size: 6 inches | Bike weight: 3.85 pounds | Bike height: 11 inches | Brake type: None | Adjustable seat: Yes | Adjustable handlebar: No

Allobebe’s Baby Balance Bike is a cute, safe and affordable option for kids ages 12- to 36-months-old, which means even your youngest mobile baby can venture on the path toward learning how to ride a bike. This no-pedal bike has three soft wheels—two in front and one in the back, which facilitate smooth riding indoors without damaging floors. Steering is limited to 50 degrees to help prevent baby riders from taking a spill, and the seat is adjustable.

The rounded edges and style of this bike ensure there are no sharp edges that could harm babies, and the double bearings in the rear wheel create a silent ride. The rear wheel lights up when in motion, adding even more glee to a young rider’s experience.

What our writers say: “Two of my kids as toddlers used this bike, and it’s particularly easy to work and also forgiving if little ones mess up—all parts are quite soft,” says Frost. “It’s the ideal bike to throw into the car to entertain a little kid at an older sibling’s sporting event or in grandma’s yard, because it is exceptionally small, light and easy to transport. The only disadvantage was how quickly my kids grew out of it.”