​​8 Best Balance Bikes for Kids in 2022


Balance bikes for kids are one of the best ways to teach your children how to ride without training wheels. If you’re like most parents, you want to get your kids interested in riding a bicycle as soon as possible so they can enjoy the benefits of physical activity and all that comes with it.

In addition to teaching your children valuable lessons about responsibility and working toward goals, riding bikes together gives families an opportunity to spend quality time outdoors enjoying the sunshine.

Best Balance Bikes for Kids and Toddlers

In this post, we look at some of the best balance bikes for kids available today and the key factors to consider when shopping for a reliable kids balance bike.

So, without so much ado, let’s dive into our list of recommended balance bicycles for kids:

1. Strider 14x Sport Balance Bike

The Strider’s well-designed frame allows it to be used by children of all ages. It’s a high-quality bike at a reasonable price point that can accommodate children of different sizes and weights, including those who are tall or short.

For the best riding experience and success, the Strider 14x features an expanded seat post and adjustable handlebar heights that can accommodate youngsters of varying sizes and heights. The bike comes in two versions – Classic and Sport.

Strider Classic and Strider Sport have a slightly different maximum seat height. Strider Classic offers a height range of 11′′ to 16′′. Strider Sport’s seat range extends from 11″ to 19″ thanks to an additional, longer seat post. It’s pricier but comes in useful when your child gets older and taller.

The Strider 14x Sport is one of a handful of balancing bikes that can be easily converted into pedal cycles using a sprocket installation. In terms of wheel size, the 14x, which has 14-inch wheels, is best suited for youngsters between the ages of 3 and 7; the Sport is best suited for kids between the ages of 3 and 7. It has 10 inches of step-in height and a fantastic seat height variation of 15 to 22 inches are all included in this model.

One of the best features of the bike is that it has half-width pedals that enable youngsters to put their feet down to stop and won’t scrape when negotiating tight corners, making it safer for your little ones. Adding a handlebar stem that can be adjusted approximately 4 inches makes it quite adaptable to the rider’s height. If you’re looking for the best balance bike for 18-month-old kids, Strider is a good option to consider.

Pros
  • The bike can easily be adjusted to suit kids of 18 months to 4 years of age
  • It’s lightweight
  • Easy to use
  • Comes fitted with foam tires that will never go flat
  • The height of the handlebars can be adjusted as your child grows taller
Cons
  • The foam tires are known to provide minimal traction

2. Hiboy BK1 Electric Bike

The Hiboy BK1 electric balancing bike is specifically made for children under the age of eight years. It’s a great first bike for youngsters aged 3 to 5 who want to get a taste of high-speed thrills.

The electric bike allows youngsters to have fun riding with friends and family, encouraging them to grow more confident and be more outgoing.

You can rely on this electric bike for youngsters. With the anti-slip grips and foot pedal, children won’t fall off the BK1 electric bike while they ride. Kids can stop the bike quickly thanks to the front wheel’s traditional brake level and the back motor’s e-brake.

The e-handlebars on the bike are adjustable, making it easier for children to ride. The bike weighs only 17.6lbs, making it easy for the youngest riders to operate it as a normal balance bike. Electric balancing bikes like the EK1 may help youngsters gain confidence in their two-wheeled abilities with its 100W motor.

Achieving battery life of 30-50 minutes is possible with the kid’s electric bike’s extended range battery. The bike will beep when the battery needs to be charged again. It’s one of the best balance bikes for kids on the market today.

Pros
  • High-quality electric balance bike
  • Powerful 100W motor
  • Lightweight
  • Easy to ride
  • Charges quickly
Cons
  • You need a stand for the bike when it’s not being used
  • The footrest is somewhat small
  • Would be better with a faster speed

3. Banana LT Balance Bike

Lightweight and low-slung, this bike will get most youngsters up and joyfully gliding along—and it won’t break the bank.

It has a 4.5-inch seat height range and a larger wheelbase to accommodate growing children. There’s a lot of space for expansion here! It’s a good alternative for families on a tight budget, or if you anticipate your kid will only be on a balancing bike for a short period of time.

In spite of the steel-framed Banana Bike’s low stand-over height and light weight, it may take more than 45 minutes to get it assembled.

However, the frame is well-designed and the handlebar height adjustment range is large and suitable for the seat (about 3 inches). Foam tires on the Banana work well on concrete and carpeted areas but are quite slippery on kitchen linoleum and wooden floors.

However, the bike’s wheel spin is a bit sluggish and the ball bearing headset is too tight. You may need to use a pair of wrenches to loosen the wheels. Fortunately, with a little help from the bike shop, you’ll get your bike functioning optimally in no time.

Pros
  • Great balance bike design
  • Affordable price
  • Firm headset handlebars that do not get out of alignment
  • Comes with air tires with good traction
  • Lightweight
Cons
  • Not as durable as other pricier options
  • Be prepared to spend some time assembling it

4. GOMO Balance Bike

If you’re looking for the best balance bicycles for kids that won’t break the bank, this bike from the Fuzion brand is worth looking into. Budget pricing means that the GOMO balance bike has plenty to offer in terms of design, lightweight and robust construction and several color options.

The GOMO bike is an excellent choice if you’re on a tight budget but yet want top-notch craftsmanship. It’s enjoyable to ride, adaptable, and made to be used by all your kids. That’s actually the value espoused by the GOMO name, which is an acronym for “Get Out More Often.”

The Fuzion-built GOMO is a family-friendly balance bike with a well-known brand behind it. It’s recommended for children ages 18 months to 5 years old. It comes with an adjustable seat height of 12 to 17.5 inches.

Comfort is a priority for many parents, and the GOMO bike provides it in plenty. For children, it provides a larger distance between their seats and handlebars, which helps them keep a correct posture.

The wheelbase is also enough, which when paired with the high handle height motivates children to balance with confidence. Additionally, the weight of the children is uniformly distributed, resulting in a better posture.

The bike is available in an assorted range of attractive colors to suit the taste of different kids. You have multiple color choices to choose from. The seat post is also removable. Your little ones will enjoy getting out more often with this balance bike for 3-year-old kids.

Pros
  • Solid construction in a balance bike for kids
  • Comes with an innovatively designed footrest
  • Several color options to choose from
  • Excellent handlebar grips
  • Features durable tires made of EVA
  • Budget-friendly price
Cons
  • The foam tires deliver less traction
  • Somewhat bigger for 1-year-old kids
  • The rims are made of plastic which may not be quite stable

5. Croco Ultra Lightweight Balance Bike

When it comes to buying the best balance bikes for kids, comfort should always be the main consideration. Keep in mind that these bikes are designed for children aged 18 months to 6 or 7 years.

You should, therefore, never overlook the comfort and safety a balance bike provides when shopping for one. The Croco Ultra provides balance and perfect steering coordination.

The aluminum frame ensures minimal weight. Aluminum is also rust-resistant and corrosion-resistant, which makes this balance bike extremely durable. Your child will definitely overgrow it if the bike is well maintained.

This bike’s handgrips and cushioned seat further increase the rider’s comfort. Proper footrests and sealed bearings for enhanced protection are also included in the design.

You don’t have to be an expert to put this bike together. Adjusting the bike’s seat and handlebars takes less than five minutes from the time you press the “go” button. Moreover, the seat may be modified utilizing clamps without the need for additional equipment.

Its handlebar height may be increased or decreased between 20 and 24.5 inches and the seat height can be changed from 11 to 17 inches to accommodate children between the ages of 18 months and 5 years. In addition to flat-free EVA polymer wheels, this bike is also very light. At 4.5 pounds, the bike clearly qualifies as low weight, but it was distinguished more by its comfort features.

Pros
  • High-quality design and materials
  • Comes with maintenance-free EVA tires
  • Features soft and firm grips
  • The saddle feels comfortable too
  • The frame is made of lightweight aluminum
  • You can easily adjust the handlebars and seat to suit your child
  • Affordable price
Cons
  • Foam tires provide minimal traction and impact cushioning

6. Little Tikes Training Bike

Here’s another good option to consider in the best balance bicycles for kids, especially for parents who love riding along with their young ones.

For your child’s convenience, this Little Tikes balancing bike switches between Balance and Pedal modes with ease, allowing the child to progress at his or her own pace. As a result, no training wheels or extra screws are required.

Adjustable handlebars and a height-adjustable seat make the bike suitable for children of all ages. Kids can concentrate on learning their riding since the steel frame and EVA foam tires are built to last. With this bike, your child will be out on the road in no time.

The built-in clamp allows you to make all of the necessary seat adjustments without the need for any tools. You can also convert this balancing bike into a pedal cycle in seconds using the simple tools included in the package.

The bike’s adjustable handlebars allow it to develop with the child as he or she grows. This bike’s unique single-gear design and foldable pedals allow your youngster to learn to ride a bike faster. It’s one of the best training bikes for kids.

Pros
  • A perfect single-gear to help your child learn to ride faster
  • Can easily be converted from balance to pedal modes
  • Fast and easy to assemble
  • Adjustable seat and handlebars ensure that the bike grows with your child
  • Durable, flat-free EVA foam tires
Cons
  • Your child may need to extend the legs wider when the pedals are inserted
  • Some users claim the wheel sometimes locks
  • The seat requires to be tightened tight to prevent slipping

7. Bixe Balance Bike

If you’re looking for the best balance bike for 2-year-olds, you could consider the Bixe balance bike. There are two sizes of Bixe balancing bikes, namely the 16-inch one for kids aged 4 and above and a 12-inch model for toddlers. The Bixe bike is also well known for its lightweight frame and affordable pricing.

It’s the cheapest 16” balancing bike on the market and is best suited for older kids who are improving on their balancing abilities or for youngsters with special needs. The handlebars may be adjusted. In addition, the seat has a 4″ adjustable range. These changes need the use of a tool.

There are no handbrakes in the bike but you get a perfect footrest instead. The solid frame of the bike can handle the weight of much bigger youngsters. Both wheels are supplied with safety washers to keep the clamps secure.

This balance bike is a good choice for a beginner or a kid learning to balance and ride. Everything is in place and ready to roll.

You just need to adjust your child’s seat and handlebars to the most comfortable positions and then secure everything with the included wrench. The bike is also manufactured by a reputable brand – Bixe. Whenever a customer has an issue, Bixe is quick to respond.

Pros
  • Most affordable balance bike
  • Made of a lightweight aluminum frame that only weighs 4.6lbs
  • EVA foam tires that will never get flat
  • Perfect footrest
  • Made by a reputable brand
Cons
  • The foam tires aren’t ideal for unpaved surfaces because of limited traction
  • Lacks handbrake

8. YGJT Baby Balance Bike

When used correctly, baby balancing bikes promote coordination and self-confidence in the young ones by allowing them to learn to ride while seated on the saddle and then glide with their feet up. The YGJT Baby Balance Bike is a perfect example of the best balance bikes for kids on the market. It comes with EVA seat cushions that offer comfort and support.

The bike also features a curved seat that provides excellent support and feels cozy and warm. You also get an anti-skid pair of wheels that run quietly.

The tires are made of long-lasting EVA foam. They are also wide enough to avoid slipping while providing riders with greater control. You can safely and comfortably ride the balance bike on flat surfaces including hardwood, carpet, and other smooth surfaces.

The EVA wider wheels used on the bike are long-lasting, wear-resistant, and provide a more controlled ride. The bike can be used by kids aged 10 to 24 months that can easily ride this balance bike.

Keep in mind that the balance bike does not have pedals so the child will need to use their feet and hands to move forward and backward. The toddler’s safety is ensured by the limited steering arrangement. This is another good choice for those looking for the best balance bike for toddlers.

Pros
  • Durable balance bike with a sturdy carbon steel frame
  • Eco-friendly EVA foam used in the construction of handlebars and wheels
  • Good protection of the baby’s feet
  • Affordable price
Cons
  • The sizing isn’t standardized

How to Pick the Best Balance Bikes for Kids

Before you go out shopping, it’s important to know what to look for in a balance bike. If you don’t have any prior experience with balance bikes, it can be hard to know what information you should be paying attention to.

Basically, a balance bike is just like its name suggests: it’s a bike that doesn’t have pedals or training wheels. Young children learn how to ride on these bikes; once they have enough confidence on their own two feet (so to speak), they go from balance bikes onto bicycles with pedals.

There are many different brands of balance bicycles available; while they do differ slightly in design and features, most of them perform fairly similarly.

When it comes to choosing a bike for your child, you want something that will be safe, fun to ride, long-lasting, good-looking, and affordable.

However, keep in mind that there are subpar balance bikes just as there are many good balance bicycles out there. Sometimes the existence of certain important characteristics is all that separates two products with respect to their quality.

Top-rated balancing bikes have a number of key characteristics, including the following:

Comfort and Stability

It’s important for children to feel safe and secure when riding their balance bikes.

In order to prevent a youngster from letting go of their hands while they’re off-balance, the seats and handlebars need to be large and comfortable.

Tires

Many balancing bikes have tires constructed with solid foam instead of air. In terms of performance, this may make a huge difference. Alloy rims and hubs are standard on high-end bikes, whereas steel spokes are used on lower-end models.

Most budget balance bikes use firm foam tires that are less susceptible to punctures. Pneumatic (air) tires have greater cushioning and traction, while foam tires have none or very little.

Foam tires with narrower smooth tread, on the other hand, tend to roll quicker and are less stable on bumpy terrain. There are several advantages to using air tires for children’s bicycles if they will be riding on any other surface besides pavement.

Height Adjustment

Pedaling a bicycle with your feet firmly on the ground is essential to ensuring your child’s well-being during the ride.

Instead of purchasing a new bicycle each time the kid grows several inches taller, the finest balance bike will have changeable height settings that may be used as the youngster develops.

Additionally, parents with several small children but a limited budget might use this as a determining factor.

Safety Features

In addition to allowing children to put their feet down, there are many other safety elements that should be provided.

Many high-end children’s balancing bikes are equipped with steering locks to prevent the youngster from making abrupt turns too soon.

Many types include rear brakes that may be used if the youngster gets out of control. Finally, the thickness of the tires must be taken into consideration, since thicker tires are better suited to withstand tough terrain.

Balancing Bicycle’s Weight

Scale readings are vital when it comes to purchasing a bike for a young kid, even if you may think it’s a silly topic to discuss in the context of children’s products.

However, keep in mind that a balance bike that weighs more than 11 pounds will be heavier than one that weighs less than 6.8 pounds, and therefore more difficult to use for a young child.

Even though the difference in weight does not seem like much to an adult, it represents a significant portion of a child’s body weight.

This means that your kid will have an easier time learning to ride a bike if the bike is lightweight, particularly if there’s an elevation in the park.

Convenience and Design

Parents may find it difficult to raise the balance bikes because of the child’s low position when riding them.

Because of this, it’s critical that the bikes have a light yet sturdy frame. Additionally, many bicycles include handles for easier transportation. In addition, certain types may even be folded for compact storage and transit.

It’s crucial to keep in mind that design is a crucial component. Bright colors and smooth contours appeal to children, who are drawn to the designs.

Firetruck and police car-themed bicycles are popular with children, and some models come in a range of styles. The more a youngster enjoys riding their bike, the more time they will spend honing their abilities.

Final Thoughts

Finding a balance bike can be tough, especially if you’re not sure what features to look for. It’s certainly not an easy decision to make!

The best way to get started is by narrowing down your options by following the recommendations discussed above.

All the bikes we have reviewed provide an excellent riding experience but we highly recommend the Strider 14x Sport Balance Bike, which comes with a lightweight and durable frame, great adjustability to grow with your kid, and a reasonable price. It’s definitely worth looking into when shopping for balance bikes for kids.

Shailen Vandeyar

A proud Indian origin Kiwi who loves to plant trees and play with my pet bunny when not out doing about every kind of biking and experiencing the occasional tumble. Ready to share the ride with you.

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