Children are constantly on the move. And they love wheeled vehicles that they can whiz around on. Balance bikes are particularly popular with children between the ages of 2 and 5. These vehicles have a saddle, handlebars, and two wheels, just like a real bicycle. But instead of pedals and a chain, they are propelled and braked with the feet. Balance bikes are not only great fun for the little ones, but they also train their sense of balance and prepare them for using a real bike in a playful way.
In this post, we have collected 5 great balance bikes for ages 2+, so you can find the one that suits your kid perfectly.
Chillafish Charlie Balance Bike with Carry Handle (under $50)
The Chillafish Charlie balance bike is designed for children 2+ years old. The manufacturer recommends it for a height between 33 and 42 inches. The maximum load capacity of the bike is 55 pounds.
This Charlie model is suitable for training motor skills. In addition, with its help, the child should have the opportunity to train balance. The bike has two wheels, a height-adjustable saddle, and an adjustable handlebar. The tires are made of EVA.
Pros:
- Ergonomic seat with knee recess;
- Non-toxic materials;
- Wheels with rubber coating;
- Comparatively light.
Cons:
- Maximum weight.
Chicco Red Bullet Bike (under $80)
Chicco Red Bullet running bike weighs 6 pounds and can withstand a maximum weight of 55 pounds. The frame is made of metal. Furthermore, the model is equipped with a child-friendly design, and rubber tires, which are supposed to increase the rolling comfort. As with many other models in this post, the saddle and handlebar height of the Chicco Red Bullet wheel can be adjusted.
Pros:
- Puncture-resistant rubber tires;
- Adjustable seat and handlebars.
Cons:
- Comparatively heavy;
- Available in one color.
BOBIKE Balance Bike (under $80)
This BOBIKE model is suitable for children aged 2 to 3 years. It is equipped with pneumatic tires that are 10 inches in size and they are designed to cushion the wheel during the ride. The saddle of this balance bike is height-adjustable ad equipped with ball bearing steering.
The frame is made of tubular steel and is said to be extremely robust. Its metallic paint finish is impact resistant, according to the manufacturer.
Pros:
- Available in different colors;
- Extra thick pneumatic tires;
- Adjustable handlebar and seat.
Cons:
- Comparatively heavy.
Smoby Scooter Rider (under $160)
Smoby Scooter Rider is designed in orange and has a retro look. It features the look of a delivery scooter and is designed for children 18 months and older. According to the manufacturer, the model has a low center of gravity. It is said to be very well made and suitable for playful training of the sense of balance as well as motor skills. The wheel has two wheels, which are coated with a premium soft material, which provides a very good grip. It is said to be abrasion resistant and allows the wheel to be ridden extremely quietly.
Pros:
- Looks like a delivery scooter;
- Wheels coated with abrasion-resistant material;
- Handlebars with child-friendly grips;
- With steering lock.
Cons:
- Made of plastic;
- The seat and handlebars are not adjustable.
Puky LR M Plus Balance Bike (under $190)
Puky LR M children's balance bike has a shock-resistant powder coating, according to the manufacturer. The handlebars and saddle are height-adjustable, and the saddle height can be adjusted from 12 to 15 inches. The PUKY bike is suitable for children from 2 years. It is among the slightly more expensive models in this comparison.
Pros:
- Seat and handlebars adjustable;
- Low in height;
- Foam tires.
Cons:
- Comparatively heavy.
How to choose a balance bike for a kid?
When buying a balance bike, the age of the child is crucial. Many running bikes are suitable for children from 2 years old. The age specification is a guideline and does not apply to every child. In addition, parents should consider whether the bike should be made of wood, metal, or plastic.
The quality of the materials plays just as important a role in the purchase as the maximum weight it can take. Other questions parents should ask themselves before purchasing:
- Can the saddle and handlebars be adjusted in height? If the seat height can be adjusted to the height of the child, this is an advantage. It also makes sense to pay attention to the height adjustability of the handlebars. This makes it possible to find and adjust a good seating position for the child. This allows the wheel to «grow with the child», so to speak.
- What tires does the bike have? If the bike is to be used mainly outdoors and possibly also on dirt roads, a model with pneumatic tires is the better choice. Pneumatic tires cushion bumps better and has a better grip on slippery surfaces. If the wheel is equipped with plastic tires, it does not cushion so much. The advantages of plastic tires are their high stability and puncture resistance. If you want a bike for a very small child, you should also pay attention to the width of the wheels. Models with extra wide wheels offer children a safer experience.
- What size it is? A balance bike should be neither too small nor too large. The child should be able to touch the ground with the soles of their feet. The child's legs should be slightly bent. In order not to choose the wrong size bike, the child should be present at the time of purchase. Parents can use the child's height and stride length as a guide otherwise. It is best if the stride length is about an inch more than the seat height.
It is important that the bike has safety handlebar grips and a handlebar pad. Some models also have a side stand, a steering lock and/or a brake. If the wheel is intended for a small child, a brake is not necessary. Children usually do not yet know when to use the brake or how it works. In addition, it is usually not possible for them to move the lever of the brake. In addition, children can get their fingers caught. If the vehicle is intended for a slightly older child, from about 3 years, a bike with a brake may be useful, such a model can prepare the child for riding a real bike.
