Teaching your child how to ride a bike is one of the joys of parenthood. But it can be challenging to find a good bicycle for that first lesson.
For your child’s first bike, many recommend balance bikes. These have no pedals, and unless you’re a bicycle expert, it’s not easy to recognize how they’ll benefit your child.
Surprisingly, though, they’re a great place to start. They teach your child the most crucial skill before upgrading to a pedal bike — balance (1).
There are a lot of balance bikes to choose from, but we’ve found the eight best ones to help you out.
- Fully adjustable
- Lightweight child-friendly frame
- Puncture-proof, extra-large wheels
- Ultra-light frame
- Adjustable seat
- Better traction
- Packed with safety features
- Sturdy frame
- Breezy set-up
- Vibrant colors
- Soft handlebar
- Good-to-have footrest
- Two-in-one balance bike
- Fully adjustable
- Soft grips
- Multiple color options
- Safe design
- Maintenance free
- All-terrain bike
- Great place to start
- Sturdy construction
- Durable bike
- Balance-friendly design
- Easy to adjust
The Best Balance Bikes of 2023
Here are eight of the top balance bikes on the market.
Yvolution Y Velo Junior Balance Bike
Best Balance Bike Overall
For the best overall balance bike, we’ve chosen the Y Velo Junior from Yvolution. It has received nothing but praise from parents with young children between the ages of 18 months and 5 years.
This bike is an excellent place to start when your little one is learning how to ride. Both the seat and handlebars are adjustable, meaning it can grow with your child for a couple of years. The bike itself will support up to 45 pounds.
We love how large the wheels are — they enable your child to ride on various surfaces without tipping over. It’s available in multiple vibrant colors, suitable for boys and girls.
What We Like
Fully Adjustable
For developing children, adjustability is always a huge plus — they grow like bean sprouts. The Y Velo Junior allows for adjustments to the seat and handlebar.
The minimum height for the seat is 11 inches. As your child grows, you can raise it to the maximum height of 14.17 inches.
The seat also has a unique beam design, allowing your child to glide forward or back, depending on how tall they are.
Lightweight Child-Friendly Frame
We appreciate how lightweight the frame is, weighing a mere 7.7 pounds. It enables the rider to pick the bike up themselves. It has a durable aluminum construction that’s elevated to provide ample clearance for going over uneven terrain.
Puncture-Proof, Extra-Large Wheels
The extra-large wheels are a fantastic feature on the bike. I don’t know about you, but my kiddo is always biking over uneven terrain like grass or gravel. Large wheels help to level out bumps, assisting the rider’s balance.
Your child can ride as long as they like with less maintenance required as puncture-free rubber tires complement the wheels perfectly. Plus, they match the color of the bike, adding to the child-approved appearance.
Ergonomic Handles for a Comfy Grip
Yvolution did it right with the handles. They’re ergonomically designed to fit small hands comfortably.
What We Don't Like
Accessories Aren’t Included
There’s not many bad things to say about this bike. It doesn’t include any child-friendly accessories like a basket.
Product Specs
| Color | Green, blue, or red |
| Recommended age | 18 months to 5 years |
| Adjustable handlebar and seat | Yes |
| Maximum weight | 45 pounds |
| Item weight | 7.7 pounds |
Our Ratings
Banana Bike LT Lightweight Balance Bike
Best Balance Bike for Toddlers
With balance bikes, your child must have two feet fully on the ground while seated. For toddlers, many recommend this bike from Banana Bike.
It’s advertised to suit children up to 5 years. However, user reviews deem it best for toddlers aged 3 and under.
The Banana Bike is feather-light, and the LT Version 4 is an upgraded model with a durable seat, safe grips, and EVA wheels.
One of the best features is the adjustable seat. The minimum height of 12.2 inches is suitable for 2-year-olds. The bike has received good reviews from parents, so we’re confident your toddler will love it.
What We Like
Ultra-Light Frame
The upgraded version is even lighter than the previous one. Weighing only 6.4 pounds, it’s also one of the lightest on our list today.
The bike has a banana-shaped frame. This creates a low center of gravity, and despite its low weight, it’s durable and made of premium parts.
Adjustable Seat
The adjustable seat is a great feature for growing toddlers. The maximum height of the seat, however, is 15.7 inches, which most parents deem small for a 4-year-old and certainly not high enough for the advertised maximum age of 5.
For toddlers, the Banana Bike is a good pick — it adjusts effortlessly using the quick-release clamp. Your toddler can keep their tootsies firmly on the ground. Another great feature is the updated seat — it’s ultra-comfy yet durable.
Comfortable Grip
Other updated details on the Banana Bike are the cushioned bar-ends. They offer a secure grip, which is comfortable for your toddler’s long rides. The handles are slightly textured, helping your little one to hold on.
Better Traction
The bike is suited with puncture-proof EVA wheels. These are lightweight and textured to provide superb traction. Your toddler can ride over various surfaces without affecting the steering.
If needed, the handlebar includes a locking hex clamp, which inhibits it from turning. This can help minimize swiveling while your toddler is learning.
What We Don't Like
The Bar Ends Can Come Loose
The updated bar ends don’t stay on that well. Following crashes or laying the bike down, parents noted that they tend to fall off, exposing the metal.
Product Specs
| Color | Pink |
| Recommended age | 2 to 4 years |
| Adjustable seat | Yes |
| Maximum weight | 55 pounds |
| Item weight | 6.4 pounds |
Our Ratings
TheCroco Balance Bike
Best Lightweight Balance Bike
Balance bikes aren’t exclusively for toddlers and preschoolers. They work wonders for older kids who haven’t learned to ride or want a challenge. They’re also fantastic for kids with special needs who are just reaching an appropriate time to begin biking. The paint is fantastic and would last for years and it doesn’t need any tools for adjustments made.
This bike from TheCroco receives a lot of praise from parents. This one has 12-inch wheels, which is suitable for children aged 2 to 5 but other people say it could also be used by older kids.
It’s an effortless set-up, only requiring a little experience to complete. Then, it’s all about making sure that your child can safely learn to ride.
What We Like
Packed with Safety Features
TheCroco put safety as a top priority when constructing this balance bike. It has high quality sealed bearings that lasts for years, padded seats and handlebars for a comfortable ride, and aluminum frame that won’t rust.
Sturdy Frame
The sturdiness of the frame is outstanding. While it may be lightweight, it’s capable of supporting a child of up to 7 years old. The bike is backed by a warranty, guaranteeing repair or replacement should something fail.
The praise this bike receives from parents of older kids learning how to ride is exceptional. It’s suitable for all kids, whether they’re late learners or have special needs.
Breezy Set-Up
TheCroco ships the bike partially assembled. All you do is slide the handlebar and seat into position, adjust the height, and secure it.
What We Don't Like
May Not be for Taller Kids
Although it says it could be used by older kids, some parents mentioned that taller kids might dislike the idea of using this balance bike.
Product Specs
| Color | Black, blue, bright orange, green, pink, purple, red |
| Recommended age | 2 to 5 years |
| Adjustable seat | Yes |
| Maximum weight | Not specified |
| Item weight | 4 pounds |
Our Ratings
Joystar 12-Inch Kids Balance Bike
Best Balance Bike for Girls
We wanted to include the Joystar balance bike as an option exclusively for girls. It’s adorable, decked out in pink and white with subtle flowers here and there.
The Joystar balance bike has a lot to offer for a beginner. It features a padded handlebar to protect your little one during sudden stops. It’s also constructed with a solid frame, capable of surviving the rigorous learning phase.
Another feature we haven’t seen yet is the footrest. It sits in the middle, simulating where your child would put their feet on a pedal bike.
The bike is suitable for children aged 1.5 to 4 years. It has an adjustable seat, ranging from 12.6 to 16.5 inches.
What We Like
Vibrant Colors
We adore this pretty-in-pink theme. It’s vibrant and eye-catching, perfect for little girly-girls.
The pink and white colors complement each other well, making for a popping combo. Your child will be clearly visible while out riding.
Soft Handlebar
The worst part about being a small biker is that hard metal frames can hurt, especially the handlebar.
Joystar thought of that and included soft padding on the middle of the bar. If your little one should come to a sudden stop, it won’t hurt if they accidentally hit the bar.
Lightweight Frame and Durable Tires
The balance bike is based on a steel frame that’s sturdy and lightweight. It weighs approximately 7.5 pounds and is easy to pick up for your little one.
The bike itself is fairly low-maintenance. The tires are 12-inch EVA polymer foam, so they don’t require air. They’re also rust-resistant and will be able to carry your little one for years.
Good-To-Have Footrest
A small footrest sits in the middle of the frame under the seat. This position helps the rider find their center of gravity while cruising along. It’s also the location they will put their feet when they upgrade to pedals.
What We Don't Like
The Handles Are Fragile
Although the handles are soft and comfortable to grip, they’re quite fragile. A few parents were disappointed to see they began showing signs of wear rather quickly.
Product Specs
| Color | Pink or red |
| Recommended age | 1.5 to 4 years |
| Adjustable seat | Yes |
| Maximum weight | N/A |
| Item weight | 7.5 pounds |
Our Ratings
Strider 2-in-1 Balance to Pedal Bike
Best Convertible Balance Bike
If you’re searching for a bike your child can use for a long while, we recommend a convertible. A good example is this one from Strider — it includes a pedal kit to convert it once the rider is ready.
The Strider 14x Sport looks like a big-kid bike and can help build your little one’s confidence. It’s suitable for children between the ages of 3 to 7, with an adjustable seat and handlebar.
It’s a sturdy bike, made to last until your child outgrows it. The tires are air-filled rubber, compatible with standard pumps.
The frame weighs 12 pounds without pedals, so it isn’t the lightest on the market.
What We Like
Two-In-One Balance Bike
Some parents do argue the need for balance bikes, so if you’re unsure, this is a great choice. Since it’s a convertible, you can attach the pedals if your child doesn’t like the balance, or you feel it’s necessary.
The kit included contains everything you need to make the switch, as well as thorough instructions. With the pedals and chain, there’s also a guard to prevent any potential injuries.
Fully Adjustable
You can lower or lift both the handlebar and seat. The seat has a minimum 16-inch height and a maximum of 23 inches.
The seat is easy to adjust using the clamp system. You simply open it up and lift the saddle before tightening the clamp again. However, the handlebar requires a wrench.
Soft Grips
To ensure hours of comfortable riding, Strider has fitted the handles with soft materials. This also secures the rider’s grip, giving your child some extra confidence.
What We Don't Like
No Brakes
There are no brakes on the bike, which many parents feel should be included. It’s not ideal when transitioning to pedals.
Product Specs
| Color | Awesome blue or fantastic green |
| Recommended age | 3 to 7 years |
| Adjustable seat | Yes |
| Maximum weight | N/A |
| Item weight | 12 pounds |
Our Ratings
Retrospec Cub Kids Balance Bike
Best Balance Bike for 4-Year-Olds
For 4-year-olds, we recommend this balance bike from Retrospec. It’s a safe bike with some flair for fun-loving kids. It comes in 7 color combinations, excellent for both boys and girls.
The bike is CPSC compliant, featuring air-free tires and a safe design, which minimizes the chance of injuries. It features a footrest in the middle of the frame and is a great bike to learn on.
The banana-shaped design promotes balance with its low-lying frame. The handlebars and seat are both adjustable to support your growing child.
What We Like
Multiple Color Options
Four year old kids this age love color and the fun-factor on this bike is in full gear. The Cub is available in multiple color options, meaning there’s something for every kid. All the combos are vibrant and eye-catching for a preschooler.
Safe Design
The no-pedal design is safe because your child always has their feet close to the ground. Retrospec adds to it a little further, ensuring the design of the frame optimizes safety.
It’s a high-tensile steel frame, providing outstanding durability. The low-profile helps your little one get on and off quickly. Also, the small footrest helps them keep a centered balance while cruising.
Maintenance Free
The materials used require minimal maintenance. High-tensile steel is long-lasting and able to withstand tumbles. The no-air tires are puncture-proof and capable of riding over various terrains.
What We Don't Like
Steering Is a Bit Stiff
A few reviewers pointed out the steering seems stiff, even after months of use. It’s not easy for small riders to make sharp turns without having to use some strength.
Product Specs
| Color | 7 color combinations |
| Recommended age | 2 to 5 years |
| Adjustable seat | Yes |
| Maximum weight | Not specified |
| Item weight | 9 pounds |
Our Ratings
Gomo Balance Bike
Best Balance Bike for Boys
When junior wants to learn how to ride a bicycle, this product from Gomo is worth a look. It’s an all-terrain balance bike, perfect for thrill-seeking boys.
The bike features a turn limiter to ensure your little stuntman won’t get into too much trouble. This helps him master his balance without severe swiveling. It’s also suited with through-wheel axles as well as an extra padded seat to reduce bumps.
The Gomo is sturdily built. It can carry up to 60 pounds and allows for adjustments for the growing child. It’s suitable for children between the ages of 1.5 to 5 years.
What We Like
All-Terrain Bike
Because of the sturdiness of the Gomo balance bike, it’s capable of going off-road. The through-wheel axles prevent the wheels from dislodging, even when the road is bumpy.
The seat features extra padding to avoid jarring when your little one hits a bump in the road.
To keep the rider comfortable, there are easy-grips on the handles, providing a secure hold. The 12-inch wheels are puncture-proof and can easily glide over gravel and other uneven surfaces.
Great Place to Start
Gomo wants to ensure your little boy masters the art of balance before giving him full reign with the steering. The turn limiter keeps him from swiveling out of control while riding along the path. Then he can put his feet on the footrest once he has built up speed.
Sturdy Construction
Safety aside, the thing we appreciate the most about this balance bike is its sturdiness. It’s a lightweight, yet highly durable frame, and it’s backed by a two-year warranty. The bike weighs a staggeringly light 6.4 pounds, fantastic for getting back up quickly.
What We Don't Like
The Wheels Are Slippery
When riding on smooth surfaces, a few parents noted the wheels are quite slippery. It’s not a huge issue since it’s a balance bike, but many noted it to be something to watch out for.
Product Specs
| Color | Black, pink, or red |
| Recommended age | 1.5 to 5 years |
| Adjustable seat | Yes |
| Maximum weight | 60 pounds |
| Item weight | 6.4 pounds |
Our Ratings
Schwinn Skip Toddler 12-Inch Balance Bike
Best 12-Inch Balance Bike
This size of bike is perfect for children between 2 to 4 years, and the Schwinn Skip 2 is a great pick. It’s a BMX-inspired balance bike, sporting a grayish coat with vibrant red rims and handles.
It’s constructed from durable steel and designed with a low center of gravity to help your child balance. The 12-inch wheels are made of soft-riding EVA foam, adding some suspension to level out bumps.
You can adjust the seat effortlessly using the quick-release collar. The bike is fun for both boys and girls, and it’s available in ten colors. Schwinn also includes a limited lifetime warranty.
What We Like
Durable Bike
The steel frame and EVA foam tires make the bike durable. It’s meant to grow with your child, and it has a “big-kid” look to it, which is appealing for young children.
Balance-Friendly Design
A lot of parents praise how great the design of the Schwinn Skip 2 is. The low-profile frame promotes a low center of gravity, helping your little one find their balance. The outstanding reviews suggest this bike is worth consideration.
Easy to Adjust
Adjusting the seat couldn’t be easier. It features a quick-release system, allowing you to alter the height without tools. Some parents even said they only used one hand.
What We Don't Like
Difficult to Assemble
The assembly is less than straightforward. A few parents said it took at least an hour. Some of the nuts are hard to turn, and a few of the parts weren’t good quality, making them fragile while assembling.
No Padding on the Handles
There isn’t any padding on the handles — only a thin layer of rubber or plastic material. The handles are quite hard to hold on to and don’t promote a secure grip.
Product Specs
| Color | Gray and red or teal |
| Recommended age | 2 to 4 years |
| Adjustable seat | Yes |
| Maximum weight | N/A |
| Item weight | 14 pounds |
Our Ratings
| Product | Best | Color | Recommended age | Adjustable handlebar and seat | Maximum weight | Item weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yvolution Y Velo Junior Bike | Overall | 3 colors | 18 mos – 65 yrs | Yes | 45 lbs | 7.7 lbs |
| Banana Bike LT Lightweight Bike | Toddlers | Pink | 2 – 4 yrs | Yes | 55 lbs | 6.4 lbs |
| TheCroco Balance Bike | Lightweight | 7 colors | 2 – 5 yrs | Yes | N/A | 4 lbs |
| Joystar 12-Inch Kids Balance Bike | Girls | Pink or red | 1.5 – 4 yrs | Yes | N/A | 7.5 lbs |
| Strider Balance to Pedal Bike | Convertible Bike | Blue or green | 3 – 7 yrs | Yes | N/A | 12 lbs |
| Retrospec Cub Kids Balance Bike | 4-Year-Olds | 7 colors | 2 – 5 yrs | Yes | N/A | 9 lbs |
| Gomo Balance Bike | Boys | 3 colors | 1.5 – 5 yrs | Yes | 60 lbs | 6.4 lbs |
| Schwinn Skip Toddler Balance Bike | 12-Inch Bike | 3 colors | 2 – 4 yrs | Yes | N/A | 14 lbs |
Why Buy a Balance Bike
Balance bikes are gaining popularity among parents because they eliminate the need for training wheels. They speed up the process and teach the rider to focus on balancing as opposed to pedaling (2).
A correctly sized balance bike can help your child ride without training wheels. They make it fun for small children to learn — it’s easy, and almost every toddler can master it.
Your little one also gets to build leg muscles, coordination, and confidence. All of that will help them transition to a real bike.
Some children may feel intimidated if it’s their first-ever introduction to a bicycle. If that’s the case, take them to a place where the ground is even and paved.
These bikes can take some time getting used to, but it’s all about patience. Soon, your child will gain confidence, and you can encourage them to lift their feet from the ground. A few models come with footrests, which assume the position where the pedals would be.
Advantages of Balance Bikes
- Boosts confidence.
- A safer way of learning how to ride.
- Lots of styles such as BMX, classic, or retro, to choose from.
- They’re versatile — there’s one for every type of child.
- There’s a wide price point, suitable for each budget.
Disadvantages of Balance Bikes
- Balance bikes are easy to outgrow once your child has mastered their balance.
- They’re not a necessity — kids can learn how to bike without them.
How to Choose a Balance Bike
Child-Friendly Build
One of the most important points to keep in mind is the structure or geometry of the balance bike. It must create a balance where your child can sit in an upright to a somewhat forward-leaning position.
On a balance bike, the seat tubes, steerer tube, and the distance between the saddle post and handlebar should all be structured the same as an adult bicycle.
Another thing to watch out for is the wheelbase. If the distance between the wheels is too great, your child will hunch over. This can place too much weight on the handlebar.
If the gap is too narrow, they will sit awkwardly upright, perhaps even leaning back unnaturally.
It’s not easy to determine whether a bike you see online is appropriate. We recommend looking through user reviews — many parents include photos, which you can use as a reference.
Adjustable Size
Having a bike that allows for size adjustments means that it will grow with your child. When your kid gets their first balance bike, they’re likely to be small toddlers, standing a mere 30 inches tall. Once your little one is ready for an upgrade, they’ve probably grown several inches.
Being able to alter the height of the seat and the handlebar helps tremendously. You’ll save some cash, and your kiddo will get to use the bike they feel comfortable with for longer.
Weight
Balance bikes should never be too heavy, no more than 30 percent of the child’s weight. If the bicycle is too heavy, it becomes a tiring challenge for your little one to haul it around. Pushing, turning, and stopping is difficult and could lead to injuries.
Steel is a common material used for balance bikes — they’re the heaviest and the lowest price. The lightest, and usually more expensive, are those made of aluminum.
Low-Profile Frame
A low-profile frame is beneficial in two areas. For starters, it makes it easier for a young child to step over while getting on or off the bike. Your little one should be able to stand comfortably without having the frame too high up.
A low-profile frame also provides a lower center of gravity. This increases your child’s chance of obtaining balance and keeping it.
Correct Size
Even if the seat allows for alterations, it’s still essential to consider the size. The rider should be able to have both feet flat on the ground while sitting in the saddle.
Most balance bikes come with 12-inch wheels, which is suitable for 2- to 4-year-olds. Some others go as big as 16-inch.
Measuring your child’s inseam is the best way to get an idea of which size to get. You can do this by attaching a piece of paper to a wall using duct tape.
Place a small book between your child’s legs at the crotch area — mark on the paper where the highest point of the book reaches.
Measure and note the distance between the floor and the mark you made. A seat’s height should be approximately 1-inch to 1.5-inch less than your child’s inseam. If the bike’s saddle is adjustable, aim for the lowest seat height to allow for growth.
Footrest
A footrest is an excellent feature. It’s not there so much for resting the feet as to replicate how your child would sit if there were pedals. This can help your child get a feeling of how it will be once they upgrade to a real bike.
Check that the footrest isn’t too bulky. If it’s too big and extends along the bike or to the sides, it will interfere with your child’s stride. Look for one that sits just under the seat, similar to where the pedals would be.
Are They Worth It?
Only you can decide whether your child needs a balance bike. However, the best balance bikes can speed up the learning process in a fun and safe way. Your child will gain confidence, build leg muscles, and learn to balance while skipping the training wheels.
It’s essential to find the right balance bike. It must be geometrically correct for a child, lightweight, and have the right-sized, low-profile frame. Your little one should always be able to have both feet fully on the ground while seated.
