Our profile section of the catalog with convenient selection according to parameters is designed to help you with your independent search for a kids' bike. If your child is already an experienced teenage rider, then you can probably consider adult models as well. However, we recommend you read this article first.

Type of bike or model selection according to the child's age

Many parents strive to choose the optimal kids' bike, based on the age of their child. The age, although a universal criterion, is very vague:

  • First, it doesn't always represent skill or even experience (there are six-year-olds for whom this is their first bike at all, and there are those who have been riding for two or three years).
  • Secondly, peers can differ greatly in anthropometry. That is why, ultimately, you need to select a model based on height, which we will talk about later.

Taking into account age is rather a way to determine the most suitable type of bike from the current range. Today the following varieties are distinguished:

  • Bike-stroller. This is not yet a full-fledged individual vehicle for a child, because it is controlled by a parent. But for learning how to use pedals, as well as moving away from classic strollers, this is a good option. Suitable for ages 1 to 3 years.
  • Balance bike. This is already a personal vehicle that looks like a 2-wheeled bike, but does not have pedals. To ride, the child pushes off the ground with his/her feet and can lean on them at any time to brake and/or prevent falling. A balance bike helps with balance and often makes the transition to two-wheeled bikes easier. Suitable for ages 2 to 4 years.
Balance bikes help improve the balance effectively.
  • Tricycle. These bikes are stable, therefore quite safe, they help with mastering control, improving coordination, and training the legs. True, they don't help your child maintain balance, so don't expect an instant switch to a 2-wheeled model. In any case, the three-wheeled bike is suitable for ages from 1 to 4 years.
Tricycles

  • Two-wheeled bike with side wheels. Sometimes these models are also called 4-wheeled. Small-size wheels are attached to the rear wheel on the sides of the outrigger bars for increased stability and fall protection. These bikes make the transition to 2-wheeled models easier and give confidence to the young rider. But there is an opinion that a long ride with safety wheels is not beneficial, but increases the adaptation period without them (especially if it is noticed that the child almost always tilts to one side, rather than balancing from side to side). It is believed that such models are suitable for ages from 3 to 6 years.
Side wheels should help the child overcome the fear, and afterwards, it is necessary to abandon them quickly.
  • An ordinary two-wheeled kids' bike. Such vehicles do not differ in key design features from their adult counterparts: they only differ in frame size, wheel size and additional equipment. Typically, such models do not include side wheels at all, or their use is no longer justified. They are suitable for ages from 5 to 8 years up to the teenage years.

Two-wheeled kids' bikes

Of course, there is no need to strictly adhere to the recommendations for target age ranges. It’s just enough to avoid extremes: it’s too late for a first-grader to start mastering a balance bike or a 3-wheeled model, but it’s too early to get on his/her dad’s bike.

A lot of overlap between ages suggests that it is not at all necessary for a child to try all of the listed types of bikes. But the categorical attitude that you need to choose only one thing, for example, a balance bike or a three-wheeled, is also wrong. And to avoid unnecessary expenses, it is worth considering convertible models, like KidWell Pico: it can be a two- or three-wheeled vehicle, both with and without pedals.

There are models on sale that convert into both a balance and a 3-wheeled bike.

Let's summarize it. Is it possible to skip the different bikes for toddlers and quickly master a 2-wheeled one? Everything is very individual and depends on the individual child. Of course, the transition from a balance bike or three-wheeled model looks a little smoother and easier. In the first case, the kid already has good balance, and in the second, his/her legs are prepared for pedaling. But there are many examples when the first form of vehicle is a kickboard or a regular scooter, and then the child quickly learns to ride a 2-wheeled bike.

Kickboards

Bike selection for the height: the main parameter is the wheel size

If the age of the child is more of a guideline for finding the optimal vehicle, then the main selection criterion is the height of the owner. Taking into account this anthropometric parameter will be the key to a safe and comfortable ride, as well as the harmonious development of a young cyclist. And unlike adult models, the selection of kids' bikes is carried out not by frame size, but by wheel size.

For example, 3-wheeled bikes and balance bikes rarely have tires larger than 10 and 12 inches, respectively. This size is usually convenient for children up to 98 – 100 cm in height. When choosing these vehicles, you need to focus on the manufacturers’ recommendations (by size and age), as well as a test before purchase. Here are basic tips on this matter:

  • when sitting on a 3-wheeled bike, the child should touch the ground with his/her feet. In this case, there should be no problems with pedaling;
  • when sitting on the balance bike, the child's legs should be slightly bent at the knees and reach the ground. If it is not possible to test it, then measure the length of the child's legs from the inside of the thigh and subtract 2 – 4 cm from the resulting number. This is the height of the seat of the balance bike.

For two-wheeled bikes, you can use universal recommendations for the ratio of height and wheel size, which are given in the table:

Child's height, cm Wheel size, inches
up to 100 12
from 95 to 105 14
from 100 to 115 16
from 110 to 125 18
from 115 to 130 20

Ideally, it is better to focus on the size charts of specific manufacturers on their official websites. If there are no such recommendations from the brand you are interested in, then you can already resort to the data from the above universal table.

Don't forget that children grow quickly, the ratio of the length of the body to the legs is different for everyone, and every centimeter can affect comfort. To prevent these individual features from becoming critical, many 2-wheeled kids' models provide height adjustment for the seat and/or handlebar. In any case, it is better to test the model before purchasing and check the following:

  • the height of the frame should be 10 to 12 cm below the child's lower part of body. In this way, impact and injury can be avoided when jumping forward (e.g. during emergency braking);
  • when sitting on the bike, the child can fully reach the pedal, which is in the lowest position, with an almost straight leg (barely bent at the knee). If he/she only touches it with his/her toe, then there will be no stable contact when riding, as well as 100% control of movement;
A correctly selected bike for the height is determined by the foot on the bottom pedal.

  • when riding, the child should easily reach the handlebar with his/her hands (elbows slightly bent), not hunch his/her back and not rest his/her knees on the handlebar;
  • the bike will last longer if the minimum seat and handlebar height positions are initially suitable for the child. Therefore, it is important to remember all of the above recommendations and to adapt the bike to the growing cyclist.

When the wheel size suitable for your child approaches the 20-inch mark, then you can take a closer look at adult models with similar tire sizes. In addition, it is also advisable to take into account the size of the frame. You can read more about this in our material “Choosing a bike by frame size: 5 most important tips.”

Important! Do not try to buy your child a bike that is too big, or to finish the season when the model is clearly too small. Both situations reduce the comfort and pleasure of riding, and are also fraught with orthopedic problems, including scoliosis or lordosis, leg curvature, etc. In addition, a model that is too big is unsafe — the child may not be able to reach the brake or let go of the handlebar at the most inopportune moment.
Bikes with 20-inch wheels

Frame and wheel materials

The overall reliability and weight of the bike depends on the frame. The last factor is also important, because it directly affects controllability, maneuverability and ease of transportation — taking out of the apartment, moving on stairs, loading into the trunk of the car. True, with wheels up to 20 inches, the difference in frame weight due to different materials is not as noticeable as in adult models.

For the youngest cyclists, bikes are sometimes made of plastic and wood. They are distinguished by their light weight, but they are not designed for serious loads, so these are normal options only for balance bikes and the simplest three-wheeled bikes.

Various metal frames are much more common, including:

  • aluminum. This frame is stronger than plastic or wood and can easily support a child. Aluminum is also quite light and is not afraid of rust, but it is more expensive than steel and can bend if dropped or subjected to strong impacts;
  • steel. The most common frame in kids' bikes. It is strong, durable, reliable and affordable. The disadvantage of steel is its heaviness compared to other materials;
  • magnesium alloy. Combines the lightness of aluminum with the strength of steel. But such frames are significantly more expensive, so they are not found so often — usually among 2-wheeled models of the older age group.
Most kids' bikes have a metal frame.

Tires on bikes are extremely rarely polyurethane or plastic. The most popular options are rubber. Moreover, there are two types:

  • pneumatic. They require pumping, are afraid of punctures or cuts, but absorb unevenness well;
  • cast or solid. They certainly cannot be damaged by punctures or single cuts, but they are more sensitive to irregularities and transmit vibrations and shocks to the handlebar more strongly than pneumatic ones.

Let's summarize it. For example, for a child who is not confident in balance and rides not only on a flat sidewalk, a model with an aluminum frame and pneumatic wheels is suitable. If the kid still often falls down even on fairly smooth asphalt, then the steel model with cast tires is preferable.

Kids' bikes with pneumatic wheels

What are the safety factors that should not be forgotten?

Safety is one of the most important aspects of choosing a bike for a child. Often, models for small children, including bike-strollers, offer the most protective options. To prevent a child from accidentally falling out of the seat, they often feature a protective bumper or seat belts.

The main safety consideration for bikes that are already being ridden by the child is good brakes. They provide the ability to stop quickly, avoid falls, collisions with pedestrians, etc. Models that are aimed at preschoolers are usually equipped with a foot brake, which requires reverse rotation of the pedals. This system is easy to learn and does not require much physical effort from the user.

The hand brake is difficult for the youngest children to grasp and press.

2-wheeled bikes for older children usually have a handbrake. There is an option for only the rear wheel or for two (more efficient). More often, a conventional rim system is used, where the brake pad is adjacent to the wheel rim and provides stopping power. Advanced models can also have more powerful disc brakes. Here the pads are pressed against a special disc fixed on the wheel hub. To better understand the types of bike brake systems, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the profile material “Types of bicycle brakes”.

Please note that if the bike has a front brake, the child must be taught how to use it correctly. At high speed, it is impossible to use it without the rear one — this is fraught with the bike tipping over and injuring the user.

Other parts of the bike's equipment that affect traffic safety include the previously mentioned side wheels, a bell and a rear-view mirror. These and other additional elements in the design make the model a little heavier.

Kids' bikes with seat belts

Ergonomic factors

As we have already said, kids' bikes should be properly matched to the height and, if possible, consider models with adjustable handlebar and seat height. It is also necessary to consider the material of the frame, because it affects the weight of the vehicle. Besides, there are other factors that affect the comfort of a young cyclist, namely:

  • fenders. Without these wheel shields, traveling in wet and muddy weather will cause your child's clothes to get dirty;
  • chain cover. Such protection performs several useful functions in a bike. It protects the child from accidental injuries and prevents grease stains from getting on the pants. By the way, it can cover the chain completely or only partially, as, for example, in the Cannondale Trail 16 Girls 2022;
  • bag or basket. These pieces of equipment are useful for taking extra things along for the ride. For children, these are usually various toys, such as a sandbox set. Some models provide both a bag on the rear wheel and a basket in front of the handlebar;
Without a kick-stand, a bike will often lie down rather than stand when parked.
  • kick-stand. It is found on 2-wheeled bikes and helps to place the vehicle vertically, without leaning it on a tree, fence, etc.

The absence of most of these elements by default is not a problem, because many of them are easy to purchase by choosing from a wide range of cycling accessories.

Parents may also be interested in models with a foldable design, because they are more convenient to store and transport. True, more often this feature is characteristic of stroller bikes, and is only rarely found among other kids' models.

Note that it is often stroller bikes that have a rich set of ergonomic features, including a footrest, adjustable backrest, play panel, sun visors, cup holder and much more.

Foldable kids' bikes

Other tips to consider before buying a bike

An important point when choosing a kids' bike is the color and design. In this matter, you should focus on your child’s preferences. Besides, you can always add individuality, for example, using stickers with characters from the favorite cartoons or computer games.

Do children need shock absorption and gear shifters? Until the teen years, more likely no than yes. Therefore, these functional features are usually absent in kids' models. For example, the process of shifting gears often distracts the child from the road and reduces safety. However, this option is needed first of all when riding uphill. Shock absorption is useful for those who already have good riding skills and are ready for rough terrain. Most often it is interesting to older children, and it is already possible for them to look at adult models with 20 or even 24 inch wheels.

Extra payments for quality and emphasis on brands among kids' bikes are not as critical as for adult models. While the latter can be used for decades, the child grows off the bike in two or three years on average (and sometimes even faster). Of course, a very cheap model with a low-quality frame can crack even after a few rides. But this is rare in the middle and higher price segments.

Whether it is necessary to overpay in this case is an open question. True, with a model from a famous brand, there is a higher likelihood that it will be passed on to younger brothers or sisters in good condition, or it will be successfully resold. Noteworthy brands of two-wheeled kids' bikes include Royal Baby, Cannondale, Specialized, Merida, Orbea, Toimsa, and manufacturers of balance bikes and models for small children include Globber, Kinder Kraft, Smoby, Qplay and Lionelo. Plus, Ukrainian brands traditionally provide a wid range, of which it is worth highlighting Pride, Ardis, Author and Formula.

An almost obligatory accessory for a kids' bike is a helmet.

And finally, do not forget that a special helmet is a mandatory accessory to a kids' bike. It is better to save on the vehicle itself than on this protective accessory. Additional specialized accessories are also welcome — gloves, special clothing and shoes, flashlights, flasks, etc.