Best Balance Bikes: These Amazing Options Make Riding Easy, Fun And Risk-Free!
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Balance bikes are intuitive to grab and go, making them ideal for kids up to 7 years old. They help toddlers develop balance and coordination before stepping up to try a bike with pedals and straightforward maintenance. Also known as glider bikes or run bikes, they are designed as children’s bike without pedals and training wheels, so you need to push off with your feet to move. Their lower saddle also gives a secure feeling to toddlers so that they can gain Independence must earlier.
Best Balance Bikes
| Image | Product | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Strider ST-S4GN – 12 Sport Balance Bike, Ages 18 Months to 5 Years, Green | 9.7 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Retrospec Cub Kids Balance Bike No Pedal Bicycle | 9.5 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Schwinn Toddler Balance Bike, 12-Inch Wheels, Beginner Rider Training, Pink | 9.1 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Banana LT Balance Bike – Lightweight for Toddlers, Kids – 2, 3, 4 Year Olds | 8.8 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Radio Flyer Air Ride Balance Bike, Toddler Bike | 8.6 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Albott Balance Bike Training Bike for 18 Months Kids | 8.2 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | smarTrike Toddler Balance Bike | 8 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Bixe 16″ Pro Balance Bike for for Big Kids | 7.7 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | WAYPLUS Balance Bike-12” Toddler Training Bike | 7.4 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | LAVA SPORT Balance Bike – Ultra Lightweight Aluminum | 7.2 | Check Price on Amazon |
Last update on 27th September 2023 / Affiliate Links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Our recommended balance bikes:
Strider ST-S4GN – 12 Sport Balance Bike, Ages 18 Months to 5 Years, Green
- JOIN THE STRIDER FAMILY – Meet the bike that set the world on fire and revolutionized the way kids learn to ride. Children as young as one are experiencing the thrill of riding without training wheels before they’re out of diapers.
- GROWS WITH YOUR CHILD – The seat and handlebar heights adjust to accommodate ages 18 months to 5 years, or a 12– 20 in. inseam (no tools required).
- FOR YOUNG KIDS – The 12 Sport weighing only 3.0 kg (6.7 lbs.), makes it easy for your child to ride and stride. Mini-grips mean your child’s little mitts can easily take control. This lean, mean, and durable bike gives you the biggest bang for your buck!
- IT’S MORE THAN JUST A BIKE – Boring specs aside, this is the bike that introduces kids to the freedom, power, and responsibility of riding. Now they have the power to keep up with you when you’re out and about, experiencing amazing freedom.
- YEARS OF FUN – We know kids put things through rigorous…*ahem*…testing. With the 12 Sport’s durable steel frame and puncture-proof tires, you don’t have to worry about damage or maintenance and have a child’s bike they won’t outgrow in a few months.
Last update on 27th September 2023 / Affiliate Links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Strider is a reputable manufacturer known for its high-quality options at reasonable prices. You can find great balance bikes designed for every aged, from 18 months up to adults. I like that they have a wide range of color options to choose from, so picking a balance bike that your little one will love is an easy task.
The 12 sport balance bike is an ideal option to invest in since it will your kid make its first steps into bikes before attempting to ride with pedals. It like that the bike is lightweight so not only your kid will not feel overwhelmed but you will also be able to carry it quite easily.
The bikes feature a steel frame that ensures great durability, plus the seat and handlebar can be easily adjusted without the need for tools. This is vital as you will be able to make small adjustments as your kid grows taller.
Overall, this is a great option that will provide countless hours of fun with minimal investment. This is not the cheapest option on the market, but I think that it is definitely worth having a closer look before making up your mind.
Retrospec Cub Kids Balance Bike No Pedal Bicycle
- Official blippi balance bike by Retrospec cultivates confidence in children learning balance & bike riding with its foot-to-floor & step-thru design
- Extremely safe design reduces risk of injury common on tricycles and training wheels
- Improves balance and coordination at crucial developmental stages, enabling a seamless development towards a pedal bike
- Maintenance-free, Worry-Free, minimal assembly, air-free tires never go flat
- Fits children from 20 months to 5 years old with adjustable seat posts and handlebars
Last update on 27th September 2023 / Affiliate Links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
It has a fantastic design for its price and can be found in various colors to choose from. For its price, this is a really impressive balance bike that anyone looking for one should check out before making up their mind. It is ideal for children 2 to 5 years old, and since it has an adjustable seat and handlebars this is a great investment for many years to come. Despite its low price, this balance bike features air-free tires that ensure a smooth ride for your little one.
I would consider this a great birthday present that any kid would love as a first bike. You can’t go wrong investing in a bike from Retrospec, so make sure you check them out while researching.
Schwinn Toddler Balance Bike, 12-Inch Wheels, Beginner Rider Training, Pink
- Lightweight steel foot-to-floor frame design is easy for young beginners to use
- Designed with 12-inch wheels, this bike fits riders ages 2 to 4, or 28″ to 38″ in height
- Easy steer handlebar with limiter make it easier for beginners to control the bike
- Air filled tires provide a smooth ride while a lightweight mag wheel design adds style and flair
- Tool-free adjustable seat post makes it easy to find a comfortable fit and includes a limited lifetime for as long as you own the bike
- Brake style: Coaster
- Suspension type: Front
Last update on 27th September 2023 / Affiliate Links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Schwinn is another well-known manufacturer with plenty of balance bike alternatives on the market that are worth checking out. This balance bike is quite affordable, and despite its low price, it is very well made. It is available in plenty of color variations to choose from, so if your little one likes vibrant colors, you will easily find one that they would love to ride on. This bike features 12″ wheels, so it is ideal for riders around 2 to 5 years old. I like that Schwinn equipped the bikes with air-filled tires vital to ensure a smooth ride for your child.
Many parents will appreciate how lightweight and compact this bike is, you can easily store it for transportation plus your kid will be able to handle its weight without worries. The bike also features an adjustable seat, so you can easily adjust it to the rider’s height without the need for tools.
It is easy to steer and handle for kids, so they won’t feel overwhelmed, making their first bike an enjoyable experience. Even though this is not the cheapest option on the market, it is well built and will provide countless hours of fun, so worth having a closer look before you commit to a balance bike for your kid.
Things to consider when looking for the best balance bikes:
Most people wonder which is the right age to buy a balance bike and things to look for or avoid when buying the first runner bike. I want to highlight some factors that will help you narrow down your research and answer any possible question, so let’s have a look:
Bike Size
When it comes to balance bikes, there is no one-size-fits-all alternative. The runner bikes can be found in various sizes to choose from, so it is vital to pick the right size based on your child’s height. The bike size is determined by the tire size and the height of the seat, so based on your kid’s age you can narrow down your research to the most appropriate tire size.
The most common tire is 12,” and it is ideal for kids from 18 months up to 2 years old. Kids around 3 to 5 years old will find 12” or 14” the best fit. Finally, you can find models that feature 16” tires that are ideal for 5 to 7 years old kids who are not confident to ride a bike with pedals.
Weight and tire types
You might have already noticed that balance bikes differ in weight, so it is wise to keep one that is not too heavy for your child. Keep in mind that air tires tend to be heavier than foam tires, so if you are not interested in investing in pricier lightweight models, foam tires are your best bet.
If you like to invest a little more for your next purchase, you can easily find very lightweight models yet use air tires. Ideally, it would be best if you were looking for a balance bike that is not heavier than 20-30% of your kid’s weight, as it will have a hard time pushing it, especially when incline.
The most common options on the market feature foam tires, as this is a great way to have a high-quality balance bike while keeping the cost low. They are great for rides over the pavement, but they are far from ideal for even surfaces. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option, you should start your research from models with foam tires, especially if you are interested in upgrading in the future.
The air tires are great for all-terrain surfaces since they provide better balance making them quite versatile. The air tires will also provide a better cushion since they are able to dampen bumps your kids will run over.
Frame
The most common options on the market are made from wood or metal. A metal frame will be made of steel or aluminum, and both a great option to consider. The type of metal will influence the bike’s weight since steel frames are heavier than aluminum alloys, yet steel frames have a higher weight capacity. There are plenty of wooden models that, to keep the price down, manufacturers make compromises that result in less durable models.
Extra Features
It is quite common for balance bikes not to have brakes, designed so that kids use their feet to slow down or stop. While brakes are optional, some parents may opt to balance bikes that feature a handbrake on their kids’ handlebar.
Kids around 2 or 3 years old will be able to use a handbrake in conjunction with their feet, which can be quite handy on inclines or rough surfaces. After all, this is great training before they step up to a pedal bike.
Some balance bikes on the market come with turning limiters and footrests. It comes down to personal preference, but it can be a decisive factor for some parents. The turning limiters, for example, are designed to block the handlebar and prevent sharp turns.
Finally, the balance bikes grips are something to consider when making your purchase, as you need to pick a model that feels comfortable to handle. Some models come with rubber grips that feature protective bumpers.
