Balance bikes for kids are a great way for children to learn how to balance on a bike before they ever attempt to ride a big kid bike. A balance bike offers your child the opportunity to learn how to balance and steer without adding peddling to the mix.
Balance bikes are VERY popular in terms of helping children master the skills they need in order to ride a two-wheeled bike when they get older.
It allows them to coordinate between balancing and steering as they begin to master these two skills.
Once your child learns how to steer and gains confidence and control of their bike, he or she will be able to lift up their feet and cruise along while balancing on their bike. The seats on these bikes are adjustable to accommodate your child’s height and comfort level.
Once your child has accomplished those two skills they will be ready to transition to a pedal bike with confidence. This type of bike also eliminates the need for training wheels as your child will have mastered the art of balancing on a balance bike.
The nice thing about these types of bikes is they are designed to grow with your child. The frames on these bikes are lightweight allowing a child to ride and stride with great ease.
If your toddler is eager to learn how to ride a bike and wants to get out there, then a balance bike will offer him or her the opportunity to learn how to balance and steer while having FUN and gaining confidence.
If you are in a hurry…
==>> See a Selection of the Best Balance Bikes for Kids Here >>
On this page, we have reviewed some of the more popular and sought after brands that both parents and kids LOVE.
Read the reviews below to help you decide which balance bike would be right for your child.
Strider – 12 Sport Kids Balance Bike, No Pedal Training Bicycle, Lightweight Frame, Flat-Free Tires, For Toddlers and Children Ages 18 Months to 5 Years Old
The Strider Balance bike for kids features mini rubber grips, a padded seat, a safety pad, the performance footrest, and an 11” starting seat height, so your toddler can easily straddle the bike at a young age.
As your child grows, you can adjust the seat & handlebar heights with no tools required.
The seat height ranges from 11-19” to fit a huge range of inseam lengths (12-20”). Plus, the foam tires will never go flat!
This 12″ sport bike is also available in LOTS of colors including ‘STRIDER Red’ as shown.
Where To Buy: Amazon
The Schwinn balance bike is another beginner bike that is a popular choice for new riders.
Schwinn Balance Toddler Bike, Boys and Girls, Fits Kids 28 to 38-Inches Tall, Beginner Rider Training, 12-Inch Wheels, Foot-to-Floor Frame Design
The Schwinn balance toddler bike features a lightweight steel foot-to-floor frame design that is easy for young beginners to use. For first time riders, this bike aims to improve coordination and confidence to prepare toddlers for a pedal bike.
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. The handlebar is adjustable. Air filled tires provide a smooth ride while a lightweight mag wheel design adds style and flair.
The seat is adjustable with a quick-release seat collar to grow with your child as they gain confidence with balancing and eventually are ready to transition to a bike with pedals.
This toddler balance bike comes in LOTS of FUN colors for kids. The bike shown above is ‘Pink.’
Where To Buy: Amazon
Here is another balance bike for kids that get a lot of thumbs up from parents and kids!
Retrospec Childrens-Balance-Bikes Cub Kids Balance Bike No Pedal Bicycle – Beginner Toddler Bike – Steel Frame & Air-Free Tires – Girls & Boys 2-5 Years
The Retrospec Cub Kids Balance Bike No Pedal bicycle is designed for new cyclists 20 months to 5 years of age. This bike’s no-pedal form bears a kid-friendly step-thru frame so your little one can easily hop on and off their new bike.
Cub balance bike helps your tiny cyclist learn without the training wheels. With less distance between their feet and the ground, kids are able to better control their speed, avoid nasty falls, and minimize the chance of getting hurt. Keep ‘em riding with air-free tires, making tube replacements a thing of the past
The handlebars and seat of this no-pedal bike are adjustable as your child grows. Balance bike riders quickly learn how to glide, coast, and stop without developing a false center of gravity frequently experienced in other beginner bikes.
This balance bike is lightweight in construction with air-free tires that won’t deflate.
Where To Buy: Amazon
Radio Flyer, Glide & Go Balance Bike, 11″ Wheels, Pink
This balance bike for kids is a pedal-free beginners bike which allows kids to focus on balance ultimately preparing them for a two-wheeler in no time. Avoid wobbly and frustrating training wheels altogether!
The Glide & Go Balance Bike® features Traction Tread tires that hug the road with a lightweight sturdy steel frame for durability.
The comfort seat adjusts to grow with your child and the ringing bell offers additional fun. Maximum weight capacity 50 lbs. For ages 2 ½ – 5 years.
Colors Available: Pink as shown or Red
Where To Buy: Walmart
I have also included a video with step-by-step guidelines for teaching your toddler how to ride on a balance bike from Cycling UK (formerly CTC), the national cycling charity in the UK.
Here is another balance bike for kids that is lightweight yet very durable in construction. Great for helping a child learn how to balance and glide on a bike before they graduate to a bigger bike.
JOYSTAR 12 Inch Balance Bike for 18months, 2, 3, 4, and 5 Years Old Boys and Girls – Lightweight Toddler Bike with Adjustable Handlebar and Seat – No Pedal Bikes for Kids Birthday Gift
This balance bike for kids is a pedal-free beginner bike that allows toddlers to focus on balance. With a low-rise frame, EVA foam wheels, soft rubber grips and a soft saddle, this is the best starter bike for a child just learning how to ride.
The balance bike comes with a quick release seat clamp for tool-free adjustment. The seat and handlebar heights adjust to accommodate ages 18 months to 5 years. A great first balance bike transition to pedal bike for kids.
This balance bike is also lightweight in construction and durable for years of use. The 12 Marcher weights only 6.28lbs(2.85kg), makes it easy for your child to ride and stride. A low step-through metal frame is designed for child rider easy for them to get on or off the bike.
This bike is equipped with a padded seat and soft grips, providing comfortable cycling for toddlers and easy control. It also comes with DIY Decal stickers adding more fun for your little kids to get gliding up to speed in a flash.
Where To Buy: Amazon
Bluey Balance Bike – No Pedal Training Bike with Lightweight Metal Frame, No-Flat Tires, Padded Comfort Seat, for Children and Toddlers
This balance bike for kids will develop the skills they need to start riding a bike quickly, and feel confident in themselves as they ride.
Your child will ride in comfort with the soft to the touch chair that can be adjusted to their height. The frame is made with lightweight, and very durable aluminum. You can rest assured that this balance bike will be able to easily hold your child while they ride in style!
The grips on the handle bars make it easy for your to hold on and they are designed specifically for their smaller hands. They are rubberized so they can have a strong grip on the bicycle as they ride.
The bicycle also features fun Bluey graphics on the frame, wheels and chair. This will definitely add to the FUN of riding this bike.