It’s hard to believe our family has been using balance bikes since 2008 our when our oldest son started on a wooden balance bike. There weren’t any ‘best balance bikes’ because there were only a few wooden balance bikes on the market at that time. The wooden bike was fine for learning but it definitely didn’t hold up to harsh weather conditions, the geometry was terrible, and it pretty much fell apart in a year. Oh how times have changed and now there are dozens of bikes on the market for every price and age level.
Before we talk about which balance bikes are the best, why does your child need a balance bike? We are big believers in the balance bike and even started a non-profit called the Axel Project that donates balance bikes to daycares and schools. What we’ve seen and experienced is that balance bikes allow kids to progress at their own rate through a series of steps that build confidence and start a lifelong love of riding. Note: Axel Project is now All Kids Bike by Strider.
This is our information packed guide to help you select the best balance bike for your child. This guide contains a range of bike reviews and details so you can quickly select the right balance bike. All of this is up to date and will show you the best balance bike in 2018.
Balance Bike or Training Wheels?
It’s a question that comes up a lot in relation to balance bikes and my answer always is “no training wheels.” That said, while most kids will learn to pedal with a balance bike not all will. If you need to use training wheels for a bit after using the balance bike that’s fine but training wheels will not teach kids to balance. The hardest part of learning to ride a bike is balancing while seated and this is where the balance bike excels.
Our Top Balance Bike Picks
Strider 12 Sport
The Strider 12 Sport balance bike is well-designed, strong and functional frame. It weights less than 7 pounds and adapts to fit kids from 1.5 to 5 years old with a low 8 inch stand over height and 9 inches of seat post height adjustability. Strider calls it “the bike that changed the world” and we’d have to agree it’s one of the best balance bikes for toddlers. The Sport has built-in footrests and a padded seat sized perfectly for toddler hips. Mini-grips tailored for small hands improve control and a cushy handlebar pad looks great while improving safety. The wheels are lightweight plastic with foam rubber tires that never need inflating. For a moderate price, the Strider is a high quality bike that fits all kids – you can’t go wrong with a Strider. Each bike also comes with a Learn to Ride guide so if you are in doubt of how to teach your child to ride a bike you’ll have some backup support.
Assembly – We’ve assembled thousands of Striders while working at Axel Project and they’re always a breeze and take less than 10 minutes each. Wheels are pre-attached, step-by-step instructions are included, and assembly consists of adjusting the headset and tightening the quick-release levers on the seat and handlebars.
Bonus – Strider’s mission is to get more kids riding bikes and they have a ton of events and resources that encourage this mission. Check out their event page learn more.
Behind the scenes info – Prior to starting Strider, Ryan McFarland designed and patented many advancements in the bicycle and motorsports industry.
woom 1
woom has been making a name for themselves with bike enthusiasts and active families. If money is not an issue and your little one is athletic and ready to rip then the woom 1 is bike for them! Weighing just under 8 pounds, the woom 1 features an ideal upright riding position and long wheel base, a very low 7-inch top tube height (one inch lower than Strider) and 5 inches of seat adjustability. Bolts are recessed making it impossible for kids to get scratched and includes a hand brake so your child can get a jump on learning to use brake levers. The woom is the best balance bikes for toddlers 1.5-3.5 years old.
Assembly – The woom is shipped in an oversized box with its wheels and hand brake pre-attached and adjusted. Assembly consists of installing the headset with the included allen wrench, and adjusting the seat height. Easy peezy.
Bonus: The woom 1 is available in 5 colors.
Behind the scenes info: The Woom is designed in Europe, built in Asia, and assembled in Austin which gives woom high quality control. 85% of their bike parts are individually developed and produced exclusively for them.
Banana Bike LT
If you’ve shopped on Amazon long enough you’ll know about the world of Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) which is basically where a company manufactures a product to only sell on Amazon. This model allows the company to keep costs down while offering a generic equivalent to a popular item. This is the model of the Banana Bike LT. Think of it, good or bad, as a Strider knockoff that will save you around $60. It has the most important features for balance bikes: low stand-over height, appropriate geometry, and it’s light weight. This is the best balance bike for your toddlers if you’re looking for something functional, affordable, effective, and fun.
Assembly – The theme here is the more you pay the less you assemble. With this being the cheapest bike you’re going to work a little harder. It comes in a small box, both wheels detached, and headset off. There is no pre-assembly inspection like woom so you’ll need to do some wrenching or take it to your local bike shop to get it ready to ride.
Bonus – You’ll have it in 2 days with Prime shipping and it’s a cute looking bike that doesn’t look or perform like a toy.
Behind the scenes info – There are over 250 reviews on Amazon and it receives 4.6 out of 5 stars.
Strider 14X
The bottom line is that the majority of kids are older than 3 when they are exposed to riding a bike, and that’s where the Strider 14x Sport comes into play. The 14x Sport’s price, appropriate geometry, wide range of adjustability, the unique add-on pedal system and Strider’s commitment to rider education makes this the best choice for those over 3 years old. In addition to being a balance bike it’s also a great first pedal bike and should last your child a few years. The 14x weighs 12 pounds without pedals, and just under 16 pounds with, which is at the light end for a 14-inch bike. Like the other Striders it has a low standover height (10 inches); a longer stable wheelbase (29 inches); and a seat that ranges in height from of 15 to 22 inches.
Assembly – We’ve assembled thousands of Striders while working at Axel Project and they’re always a breeze and take less than 10 minutes each. Wheels are pre-attached, step-by-step instructions are included, and assembly consists of adjusting the headset and tightening the quick-release levers on the seat and handlebars.
Bonus – Strider’s mission is to get more kids riding bikes and they have a ton of events and resources that encourage this mission. Check out their event page learn more.
Behind the scenes info – Prior to starting Strider, Ryan McFarland designed and patented many advancements in the bicycle and motorsports industry.
Buying Tips
A balance bike is a simple bike to get kids interested in biking and properly set up to pedal so it’s not that complicated of a buying decision. That said here are a few things to keep in mind.
Wheel Sizes
Most balance bikes come with wheels that are 12″ in diameter, a size considered perfect for kids ages 18 months to about five years. Don’t go with wheels that are smaller.
Tire Material
This will impact the type of ride your toddler experiences but in my experience they all work in most cases.
Air – Heavier than other tires, but provide a more cushion and have better traction for off road.
EVA Foam – These are lighter and less expensive, but don’t provide as much of a cushion or traction as air. While they have good traction for roads and sidewalks areas, they are not as good on trails or super smooth gym floors. A major benefit is that you never have to worry about your child getting a flat tire. Strider uses these.
Rubber – Like foam tires, you won’t have to worry about flats. They also are a step up for traction, but lack in providing the cushion of air or foam tires. They are uncommon.
Bike Weight
If a bike weighs more than 30% of your child’s weight, they will have trouble riding it. Since you want your little one to be able to rip around without getting frustrated, make sure you don’t get a bike that’s too heavy for them to use. In general, simpler bikes are lighter.
Hand Brake
Up until the age of 3, kids don’t have the hand/eye coordination to use a hand brake. But if they are three and learn on a balance bike, they don’t need to relearn on a pedal bike. It’s a heated topic but I would opt for no brakes unless your child is 3 and up or you’re really concerned about them ruining their shoes (kidding).
Geometry
Some of the older and cheaper bike have terrible geometry. An example of this is the Chico or WeeRide. Don’t buy a bike that looks like a toy and is made by a toy/baby company and you should be okay here. All the bikes in our review have excellent geometry as do many of their competitors.
Tips for Teaching Your Kids to Ride