10 Ultimate Balance Bikes for Toddlers 2-to-3-Years

Welcome to the world of balance bikes, where tiny toddlers are transformed into rider’s with grace, balance and coordination as they explore fun packed two wheel adventures.

If you have a curious and energetic little toddler at home around 2-years of age, then this is what we like to call prime-time for toddlers to be introduced to the developmental powerhouse of a toy known as a kids balance bike.

Balance bikes are tiny little bike’s with no pedals or drive-chain. They are powered quite simply by the rider running along while seated and have been developed to teach rider’s the essential bike riding skills of balance and coordination.

Their design and use allows toddlers to begin riding a bike at an early age, and then to transition directly to a pedal bike when ready, eliminating the need for training wheels or tricycles which are counter intuitive to learning the correct motor skills for riding a bike.

Whether you are looking for a balance bike that is indestructible (well almost), light weight, packed with features, or able to be ridden off-road as well as on hard surfaces, then we have you covered in this post which provides you with 10 ultimate balance bikes for toddlers 2-to-3 years.

Before we ride along and through our 10 ultimate bikes, there are two key points we would like our readers to understand prior to making a decision on a balance bike.

1. Not all balance bikes are created equal, and every rider is unique.

Balance bikes are not a one-size-fits-all toy and we recommend you consider some basic guidelines before purchasing a bike.

You can find a wealth of information to get you started within our post, Balance bike buyers guide. In addition, you might like to head over to our article, 10 things parents should know before buying a balance bike. We are sure you will find these super helpful.
2. Our 10 ultimate balance bikes for toddlers 2-to-3-years is targeted at this age-group specifically. In addition, these are what we like to call ultimate bikes, without making the claim the best bike. Why?

Just like point one above states, not all bikes will suit every rider. Some bikes will suit your 2-year old perfectly, other’s will not. We ask that parents carefully find their child’s inseam and consider their little rider’s personality. Then, match the right bike to your child, not the other way around.
Rest assured, we have done our homework to provide you with 10 balance bikes that are exceptional products and have an excellent reputation in the balance bike world. Therefore, these are truly worthy of their appearance in our 10 ultimate balance bikes for toddlers 2-to-3-years.

They may not all be a perfect fit for your child, but we can guarantee each have the potential to leave your child beaming from ear-to-ear as they begin their at times, wobbly bike riding journey on one of these toys.

Now, let’s get riding!

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1. Woom 1 ** Top pick for hard surfaces

Price: USD $249.00 at woom.com

Weight: 6.6 lbs (3 kgs)

Seat height range: 10″ to 14″

Woom have been developing quality kids bikes since it’s foundation in 2013. The two founders, both dads, wanted to develop bike’s for kids that would perfectly fit the proportions and riding behavior of children.

The company has now grown to be represented in 30 countries, with bikes built for anyone 18 months and up.

The Woom 1 has been created for the youngest of rider’s at around 18 months to 2 years. You can find out more about the Woom 1 here.

Overall, this bike is a little like a deluxe car. The quality and design of the Woom 1 make this one of the leading first bike options for toddlers in the world. A great company, standing behind great products, that although more of a high-end price point, are definitely worth considering for your child.

2. Vitus Nippy Super Light

Price: £45 at vitusbikes.com

Weight: 1.9kg (equal with the Cruzee as the lightest balance bike on the market)

Seat height range: 31 to 38 cm (12″ to 15″)

Pros: ultra light, simple and durable design, EVA maintenance free foam tires, tough aluminum frame

Cons: 10″ (rather than 12″), exposed axle bolts

Feature summary: A great looking balance bike that is has deliberately been kept simple, delivering a bike that is equal to the world’s lightest (the other being the Cruzee Ultralight which has 12″ wheels).

The bike’s features include a durable 6061-T6 aluminium frame, 10″ EVA foam tires that never go flat, tool required seat and handle bar adjustment clamps, integrated handle bar and stem (not a true headset design), soft padded seat and nice grips with safety bumpers.

Take note of the simple designs omitted features. The Vitus Nippy does not include brakes, footrests, or quick-release clamps and has protruding axle bolts.

Of these, none are essential but we always love to see flattened axle bolts for added safety, and any parent with bike riding experience will tell you that quick-release seat and handle bar adjustment clamps make things a lot easier when adjustments need to be made.

Overall, this is a tiny powerhouse of a bike whose greatest advantage is it’s almost indestructible frame and super light weight design. This really does make it easy for parents/care givers to pick up and carry the bike when your little rider has had enough for the day.

A perfect starter bike for toddlers around 2-years, particularly those smaller, petite riders more inclined to riding on hard surfaces.

3. Eastern Pusher 12″

Price: USD $138.99 at cambriabike.com

Weight: 4.6 lbs (2.1 kgs)

Seat height range: 27cm to 43cm (10.75″ to 17″)

Handle bar range: 19.5″ to 22″

Pros: super light weight, quick release seat and handle bar clamps, huge seat height range, button head axle bolts

Cons: EVA foam tires not recommended for off-road surfaces, no handbrake, integrated handle bar design

Feature summary: Another super light find that is perfect for toddlers around 2-years to begin their bike riding journey.

Similar to the Vitus Nippy and Cruzee, the Eastern Pusher is right up there with the lightest balance bike available in the world, weighing just a touch over 2kg.

We have mentioned this before, but it’s worthwhile repeating. A light, clean, practical bike makes for ease of learning and handling and is particularly helpful (and fun) for more petite toddlers.

The Eastern pusher is a great starter bike with a light weight alloy frame that has a low step-through design. This is particularly helpful for smaller rider’s to mount and dismount.

The bike’s simple design also contains a huge seat height range (11″ to 17″), excellent rounded axle bolts, airless, maintenance free EVA foam tires and practical padded seat and grips.

Just be aware of the features omitted on the Eastern Pusher’s uncomplicated design. This bike has no handbrake or air tires, which are highly recommended for off-road riding. There is no footrest and the integrated handle bars are not as strong as a true head set design (such as the Vuly or Shotgun Dirt Hero) and may require re-alignment at times.

The omitted features definitely make this bike better suited for hard, flat surface (or grass) riding. The bike is budget friendly, feather light and has a nice clean look that make it the perfect partner for petite, less adventurous or aggressive toddlers around 2 years.

4. Cooghi S4 ** Nice surprise find

Price: USD $169.99 (was $209.99) at cooghi.com

Weight: 9.6 lbs (4.4 kgs) ** Note: S3 is 3.1 kgs and S5 3.7 kgs

Seat height range: 33cm to 40cm (13″ to 16″)

Handle bar range: 53.5cm to 59cm

Pros: light weight, ergonomic, one-piece magnesium alloy frame, quick release seat adjust, push button handle bar adjust system, rubber pneumatic tires, saddle-type seat, hidden axle bolts, slick design includes foot rests

Cons: no handbrake, more expensive, only 3 color options

Feature summary: Cooghi have made a quality product with some notable features on their S4 model balance bike.

At first glance you can see the sleek, magnesium alloy frame looks really nice. Cooghi have created a one-piece molded nylon + fiberglass material that is strong, very light and has strikingly smooth lines.

You can also clearly see there are no protruding parts, with the axle bolts completely hidden, and rounded components throughout the frame which we really like. In addition, the stealth like foot rests are a real winner.

These discrete foot rests are perfectly positioned to be unobtrusive to moving feet and legs, and remind us of similar, well-designed footrests that we have seen on the Vuly 12″, GOMO, Strider 12 Sport and Strider 12″ Pro, and Shotgun Dirt Hero 12″.

The S4 has a low step-through down tube, making this ideal for toddlers to easily mount and dismount and the seat height range is fair. Just make note that the minimum seat height is 13″ and check your child’s inseam height to make sure this will accommodate your little rider.

Cooghi S4 have created a nice saddle-type seat that has been curved for comfort, and the grips we note are somewhat different to the regular, circular type seen on most balance bikes.

These grips have a very narrow diameter perfect for smaller hands and the oval shape is almost triangular, providing a unique look and feel for little hands. Most riders should find these perfectly comfortable out on the tear, but this is just something we recommend testing with your child before purchasing.

Finally, the S4 comes complete with air tires, but no handbrake. This will add greater rolling comfort on varied surfaces but we do recommend this bike for flatter terrain due to the stopping power being generated only by the rider’s little feet.

Overall, this bike would make a great partner for toddlers around 2 years that like to explore all types of (mostly flat) terrain.

It’s slightly more expensive price point is represented in the high quality materials, nice safety features such as clean, attractive looking design with no exposed parts, air tires and durable magnesium alloy frame.

5. Cruzee Ultralight ** Best for petite rider’s

Price: AUS $249.99 at cruzee.com.au

Weight: 1.9kg ** lightest balance bike in the world

Seat height range: 11″ to 19″ (28cm to 48cm)

Pros: ultra light weight design, durable anodized aluminium frame, 5″ handle bar adjustment, maintenance free foam tires

Cons: no hand brake, no footrests or steering limiter, EVA foam tires not recommended for off-road, hilly terrain

Feature summary: This is one of our favorite starter bikes for toddlers around 2 years.

For a full review with all the details and information you will need to know about the Cruzee, head on over to our comprehensive Cruzee Balance Bike Review.

6. Vuly 12″ ** Best value

Price: AUS $149.00 at vulyplay.com

Weight: 3.2 kgs (7 lbs)

Seat height range: 11.8″ to 17″

Pros: high quality finish and overall build, light weight rust proof magnesium alloy frame, 12″ air tires, steel rims, nice low step through frame with excellent sleek foot rests, true head set, quick release clamp seat adjust, grippy grips and ergonomically designed, curved padded seat

Cons: no hand brake or steering limiter, exposed axle bolts

Feature summary: We really like this bike’s stunning finish and aesthetic looks. However, underneath that shiny exterior is a really great value bike that we have no hesitation in recommending to toddlers from as early as 18 months to 3+ years.

That is why it features in our prior post, 10 Ultimate toy bike’s for toddlers 1-to-2 years Part 2.

Yes, we have already done our research into this bike and recommend it as a first bike to future riding champions as young as 18 months, but have no hesitation in slotting the Vuly into our ultimate bikes for 2-to-3 year old’s due to its quality design that handles off-road, flat terrain really well.

Be sure to head over to our previous post here, and vulyplay.com to see further details and images.

7. Yedoo Too Too

Price: USD $199.00 at tikesbikes.com

Weight: 7.5 lbs (3.4 kgs)

Seat height range: 11.8″ to 18″ (30 cms to 46 cms)

Pros: Kenda air tires with reflective dots, hi-tensile light weight steel frame, quality alloy V-brake, huge seat height range with optional extended length seat post (extends to 19.5″)

Cons: exposed axle bolts, no foot rests, non-removable steering limiter, tool required seat height adjust

Feature summary: Yedoo have done really well to create balance bikes (and scooters) that offer quality riding experiences for toddlers around 2+ years of age, or even earlier due to their low minimum seat height of 11.8″.

The light weight steel frame on the Too Too provides the platform for what we would call higher-end features yet the Too Too is not as expensive as these top-end bikes such as the Woom 1.

We really like this tiny frame and as mentioned, low seat height capability making the Too Too perfect for toddlers around 2 years to take their first steps on this balance bike.

It’s added features include quality Kenda air tires and V-Tektro ergonomic hand brake designed for little hands. These two components alone make safe riding on any form of terrain possible for adventurous little rider’s. Add to this a durable design with 12 fun color options and you have a great value bike that can take your little gem anywhere.

It’s always important to note the features the Too Too doesn’t include. The steering limiter, while great for rider’s just taking their first steps on a balance bike, is not able to be removed and there are no foot rests. This may restrict the development of motor skills as they become bigger, stronger and more skilled at riding.

As mentioned on our website before, we are big fans of well-designed foot rests as these provide a safe and functional position for little feet to rest and encourages rider’s to glide more often, enhancing their ability to balance. After all, that’s the number one purpose that these wonderful little toys have been designed for 🙂

Overall, the Yedoo Too Too is a quality balance bike that will allow your little toddler to have a wonderful introduction to riding. The added hand brake and air tires provide greater comfort and safety to allow for unrestricted riding on various terrains and the overall quality is excellent.
*** Reminder: The Yedoo Too Too has a steel frame (8.3 lbs) and the Yedoo Yoo Too has a slightly lighter aluminium frame (7.9 lbs).

8. Frog Tadpole 12″

Price: USD $310 (was $320) at readysetpedal.com or AUS $570 at frogbikesau.com

Weight: 4.17 kgs (7.6 lbs)

Seat height range: 13.3″ to 16.5″

Pros: tough aluminium alloy frame, true headset, lock-on grippy grips, tektro rear aluminium v-brake, 12″ kenda air tires, safety steering lock

Cons: only 3″ of seat height adjustment, no bumpers on handle bar grips, handle bar height can be difficult to adjust

Feature summary: Visit readysetpedal.com or frogbikesau.com for images and further specs.

Frog Bikes, founded in 2013 set out on a mission to create quality, light weight, and affordable kid’s bikes that have been designed to suit a child’s unique size and anatomy. The result, a very impressive balance bike that sits at the higher-end of the balance bike market for good reason.

This bike oozes quality and is jam packed with great design features, including ergonomically designed toddler sized seat with rails that allows for additional adjustments either forward or backward (and up and down of course), small, toddler designed hand brake lever with top-mount rear brakes that are well clear of moving feet and legs, true head stem with 4 bolt clamps, lock on grips, Kenda air tires and quick release seat post clamp.

Frog Bikes have partly hidden the brake cable, as this slots into the down tube around a third of the way down.

However, it’s worth noting some features which we would ideally like Frog Bikes to add to their already impressive design.

These would include bumpers on the grips to add a little extra protection, flat, hidden axle bolts rather than exposed, and the addition of sleek, stealth-like foot rests would allow little rider’s to have a safe platform and encourage gliding and practice of the key riding skills of balance and control.

Overall, this is a brilliant balance bike for toddlers 2-years and up. The Frog Tadpole has a ripping quality finish, excellent features and design that if within your budget, would make a wonderful first bike for your child.

9. Strider 12 Sport

Price: USD $139.99 at striderbikes.com or AUS $229.00 at striderbikes.com.au

Weight: 3kgs (6.7 lbs)

Seat height range: 11″ to 19″

Pros: huge seat height range with standard and extra large seat post available, maintenance free EVA foam tires, practical, durable, low step through frame, great color options, light weight, well-designed foot rests, quick release seat and handle bar adjust clamps

Cons: no brake, foam tires are not great on off-road surfaces, exposed axle bolts

Feature summary: Strider are world renowned for their products that provide toddlers with a great riding partner starting at 12″ balance bikes to 20″ balance bikes which can be converted to a pedal bike.

Their focus is not only on making light weight, efficient, all-terrain bikes for toddlers but also in building a supportive community and education arm to their mission. We like what they have done, what they are doing currently and their continual innovations and have no hesitation in recommending their products to little rider’s worldwide.

Our focus in our summary today is on the Strider Sport.

The Strider 12 Sport (steel) is now their base model in the 12″ bike range, followed by the Strider 12 Pro (aluminium) and Strider 12 ST-R (carbon) and is by far the most popular and affordable option for parents and toddlers to get riding in the Strider range.

We feature the Strider 12 Sport here as we recommend this as a great first bike for toddlers around 2 years. However, slightly younger or older toddlers will benefit from the light weight, simplistic yet practical design that has proven a winner since 2007, when Strider was founded.

The bike’s excellent seat and handle bar adjustability however, allow rider’s to enjoy this bike up to 5 years. That being said, we think this is best suited for toddlers between the age of 2-to-4-years.

Strider’s design is light, comfortable and makes learning to ride easy and fun. It has nicely designed footrests which are well positioned and provide a safe platform for little feet to rest when gliding. This encourages kids to practice balance, which is the key skill that we want kid’s to learn on a balance bike.

There’s a soft, ergonomically padded seat that has great feedback from users, ultralight molded wheels, maintenance free sealed cartridge bearings and no-flat foam tires. These keep the weight to a minimum, however are best suited to hard-surface riding as they don’t provide the superior grip or added suspension that heavier, air filled tires do.

Overall, the Strider 12 Sport is a great first bike for toddlers wanting to stick to hard-surface, flatter terrain. The design is comfortable, practical and user-friendly, with soft, tiny grips, narrow handle bars and light weight materials to help kids with ease of learning.

This is a relatively budget friendly balance bike that will put a smile on your child’s dial and provide them with a wonderful introduction to riding.

10. Shotgun Dirt Hero 12″ ** Best off-road bike

Price: USD $340.00 (frame + 12″ wheel kit) or USD $360 (frame + 14″ wheel kit) ** Disc brake kit USD $99

Where to buy: kidsrideshotgun.com

Weight: 12″ (4kg) / 12″ with brake (4.4kg) : 14″ (4.2kg) / 14″ with brake (4.6kg)

Seat height range: 12″ (31.7 to 40.2cm) / 14″ (35.2 to 43.7cm)

Pros: one frame with two wheel kit (size) options (12″ or 14″), Magura MT4 disc brake kit option (USD $99.00), trail ready MTB geometry and design (designed for everything off-road riding can throw at it), extra wide 2.25″ air tires (Vee Tire Crown Gem), discrete, well-positioned footrests, true head stem, exceptional quality

Cons: high-end pricing, no safety bumpers on grips, tool seat height adjust

Feature summary: In a word, as described on their website, the Shotgun Dirt Hero 12″ is a mini dirt-bike specifically designed for MTB kids aged 2-to-5 years who have an adventurous spirit and love for off-road riding.

This little ripper is best described as a niche balance bike, specifically designed for toddlers that not only want to get on the trails and into riding off road, but who have the opportunity to do so.

Let’s cut to the chase, while the Shotgun Dirt Hero would make any toddlers face grin like the Cheshire Cat, this bike thrives off-road and needs to be paired with the right rider (and mum’s and dad’s) to take this bike where it was designed to go.

In fact, we can safely say that this bike has been reviewed and rated by many experts to be one of, if not the best off-road balance bikes you can get your hands on.

It has similar features to the Woom 1 for example, yet the Dirt Hero has a disc brake (the Woom 1 has a V-brake), longer wheelbase, lower handle bars and greater seat post angle, which all provide a little more room between the rider and the handle bars (aka rider’s cockpit).

In addition, all the Shotgun Dirt Hero’s components are MTB specific; air tires, disc brake, long wheel base and over all trail geometry. Keep this in mind as these ripping MTB worthy features are well worth the extra expense if this bike sounds like a great partner for your little dirt hero.

Overall, when paired with a rider and family who have access to adventurous trials, love to ride off-road and for parents who wish to teach and share their passion for off-road riding with their kids, that’s where this bike belongs.

Bottom line, this bike will do a wonderful job in helping to teach your child the essential riding skills of balance and coordination. However, this bike can be taken anywhere and absolutely shines when set free with a like-minded, adventurous dirt hero spirit.

Overall ilovetoridemybike.com conclusion

We have covered a lot of ground in our post, 10 ultimate balance bikes for toddlers 2-3-years.

Here’s a quick re-cap.

• The 10-ultimate bikes in our post are exactly that. These are high-quality, highly rated balance bikes each designed for a specific rider around 2-years of age, without making a best-bike or one size fits all claim as stated in our introduction.

• Remember, every child is unique, and not all balance bikes are created equal. Therefore, be sure to match your balance bike to your rider’s unique physical attributes, including their inseam, and personality to ensure a great partnership between rider and bike.

if you would like to learn more about the benefits of introducing your child to the wonderful world of balance bike’s head over to our series titled, The benefits of balance bikes for toddlers – Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3.

In addition, if you would like to learn more about how to find the right bike for your child, check out our post, Balance bike buyers guide. We are certain you find these most helpful.

How is your child’s riding experience? If you have any questions or comments from this post, or anything to do with bike riding for that matter, feel free to contact us. We are here to help.

Happy riding!