10 Ultimate Balance Bikes for Toddlers 3-to-4-Years

Welcome back to the world of balance bikes, where little adventurers are transformed from curious toddler to proficient (maybe not yet professional) bike riders. It’s a world where kids embark on a fun packed journey of motor skill development and newfound confidence on two wheels.

Today we unveil to you the crème de la crème, mid-range and budget friendly balance bikes, carefully curated to provide the ultimate riding experience and correct motor learning for young riders.

These little toys are what we like to call developmental powerhouse’s on two wheels, as they have been meticulously designed with features that cater for the unique needs of toddlers in this age-range and beyond. Their purpose is to provide young toddlers with the right method of learning the correct skills intuitive to riding a bike.

That is, to develop the essential skills of balance and coordination required when stepping up to the big bikes with pedals some day.

Balance bikes serve their purpose remarkably well, eliminating the need for tricycles or training wheels which are counterintuitive to developing the correct motor patterns required for riding a bike. Essentially, these little toys offer a seamless transition from balance bike to pedal bikes, all while providing your little rider with a taste of independence and freedom.

We think they are an amazing developmental toy and have no doubt that once you have seen these little bike’s in action, you will think so too.

Our feature title says it all. In this our latest post, the goal is to provide you with a non-sugar coated, straight down the line summary of the 10 ultimate balance bikes for toddlers 3-to-4 years.

These have been meticulously chosen to not only target this age bracket, but for their excellent reputation in the balance bike world due to their overall quality, durability and exceptional design features at a variety of price points.

Yes, some are expensive. Yet some are very reasonably priced, but all are designed with purpose and a particular rider in mind.

Before we delve into our list, there are two points we recommend parents to consider before purchasing a balance bike.

1. Measure your child’s inseam, and make sure this falls toward the lower end of the bike’s seat height range. For example, if your child’s inseam is 13″, the bike’s minimum seat height should be no greater than 12.5″.

2. Match the bike to your child. That is, be sure the bike fits correctly (think inseam height here) and matches your child’s personality (do they enjoy leisurely riding on hard surfaces or rugged adventures off-road?)

Let’s get riding!

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1. Micro Deluxe

Price: AUS $199.99 at microscooters.com.au

Intended age: 2+

Weight: 4.1 kgs

Seat height range: 15″ to 17.3″ (38 to 44 cms)

Pros: Air tyres, quick release seat adjust clamp, true head set, removable steering limiter, rear fork rubber suspension, soft padded seat, in-built carry handle, tough, high quality Swiss design.

Cons: No hand brake, small seat height range, rear suspension positioned too far forward on frame

Feature summary: Microscooters have been making kids scooters since 1997 when, out of necessity, the first prototype was invented by Wim Ouboter.

Ouboter’s passion and vision for urban mobility has led to Micro products being distributed to customers and dealers in 80 countries.

They eventually created a kids balance bike called the Micro Balance Bike Deluxe. This has a unique, built-in suspension, an almost indestructible design and quality finish that is perfectly poised for toddlers to put into action at around 3 years of age.

Being a little heavier at 4.1 kgs, and with a seat height range of 38 to 44 cms, we believe this bike works best with toddlers that are a little older, taller and stronger and that is why this features in our 10 ultimate bikes for toddlers 3-to-4-years.

You can find out everything you will need to know in our comprehensive post, Micro Balance Bike Deluxe Review.

Overall, this bike is a great, mid-range priced balance bike with an almost unbreakable design and excellent quality build recommended for toddlers with an adventurous spirit.

2. Shotgun Dirt Hero 14″ ** Number 1 Off-road option

Price: USD $360.00 (frame + 14″ wheel kit) ** Disc brake kit USD $99.00

Where to buy: kidsrideshotgun.com

Intended age: 3 to 5 years

Weight: 4.2 kg (4.6 kg with brake)

Seat height range: 35.2 to 43.7 cms)

Pros: one frame with two wheel size options (12″ and 14″), trail ready MTB specific design, Magura MT4 disc brake option, extra wide 2.25″ Vee Tire Crown Gem air tyres, well positioned foot rests, true head stem, exceptional build finish

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

Feature summary: At ilovetoridemybike.com we are not into the habit of making bold claims, yet the Shotgun Dirt Hero almost demands us to make an exception. So here goes.

This balance bike is one of, if not the best balance bikes available specifically designed for off-road riding.

It rates remarkably well as the perfect riding partner for toddlers (and families for that matter) that just love to get off-road on two wheels.

While this bike does a great job in developing all the essential bike riding skills of balance and coordination, the Shotgun Dirt Hero with 14″ wheels will thrive when paired with an adventurous spirit who already has some riding experience, is a little older and stronger and has the personality to give this bike a rip.

The Shotgun dirt hero’s components, as briefly mentioned above, are MTB specific. It really doesn’t have a direct comparison in the balance bike world.

The Woom 1 plus for example, can be likened with the BMW’s of balance bike’s, whereas the Dirt Hero is more like a Ford Ranger. We hope you get our drift.

You can find out more at kidsrideshotgun.com.au

3. Woom 1 Plus ** Top overall pick

Price: USD $299.00 at woom.com

Intended age: 3 to 5 years

Weight: 9.5 lbs (4.3 kgs)

Seat height range: 14.8″ to 18.5″

Pros: 14″ wheels with quality air tires, larger wheel base, low step through design, quick release seat post adjust, front and rear v-brakes, removable ‘surf board’ foot rest, removable steering limiter, light weight durable aluminum frame, true head set, rear (green) and front (black) V-hand brakes, excellent build quality and overall finish complete with flat axle bolts

Cons: more expensive option, upright handle bar design not great for off-road riding

Feature summary: As mentioned in our previous post, 10 ultimate balance bikes for toddlers 2-to-3-years, Woom have been making top quality bikes since their foundation back in 2013.

The Woom 1 Plus slots nicely into their line-up as the perfect option for toddlers around 3 years of age who have outgrown their 12″ balance bike, or for 3 year old’s just getting started.

Geometrically designed for the slightly older toddler, Woom 1 Plus rocks larger 14″ wheels, a larger frame and wheel base and the brilliant addition of two handbrakes. This is an excellent idea, and is unique in the balance bike world as most balance bikes with a handbrake will only include one.

The intention is to provide toddlers with a better riding experience that accommodates their slightly larger and taller bodies, and helps to extend their riding development on a safe, super comfortable and well-built bike.

Essentially, Woom wanted to fill the gap for slightly older toddlers who are not quite ready for a pedal bike.

It is fair to say that Woom have succeeded, as the Woom 1 Plus really is a larger version of their world renowned Woom 1 and has the additional design features you would expect to help toddlers continue in their riding development towards their ultimate goal.

That is, to eventually get riding on a pedal bike. Taking all of this into consideration, the Woom 1 Plus is highly recommended as a wonderful option for toddlers around 3+ years.

4. Vitus Smoothy

Price: £89.99 at vitusbikes.com or chainreactioncycles.com

Intended age: 2 – 5 years

Weight: 7 lbs (3.2kgs)

Seat height range: 33 to 44cms (12.75″ to 17.5″)

Pros: exceptional light weight magnesium frame, wide 12″ by 2.1″ CST Ironkid air tires, huge seat height adjustment capability, wider than most handle bars with true head stem, frame includes discretely integrated foot rests and carry handle, padded scoop saddle and durable build

Cons: no hand brake, seat adjustment requires a tool, handle bar height may be too low for some riders when seat is at its maximum height, flattened but not hidden axle bolts

Feature summary: Vitus have a rich, French cycling history, and have been creating quality bikes since the 1970s. Like any successful brand, they have evolved alongside the world and specifically, the world of cycling.

They now have a complete range of excellent bikes and luckily for future riding champions out there, they have added high quality balance bike’s to their range.

The Vitus smoothy provides a slightly larger, more robust and natural progression for toddlers who are either starting their riding journey around 3 years, or who have perhaps outgrown their first and perhaps smaller balance bike, such as the Vitus nippy with 10″ wheels, the Cruzee or Woom 1 for example that all target toddlers as early as 18 months.

The Vitus Smoothy rolls on slightly wider (12″ by 2.1″), excellent quality air tires that are perfect for any terrain, 12″ aluminum wheels, a sleek and well-designed magnesium frame and fork that has a brilliant integrated carry handle and flattened (but not completely hidden) axle bolts.

We also really like their saddle design. This is very similar to the Woom 1 plus, but just a touch more aggressive with the scoop that is intended to keep the rider positioned nice and snug in the optimal position. It succeeds nicely and has a hard wearing yet soft finish.

The true head stem is well-designed and strong, helping to keep the wider, 16″ handle bars nice and secure while providing excellent steering control. This is great for toddler-tough play.

Without a doubt this bike is a quality product that is perfectly suited to provide the perfect next-step in their riding progression and should see toddlers transitioning directly from the Smoothy to a pedal bike when ready.

We really like it!

5. Frog Tadpole Plus

Price: £265.00 at frogbikes.com or USD $330 at readysetpedal.com

Intended age: 3 – 5 years

Weight: 4.18 kgs

Seat height range: inseam range 38 – 51 cms (15″ to 20″)

Pros: light weight, premium quality aluminium alloy frame, 14″ aluminium wheels, rear Tektro mini v-brake, Kenda air tyres, small and flat child-specific saddle with rails (allows for forward or backward adjustments), quick release seat height clamp, steering lock to prevent over steering, true, thread less head set, excellent long wheel base, quality finish and build

Cons: no bumpers on grips, pricey

Feature summary: Head over to frogbikes.com or readysetpedal.com for further specs and images.

This bike slots in nicely if your child has either outgrown their smaller 10″ or 12″ balance bike or is just getting started at around 3 years of age. The larger frame, 14″ wheels, added rear brake and air tyres make this the perfect next-step in a toddlers riding progression.

Like the other bike’s featured here in our 10 ultimate bikes for toddlers 3-to-4-years, the Frog Tadpole Plus has been designed specifically to accommodate the anatomy of little riders in this age bracket.

In fact, the team at Frogbikes have designed a Kid’s Bike Sizing App, as part of their frame design research. They also include a very nice step-by-step guide to finding you child’s inseam.

You can also head over to our post, Balance Bike Buyers Guide for all the information you will need, including how to find your child’s inseam, before you head out and purchase a bike for your little rider.

We recommend that you check this out, as it will not only help you find the perfect size bike for your child but provide reassurance of the information and recommendations that different bike manufacturers are providing.

Now, back to the Frog Tadpole Plus.

A couple of things parents need to be aware of.

• The Frog Tadpole plus will allow your little rider to pick-up speed more readily, hence make sure they are initially learning to ride on flatter terrain, at least until they become more confident in using the rear brake, and
• The saddle is wider than most. This may cause some discomfort for some riders and interfere with their running action.

Overall, we really like the Frog’s quality design and build finish, and believe most toddlers around 3+ years will really enjoy their riding experience on one of these developmental powerhouse’s of bikes.

6. Ridgeback Scoot

Price: UK £124.99 at ridgeback.co.uk or USD $289.00 at tikesbikes.com

Intended age: 3 – 5 years

Weight: 10.5 lbs (4.71 kgs)

Seat height range: 14″ to 20″

Pros: light weight alloy frame, rear v-brake, 12″ wheels with air tires (12″ by 2″), long wheel base, excellent sealed true head set, excellent seat height range with quick release clamp, soft padded seat and great overall quality design

Cons: getting on the heavier side for petite toddlers, exposed screw on hand brake and exposed axle bolts, top mounted v-brake and no foot rests will not allow for gliding

Feature summary: For more specifications and images head over to ridgeback.co.uk or tikesbikes.com

We really like the robust construction of this ripping little bike. Its sturdy finish will take a beating from aggressive riders and will handle different terrains very well due its overall build and quality features.

Ridgeback have got their age-range recommendation right on the money. Just be aware this bike may hinder a smaller, petite 3-year old’s fun and ability to learn if this is their first bike.

That being said, as with most bike’s recommended in this post, the quality of the Ridgeback Scoot is well attested and highly recommended for good reason.

If your child has an inseam of at least 14.5″, are energetic and/or have had some balance bike experience already, we think they will absolutely thrive on this well-designed riding machine.

7. Specialized Hotwalk ** Most robust design

Price: AUS $280.00) at specialized.com.au

Intended age: 18 months to 4 years

Weight: 10 lbs (4.5 kgs)

Seat height range: 13.5″ – 17″

Pros: almost indestructible build, light weight, dual threaded head set, one of the best maintenance free (airless) tires seen, excellent seat height range, low step through frame, lifetime warranty

Cons: no hand brake, large foot rest design can get in the way of riders running legs, exposed axle bolts

Feature summary: This bike is built to last and will suit energetic, enthusiastic toddlers around 3+ years perfectly. Without air tyres or brakes it is quite expensive, and best suited to flatter, hard packed surfaces.

To find out more about the Specialized Hotwalk head on over to our post, Specialized Hotwalk Review, in which we provide a comprehensive look at everything this bike has to offer and some features to be mindful of before making your final choice.

We are sure you will find this super helpful. Also, be sure to send through a comment on what you thought of our post and/or any questions you may have.

8. Hornit Airo

Price: AUS $269.00 at au.hornit.com or USD $185.00 at amazon.com

Intended age: 18 months to 4 years

Weight: 2.95 kgs (6.4 lbs)

Seat height range: 11 1/8th ” to 16.5″

Pros: Slightly larger 12.5″ by 2.25″ air tires, excellent light weight magnesium frame and design, extensive seat height range, padded scoop saddle, true head set, well-designed discrete foot rests, frame integrated carry handle, flattened axle bolts, and lifetime warranty.

Cons: no brakes, no quick release seat clamp (tool required), no steering limiter

Feature summary: This is a really well-designed, light weight option for riders to learn on, or continue their bike riding development.

The Airo is super light making for ease of learning, and is perfect for smaller, more petite 3-year old’s (or slightly younger) to enjoy a lot of fun on two wheels.

We particularly like the Airo’s sleek, magnesium frame and finish.

It’s schmick colour options, smooth contours and practical package (bumpers on grips, sleek foot rests, carry handle, flattened axle bolts, air tires, true head stem, scooped saddle) all make this bike a ripping little developmental powerhouse of a toy.

Just be aware that this bike may not suit taller, older toddlers close to 4 years and beyond. The seat height will accommodate their inseam, however the wheel base, 12.5″ tires and smaller frame may not be suited to older more experienced riders.

That being said, this bike will comfortably suit younger riders from around 2+ years, but we do believe this bike finds its sweet spot for kids around 3-to-4-years.

Overall, this is another highly recommended bike for this age-range of future riding champions.

9. Isla Rothan 14

Price: £129.99 (normally £199.99) at islabikes.co.uk (note the Rothan 14 is only available for UK delivery)

Intended age: 3+ years

Weight: 3.4 kgs

Seat height range: 36cm inseam and up

Pros: super light weight aluminium design, 14″ air tyres (14″ by 1.3″) with sealed bearings, true head set, soft padded (slightly scooped) seat, rear mini v-brake with mini lever for small hands, low step-through design, rounded axle bolts and excellent build quality

Cons: tool adjust seat post clamp, no handle bar adjustability, currently only available in the UK

Feature summary: The Isla Rothan 14 has been around for about 3 years now and is riding on the wave of success surfed by the Isla Rothan 12.

The Rothan 14, like the Rothan 12, is quite simply a high quality balance bike for the age-group it has been designed for. In fact, its safe to say, one of the best we can find.

Islabikes, established in 2006 by former professional cyclist and British cyclo-cross champion Isla Rowntree wanted to alter the future of children’s bikes.

Fast forward 17 years, Islabikes now have an excellent reputation for quality workmanship, ergonomic design and practical bikes that will help sow the seeds for a lifetime love affair with bikes for anyone whose backside hits their seats.

The Rothan 14, like its name suggests, is a 14″ balance bike perfectly designed for 3+ year toddlers.

This comes with high quality, yet narrow air tires, clean, sleek frame free of any protruding parts or bolts, a neatly tucked away rear mini v-brake, and narrow grip handlebars that are 410mm wide.

The handle bars are not only slightly narrower than most, but also a little lower to provide a big-bike feel to the ride, but also should feel more comfortable for slightly smaller 3-year-olds.

The saddle is excellent. Soft, slightly curved to help keep the rider in the correct position and narrow. This is a ripper.

We must say we would love to see Islabikes incorporate a quick release clamp to the saddle to complement such a great package. Maybe this may appear in their next iteration!

Overall, we have no hesitation in recommending the Rothan 14 to any 3-year plus toddler just taking their first steps on a bike, or for those toddlers who may have outgrown their first, smaller balance bike.

The Rothan 14 is a wonderful option that will not only develop the essential riding skills for your child, but also see a smooth transition to their first pedal bike and promote a love of cycling that may have your little one catch the bike bug.

10. GOMO 12″ ** Great budget option

Price: USD $69.99 at amazon.com

Intended age: 18 months – 5 years

Weight: 8.5 lbs (3.9 kgs)

Seat height range: 12″ – 17″

Pros: excellent seat height adjustability, no maintenance EVA foam tyres, quick release seat and handle bar clamps, slick foot rests, steering limiter and overall brings a feature packed balance bike at a budget price

Cons: no brakes, foam tyres offer less traction and are not ideal for off-road riding, plastic rims and plastic seat and handle bar clamps are not durable, steering limiter is unable to be removed

Feature summary: We believe the GOMO to be one of, if not the best budget friendly balance bikes on the market and believe the sweet spot for this bike to be within the 2.5-to-4-year old bracket.

For our full review, head on over to our post, GOMO Balance Bike Review – The Way to Fun and Fitness is to Ride. But here is a quick summary in a nutshell.

The extended wheelbase, upright geometry, functional footrests (one of the best), relatively light weight, steering limiter, excellent grips with bumpers, superb seat and handle bar height range, and some cool color options, this bike is definitely hard to beat at well under USD $100.

Overall, we are pleased with the GOMO’s build quality. While this doesn’t match the quality components nor design of the higher-end balance bikes on the market, gee whiz the GOMO does a great job in providing a fun, practical bike for kids to learn how to ride at a brilliant price.

Overall ilovetoridemybike.com conclusion

So there you have it. A summary of 10 ultimate balance bikes for toddlers 3-to-4 years.

How is your child’s riding experience?

Before you leave, be sure to leave us a comment or question, we greatly appreciate you and your feedback. This helps us to provide more of the information you are after, and help’s to ensure we are researching everything kid’s bike that is important to you.

Here is a quick summary of our take home points for you.

• be sure to measure your child’s inseam and find their perfect seat height
• match the bike to your child and not the child to the bike, and
• we have provided you with a handy summary of our 10 ultimate balance bikes for toddlers 3-to-4-years

Happy riding!