Are you looking for some great bike ideas for your 1-to-2-year-old toddler?
Then as stated in our previous post, you have landed at the right destination.
When it comes to finding the right partner for your little rider, we are here to help you navigate the market as we aim to provide you with numbers 6-to-10 in our list of 10 ultimate toy bikes for toddler’s 1-to-2-years.
This post is our second and final in our series that hopes to deliver that parent-essential information on some of our choice balance bike picks for toddlers once they are ready for their first balance bike.
Take note, our target age-group that we are recommending these ripping little bikes for is from 18 months to 2 years. This age is what we like to call prime time for any toddler to be introduced to their first balance bike.
If you haven’t already, we suggest you check-out Part 1 in our series, 10 ultimate toy bike’s for toddlers 1-2-years – Part 1 before reading any further.
We think you will develop a better understanding and appreciation for where we have been, where we are currently and where we are headed (on our bikes of course) if you read our series in sequence.
So, without further delay, let’s get riding!
*** Affiliate disclosure time: Affiliate links are used in this review. If you click on those links and make a purchase within a time frame, we earn a small commission. 
10 ultimate toy bike’s for toddlers 1-to-2-years Part 2
Numbers 6-to-10
Balance Bikes – 18 months to 2 Years
6. Strider 12 Sport
Price: USD $119.99 at amazon.com (or AUS $332 at amazon.com.au)
Weight: 6.7 lbs. (3 kgs)
Seat height range: 11″ to 19″
Pros: Huge seat height range, quick release seat and handle bar adjustment clamps, very light, low step-through design, safety bumpers on grips, excellent discrete foot rests
Cons: Exposed axle bolts, EVA foam tires not really suited for off-road riding, no brakes
Feature Summary: The Strider 12 Sport has an excellent reputation in the balance bike world for good reason.
The overall quality and design is a practical winner and Strider have done a good job in developing a product that allows a child to ride this bike from around 18 months up to 5 years due to its exceptional seat and handle bar adjustability.
Just be aware that the Strider doesn’t include brakes nor air tires. While these features will cost a little more, they do allow toddler’s to explore off road, hilly terrain with confidence and a higher degree of safety.
In sum, your little rider will be well pleased to get shredding on this balance bike and we have no hesitation in recommending this product for toddlers from around 18 months of age.
7. Woom 1 ** Top pick
Price: USD $249.00 at woom.com
Weight: 6.6 lbs. (3 kgs)
Seat height range: 10″ to 14″
Pros: Excellent quality build and finish, mini rear v-brake, long wheelbase, air tires, removable steering limiter, very good seat height range with quick release clamp, low step-through light weight frame, screw-in grippy grips with safety bumpers, true headset, and ergonomically designed seat.
Cons: More expensive, no footrests
Feature Summary: This bike oozes quality from every angle. When you cast your eye on the Woom 1 you cannot help but notice the ergonomic attention that is displayed throughout the bike.
With some of the best safety features available included, the Woom 1 provides what is arguably one of the very best balance bikes you can get your hands on for your little rider.
Take note that this bike is best for toddlers 18 months to around 3.5 years. However, it’s the starting age that is the key here.
If your child is ready to begin (if they haven’t already) their riding journey at around 18 months of age, we have no hesitation in recommending the Woom 1 as a great choice for your child to partner with in starting that journey.
8. 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: Plush quality build with light weight, durable, rust proof magnesium alloy frame, 12″ air tires on steel rims, low step-through frame, true headset, quick-release seat height adjust, sleek footrests, soft grips and ergonomically designed padded seat.
Cons: No handbrake or steering limiter, exposed axle bolts
Feature Summary: This is a surprise find. The Vuly have created a budget-friendly balance bike that will accommodate most toddlers from around 18 months to 4 years.
The Vuly has a really nice looking finish due to it’s shiny magnesium alloy frame with clean, flattened fork and chain stays. It also rocks one of the most discrete yet practical foot rests we have seen. This is perfect for toddlers once they gain enough confidence to begin gliding.
A nice safety addition is the rubber stem cover as this adds a little extra protection for riders.
We also like the air tires which allow riders to confidently get off-road and explore a variety of surfaces with extra comfort and safety. That being said, we are big fans of rear brakes and we would love to see Vuly offer the option of a hand brake with their bikes.
Overall, this budget-friendly bike is a real winner for toddlers to get riding from between 18 to 24 months of age.
9. Cruzee Ultralight ** Best bike for smaller toddlers
Price: AUS $214.00 at amazon.com.au
Weight: 1.9 kgs
Seat height range: 11″ to 19″
Pros: Ultra light weight, durable and schmick looking anodized aluminum frame, EVA foam no-flat tires, excellent seat height range with quick release clamp, quick release handle bar adjustment, low step-through frame, soft and tiny grippy grips with safety bumpers.
Cons: No brakes, steering limiter or footrests, integrated headset
Feature Summary: When it comes to durability and weight, the Cruzee would have to be close to, if not the best balance bike available on the market.
It is finished with a cool looking anodonised aluminum that will not rust and overall weighs a tiny 1.9 kgs, making the Cruzee one of the lightest balance bikes in the world.
In addition, it does claim to have the widest range of seat and handlebar adjustability on the market, making it versatile to adjust as your toddler grows like a mushroom.
The Cruzee’s EVA foam tires require no maintenance yet are best suited to hard-surface riding. We also recommend your rider to stay on flatter terrain due to no hand brake being included.
That being said, the Cruzee has a stunning, simple design that is practical and super easy to handle due to its minimal weight.
Added safety features include flattened axle bolts, no protruding parts, and tiny, super soft grips with safety bumpers.
We personally have given this bike a working over with our little girl and she has found learning to ride on the Cruzee super easy and super fun.
Just be aware that when beginning to learn how to ride, your child will gain speed quite quickly and the steering on the Cruzee can be unstable at speed if the rider isn’t paying attention to using a firm grip on the handle bars.
Overall, this bike is a great buy and highly recommended for smaller, lighter toddlers from 18 months to 3 years.
10. Cooghi S3
Price: USD $139.00 (was $179.99) at cooghi.com
Weight: 3.1 kgs
Seat height range: 13″ to 19″
Pros: clean and safe light weight magnesium alloy frame, 12″ foam rubber no maintenance tires, great footrest design, excellent seat height and handlebar adjustability with quick release clamps, low slung step-through frame, flattened axle bolts, and practical grips with safety bumper.
Cons: No brakes, no steering limiter, integrated headset
Feature Summary: The Cooghi S3 Balance bike is the starter model in the Cooghi range.
The Cooghi S4 has some added specifications and features such as a true head stem, a more striking design and additional colors.
The Cooghi S5 is their flagship model or competition-level balance bike with higher specifications and these increase in price accordingly.
These all look stunning, and the quality is brilliant.
Looking at the Cooghi S3 (the starter model) specifically, we really like the design and the included features (see pros above). The bike has a clean, safe look similar to the Cruzee and a durability that is needed (and welcomed by parents) for toddlers this age.
Just be aware the EVA foam tires, and no handbrake make the S3 better suited to hard surface, flatter terrain riding. Toddlers may also find the steering to be a little twitchy at speed if the rider is not keeping a firm grip on the handlebars.
This is due to the S3 having an integrated handlebar and stem, as opposed to a true head set that is available on the Cooghi S4 and S5 models. However, we have found that this is soon remedied with gentle reminders and consistent practice.
Overall, this balance bike provides a great package that we have no hesitation in recommending.
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Overall ilovetoridemybike.com conclusion
Let’s have a quick re-cap of the ground we have covered in our two-part series titled, 10 ultimate toy bikes for toddlers 1-to-2-years.
In Part 1 – Numbers 1 to 5, we covered;
- The modes of products available for this age-group, from ride-on-toys and tricycles to balance bikes
- Our recommendation for two of the three available; namely ride-on-toys and balance bikes (we do not recommend tricycles or bikes with training wheels for learning to ride a bike)
- We then provided you with some great ride-on toy recommendations and a balance bike for ages 12-to-18 months
In Part 2 – Numbers 6 to 10 we covered;
- Our top picks for another 5 great balance bikes on the market specifically suited for toddlers ready for their first balance bike at age 18-24 months
Just remember, we always encourage parents to match the bike to your little rider, and not the other way around.
Every child is unique, and not all balance bikes are created equal.
Therefore, it’s important to do your own research and take into consideration your child’s physical (eg. inseam height, body size) and emotional attributes (eg. energizer bunny or quiet observer) before making your final choice.
If you would like to learn more about the essential things to know before going balance bike shopping, head over to our post, 10 things parents should know before buying a balance bike.
In addition, you also might like to check out our Balance bike buyers guide. We are sure you will find these most helpful.
If you have any questions or comments please leave these below. We are happy to help.
Happy riding!
As a parent, I have found that finding the right toys for my toddler can be a challenge. The idea of getting them a bike at such a young age seemed daunting at first, but after doing some research on the 10 Ultimate Toy Bike’s for Toddlers 1-to-2-Years, I was pleasantly surprised by the options available. My personal experience has shown that balance bikes are a fantastic choice as they help toddlers develop their balance and coordination skills while having fun. However, I’m curious to know from other comments here if there are any other types of bikes that would be suitable for this age group or if anyone has any recommendations based on their own experiences?
Hi, thank you for your comments and for reading our post.
We really do appreciate your feedback. Regarding your questions, for toddlers around 1-2 years old, we believe that there are no better options available on the market than ride-on toys and balance bikes.
There are certainly other types of products, like tricycles, quad wheeling toys, handle supported tricycles, and scooters. However, to develop the correct motor patterns of balance, coordination and bike-ready skills, a balance bike is by far the ultimate learning tool.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask, we are happy to help you in any way we can.
Happy riding!
Hey a great post!
I found this post really helpful since I was on the lookout for toys that are suitable for under 3s. I was struggling to find something different than the usual indoor toys or balls however this post has definitely given me an idea. I wasn’t aware there were bikes suitable for this stage but it is great to know there is.
Going to take a detailed look at these and see which one will fit perfectly for my cousins birthday!
Thanks again and have a great day!
Hi, thank you for your positive comments.
We are so glad that you found our post helpful. Yes, balance bikes are perfectly suited from around 18 months of age but between two to three years is absolutely a wonderful time to introduce your child to these amazing little toys.
Regarding the fit for your cousin, be sure to measure their inseam, then subtract around 1″ from this so you have the perfect seat height (measured in a straight line from the ground to the top of the seat) for your cousin.
Then, just be sure the balance bike you are thinking of purchasing accommodates that height and has plenty of room to adjust the seat higher as they grow.
Feel free to send us any further questions and let us know how you go. We are here to help.
Happy riding!
This is a great overview of these starter bikes. We have an almost 3 year old grandson who, I think, would be able to enjoy one of these bikes. He is tall and probably getting to the point where he could ride a pedal bike with training wheels. So, this starter bike would only be used a short time. Fortunately, there are a couple of very inexpensive models that you have described which would be great for the short term. I am going to talk to our son and daughter-in-law and see what they think about these starter bikes you have described. Thanks for the information.
Hi, thank you for your comments. We are so pleased you have found our article helpful.
As your grandson is almost 3 years old (like our little girl), we recommend a balance bike (no training wheels).
This will allow them to enjoy learning balance and coordination the right way for 1-2 years before purchasing a bike with pedals. The transition from balance bike to pedal bike will be relatively smooth and due to their prior learning on a balance bike, training wheels are not necessary.
Another point, as your grandson is tall, just be sure the balance bike seat height range caters for his current inseam height and has plenty of room to make adjustments (make higher) as he continues to grow.
Feel free to send us a message and let us know how this goes, we are here to help.
Happy riding!