7 Ultimate Balance Bikes for Toddlers 4+ Years

Welcome to our exploration of 7 ultimate balance bikes catered specifically for the adventurous spirits and developing skills of toddlers aged 4+ years.

If your child has been riding for some time now, then they are primed and ready to further explore and build upon their previous riding experiences, propelling themselves into new realms of balance and coordination.
In this selection of balance bikes, we have handpicked some of the best options that offer a nice blend of durability, safety, innovation and exciting features.

Before we ride any further, let’s get one thing clear, these bikes are ultimate balance bikes’s and not necessarily the best. We take caution to using bold claims flippantly, as we believe there is no single best balance bike, but there is such a thing as the best suited balance bike for your child.

And that’s why we are here. To help you see what’s out there and match your child with the best suited balance bike to match their unique needs.

These bikes are designed to accommodate the increasing capabilities and demands of children aged 4 and beyond, enabling them to confidently learn the essential bike riding skills to safely navigate their surroundings and discover the joys of independent mobility.

Before we dive in, there are some key ideas we want our readers to understand before heading out to purchase a larger balance bike for your child.

• Measure your child’s inseam and be sure this falls towards the lower end of the bikes’s seat height range
• Match the bike to your rider, and not the rider to the bike. Think of your child’s personality and athleticism here. Are they fearless and energetic, or placid and chilled? And,
• Larger balance bikes are less widely available than the premium 12″ balance bike market, and are specifically catered for older toddlers who need time to develop in confidence and skill before riding off into the sunset on a pedal bike. Therefore, check availability to your area before purchasing.

Ok, now let’s dive into the realm of ultimate balance bikes for toddlers 4+ years!

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1. SmarTrike 3-in-1 Xtend *** one of few extendable bike’s

Price / where to buy: USD $349.99 at smartrike.com
Intended age: 3 to 6+ years

Weight: 14.75 lbs (balance bike) and 18.36 lbs (with pedal kit)

Seat height range: 15″ to 21

Pros: bike extends and converts from a balance bike to pedal bike (balance bike, pedal bike and extended pedal bike), front disc brake as a balance bike, rear coaster brake as a pedal bike, adjustable seat and handlebars, durable magnesium frame, air tires, steel rims and overall excellent build quality

Cons: heavy for younger toddlers, front brake only in balance bike mode can cause safety issues, initially expensive investment, tool required seat and handlebar adjustments, small pedals and cranks, exposed axle bolts

Feature summary: A unique bike that allows your child to learn how to ride on the one bike for years.

The smarTrike has done well to produce a product that allows an older toddler to begin their cycling journey on the one bike for an extended period (no pun intended).

With the unique design, a child can learn on the same balance bike, add pedals, and eventually extend the bike as they grow eliminating the need to purchase a pedal bike once they have outgrown their balance bike.

Due to the extended age-range this bike has been designed for, it is more of an all-rounder than a perfect balance or pedal bike. That being said, it does perform really well in both modes, but there are some features to look out for.

1. As a balance bike, this is quite heavy. While most 4+ year olds will handle this extra weight well, smaller, younger toddlers may find this a little difficult to learn on
2. In pedal bike mode, it does have short crank arms and smaller pedals. This will be fine initially but before long your child may become frustrated with the amount of spinning and little winning in terms of forward propulsion.
3. The front brake (left hand) will require a little extra effort, care and instruction to ensure kids learn to brake gently. The skill is still perfectly relevant for their learning, however front brakes require a gentle touch to ensure safe braking and bike handling as the bike is slowing down

Overall, if your child is in need of a little extra time on a balance bike before converting to a pedal bike, then this bike provides a nice 3-in-1 option for older toddlers.

2. Kokua Like a Bike Jumper 14 *** Ultimate off-road jumping option

Price / where to buy: USD $324 at kokuabikesusa.com

Intended age: 3+ years

Weight: 9.2 lbs (the Jumper 12 is 7.5 lbs)

Seat height range: 15″ to 24″ inseam (6″, 9″ and 12″ seat posts included) 440 – 555 mm adjustability.

Pros: unique elastomer suspension, power modulated rear v-brake, adjustable brake lever, quality Schwalbe big apple air tyres, aluminium rims and hubs, true head stem, seat clamp adjust, padded high quality Velo seat, excellent grips with bumpers, flat axle bolts, removable steering dampener and overall superior quality build

Cons: expensive, no foot rests

Feature summary: This balance bike is one of few that have rear suspension (another is the Micro Deluxe) making this ideal for adventurous off-road riders and those wanting to hit the bike parks.

In a word, this is a brilliant product.

Like a Bike have been around since 1997 and are the founders of the modern kids balance bike. It’s a great testimony to the brand that they are still riding strong and producing top quality bikes for kids.

The Like a Bike Jumper 14 is packed with schmick features including all the above, plus 3-layered bumpers on the grips, padded stem cover, the inclusion of 9″ and 12″ seat posts (with optional 6″ seat post) and a finish that will make your eyes water.

We believe this bike to be one of the best you can get your hands on.

Due to its suspension and off-road capabilities, we think this bikes’ sweet spot is between 4-to-5 years as slightly older, more energetic toddlers will really benefit from the off-road features and quality components the Jumper 14 has to offer.

3. Ridgeback Scoot XL

Image: Courtesy of ridgeback.co.uk

Price / where to buy: £124.99 at ridgeback.co.uk or USD $299.00 at tikesbikes.com

Intended age: 4 to 7 years

Weight: 5.29 kgs (11.6 lbs)

Seat height range: 16″ to 22″

Pros: quality 14″ Speedster air tyres, rear aluminium v-brake, true head stem and wide handle bars, excellent seat height range with quick release clamp, extended wheelbase, and overall excellent build quality

Cons: protruding axle bolts, heavy for smaller toddlers

Feature summary: If your child is not quite ready to make the transition to a pedal bike, then there are not too many better options available on the market than the Ridgeback Scoot XL. This is a great quality bike.

Designed for taller, older toddlers, the Ridgeback Scoot rocks a larger frame than its 12″ sibling, the Ridgeback Scoot, and really does a great job to help larger toddlers who require some extra time on a balance bike, to continue their bike riding development on a top-quality bike.

The build quality is excellent and includes all the features (see above) that you would expect on a high-end bike.

We particularly like a couple of points-of-difference on the Scoot XL.

1. The Ridgeback Scoot XL has a hidden, internally routed brake cable. This complements the nicely designed smaller hand brake, quality grips and wide handle bars and provides greater stability and comfort for little riders, and
2. The Ridgeback Scoot XL rolls on a Vee Tire Speedster tires, as opposed to the Ridgeback Scoot’s Crown Gem’s which have a more bumpy, knobby tread pattern. This makes the XL’s tires more ideal for hard packed trails or hard surface, faster riding

We would love to see the addition of some sleekly integrated foot rests molded into the Ridgeback Scoot’s design and perfectly hidden, flat axle bolts to boost the safety of this bike even further.

Maybe this is something we will see in the Scoot’s next iteration?

That being said, this bike has a fine reputation in the balance bike world for good reason, and we have no hesitation to recommend the Scoot XL to older toddlers (4+ years) who require some more time to enjoy the wonders of a balance bike before jumping on the pedals in a few years’ time.

4. Strider 14x Sport *** Best budget option

Image: Courtesy of striderbikes.com

Price / where to buy: USD $209.99 at amazon.com
Intended age: 3-to-7-year olds

Weight: Balance bike – 12.5 lbs. (5.7 kgs) / Pedal bike – 15.1 lbs. (6.9 kgs)

Seat height range: 15″ to 22″

Pros: quick release clamp adjustable seat with excellent seat height range, tool adjust handle bars, 14″ air tires, padded seat, foot rests for balance bike mode, rear coaster brake in pedal mode, optional pedal kit transforms the 14″ balance bike into a 14″ pedal bike

Cons: no hand brake, short cranks and small pedals on the pedal kit, not ideal for off-road riding

Feature summary: The 14x is the only Strider bike that can be transformed from a balance bike to a pedal bike, offering a unique product at a budget friendly price.

There are very few convertible balance bikes on the market (some others include LittleBig, smarTrike, Kidvelo Rookie 14″ and 18″ and Black Mountain’s Pinto and SKØG), however the Strider 14x is by far the most budget friendly option for parents wanting a bike that will see their child transition from balance to pedal bike on the same bike.

Its strengths lie in its simplicity, good quality build and ability to provide a larger balance bike that will comfortably see your little rider step-up to using pedals for a period.

This bike is a little heavy as a balance bike, but we believe it finds its sweet spot for toddlers around 4 years (or bigger 3-year-olds) to 6 years.

There are a couple of features either included or omitted for parents to be mindful of.

1. There is no hand brake in balance bike mode. With 14″ tires your child will gain speed more easily, so just be sure they are riding on flatter terrain, at least initially, to allow them time to develop the skills required with their feet to control that extra speed.
2. Smaller cranks and pedals may be outgrown quickly. Once in pedal mode, if your child develops quickly in their riding prowess and/or grows like a mushroom around this age, they may find the shorter cranks and pedals are not to their liking and be spinning away endlessly. Basically, the Strider 14x may not suit their needs very long as a pedal bike.

Overall, this is a solid quality bike that is ideal for kids who are learning to ride a little later (around 4 years) or have perhaps outgrown their first, smaller balance bike.

It is budget friendly, simple, provides a great feature in allowing the addition of pedals when ready, and is well-built by a reputable company.

We have no reservations in recommending this bike as a wonderful option to see out the exciting transition from balance to pedal riding.

5. Kidvelo Rookie 14

Image: Courtesy of kidvelobikes.com

Price / where to buy: AUD $389.00 at kidvelobikes.com
Intended age: 3 to 6 years

Weight: 5.2 kgs (balance mode) 6.6 kgs (pedal bike)

Seat height range: 40 – 56cms (15.75″ – 22″)

Pros: easily convertible balance to pedal bike, front and rear v-brakes, rear coaster brake in pedal mode, quick release seat height adjust, adjustable handle bar height, excellent seat height range, excellent light weight design, true thread less head set, air tyres, scooped padded seat, durable, high-quality build and design with excellent 5-year warranty

Cons: exposed axle bolts, balance bike footrests may be obtrusive to little running feet

Feature summary: Gee whiz, it’s great to find another convertible balance-to-pedal bike that offers quality features at an affordable price.

The Kidvelo Rookie 14″ (and Kidvelo 18″ for that matter) is an overall solid performer that slots in nicely for kids around the 4-year age-bracket to enjoy the same bike as a balance bike and pedal bike.

We like the Rookie14’s larger wheelbase (adds stability and comfort), kid-tough yet very light aluminium frame and forks, air tires on aluminium rims and overall, a neat design that fits the bill perfectly as the bigger sibling of the Kidvelo Rookie 12″.

In addition, the dual hand brakes are brilliant, allowing riders to learn this important skill developing ambidextrous motor patterns.

Add to this a nicely patented upright geometry, sleek feel and smooth lines, the Rookie 14″ makes for a great riding experience. As always, there are a couple of features to consider before purchasing.

The crank arms are short, yet the pedals are large. This provides a nice stable platform but may cause your little rider to quickly outgrow the bike in pedal mode as they will be spinning away to gain speed.

That being said, we think this is a super find, and as one of the very few balance-to-pedal bikes on the market, it does an excellent job in fulfilling a one-stop-shop for parents to see their little rider’s make the important transition from balance to pedal riding.

Highly recommended!

6. Littlebig Covertible Balance Bike *** Top quality extendible bike

Image: Courtesy of littlebigbikes.com

Price / where to buy: €203.00 from littlebigbikes.com
Intended age: 2 to 6 years.

Weight: Balance bike – 4.9 kgs (10.8 lbs) / Pedal bike – 6.6 kgs (14.5 lbs)

Seat height range: 14″ – 21″

Pros: Easy peasy conversion capability that covers 3 modes: little balance bike, large balance bike, and pedal bike, lightweight aluminium frame, excellent dual front and rear hand brakes, great 14″ air tyres, true BMX style head stem, quick release seat height adjust, internally routed brake cable, nice small grips with bumpers, excellent durability and build quality

Cons: exposed axle bolts, short crank lengths on the pedal kit may be outgrown quickly for taller toddlers

Feature summary: As stated with the Kidvelo Rookie 14 above, it is wonderful to see more great quality options available for older toddlers around 4 years.

The Littebig is just another example of the always improving quality within the kids bike market, and brings along its own iteration of a convertible 14″ balance to pedal bike that has 3 riding modes.

In a word, this is a ripping quality bike that transforms from a little balance bike (mode 1) to larger balance bike (mode 2), to pedal bike (mode 3) all on 14″ wheels.

This bike is recommended for toddlers as young as 2-years, however we have slotted the bike into our ultimate list for slightly older toddlers (around 4-years) due to its ability to convert from balance to pedal bike.

We believe it finds it’s groove ideally for toddlers 3-to-5 years as it allows smaller toddlers to develop their key riding skills, and transition to a pedal bike using the same bike.

With excellent quality materials, lightweight, strong frame mechanics (alloy rims, sealed bearings, true head stem, air tyres) and dual hand brakes which fast-track learning of this essential skill, the Littlebig will brilliantly see your child transition from balance-to-pedal bike and be well ready to jump on a larger 16″ or 18″ pedal bike in the near future.

7. Black Mountain Pinto 14″ *** Another top-quality extendible bike

Image: Courtesy of blackmountain.bike

Price / where to buy: £399.00 at blackmountain.bike
Intended age: 2.5 – 5 *** Note: compare with 4.5 – 7 years for Black Mountain’s SKØG 16″

Weight: Bike mode 5.7 kgs (12.5 lbs) / Balance bike mode 5.0 kgs (11 lbs)
Seat height range: 42 cm – 61 cm (or toddlers 90 to 109cm height approx.)

Pros: Converts across 3 modes of bike: from a small 12″ balance bike (mode 1), to a small 12″ pedal bike (mode 2) and a larger 14″ pedal bike (mode 3), larger rear cog supplied (increases gear ratio), durable aluminium frame, small, easy reach Tektro brake levers, front and rear brakes, custom saddle with rails (allows for forward or backward adjustments) and inverted seat clamp (can go super low), zero maintenance and oil free belt drive system, 14″ rims with excellent quality Kenda air tyres, true head stem and overall robust and outstanding build quality.

Cons: heavy for a balance bike, tool required seat adjust, smaller 3-year-olds may find the balance bike a little challenging to learn on especially if this is their first bike.

Feature summary: The Black Mountain Pinto offers a unique design that allows for an older toddler to continue their riding progression on a 12″ balance bike, then 12″ pedal bike and larger 14″ pedal bike all on the one trusted steed.

Back in 2010, Black Mountain founder, parent and engineer, Andy Lloyd set about designing the ultimate kid’s bike (make’s sense that you will find them here then 🙂 ).

After many years in development, 2017 witnessed the arrival of the Black Mountain Pinto (and SKØG). Black Mountain Cycles now have an established reputation for creating innovative and high-quality bikes featuring their propriety EPOK growing technology.

Essentially, they have developed a bike that addresses the conundrum that children may need three separate bikes (a small 12″ balance bike, a 12″ pedal bike and 14″ pedal bike) before the age of six.

Black Mountain’s Pinto aims to eliminate wasting money and resources by developing a great bike that grows with your child.

In a word, they have succeeded.

Not only does the Pinto provide a bike that grows with your child using their clever patented UP:SCALE growing frame, but they also add a two-speed drive system, durable belt drive, ripping short-reach easy pull dual brake levers and an innovative inverted seat clamp to allow this bike to thrive in three modes.

*** Note the difference here between the Littlebig with its three modes: small balance bike (mode 1), larger balance bike (mode 2) and larger pedal bike (mode 3).

From all angles this bike provides a brilliant investment for parents wanting to essentially purchase three bikes in one. The quality is outstanding, the handling awesome, and aside from your little grom’s riding prowess, the environmental impact is yet another benefit your child will reap in future generations from riding the Pinto.
*** Note: Before we wrap up, a special mention is warranted here for the very few larger (16″ plus) balance bike’s available worldwide.

These have been designed to cater for older toddlers who need some extra time developing their essential bike skills of balance, coordination and of course riding confidence, before making the leap to a pedal bike.

Some options we recommend exploring are the Strider 20x Sport (8+ years), Bixe 16 Pro (5 – 9 years), Kidvelo 18″ and Go Glider 16 (5 – 9 years).

Conclusion

We believe (and yes, we are first to acknowledge our inherent bias here) any invention created to help your child catch the bike-bug is a good thing 🙂

You now have a great idea of some (certainly not all) of the ultimate riding machines available out there for 4+-year kid’s.

Here’s a quick recap of our post:

• There is no single best bike, just those best suited for your child. We are here to help you find the best suited bike for your little rider’s needs. So take into consideration your child’s physical needs, temperament, balance bike features, riding experience, balance bike safety and riding environment.
• Measure your child’s inseam and find their optimal seat height, then match the bike to your child, and
• We have listed 7 ultimate balance bikes (many that grow with your child) suited for toddlers 4+ years for your child

What has been your child’s riding experience?

Tell us about how your child’s riding progress and send through any comments or questions that you may have, we are here to help.

Happy riding!