Cooghi Balance Bike Review

Welcome to our comprehensive review of the smart looking, surprise pocket-rocket, the Cooghi balance bike for kids.

Cooghi Balance Bike Specifications

Product: Cooghi Balance Bike (three models include S3, S4 and S5)

Recommended for / Intended age range: 2 – 7 years (S3 and S5 models) / 2 – 8 years (S4 model)

Price / Best place to buy:

S3 – USD $139.99 (was $199.99)

S4 – USD $299.99 (was $359.99)

S5 – USD $319.99 (was $379.99)

Where to buy: cooghi.com

Frame and tires:

S3 – Integrally molded magnesium alloy frame with 12″ foam rubber tires

S4 – Integrally molded advanced nylon + glass fiber with 14″ air tires

S5 – Integrally molded aviation grade magnesium alloy with 12″ air tires

Wheel size: S3 – 12″ / S4 – 14″ / S5 – 12″

Wheel base: S3 – 21″ (535 mm)

Seat height range: S3 – Inseam 13″ – 19″ / S4 – suits height 95-135 cms / S5 – suits height 90-125 cms

Handle bar adjustment: Yes (20″ – 23.6″)

Bike weight: S3 – 3.1 kgs / S4 – 4.4 kgs / S5 – 3.7 kgs

Footrests: Yes

Brakes: No

Steering limiter: No

Warranty: 2 years

Overall rating: 7.5 / 10

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Before riding through a brief summary of the Cooghi’s pros and cons, and then onto our comprehensive insights into each of these, we encourage our readers to reflect upon the below statement as you soak up our review and consider if the Cooghi (or which model) might be the perfect match for your little rider.

“Not all balance bikes are created equal, and every rider is unique!”

Our goal in writing the Cooghi Balance Bike review is to provide you with straight down the line, genuine insights into what makes the Cooghi tick, what others are saying about it, and provide you with everything you will need to know so you can confidently decide if this bike will suit your child’s riding needs.

Cooghi Balance Bike Review Summary

Pros – what we really like about the Cooghi balance bikes

• High quality, durable design
• Options of air tires on the S4 and S5 models and 12″ rubber foam tires on S3 models
• Clean, cool and safe all-in-one ergonomic magnesium alloy or advanced nylon + glass fiber frames with hidden axle bolts
• Well designed foot rests
• Tool free handle bar and seat adjustability
• Super easy assembly

Cons – what didn’t we particularly like about the Cooghi

• No brakes
• Integrated handle bars
• expensive bike without brakes or true head stem

Cooghi Balance Bike Comprehensive Review

Before we dive into the good stuff, let’s take a brief look at Cooghi’s story.

Cooghi (pronounced ku:ji) was established in 2018 by self described trend-follower and energetic dad Jone (CEO). His passion and motivation piqued when he wanted to purchase a kid’s bike. Like many before him, Jone found the kid’s bike market options to lack quality, trend-setting, multi-purpose options.

Inspired by seeing a stylish car parked in the yard, his more unique response was to emulate the fashionable design and cool colors of the sports car on kid’s bikes and multi functional toys. These include balance bikes, scooters, skateboards, inline skates and kids protective equipment.

Their aim?

To integrate fashion and versatility that both inspire’s and innovates the kid’s bike market. Jone’s inspirational idea has seen Cooghi’s popularity explode, now being loved by 30 million families across 23 countries.

Now that you know a little about their maker, let’s unpack the product, and explore the above pros and cons to unveil everything the Cooghi balance bikes have to offer your little rider.

Below you will find what we liked, didn’t like, how the Cooghi stacks-up to similar balance bikes out there and our final ilovetoridemybike.com conclusions.

Enjoy!

What we liked about the Cooghi and why?

High quality, durable design

When you first look at the Cooghi, you cannot help but notice the shiny, clean and sleek looking finish of the frame. Each model has the same, all-in-one ergonomic design, yet the frames components vary slightly for each model.

The S3’s frame material comprises purely of magnesium alloy, the S4 is a blend of advanced nylon and glass fiber, while the S5 model rocks aviation grade magnesium alloy.

Each frame provides a unique feel and ride for the desired rider and age-group these have been designed for.

The S3, also called the S3 baby balance bike, is Cooghi’s entry level option for the youngest of rider’s just starting out. The S3 comprises a magnesium alloy, one-piece frame. It’s light (3.1 kgs), durable and elegant.

The next model, Cooghi’s S4 rocks a slightly larger frame (and wheelbase), 12″ air tires, and steps-up the frame’s material quality.

The S4’s frame rolls with an advanced nylon + glass fiber blend. This again looks sharp and is extremely durable, yet is getting on the slightly heavier side at 4.4 kgs.

The top-level option, Cooghi’s S5 (see image above) has 12″ air tires and an aviation grade magnesium alloy frame.

This not only looks the part, but has a durability that is incredible. It’s strong, light weight and resistant to corrosion and heat. You could easily add to that list, toddler resistant (aka almost unbreakable).

You may be asking yourself why aviation grade magnesium alloy is needed in a kid’s balance bike?

Well, quite simply it’s not. However, magnesium alloy’s favorable properties (super light, super strong, high durability) definitely make this a huge advantage on a balance bike designed for small bodies learning the special art form that is riding a bike.

12″ air or rubber tire options

If you have been to our website before, you will know that we are big advocates for air tires on balance bikes if this is within your budget.

For a refresher, head over to our post Balance Bike Buyers Guide, where we unpack all the helpful information you will need before going balance bike shopping.

But why?

Great question. When it comes to tires on kids balance bikes we have two distinct options. Air tires, or EVA solid foam tires. Here’s a quick run down of each.

EVA foam tires are made of solid foam. These are maintenance free (no flats, never need pumping up) and offer a comfy ride on solid surfaces such as pavements and bike paths, yet are also fine on grass, carpet or gym floors.

Their grip and suspension qualities are not brilliant, but for many tiny toddlers just starting out on a balance bike at a young age (around 1-2 years), these tires will do the job perfectly fine.
Air tires however, provide a whole new level of comfort, traction and control.

Their suspension qualities are far superior making these ideal for slightly older, more adventurous rider’s to explore any form of terrain including dirt and gravel tracks, and bike parks where they can experiment with new tricks and jumps on their bikes.

The good news is that Cooghi has both options covered in their range. Remember from above, Cooghi’s S3 is the starter model, it’s the lightest, has the most simple design and rolls on solid foam tires (see image below).

Alternatively, Cooghi’s S4 and S5 models roll on air tires and therefore provide you with the option of purchasing a bike with superior quality tires if this is more suited to your little rider’s needs.

Just remember, match the bike to your rider, and not the rider to the bike.

If your child is more adventurous, energetic, and has off-road trails and parks close by for them to explore, then air tires are highly recommended.

On the flip side, if your child will be riding mostly on hard surfaces and/or ride’s more to smell-the-roses (so to speak), solid foam tires will do the trick nicely.

** Special tip

Your child will improve dramatically over a 12-18 month period if provided plenty of opportunity to ride.

For many kids, this improvement will see them ready to explore off-road terrain within a short period, as they look for more challenging and exciting adventures on their bike.

Therefore, if within your budget, we highly recommend air tires as the go-to option, as this will better match your rider’s development and allow them to stay engaged and challenged on one bike over a number of years and when ready, simply transition to a pedal bike.

Integrated magnesium alloy frame with hidden axle bolts

Cooghi’s all-in-one ergonomic magnesium alloy frame is just like it says, one piece. No joints, no protruding parts, just smooth, cool-looking, colorful lines throughout.

Maybe just like the sports car Jone drew his inspiration from? 🙂

The frame has rounded edges, kid’s specific geometry and perfectly hidden axle bolts (some of the best we have seen) which eliminates the chance of injury to rider’s from protruding parts. Another bike with perfectly hidden axle bolts includes the Cruzee.

We really like Cooghi’s stylish, practical and safe frame!
Well designed foot rests

Foot rests on kid’s balance bikes provide a safe, secure resting place for little feet while gliding.

While these are not essential, we are big fans of well-designed footrests, as these encourage kid’s to practice the ultimate purpose that balance bike’s were designed for.

That is, to develop balance, while learning the basics of bike riding.

Foot rests nurture and motivate little rider’s to practice balance (during gliding) while riding.

Well-designed (as opposed to poorly designed), inconspicuous foot rests promote the development of this key skill. Cooghi’s footrests (see image above) are one of the best we have seen in that they are small, yet functional, and perfectly positioned toward the rear of the seat’s position when viewed from above.

Poorly designed footrests are cumbersome, and placed too far forward on the bikes frame (see image below) getting in the way of moving little legs and feet.

Cooghi’s footrests are a real winner and a brilliant feature on their balance bike range.

To help provide you with a comparison to other balance bike’s with similar, superbly designed footrests you can take a look at the Strider 12 Sport, Hornit Airo, Vuly, GOMO, Trek Kickster and Dirt Hero Off-road balance bike’s.

Tool free seat and handle bar adjust

When you’re out riding, walking or running along with your kid’s you appreciate any opportunity to forego some cargo. Parents, you know exactly what I am talking about here! 🙂

Although a tool to potentially adjust a bike seat or handle bar doesn’t weight a great deal, it’s yet another item you need to have at hand.

Thankfully, many balance bikes come with quick release seat and handle bar adjustment clamps that make adjustments or correction fast and easy.

The Cooghi’s S3 model has two (seat and handle bar) quick release clamps that effectively hold these components in a secure position. These are a great feature that any parent will really appreciate.

Cooghi’s S4 and S5 models have quick release seat clamps, and a locking mechanism on the handle bars, which once opened, allows you to press and hold two buttons to adjust the handle bars up or down to your preferred height.

Essentially, both seat and handle bar adjustments are tool free on all models.
Bottom line, when it comes to practical seat and handle bar adjustment capabilities on a balance bike, you cannot beat a good quality quick release clamp that is both durable and secure.

The Cooghi has this feature covered nicely!

Super easy assembly

When your shiny wheels arrive there is nothing better than to find out you can be riding this in a matter of minutes due to its simple, no tool assembly.

The Cooghi is partly assembled in the box, and only requires the front wheel and handle bar to be inserted, and just like the seat and handle bars, there is no tool required to assemble your new wheels.

It doesn’t get any easier when it comes to balance bike construction. This is another nice advantage for parents that we really like about the Cooghi.

What didn’t we particularly like about the Cooghi and why?

No brakes

Learning to use a hand brake is a crucial bike riding skill, one that will need to be used and over time, mastered as your little rider steps up to the big bikes in a few years time.

A hand brake’s inclusion on a balance bike, while certainly not essential, allows your child to fast-track their experience using this key feature.

They can begin to practice the fine motor skills and coordination of braking right alongside their first steps on a bike, not only providing benefit for their future riding prowess but also stepping up the degree of rider safety.

Here at ilovetoridemybike we absolutely encourage you to purchase a balance bike with a hand brake if this is within your budget.

Some excellent examples of balance bikes that rock this important feature include FirstBike Cross, smarTrike 3-in-1-Xtend, Woom 1 and Woom 1 Plus, Norco Runner, Kids Ride Shotgun Dirt Hero, Kokua Like a Bike Jumper, Ridgeback Scoot, and YeDoo Too Too.

Overall, we believe Cooghi would do well to provide the addition of a hand brake on the S4 or S5 models to provide another point of difference between their range, while allowing parents to have the option of purchasing a Cooghi with this important feature.

Integrated handle bars

Before unpacking this feature, let’s be clear on what we are talking about here.

Kids balance bikes essentially offer two handle bar capabilities. Integrated or true head stem and handle bar designs.

An integrated handle bar see’s the handle bar slot directly into the head tube, with no head stem (see image). This is lighter, yet doesn’t provide the robust, secure fit that can be achieved with a true head stem and handle bar design.

A true head stem design includes a head stem which holds the steerer tube (the handle bars) securely in place with secure pinch bolts and a face plate. These are what you see on the big-bikes, and provide a far superior element of safety, control and durability to the bike’s steering.

“On any bike, a true head set is unbeatable!”

On any bike, a true head set is unbeatable (see image below), and will allow your child to ride with greater confidence, dialing up the fun-factor for kids as they have a greater sense of stability and control while learning how to ride.

Again this is a non-essential item, but certainly one that is highly recommended if your child will be riding off-road, hilly surfaces and/or they have an energetic, go-get-em’ disposition.

Expensive bike without brakes or true head stem

This last point is directly related to the two just mentioned. Like any product, quality comes at a cost.

While we believe the Cooghi to be a quality product, it is an expensive balance bike, especially without the inclusion of some high-end features you would expect in this price bracket.

To help you make some quick comparisons, check out the table below.

Balance Bike	Seat Height Range	Air Tires	True head stem	Brakes	Price $ USD
Cooghi S3	12” to 18”	No	No	No	$139.99
Cooghi S4	13” to 19”	Yes	No	No	$299.99
Cooghi S5	12” to 18”	Yes	No	No	$319.99
Woom 1	10” to 14”	Yes	Yes	Yes	$249.00
Woom 1 Plus	14.8” to 18.5”	Yes	Yes	Yes (dual)	$299.00
Vuly	11.8” to 17”	Yes	Yes	No	$101.00
Yedoo Too Too	11.8” to 18”	Yes	No	Yes	$199.00
Strider 12 Sport	11” to 19”	No	No	No	$139.99
Micro Deluxe	15” to 17.3”	Yes	Yes	No	$135.00
Vitus Smoothy	12.75” to 17.5”	Yes	Yes	No	$117.00
Ridgeback Scoot	14” to 20”	Yes	Yes	Yes	$289.00

While the above table is not exhaustive in terms of overall features (for example we have not included bike materials, weight, footrest or steering limiter inclusions), it does however give you a quick point of reference for the features we have mentioned above, and clearly displays the price differences for each product.

Like we mentioned at the beginning of our post, not all balance bikes are created equal, and every child is unique.

So be encouraged to do your homework and stay true to your little rider’s unique needs, then match the bike accordingly.

How does the Cooghi compare to other balance bikes in its class?

The Cooghi’s S3, S4 and S5 models move from a mid-range to high-end price bracket.

Again, the below list is by no means extensive, but it will provide you with a glimpse of other balance bike’s on the market that have very similar features, style and rideability to that of the Cooghi range.

Cooghi S3, S4 and S5

*** Note: prices quoted are current sale prices

Find at cooghi.com
Summary

Cooghi S3 (pictured), aka baby balance bike (USD $139)

Pros: Weight 3.1 kgs, rocks a one-piece, ergonomic magnesium alloy frame, 12″ maintenance free foam tires, slick footrests, quick release clamp seat and handle bar adjust.

Cons: No brake, steering limiter or true head set.

Cooghi S4 (USD $299)

Pros: Weight 4.4 kgs, this has a heavier, advanced nylon / glass fiber composite frame, air tires, quick release clamp seat adjust, button mechanism handle bar adjust, superbly integrated footrests and sleek, durable design.

Cons: There are no brakes, steering limiter or true head set.

Cooghi S5 (USD $319)

Pros: Weighs 3.7 kgs, has aviation grade magnesium alloy frame, air tires, 3-levels of seat and handle bar height adjustments (button mechanism adjust), excellent footrest integration, fun, aesthetic looking, durable design.

Cons: Note there are no brakes, steering limiter or true head set.

Recommended For

A great starter bike for little rider’s taking their first steps on a balance bike, and who will be riding mostly on hard, flat, paved surfaces. It’s not recommended for off-road, hilly terrain due to lack of brake and the quality of tires used.

That being said, the overall light, funky looking designs are attractive and practical and each model has excellent durability due to its magnesium alloy frame. A great starter bike!

Strider 12 Sport

USD $129.99 at amazon.com

Summary

Pros: Huge seat height range (11″ – 19″) with standard and extra large seat posts available, maintenance free foam tires, durable, low step through steel frame, great color options, light weight (3 kgs), well-designed foot rests, and quick release seat and handle bar adjust clamps.

Cons: No brake or steering limiter, integrated handle bars, foam tires are not great on off-road surfaces, exposed axle bolts.
Recommended For

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. It rocks soft, tiny grips, narrow handle bars and light weight materials to help with ease of learning to ride a bike.

This is a relatively budget friendly balance bike from a reputable company that will provide your child with a wonderful introduction to riding.

Cruzee Ultra light

USD $199 at cruzee.com.au

Summary

Pros: Super light weight design (lightest in the world at 1.9 kgs), durable, anodized aluminium frame, huge seat (11″ – 19″) and handle bar (5″ range) adjustment capability, maintenance free foam tires and hidden axle bolts.

Cons: No handbrake, footrests or steering limiter, integrated handle bars.

For our comprehensive review of the Cruzee click here.

Recommended For

This is one of our favorite first bike recommendations for kids around 18 months to two years. The Cruzee’s amazingly light weight design makes learning to ride much easier, particularly for petite toddlers.

We highly recommend the Cruzee for physically smaller toddlers just getting started on a bike, and those who will be riding on mostly flat, hard surface terrain.

The fun, shiny colors and simple, safe design make this an ideal first bike that will put a smile on your little rider’s dial 🙂

Vuly

AUS $149 at vulyplay.com

Summary

Pros: Excellent quality finish and overall build, light weight (3.2 kg) magnesium alloy frame, 12″ air tires, steel rims, step through frame with sleek foot rests, true head set, quick release clamp seat adjust, soft grippy grips and ergonomically designed seat.
Cons: No hand brake or steering limiter, exposed axle bolts.

Recommended For

We really like the Vuly’s stunning finish and aesthetic looks, and underneath that shiny exterior is a great value bike that we have no hesitation in recommending to toddlers 18 months to 3+ years.

It’s air tires allow this bike to be ridden on all surfaces, however without brakes, we recommend little rider’s sticking to flatter terrain as they enjoy learning the riding basics of balance and coordination on this ripping little balance bike.

Hornit Airo

Find at hornitbikes.com

Summary

Pros: Sporting a super light, sleek and attractive magnesium alloy frame (2.95 kgs), 12.5″ air tires, aluminium rims, grip taped, well-positioned foot rests, excellent seat height range (11.8″ – 18.1″), six funky colors to choose from, and overall durable, high quality finish.

Cons: No hand brake, tool required for seat adjustment, no handle bar adjustment or steering limiter.

Recommended For:
The Hornit Airo is yet another example of a stunningly aesthetic looking balance bike due to it’s ultra-hard wearing magnesium alloy frame.

Due to it’s light weight and huge seat height adjustability, we agree with Hornit Airo’s recommended age to get riding on this bike (around 18 months) and believe your little rider should happily ride the Airo for 2-to-3 years.

Overall, this would make a great investment for young rider’s just getting started and who would be more likely to be riding on either paved or hard-packed gravel surfaces. We would also recommend sticking to relatively flat terrain due to the Airo not sporting a hand brake.

Overall ilovetoridemybike.com conclusion

We have certainly covered some terrain in our article. Thanks for joining us for the ride.

Here’s a brief summary of what the Cooghi Balance bike has to offer.

In sum, the Cooghi’s range including the S3, S4 and S5 models provide a high quality, slick looking developmental powerhouse of a bike for kids aged 18 months to around 5 years.

It’s shiny, high grade magnesium alloy, or advanced nylon plus glass fiber frames are extremely light, durable, and spectacular looking, but also provide an easy platform for little rider’s to learn the fundamental bike skills of balance and coordination.

Without the option of a brake however, we do recommend the Cooghi to be ridden mostly on paved or hard packed surfaces that are mostly flat, so this bike may not suit slightly older, more adventurous rider’s who prefer off-road adventures.

If this sounds more like your child, be sure to check out the Kids Ride Shotgun Dirt Hero Off-road Balance bike. The Dirt Hero is a stand-alone winner when it comes to off-road riding in the balance bike market.

Final word:

While the Cooghi is a little expensive for the features provided, it does a good job in providing a fun, cool looking machine for kids just taking their first steps on a balance bike.

If you have any questions or comments feel free to leave these below. We are here to help.

Happy riding!