Now more than ever since the Laufmashine was first invented in 1817 do we have more choice in the range of quality Balance Bikes for kids. But how are busy parents who are just beginning to learn how to ride the parentcycle, juggling family, work, maintaining a home, pets, hobbies’ and if you’re lucky, a haircut once in a while, able to find a safe, value packed first bike for their little ones?
Well, this article doesn’t promise to have all the answers. But it does promise to give you the most up to date information to help you decide on the best balance bike for kids available on the market right now.
That’s right, we have done all the hard work for you by extensively searching the net.
This article aims to not only provide you with a thorough list of the Top 5 Balance Bikes for kids in 2022, but we give you important information about when your child can start riding, what materials and tyres to consider, and the somewhat controversial world of brakes for balance bikes, all included within our buyer’s guide.
So, sit back, grab a coffee and enjoy learning all about kids balance bikes. First up, our Top 5 ranked balance bikes for 2022.
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The Top 5 Balance Bikes For Kids 2022
1. Strider 12 Sport Balance Bike
Age Range 2 – 3 years
Frame Steel
Wheel size 12″
Max Weight Limit 27 kgs
Weight 3 kgs
Weighing only 3.0 kg, the 12 Sport balance bike is super easy for your child to learn to balance and glide. Mini grips help your little one to take control.
Featuring puncture proof tyres, adjustable seat and handlebars, and built-in footrest this bike rocks a smashing blue color and gives you the biggest bang for your buck!
USA residents can check-out the Strider 12 Sport Balance bike here
AUS residents can check-out the Strider 12 Sport Balance bike here
2. Woom 1 Balance Bike
For details visit woom.com
Age Range 1.5 years – 3.5 years
Frame Aluminum
Wheel size 12″
Max Weight Limit 50 kgs
Weight 3 kgs
This is a beauty! Schrader (car-type) valves for pump-up tyres provide a soft ride, rear v-brake, and durable, long step-through aluminum frame make this a winner.
It comes assembled, with a strap to attach to the bike for easy carrying and has excellent frame mechanics that allow your child to ride in a more upright position, helping them balance and glide with greater ease.
3. Banana Bike GT
Age Range 2 – 4 years
Frame Aluminum
Wheel size 12″
Max Weight Limit 25 kgs
Weight 3.7 kgs
One of the best budget balance bikes reviewed.
The GT model comes with air tyres which offers more traction above foam tyre models, a long sturdy frame, true headset design which helps maintain handlebar alignment, and quick release seat-post clamp.
This is a great bike for your little rider to explore various terrains.
At the budget end it’s worth mentioning that the quality of materials don’t match the more expensive models and a handbrake is not included.
That said, the Banana Bike Balance Bike does offer a great design at a budget-friendly price. Overall, a cost-effective winner!
USA residents can check-out the Banana Bike GT here
AUS residents can check-out the Banana Bike GT here
4. Cruzee Ultralight Air Balance Bike
Age Range 1.5 years – 5 years
Frame Aluminum
Colors 9 available
Brakes None included
Weight 1.9 kgs
Perfectly simple design, the Cruzee Ultralite Air is a wonderful bike for little ones aged 18 months to 5 years.
The significant lightweight design provides an advantage to smaller, more petite or cautious learners.
Complete with air tyres, huge adjustability in the seat and handlebar heights, a comfortable padded seat and small footrest complement the great design and ease of use.
The lack of handbrake, however, make this less ideal for more confident riders.
Overall, perfectly simple, great value and the 9 vibrant anodized colors available make this balance bike a popular choice.
AUS residents can check-out the Cruzee Ultralight Air Balance Bike here
5. FirstBIKE Cross Balance Bike
Age Range 22 months – 5 years
Frame Nylon-composite
Wheel size 12″
Max Weight Limit 35 kgs
Weight 3.9 kgs
Complete with broad pneumatic tyres, a rear-drum SafetyStop handbrake, scratch-proof recessed bolts, a lightweight nylon-composite flexible frame, horse saddle seat to prevent slipping that is tool-free adjustable, and an advanced steering limiter, FirstBIKE Balance Bikes are up there with the best in its class for safety.
This little beauty is an all-terrain bike, suitable to travel longer distances over rough, hilly ground.
While the price tag is slightly higher compared to other models in its class, overall, this is a great purchase that breaks new ground in comfort and safety that is hard to match!
A great bike highly recommended to any parent.
USA residents can check-out the FirstBIKE Cross Balance Bike here
AUS residents can check-out the FirstBIKE Cross Balance Bike here
Two additional balance bikes also worth a special mention include,
Chicco Ride On Ducati Scrambler Balance Bike
For Image and details see Amazon.com.au
Age Range 2 – 5 years
Frame Steel
Wheel size 12″
Max Weight Limit 25 kgs
Weight 2.7 kgs
Features include an ultralight metal frame, adjustable seat and handlebars, and rubber handles make for a comfy ride all while rocking the original Ducati Scrambler colors.
This balance bike comes with anti-puncture wheels and is an official Ducati product developed in collaboration with Ducati.
Overall, a solid performer that provides great comfort and durability for your child to learn the basics of riding.
AUS residents can check-out the Chicco Ducati Scrambler Balance Bike here
And the X-factor
smarTrike 3-in-1 Xtend Convertible Kids Balance-pedal Bike
Age Range 3 – 6+
Frame Lightweight Magnesium
Wheel Size 12″
Front Disk Brake included
Only extendable bike in the world!
Designed with enginuity, this bike brings a novel idea to fruition with a balance bike that extends and converts to a pedal bike in seconds thanks to an easy pedal installation system.
Now that’s a great idea!
The extendable frame saves parents from upgrading to a whole new pedal bike when your child is ready to venture from balance bike to pedal bike.
The bike features, aside from the extendable frame, an adjustable seat and handlebars, front brake and a lightweight magnesium frame.
This is a bike certainly worthy of a mention due to its safety features and the unique design!
USA residents can check-out the 3-in-1 Xtend convertible kids balance-pedal bike here
So, what else do we need to know about Balance Bikes? Here’s a brief buyers guide that focuses on the essential information for newbies learning about the world of balance bikes.
Your Buyers Guide
Why a Balance Bike?
The answer is simple: It’s the Best Way to Learn Balance
Traditional bike stabilizers take away the requirement for balance to be learnt naturally. Balance Bikes provide a more optimal learning experience specifically designed to allow the child to have their feet always close to the ground. This enables the rider to progress at their pace to improve their motor skills, balance, coordination and control.
A Balance Bike works with a simple progression.
First, the child can simply walk their bike, using their feet to provide forward movement.
Second, the child can experience short distances gliding otherwise known as freewheeling, while having the reassurance of having their feet ready to place onto the ground when needed.
The third progression before switching over to a traditional bike is the child will gradually increase the distance freewheeling with greater balance, motor control and physical prowess.
What age is appropriate to start riding a Balance Bike?
If your toddler can walk, the good news is they are capable of riding a balance bike too.
Some children ride a peddle-less bike before they are one year old, others can still enjoy a balance bike when they are seven. The single limitation for your child starting to venture into the world on two wheels is their inseam length.
Without getting too technical, basically if your little one can comfortably sit on the saddle and their feet are able to balance the bike and provide forward movement, then they are ready to explore the thrill of their first balance bike ride.
Follow here for an example of balance bikes recommended for 18 months to 5 years.
Frame and Tyre Materials
Frame Fun
As with any product, there are pros and cons with the variety of frame materials available.
High-strength steel frames provide a sturdy, robust feel that will add weight to the bike.
Ultralight aluminium frames allow the rider to learn with a feeling of effortlessness as the weight is minimal.
Wooden frames supply a unique environmental advantage, and the tough plastic flexible frames allow an advantage from rust and corrosion that is not only scratch resistant but doesn’t break.
In summary, the choice really comes down to what suits your childs needs better. Your child is unique in every aspect. Let their uniqueness guide you here as to what material best matches your little rider.
Tyre Talk
Hands down, pneumatic tyres deliver the best in comfort.
Due to their suspension qualities, they simply allow for a more comfortable ride by enhancing suspension and absorbing shock better. Broad rubber tyres produce smooth rides and add grip in most terrains.
This will not only provide a more enjoyable ride but give your little rider greater confidence and that leads to more fun!
Brakes or No Brakes?
Many Balance Bikes don’t have brakes. Like most options, this has some positive and negative consequences.
We recommend purchasing a balance bike with brakes (click here for an example) as this will be an essential skill necessary when riding their first bike. Balance bikes with brakes do cost more, but the overall benefits of your child learning essential braking skills will be a huge benefit as they transition to their first pedal bike with brakes.
An added bonus is the brakes will hopefully provide a little more longevity to your child’s footwear and reduce the risk of foot injuries from foot braking.
Conclusions
In summary, I won’t ride around the block, but will give this to your straight.
In our extensive research of the internet into kids balance bikes, the top five bikes could subjectively change in order depending on the unique characteristics of your child.
That being said, we have taken the time to ensure that you will not be disappointed with the quality and safety of the Top 5 balance bikes that we recommend in this article.
Why the Top 5? After the Top 5 recommended here in this article, the abundance of good quality kids balance bikes on the market is substantial. This article has focused on the best kids balance bikes on the market in 2022, and that is what we have presented here.
Our goal is for you to confidently purchase a top-quality balance bike that will do more than keep your little rider safe and comfortable, but will provide them with so much joy in their first bike that they will want to keep riding off into the sunset for hours on end!
if you have any questions regarding the information in this article or simply about balance bikes more broadly, feel free to write us a question or provide feedback in the comments section below. We have a lifetime of knowledge to share and help you so please reach out!
Thank you for sharing the top 5 Best Balance Bikes for kids!
I love how you shared so much valuable information. Do you have any photos of the bikes to get a visual on what they look like?
The Banana Bike GT is something i would possibly buy for my nephew who is 4!
I like how it’s budget friendly but also seems very durable!
I look forward to purchasing from your link!
Hi Lorenz,
We just wanted to keep you updated with our website development. You can now follow our links provided throughout the article above (other articles are still being updated with additional links). The banana bike GT is a great option if you’re still looking for a balance bike. We hope this is helpful for you! Best wishes and happy riding
Thanks a lot for this valuable and detailed post about Best Balance Bikes For Kids. This is actually a very important post. I was looking for a bike like this for my sister’s child. You have shown me the best in this post. Keep posting like this. I will definitely share this.
That’s brilliant Pasindu, I’m so glad that you found my article helpful and valuable. Just super! Yes please continue to follow my site and share as I continue to develop my website (this is virtually brand new), as I have a lifetime of experience and knowledge to share with you all! thanks again
I find this article incredibly interesting. Wow things have changed (progressed) somewhat since my kids were young. I remember my training wheels on my bike and my dad running miles pushing me! The Ducati Scrambler for a two year old sounds about right for my grandson. Super informative, some pics would be great 🙂
I’m so glad you found my article helpful and super interesting AliB, and it has helped you to find a product that is safe and fun for your grandson. My website is virtually brand new, so please continue to follow me and share with your friends as images, links and all the bells and whistles so to speak, will be added as I share my wealth of knowledge to you all about the wonderful world of bikes!
Balance bikes are a great way for kids to learn how to balance on a bike. They are also a great way for kids to learn how to ride a bike. My kids have balance bikes and they love them. My kids are able to balance on their bikes and ride them without any problems. I would definitely recommend balance bikes for kids. Thanks for this guide on giving advice on how deciding which is the best ones to get for my kids. Much appreciated
Hi Oliver, wonderful! Your so welcome. My site is virtually brand new but I have a wealth of knowledge to share to you all in this space, so please keep following and share my site in the years to come. My goal is to provide you with the most informative, helpful and up to date information about balance bikes to help you all benefit from this wonderful world is riding.
Hi,
my son has just learnt to ride a real bike. Before that, he had a wooden balance bike and he loved it. We are very much concerned about the environment and our children’s health, so we tend to use natural products. Of course, that doesn’t mean that they are the best!
As kids, we didn’t have balance bikes, but our dads used to remove bike pedals so they served the same purpose.
A frame can be chosen according to one’s likes, but tyres are really important regarding kids’ comfort.
Good luck parents. Learning to ride a bike is an amazing and important experience for our kids!
Thank you for your advice on balance bikes. I had never heard of them before. But it seems fairly obvious and is a natural progression from walking. My Grandson, Zac, is almost 2 yeahs old. Would hat be considered too young to get his first balance bike? I see you have ages listed from 1.5 years old, but from your experience is that too young. As a teacher, I know that if you introduce something too much for the age group, it could have the opposite of the desired effect.
By that I mean, rather than giving them an advantage it could turn them off entirely. Anyway thanks for the comprehensive report on these bikes. Is there anyway I can get to see some pictures of these bikes?
Thanks
Stephen
Hi Stephen, firstly thank you for reading my article and responding with your comments.
I’m thrilled you found this information helpful. I’m also a teacher, so I understand perfectly your where your question is coming from. In the instance of ‘when’ to best introduce a child to a balance bike, this really needs to be directed by the individual child. If they are confident, enjoy trying new challenges and are happy to be involved in new physical adventures in particular, then I would confidently say you can gently introduce your grandson to a balance bike at around 2 years. From my experience, let the child govern when you introduce them to such a wonderful adventure. Even if you wait another 6 months, this will only provide more time for your grandson to become more confident and that much stronger so that they will be more than ready.
Yes, I cannot wait to add pictures to my article and links for everyone. My site is virtually brand new. I have a wealth of knowledge that I just cannot wait to share with you all, so please continue to follow my site as I look forward to helping keep you informed about everything ‘balance bike’ in the years to come!
Kids love to go one bikes and most of them, as soon as they can walk, want to go on some type of ride-on toy. Having a little bike for my kids, was one of the best investments we ever made. Riding a bike gives kids a sense of independence, and they learn how to balance.
I do prefer the models that will last them for more than just one year. It would be helpful if you can include images of the balance bikes that you recommend, as it is much easier for the reader to visualize and compare the bikes. Links to where one can view and buy them would add a lot of benefit.
Hi, thank you for reading my article and providing comments for me. I hope you found the article informative, interesting and most of all helpful for you. My website is virtually brand new, and images and links are coming very soon as I continue to develop all things within the ilovetoridemybike.com experience.
Please continue to follow my page as it is my goal to continue to write amazing quality content about balance bikes to help parents/families learn all about the wonderful world of balance bikes. Ride safe, have fun
I love to ride, and I have always wanted away my son, who is four can get to learn to ride on his own. I have seen a lot of folks be thought, but I knew on my own, and I wanted my son to discover it by himself. But balancing has been a challenge for him. Banana bike GT looks like what I will like. But I would have loved to see some images in the article
Hi Parameter, thank you for your comments. Riding is such a wonderful sport for all ages! I hope you found the article interesting and helpful for you in making a choice of balance bike. Yes, my website is virtually brand new. Please continue to follow my site as additional pictures, and links for you will become available shortly. Ride safe, have fun
I never got to ride a bike my entire life simply because I don’t know how ☺. I really wished my parents got me one of these balance bikes when I was a kid.
Anyway, I want my kids (5-year-old, and 3-year-old) to learn to ride a bike as early as possible. I don’t want to deprive them of the fun. But I am not sure which bike to buy. I am afraid they will fall off and do not want to ride one anymore.
After reading your review, I am torn between the Cruzee Ultralight Air Balance Bike and the FirstBIKE Cross Balance Bike. I like the former in that it’s lightweight and comes in different colors. But the latter seems like a better choice because it offers class and safety.
By the way, since I have two kids, do you suggest we buy 2 bikes? Or one is enough for now until they learn to balance and then we’ll just buy them one regular bike each?
Hi Alice, thanks so much for reading my article and your comments.
Yes, me too. I never experienced the balance bike as a toddler as they were not around then! They are simply a game changer for your little ones riding development.
In response to your questions, I suggest purchasing one bike first up, and allow your kids to share the fun. If they both seem to really enjoy the balance bike, and you feel it would be great value for both to have their own, go for it!
That way you can allow them to trial the experience before over committing with your purchases. Good luck, and happy riding!
Great article! I wish I would have read this before getting my granddaughter her first bike, a year ago, and she still can’t and really won’t even try, to ride it. Ack…anyway, I really appreciated your post. I had not heard of Balance Bikes until today, so I learned something new today.
Thank you for the very informative article!
Lisa
Hi Lisa, thank you for reading my article and I’m so wrapped that you found this helpful and informative for you to read. I really appreciate you following my site! Please keep reading and share as my website is virtually brand new, and will gradually improve with images, links, greater depth of information as I share my lifetime of experience and knowledge with you all, encouraging more people to experience the wonderful benefits of riding! all the best
Thank you for the article sharing. I would definitely add a few photos in there just to have an idea how these bikes look. I have been looking for some time now to get the first balance bikes for my sons and you have some pretty good suggestions in there. There is such a wide variety in the market that is impossible to know for sure what is good quality and what is not.
Hi Stratos,
Thank you for taking the time to read my article and for providing comments. I really hope this article, and future articles from our website can help you have the knowledge and understanding of which products would best suit your needs. The choice of bikes is huge. To be able to help give you practical, knowledgeable insights is what we are here for.
Yes! The website is virtually brand new. Images, advertising and links are all being established shortly for everyone to utilise. Thanks again for reading. Keep following and share in the future as we develop and grow the site.
happy riding
Love the idea of a balance bike. I am sure they weren’t around when my child was learning to ride. We had to start with training wheels on a normal bike. Having this option would have made life so much easier and safer, as even the training wheels are prone to buckle and we had a few tumbles. These bikes are also lower to the ground, so not so far to fall. Must be great fun for energetic toddlers.
Hello! I like that the Cruzee Ultralight Air Balance Bike can be used by kids of 3, 4, and even 5-years old. I like how many color options there are available. I like Aluminium for the frame. And also like bikes that are light for my children. Thank you for this review.
Your welcome Ann. So glad you like the article. Yes, the Cruzee is a personal favorite of mine! Keep following and sharing my site as it continues to develop and evolve with helpful images, links and of for us the real goal of our site is to provide great information that is helpful for everyone! happy riding
Balance bikes are truly a great thing, and I absolutely agree that they are the best way to learn balance. When I was a child, I didn’t even have one with traditional bike stabilizers or, as we would say, a bike with four wheels. I started with a standard bike straight away. I fell a few times, but it was neither terrible nor lasted too long. I quickly learned to ride a bike. However, my nephew had a balance bike, and when he switched to a standard bike, he never once fell. He immediately knew how to keep his balance while riding. It is really a good thing for kids to learn balance.
Very informative. I have never heard of “Balance” bikes. What a great way for little ones to learn.
Most kids are afraid to learn to ride because they are scared that they are going to fall. I have a 5-year-old grandaughter who would probably love a new bike for Christmas. It would have been great if you could have provided some photos of each bike.
Thanks for Sharing!
Hi Faye, thanks so much for reading my article and for your encouraging feedback. Yes, these bikes are super in the benefits they provide for little ones. Yes, our website is brand new, so images, links and anything we believe will be helpful to you will be added as we continue to develop the webpage. Keep following as we are writing new and insightful content each week right now for you. Happy riding!
It was eye-opening that balance bikes have classifications. My daughter had her 1st balance bike when she was 3 years old.
Thank you for a very informative article 🙂
For any loving parent buying the first bike for your child is very exciting but as care givers we worry whether we are making the best decision. Your article really helps us to focus on some of the most important considerations to explore before making the purchase. I prefer the Woom 1 Balance Bike as it provides a cushioned ride and has brakes so that my child can learn to stop. Light-weight aluminum allowing for easy transport when we go bike riding at the park is also very appreciated. I also want my child to learn to ride in a relaxed position which will help them to keep balance and continue to glide along the path. Thank you for pointing me in the right direction.
I
Your most welcome! Glad you found the article helpful, and thanks for sharing your experiences so openly. Keep following and share the site as we continue to add more wonderful content, and add helpful links for you all to get out and enjoy fiding.
Thanks for sharing this information. My little one is nearly ready for a balance bike and I didn’t know what factors to consider. I didn’t know that you could get brakes on a balance bike so that is something I’ll be looking out for. I think that an aluminium frame would be most suitable for her.
Fantastic article on the BEST BALANCE BIKES FOR KIDS. Great research and very well put together. I did not even know that there was such an option for young children, so now I am educated. Thank you.
Your top five balance bikes will give parents enough information I believe to select the right bike for their child.
I will share this post with friends who have young children.
Thank you for your encouragement and comments William. Yes, please keep following and share as we continue to develop the site and provide useful links, and further great articles on the wonderful world of balance bikes.
Thanks again for reading
Thanks for an amazing read about finding the best balance bikes for kids this year. I have 3 grandkids that need to buy a bike, and your guide will help me with my decision-making on buying one for each age group. Where can I find the bikes you recommended in your list, and do you have pictures?
Hi Jannette, thanks for reading my article and we are so glad you found this helpful. My site is brand new, so links to purchase the products you are interested in, complete with images and more helpful links are coming in the next few weeks. So, please keep following and sharing as we will continue to grow and develop the site so we can provide you with the best in all things bike and the ilovetoridemybike.com experience!
Thank you so much for this post over some of the best bikes for kids. I really like the Cruzee Ultralight Air Balance Bike, as it seems like a light choice, and one that most kids could enjoy. However, it does worry me a little that it does not come with the brake handles, as some kids only know how to brake like that. I know that’s how I started off until I got a little older.
Times have certainly improved when it comes to buying bikes for little ones, I see. I’d been hearing about balance bikes from a few friends, but wasn’t sure which would be suitable for my 2 year old. So thanks for providing your top 5 list. I find it curious that so many of these bikes don’t come with brakes. To me, it just seems natural to introduce your child to brakes as soon as possible so that they can learn the inevitable. Overall, your picks sound good and this will make it easier for me to narrow down the one I eventually buy for my son. Thanks for your article!