Balance Buddy (Adjustable

Product Information

Kids can learn how to ride balance bikes in stages and the process can start as early as 18 months old and last until they’re around six years old (though it may be earlier or later depending on the child). Kids will walk while holding the bike, walk while sitting on the bike, run with the bike, run while sitting on the bike, and eventually learn how to run to get speed while sitting on the bike before lifting their feet and gliding. The extra wide tires provide plenty of cushioning and traction for cruising through chunky trails, while the proper off-road geo offers room to lean-in while blasting over features at the bike park. The Dirt Hero is one exceptional rig. Runride isn’t just pretty, though. It’s been developed specifically to meet the ergonomic needs of its young riders. Among other features, this sees the brake lever brought closer into the handlebar, making it easier for small hands to grasp. Weight: Lightweight is key. Even a kilogram of difference between bikes could represent a significant proportion of your child’s body weight, which could make the bike difficult to ride and negatively impact their first impression of cycling. Balance bikes are very intuitive for kids and usually they just grab the bike and go, no instructions needed!

Thankfully, there’s plenty of substance to match the style. The bike is suitable for children aged three years old and up, and there’s enough adjustability to accommodate your little ones as they grow – saddle height is adjustable for a standover height from 36cm to 42cm, and you can swap around the spacers to raise or lower the handlebar height. There’s also a bell mounted to the handlebars as standard, which is good to see (and hear). Consider how often your child is likely to use it, how long you'd want it to last and if it could be resold later or passed down to a younger sibling.

What is a balance bike?

Every child has a will of their own, and sometimes they just refuse to do what you want! It often takes younger toddlers several months to be consistently interested. This means you're getting three bikes for your initial outlay, which can be comforting at a time of uncertainty about future product availability, prices and income levels. Others firmly felt it was far too expensive, that young children don't need a brake, and money should be saved for the larger Islabikes in the ever growing range.

Kidvelo are a recent entry into the market, but build on decades of balance biking experience - the team of four who run Kidvelo have been major players in the balance bike industry and joined forces to design and build their own bikes. I'm sure many of our readers would be surprised if an article about the best balance bikes didn't feature an Islabike. However, opinion is split on the Rothan.We have a Hornit balance bike for DS and he absolutely adores it. I do too because it’s super super light for when I inevitably have to end up carrying it sometimes.” (Loved by Mumsnet user Rainallnight) Our verdict Safety: Just like the importance of seat belts in a vehicle, a helmet is just as important when riding a bike. While wrist, elbow, and knee pads can save the skin from some serious “boo-boos,” a helmet decreases the risk of head injuries and deaths from bicycle and vehicle accidents. Helmets should cover the top of the forehead, sit parallel to the ground when the head is upright, and stay put if a child shakes their head or moves. As with adult bikes, there’s a large number of balance bikes to choose from, chiefly distinguished by size, components and features. How much should I spend? Finally for younger riders, the Toddlebike/Lena Bike is a great option for those aged 18 months plus who aren't quite ready to progress to a full balance bike.

The additional weight is worth considering if you're intending to carry it on a regular basis (say home from nursery or pre-school), but our reviewer found the Pinto to be very easy and fun to ride in balance bike mode. The Hoy Napier is the stuff of a toddler’s Olympics dreams with its sleek, minimalist BMX design, chunky wheels and small aluminium frame. Available in red, blue, and yellow this is a great looking balance bike that will see most children through from the age of two to four.We found the strider sport was great for a very short nearly 2 year old, as it was the only one that had a saddle that could go low enough and light enough. We had an Islabikes Rothan for our two, and the youngest had a Toddlebike to start with too. The balance bike made it easy to transition to a pedal bike, eldest three and a bit, youngest getting on for four." - Dominic Balance bikes are proven to give kids independence much earlier than traditional pedal bikes with stabilisers/ training wheels. Brake: A handbrake is an optional choice on a balance bike as a child will instinctively use their feet to stop, at least at first.

We had a Rothan and thought it was great. I sold it for a good price afterwards too.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user BreakingUpWithMyPhone) Our verdict Once she was out of nappies though the seat was too uncomfortable (and still too short for the softer bigger saddle) but fortunately someone gave us an Islabikes Rothan (see below) which was much more comfy and having the brake did help with getting ready for a Frog pedal bike." - Heather We had a strider and it was brilliant. Also amazing customer service when we needed some help.” (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user SpanielPlusToddler) Our verdictIf the items we have sent you are faulty, damaged or not as we described, we will cover the cost of collection and the delivery of the correct item. Availability: A bike should be broadly available—especially in North America—with delivery in a reasonable amount of time to Manhattan, Topeka, or Fairbanks.