Do you know why, in 2018, the number of cyclists in the USA rose up to 66 million?
Let me tell you!
For centuries, cycles have been seen as an essential mode of transport. Not only does it allow you to beat the traffic and commute faster than the rest, it’s a perfect exercise and stays in shape while living up to your social responsibilities through environmentally friendly commuting.
Now, why leave your child behind with a skill that can benefit him in so many ways?
I’d say stop searching around for an activity to get him involved in during his leisure time and buy him the best balance bike that will undoubtedly build him as a proficient biker.
I’ve always been told that the greatest skills of our lives are learned in our childhood and then developed through later years – which is why it is essential to provide children with the best of learning from day one.
One way you can ensure your child will shine in the world of bikers is with the top quality balance bike!
Let your child master two wheel biking without pedals and hence learn the vital art of balance.
Contents Breakdown
Top 9 Best Balance Bikes Reviews in 2019
1. Early Rider Classic
With an attractive finishing, the Early Rider wooden bike wins the heart of many. As the name suggests, this classic balance bike is safe to use from as early as two years old.
A speed limiter can also be turned one and thus gives access to parents to ensure a further safe ride. The waterproof model, on the other hand, is built to last.
Pros
- Durable
- Attractive
- Smooth wheel rotation
- Suitable for beginners
- Easy to carry
- Waterproof
- Quality construction
Cons
- Slightly uncomfortable on bumpy roads
- Handlebar does not adjust to the height
2. Strider 12 Sports Balance Bike
If you want a bike to grow with your child, the adjustable seat built in this model will cater you’re your child’s growing height starting from 18 months and lasting up to 5 years. Featured in different colors, the bike suitably meets your child’s desires.
The bright shades, on the other hand, allows you to easily detect your child if he/she goes wondering without you.
Pros
- Comes in different shades
- Affordable
- Adjustable seat
- Polymer tires withstand punctures
- Easy to maneuver
Cons
- Tires offer minimal cushioning on bumpy surfaces
- Hard seating
- Plastic tires
3. Lightweight Banana Bike LT
An adjustable handlebar makes it easy for you to fix it at a height that’s convenient for your child to use. Meanwhile, puncture proof, foam tires contribute to a smooth ride and is easy to maneuver along paved paths with very little to no maintenance required. The Banana bike is lightweight for your child to manage alone yet strong to withstand accidents.
Pros
- Easy for kids to carry and move it around
- Inexpensive
- Easy to put together
- Sturdy
Cons
- Poor choice of wheel, axle and bearing arrangement
- Poor quality bearings
4. FirstBike Street
An award-winning design that prioritizes your child’s safety with an efficient shock absorber, a speed limiter and brakes thus an ideal training companion for your child if you are nervous about his/her ride. Quick assembling allows you to steer your child away immediately after purchase.
Pros
- Incredibly safe to ride
- Rubber handles offer promising grip
- Quick to assemble
- High quality manufacturing
- Award-winning design
- Rust-proof
Cons
- Inefficient seat adjustability
5. CruzeeUltraLite Balance Bike
The CruzeeUltraLite happens to be the lightest bike in the world – with that comes high performance, smooth gliding, and safety for your child if the bike is to ever tip over.
Both the seat and the handlebar is adjustable which allows for the bike grow with your child. A rust-free aluminum framing ensures your bike lasts long.
Pros
- High rating on Amazon
- Lightest bike in the world
- High longevity
- Soft foam wheels cushion bumps on the road
- Highly adjustable
Cons
- Hard seating
6. Glide Bikes Kids Mini Glider Balance Bike
What’s great about this Glide Bike is that it is compatible with their own pedal assemblers which means your child can grow with the balance bike and transit to a conventional bike without the need for you to buy one separately later.
On the other hand, incorporation of a foot peg system allows kids to rest their feet while gliding along the way.
Pros
- Ingenious foot-peg system
- Easy to handle
- Kickstand makes it easy to store
- Comes with a convenient hand brake
- Patented slow speed design
- Compatible with pedals
Cons
- Difficult to assemble the kickstand
- Tires wear out easily
- On the pricey side
7. Chicco Red Bullet
Chicco contradicts the average hard and uneasy seating that comes with most balance bikes and in turn, offers children a thoughtful design that instills a comfortable ride. The metallic frame is also sturdy enough to accommodate most children.
Pros
- Tires allow for a smooth ride
- Comparatively inexpensive
- Well built
- Quick adaptation
Cons
- Difficult to adjust the seat
- A little smaller in size than described
8. ChillafishBMXie-RS BMX
This uniquely designed balance bike comes with airless rubber skin tires which enhances the quality of the ride while providing a promising grip.
Height adjustments are only a twist away to suit your child. Featured in different colors, the bike also ideally meets your child’s needs.
Pros
- Easy adjusting mechanism
- Comes with a removable footrest
- Lightweight
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- The handlebar is hard to pivot
- Small in size
9. Yedoo Too Too
Although relatively pricier than most models, it pays you back generously with a design that is identical to traditional bikes.
With premium quality features, the Yedoo Too Too bike makes it easy to start and stop the bike.
Pros
- Quick installation
- Smooth riding
- 5.0 rating on Amazon
- Sturdy
What To Look For When Buying?
However, the best balance bike for your kid is worlds apart from regular models and what’s suitable for your neighbor’s child is not necessarily the best for yours. There are significant features that identify the best balance bike for your child and hence ensures your investment does not end up in a corner unloved and unridden.
These considerations will thus allow you to distinguish between a balance bike for 2 years old and for 4 years old –
Size
The size of your chosen bike depends on your child’s age. A balance cycle for a 5 years old will be bigger in size than the one for a 1-year-old.
Material
Balance bikes mostly come with wooden and metal framing. Wooden framing are cheaper and environmentally friendly however less adjustable compared to metal framed bikes. Metal framing, most common in the bikes for toddlers, are heavy in weight, however, more durable than other framing.
Tire
Tires contribute to the smoothness of the ride and offer traction. Air tires are considered to be the best in terms of cushioning and traction. Meanwhile, EVA tires are cheaper and puncture proof. Thus, before purchasing your balance bike, consider what kind of tires you want.
Seat height
Balance bikes are mostly for children ranging from 2-5 years old thus you need a seat on which your child can comfortably sit and reach the handlebars. This bikes include adjustable seats as it can grow with your child.
Space
The space between the handlebar and the seat determines the comfort of the ride. Make sure the bike you pick allows your kid to comfortably reach the handlebar without stretching too much.
Safety Features
Many balance bikes come with handle brakes. Although for a child as young as 1.5 years old, the best way to stop the bike is by foot, handle brakes are an important addition for maximum safety. This types of cycles for 2 years old and above are ones with handle brakes.
Weight
Weight is an important factor when choosing your balance bike. Your child needs to feel confident when riding his bike thus, choose a bike which is lightweight for your child to maneuver himself. Lightweight bikes also ensure reduced risk in case the bike topples over. A balance bike for your child weighs 30% of your child’s weight.
Price
An important decision you need to make while purchasing your bike is your budget. Balance bikes vary from $5o to %150 on average. Decide on your budget and search for the bike accordingly.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bia-bH_gI9E
Benefits of Using Balance Bikes Over Other Bikes For Your Kids

With the need to balance oneself, comes with great responsibilities and thus builds confidence, independence, and coordination which are crucial skills to adapt to one’s life.
Other than these very notable impact in your child’s life that comes with balance bikes, there are few other ways you can improve the lifestyle of your child with the purchase of the best quality balance cycle –
Kids Start Young
Balance bikes impose no risk on your child’s health thus an ideal alternative to bikes with training wheels. This allows kids to start riding from a very early age.
Lightweight
Being lightweight means your child can pick it up and maneuver it comfortably without any muscle power. It also means that in case of an accidental topple over, your child would bare minimal consequences.
Lower Risks
The short distance between your child’s legs and the ground ensures your child has all the power to stop the bike when he/she needs to. Other than that, this bikes come with further safety enhancements such as handle brakes and speed limiters.
Economical
Since most balance bikes allow for a seat and other adjustments, it is easy for the bike to grow with your child thus in the long run, balance bike turns out to be more economical than other children’s bikes.
Faster Transition To Traditional Bikes
Once children get the hang of balancing themselves on a balance bike, the transition to a traditional pedal bike is made easier, unlike tricycles where the vital art of balance is not taught.
FAQ
Q. What are the safety precautions one should take when riding a balance bike?
A. Although risks are minimized with balance bikes, there’s no harm in taking extra precautions such as helmets and kneepads for additional layers of safety.
Q. How do I teach my child to ride?
A. First, allow your child to explore the bike and help them balance by riding next to them. Then, let your child stride with his new toy. Once they get a hang of balancing and striding, they will soon understand glide on their own.
Q. What’s the earliest age to start riding a balance bike?
A. Your child can start riding a balance bike from as early as 22 months. The earlier you start, the quicker they learn and advance to pedal bikes.
Q. What is the ideal size of a balance bike for kids?
A. There is no one particular size which fits all kids. Balance bikes are constructed in various sizes to suit your child’s age. Thus, choose a model that can accommodate the age group you are looking for.
Conclusion
We are now at the end of our guide on how to purchase the best balance bike for your child. Balance bikes happen to be an essential part of the growth of your child and learning how to ride one brings infinite benefits in your child’s later life.
For those who are still questioning what’s the right bike, this last section is for you!
To me, the best kids balance bike is the FirstBike Street. There must be a reason why this is a multi-award winning model right?
The reason stands to be its unique ergonomic design that functions ideally.
Worry not about your child’s pace when journeying with him – the smoothness of the FirstBike Street will allow him to catch up with you in no time.
With a promising handle grip, your child is sure to have a safe and an incredibly controlled ride.