Discover the Top 5 Best Balance Bikes for Kids in 2024

Are you struggling to find the perfect balance bike for your young rider?

With many options available, choosing the perfect balance bike can be overwhelming.

Moreover, prices can fluctuate significantly, spanning from $80 to over $200, adding further complexity to the decision-making process.

I recall the hours spent scouring through Google for balance bike reviews and YouTube videos, seeking that ideal fit for our budget and requirements.

One particular issue we encountered with our first balance bike was the inability to adjust the seat adequately for my son’s shorter legs. Fortunately, as our child grew taller, this concern gradually diminished.

This post aims to spotlight the five best balance bikes available today.

Moreover, we will provide key insights into critical considerations when navigating the purchase of a balanced bike for your little one.

By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clearer decision on your child first or upgrade balance bike.

Key Takeaways:

• Our curated selection of the 5 best balance bikes for kids
• Detailed breakdowns including highlights, price, pros & cons for each bike
• Crucial buying considerations: size, wheels, brakes, and more
• Addressing FAQs: Starting age, balance bike vs. training wheels, sizing, and beyond

Now, let’s delve into our top recommendation for the ultimate balance bike experience…

Our 5 Best Balance Bikes

1. Best Overall: Guardian Balance Bike ($149)

2. Best Budget Balance Bike: Banana Bike GT ($81)

3. Best Features: Woom 1 Balance Bike ($249)

4. Best Mid-Tier Price: Strider Classic 12 Sport Balance Bike ($139.99)

5. Best For Bigger Kids: Strider 14x Balance Bike ($219.99)

What Is Balance Bikes?

Before we dive into the top balance bike picks, you may be wondering – what exactly are balance bikes?

Balance bikes, also sometimes called run bikes, are two-wheeled bicycles without pedals. They are designed for young toddlers and children to learn balance and steering skills.

Balance bikes allow kids to propel the bike forward using their feet while seated. This teaches them critical techniques like balancing, stopping, turning, and controlling speed.

Balance bikes are great for developing children’s coordination, confidence, and love for outdoor activities that they won’t tire of.

Unlike tricycles or bikes with training wheels, balance bikes are completely pedal-free.

So children learn to balance and steer right from their first rides. Once they master those essential skills, the transition to a pedal bike is much smoother.

My son had no problem transitioning from a balance bike to a bicycle because he built up confidence from riding his balance bike for almost two years.

Now that you know what sets balance bikes apart, let’s get into this post’s picks for the best ones to gift your little adventurer.

5 Best Balance Bike

1. Best Overall: Guardian Balance Bike

Overview

The Guardian balance bike has become one of the favorite balance bikes in 2023. No matter if this is your little rider’s first balance bike or second one, they will fall in love with the well-constructed high-quality frame, solid, sturdy yet light enough for them to maneuver easily.

This Guardian balance bike is a great choice for younger toddlers as the low stand-over height of 7 inches can accommodate children as young as 18 months.

While this balance bike weighs 8.5 lbs, which is not the lightest compared to other balance bikes, it compensates with real tires and hand brakes. These features help keep your toddler stable and safe when learning to ride without pedals.

The hand brake technology is also impressive, as it controls both the front and back wheels, preventing the front tire from locking up. It is activated only with rear weight, which helps avoid accidents.

If you are looking for a sturdy and safe bike, then the Guardian balance bike may be the perfect fit for your kids to take their first step into pedal biking.

Price

Bottom Line

The Guardian balance bike is an excellent option for beginners who want to learn balance, and coordination, and prepare for a pedal bike. It comes with a hand brake, which is not common in most balance bikes, providing an extra safety feature for your little riders.

If you are looking for a sturdy and safe bike that is also budget-friendly, then the Guardian balance bike may be the perfect fit for your kids to take their first step into pedal biking.

2. Best Budget Balance Bike: Banana Bike GT

Overview

If you’re looking for an affordable balance bike for your toddler, the Banana Bike GT could be a great option. It’s priced at around $80 and has basic features to help your little one get started.

However, due to the low cost, it only has a 12-inch wheel and doesn’t have a 14-inch option. One advantage of this bike is that it comes with air-filled tires instead of foam tires, which are commonly found in other balance bikes within this price range.

Unfortunately, it does not come with a handbrake. However, this is not a deal breaker since my son’s first balance bike is similar to the Banana Bike GT bike without a handbrake. He has shoes that make for a pretty solid brake.

Price

Bottom Line

The Banana Balance bike is a great price at $81 with air-filled rubber tires, and easy to adjust the seat. Your little one can enjoy the ride without burning a hole in your wallet.

3. Best Features: Woom 1 Balance Bike

Overview

Woom 1 is a well-made balance bike that your kids will love instantly. The handlebars are designed with a natural upright position, allowing young riders to maintain balance easily and smoothly.

Getting on and off the bike is easier with a low stand-over height of 7 inches, which is the same as the Guardian balance bike. This feature ensures that younger riders won’t accidentally tumble over.

With a weight of 6.6 pounds, a handbrake, and a low minimum seat height, your kids can easily start riding and conquer any terrain quickly.

Price

Bottom Line

Woom 1 is a high-end balance bike that provides top-notch quality and safety for your kids.

4. Best Mid-Tier Price: Strider 12 Sport Balance Bike

Overview

Strider 12 Sport balance bike has a solid yet lightweight frame that is suitable for 18-month-olds. With an adjustable seat and handlebar, this balance bike can last until your child is 4 years old.

With a built-in footrest, your child can enhance their balance, and prepare for pedaling.

Strider 12 sport balance bike offers foam tires which are convenient since you don’t have to worry about inflating them, but you may experience less traction compared to rubber air tires.

Price

Bottom Line

The Strider 12 Sport is a mid-tier balance bike that comes at a great price range. Thanks to its adjustable seat and handlebars, it is suitable for kids of different sizes and weights.

This is a high-quality bike that can last throughout your kids’ early years before they start using pedal bikes.

5. Best For Bigger Kids: Strider 14x Balance Bike

Overview

The Strider 14x bike has become quite popular among older and taller kids. It comes with a 14-inch wheel and once your child is confident enough to navigate any terrain, you can easily install the pedals in just a few minutes.

Additionally, the handlebar can be raised to 4 inches, providing a better upright position for your child.

With this feature, your child won’t have to deal with training wheels and can start pedaling without worrying about balance.

Price

Bottom Line

The Strider bike is a great choice for children aged between 3 to 5 years old. It features a 14″ wheel and allows kids to add pedals. My son has a similar bike with a 14″ wheel and a pedal attachment. He had no trouble transitioning from balance mode to pedal mode.

What to Consider When Shopping for a Balance Bike?

Deciding on the best balance bike for your little rider can be challenging with so many models flooding the market. Whether this is your child’s first balance bike or an upgrade from their starter model, properly vetting key features is crucial before splurging.

There are many different balance bikes available in the market, each with its own set of specifications.

These specifications can vary in terms of size, weight, special features such as a steering limiter, wheel size, and materials, and the option to add pedals.

To make the process of choosing a balance bike easier, it’s important to consider key factors before making a purchase.

Size

Accurately gauging size is key when selecting the ideal balance bike.

Take your child’s inseam measurement while standing barefoot to determine the right seat height range. Compare to bike size charts and recommended user heights listed by manufacturers.

Look for models with adjustable seat posts and handlebars to allow for growth over time.

Aim for a bike that permits flat-footed contact for stability when seated, plus ample leg clearance when gliding. While kids grow at different rates, adjustable parts help fine-tune positioning as needed.

Proper sizing for both immediate fit and future adjustments ensures your child’s comfort and safety while mastering balance biking skills.

Wheels

The wheel size of a balanced bike plays a crucial role in determining stability and is a key consideration for parents choosing the right bike for their child.

Typically, 12” wheels are ideal for younger riders under three, offering enhanced maneuverability due to a lower center of gravity.

As children progress to ages 3 to 5, 14” wheels provide a more advanced experience, enabling increased speed and a feel closer to a pedal bike.

Regardless of size, high-quality tires are essential for traction and a smooth ride, with options like air-filled, foam, rubber, or plastic tires.

Although foam tires don’t go flat, air-filled ones offer better traction and shock absorption, despite requiring regular inflation.

While the need for air tire maintenance can be perceived as inconvenient, many parents prefer them for a smoother ride.

Brakes

Many 12-inch balance bikes don’t have brakes since it may be challenging for younger riders to handle. Additionally, brake wires and mechanisms may get in the way and add extra weight to the bike, which can be difficult for beginners.

However, if you want your kids to learn how to use brakes at an early stage, two balance bikes come with handbrakes: Guardian and Woom 1.

Upgrade Option

It is great if balance bikes have upgrade options such as pedal compartments or footrests.

For children as young as 18 months, a simple balance bike is all they need.

However, for children aged 3 to 5 years old, you may need to consider convertible balance bikes that can be transformed from a balance bike to a pedal bike.

Conclusion

Finding the perfect balance bike for your young rider can be challenging, especially if you have no prior experience with them.

When my son got his first balance bike, it was very basic without brakes, air tires, or footrests. However, he still had a blast riding it in the park.

It’s important to find a balanced bike that fits both your needs and budget.

FAQ

What Age Is best for a child to start using a balance bike?

Typically, children can use balance bikes as early as 18 months to 2 years old, depending on their physical development and coordination skills. My son starts at 2 years old while my daughter starts at 18 months.

Are Balance Bikes Better than Training Wheels for Kids?

Balance bikes are often considered superior to training wheels as they teach kids balance and steering skills from the start, making the transition to a pedal bike smoother.

How Do I Choose the Right Size Balance Bike for My Child?

Select a balance bike with a seat height that allows your child’s feet to touch the ground comfortably while sitting. Please measure your child’s inseam and compare it to bike specifications for the best fit.

What Are the Benefits of Using a Balance Bike for Kids?

Balance bikes help children develop balance, coordination, and confidence, making the eventual transition to a pedal bike easier. They promote independence and physical activity.

Can I Adjust the Seat and Handlebars of a Balance Bike?

Most balance bikes come with adjustable seats and handlebars to ensure comfort and safety as the child grows. Adjusting these parts is not complicated.