A balance bike - which one to choose and when to buy one for your child

Bikes are very popular among youngsters. And it's no wonder – they're great fun and an opportunity to develop important skills, such as maintaining balance and motor coordination. When looking for the perfect model, you've likely realised that the market is full of options. But what should you look for? Which balance bike will be the best? We'll tell you about all this in our guide!

A balance bike or traditional bike? Which model should you choose?

Some parents wonder if there's any point in buying a balance bike, since you can invest in a "real" bike with pedals straight away. After all, if you remove the pedals from such a bike and take the chain off, you get a balance bike. And you don't have to spend money on two different bikes. It all seems to make sense, except for one thing. The smallest bikes with pedals are much larger than balance bikes – their seats are too high, which means children can't reach the ground, and the handlebars and frames are also too big. In addition, they're simply too heavy, so they're not suitable for the bodies of youngsters who can easily use popular balance bikes.

Balance bikes have one more important advantage over traditional bikes. They prepare children for riding on two wheels much better than bikes with pedals and training wheels attached. The latter don't develop a sense of balance, which is key when learning to ride. And balance bikes force littlies to control body balance. Thanks to this, children find it much easier to adapt to using a real, traditional bike with two wheels.

Types of balance bikes

When it's time to look for the perfect balance bike for your child, you'll find many different models. The differences between them are sometimes quite significant, and the decisions you make at this stage may be the difference between your youngster liking riding their new bike and the bike collecting dust in the corner. Popular balance bikes differ in a range of features, which can be divided into four groups: the material the bike is made of, the accessories, the type of wheels and the size of the wheels.

In stores you'll find balance bikes made of wood, metal, plastic, aluminium and magnesium alloy. When it comes to accessories, we mean a handbrake, seat and handlebar adjustment, turning lock, and many less-important accessories, such as bell and bag for small items. The wheels can be broken down into two types: air-filled and foam. They're divided by size, which you pick depending on your child's height. On the market, you'll find 10-, 12 and 14-inch wheels.

There are also less-standard balance bikes. You can get three-wheel ones – including two at the front or at the back – as well as ones to which you can attach extra wheels.

At what age can your child use a balance bike?

It's been accepted that balance bikes are designed mainly for two- and three-year-olds, but really, everything depends on your little one's predispositions and wants. Some children reach an adequate stage of psychosomatic development earlier, so they'll gladly jump on a bike before they even turn two. However, others may have a bigger problem with motor coordination, so the right moment for them to start their adventure with a balance bike will come a little later. Remember that you shouldn't force your littlie to ride – this may not only put them off it, but can also be dangerous. Observe your child: when they're able to run confidently and in a coordinated manner, this is a sign that they're probably ready for the bike stage.

It's important to correctly tailor the size of the bike to your youngster. For the youngest and smallest children, bikes with 10-inch wheels will be ideal, or even three-wheelers – remember that the rule is that your child, sitting on the seat, must be able to easily place their feet flat on the ground. As your littlie grows, it's good to change the size of the wheel to increase riding comfort. And for one-year-olds, the CUTIE and 4-TRIKE tricycles, which can also be used as push toys, are ideal.

Is it worth buying a balance bike for your littlie?

There's only one answer to this question – of course! A balance bike is your child's first encouragement for an active lifestyle. Your little cyclist will develop the habit of moving around, which is very important in an era in which paediatricians are talking about an overweight epidemic in children. But that's not all. Balance bikes also develop the sense of balance and coordination. Your little one must balance to avoid falling over, but they also have to make a lot of alternating movements with their legs. Children who began their adventure with bikes on a balance bike move straight to a traditional two wheeler much quicker and easier, without the in-between stage in the form of training wheels or being guided by the parent using a rod placed behind the seat. And this makes life easier for both the youngster and the parents!

Riding on a balance bike also supports psychophysical development. It teaches spatial awareness and evaluation of distance and speed. Leaning into turns also has a positive impact on your child's development, as it trains balancing reactions. At the same time, riding a bike provides important lessons in independence and learning to deal in sudden situations that arise on the road.

Let's not forget that the first contact with a bike is also a good moment to teach your child about correct road and pedestrian traffic behaviour. Your little cyclist can train being mindful and responsible for both themselves and others. But just as importantly, a balance bike is also great fun in the fresh air, which prevents your youngster from getting bored.

How to choose a balance bike for your child

When deciding to buy a bike, you'll face many decisions, because there are so many different bikes on the market. If you want to pick the right model for you and your littlie, you should consider the issues discussed below. This will determine whether or not you'll be happy with your purchase.

The size of the bike should be individually tailored to your child.

The main issue is choosing a bike size to suit your youngster's height. This is an individual matter, so don't look at the age. The rule is that when sitting on the seat, your child must be able to put their feet flat on the ground and at the same time have their knees slightly bent. This will allow them to freely move their legs. So it's best if you simply try the bike before purchasing. A good solution is to buy a vehicle with an adjustable seat, thanks to which you can ideally tailor it to your child's height. It's also important to remember that you'll be able to use such a bike for longer, because once your littlie gets older, you just raise the seat.

Which type of bike frame should you choose?

Balance bike frames are divided by two features: shape and the material they're made of. So-called "ladies' bikes" are the most popular balance bikes – this type has a lower frame so that your child can easily place their leg over the top and sit down comfortably. Our 2WAY NEXT is this kind of comfortable bike – thanks to the lowered frame, even children who are 80 cm can ride it. But on the market there are also high frames, which are better for older children. The frame material is identical to the material that the entire bike is made of. There are metal (steel, aluminium, composite, magnesium alloy) and wooden bikes.

A wooden or metal bike?

Exactly – which material should you choose? Should you focus on environmentally friendly wooden bikes or on sturdier metal ones, whether it be steel or aluminium? There's no right answer, because each option has its pros and cons. The material you decide to go with will determine the bike's weight, durability and scope of adjustment.

Wooden bikes can be heavier and have fewer seat and handlebar height adjustment options – adjustment is usually not smooth and they can only be set in two or three positions. Plywood, which can actually be quite heavy, is usually used in production, but you'll also find much lighter bikes made of birch wood on the market. Our super-lightweight wooden UNIQ is such a model. Wooden models are loved for their aesthetics and style (check out our RUNNER) and the fact that with the right impregnation, they're resistant to different atmospheric conditions.

Steel bikes are even heavier than wooden ones, but they offer the most-durable frame. They allow the use of a range of different handy accessories, such as brakes and turning locks, but because they tend to be cheaper, they often don't have these features. Steel bikes can also be susceptible to corrosion.

Aluminium bikes are much lighter and more sturdy and resistant to rust. Modern bikes made of magnesium alloy are also available. They're even lighter than aluminium ones, and also dampen vibrations very well. Our range includes the ultra-lightweight GOSWIFT, whose magnesium frame absorbs vibrations and shocks, is resistant to knocks and corrosion, and can be recycled.

Adjusting the height of the handlebar and seat

When deciding to buy a bike, check to see if it has height adjustment of both the handlebar and seat. This makes it much easier for you to tailor the bike's key parameters to your child's height. A sufficient range of adjustment means that some models will be good for both two-year-olds who are just starting their adventure on two wheels and for four-year-olds. An adjustable bike will last you for longer and provides greater convenience for your youngster. Also check if the adjustment is smooth or jerky. Some models with a metal frame have smooth regulation. Wooden bikes have several steps of adjustment. The method of adjustment has a significant impact on convenience. In some models, you need an Allen key to change the height of the handlebar or seat, but you of course don't always have it on hand. A solution with a latch can be a better option, as you don't need any additional tools to use it.

Foam or air-filled wheels?

Whether or not you should choose foam or air-filled wheels depends on the terrain your little one will be riding on. Foam wheels are perfectly suited to riding on flat, paved roads, such as park alleyways, straight pavements and asphalt paths. On the other hand, air-filled wheels are much better on uneven and softer terrain, such as gravel or compacted roads. They simply have much better shock absorption. And they also have good grip on the surface you're on, meaning they're great for riding in the forest or on roads in the city's outskirts. But foam wheels also have benefits. They're puncture resistant and feature high resistance to abrasion. Also noteworthy is the fact that you don't need to search for a pump to pump them up, and that they're lighter, making the bike weigh less overall.

Is a turning lock necessary?

A handlebar lock is a very good solution, particularly for children who are only just mastering riding a balance bike. A lock decreases the range of turning of the bike, which significantly reduces the possibility of sudden turning leading to falls. This means you don't have to worry that your little one, who's only just learning the right coordination, will turn too suddenly and fall. Don't forget that irrespective of everything else, you must put a helmet on your child before they start riding. This is an absolute basis of safety for both beginners and advanced riders. Our range includes the comfortable and durable SAFETY helmet.

Wheels with bearings

Wheels with bearings are great because they ensure smooth riding. Thanks to them, your little cyclist doesn't need to use as much force to smoothly turn the wheels, and this, as you yourself likely know, is very important, particularly for very young children. Also crucial is the fact that wheels with shock absorbers are easy to fix if needed, because they're made up of spare parts. Wheels with ball bearings are usually used in balance bikes.

Rubber handles

Rubber handles are a standard balance bike accessory. They allow little hands to confidently and safely grip the handlebar and have full control of the vehicle. In some models, you'll come across plastic handles, which don't ensure sufficient grip.

Bike weight – is this important?

The weight of the bike is very important for both the child and the parent. It's good to check this, particularly if you're buying a bike for younger children. The lighter the model, the easier it is for your little cyclist to manoeuvre. The weight also affects riding speed. If the bike is heavy, it's harder for it to gain speed. But the weight of the bike is also an important factor for parents. Your youngster may get tired halfway through your walk, and they may want to return on foot. You'll be left carrying the bike back home. And in such a situation, every kilogram makes a difference.

A handbrake on a balance bike – is this necessary?

Handbrakes are accessories that are usually associated with traditional bikes, but some balance bikes also have them. Is this a good solution? Not necessarily in bikes for younger children, but for three-year-olds – definitely! While younger children may find it difficult to use such a brake, because they won't necessarily be at the right level of motor coordination development, older children likely won't struggle with this. In addition, the presence of such a brake allows your youngster to quicker and easier get used to this braking method, which is the most popular in traditional bikes. Our SPACE is equipped with a handbrake and other handy accessories, such as a turning lock and rubber handles.

Three-wheel balance bikes – is there any point in buying one?

When looking for the ideal balance bike, you likely also came across tricycles, and perhaps you're wondering if it's worth buying such a bike. Of course, everything depends on your child. Tricycles are much better for younger children under two years old, and even for one-year-olds or nine-month-olds. Our EASYTWIST is a great example. Younger cyclists aren't yet ready to push off on a two-wheel bike, but a tricycle will be ideal! You should make your decision based on your little one's abilities. If you offer your child a two-wheel bike too soon, they may get discouraged. That's why it's good to start carefully with a comfortable three-wheel model.