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Ultimate Balance Bike Guide

Everything you need to know

A balance bike is a bike without pedals that helps kids easily start on their cycling journey. It has a frame, fork, handlebars and wheels but no drivetrain (pedals, chain, sprockets). To move forward, kids push off the ground with their feet.

Kids stabilise themselves by having their feet on the ground, so they can develop their balance and coordination without the need for stabilisers. When they’re confident and ready, they can then progress to pedals. 

The tide has turned on stabilisers with all leading bike brands recognising balance bikes as the way forward and adding them to their ranges. 

Balance Bike Benefits

Fantastic idea, fantastic build quality and just such a great little bike.

By having a low saddle height, kids can keep their feet safely near the ground giving confidence as they learn to balance and steer.

Find out how to teach your child to ride a bike confidently and safely.

Such an amazing bike, it really is beautiful and she loves it! The quality is so impressive. We love it!

Once a child is walking, riding a balance bike is very intuitive. Kids still have their feet on the ground and simply push forward off the ground with their feet to get going! And after the first few tentative steps, they will progress to running, striding and gliding in no time!

It’s real solid yet light weight, has truly functional hand brakes, and a real headset for the handlebars

Riding a balance bike develops kids' motor skills as they learn to balance and steer, building confidence with every glide. This sharpens their coordination and lays a strong foundation for other physical activities throughout their life.

Both children loved them as balance bikes and started on them when they were nearly 3. They have now transitioned onto their pedals with ease.

With a balance bike, your child has the opportunity to learn in a natural and progressive way. Having already mastered the skills of balancing, braking, and steering, the transition to pedalling is seamless. By focusing on the core skills first, kids can confidently glide while naturally learning how to use the pedals.

boy riding pump track on littlebig bike_2022_800x593Riding a balance bike is a fun activity that can encourage children to spend more time outdoors. This helps kids foster a love of nature and a desire to be physically active, which is beneficial for their overall health and well-being.

If you are wondering if balance bikes better than stabilisers/ training wheels, studies have shown that children who learn to cycle on balance bikes develop better balance, strength and coordination. It is also now proven to lead to earlier independent cycling.

Top Tip!

Our LittleBig balance bike with pedals adapts with your growing child from age 2-6 and will stay with them on their transition from balance bike to a real pedal bike.

littlebig balance bike sizing and age range
LittleBig Sizing And Age Range

The best age to start on a balance bike is as soon as they can walk and can fit your chosen bike. Starting early on a balance bike is not just possible, but also beneficial for your child's development. The average balance bike age range for when a child is physically and developmentally ready to start balancing a bike is between 18 months and 3 years old.

 

While there are advantages to starting early, older kids will still enjoy the benefits of a balance bike, and will likely progress very quickly. Whatever your child’s age, a balance bike is great exercise and will improve their balance, coordination and strength leading to a smooth transition to pedalling.

 

For any age child wanting to learn to cycle independently, a balance bike is the best way to start.

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What To Look For When Choosing A Balance Bike

LittleBig-Sizing-ChartUnlike normal kids bikes, balance bike sizing is based on leg inseam length rather than wheel or frame size. Your child should be able to have their feet flat on the ground while sitting on the saddle.

To check if the bike is the right size, measure your child’s inseam, with shoes on. This should be the same or slightly longer than the minimum saddle height of the bike. If your little one’s inseam is longer than the maximum saddle height of the bike, you need to choose a bigger bike!

Your child should be able to reach the handlebars comfortably with their torso leaning slightly forwards. Balance bikes with a longer arm reach will allow your child to go faster and maintain a more aggressive, forward leaning stance on the bike. If the bike is more upright (like a Dutch Bike), it will be okay for shorter distances but more difficult to propel the bike forward.

brushed balance bike fork and tyre detailFor your child to push the bike easily, the bike should be as light as possible. The frames on kids balance bikes are usually made from aluminium alloy, steel, wood or plastic.

The best material for balance bikes is aluminium alloy as it’s rust-proof and is much lighter than steel. Wood balance bikes can look cute but don’t come with brakes. If you're going for a wood balance bike, ensure it's made using marine plywood as this will not warp and delaminate when wet, unlike the cheaper bikes made of standard plywood.

Cost is obviously a big factor for many parents and really what you choose depends on the bike’s intended use. A more expensive bike will usually be lighter and longer lasting, use better components, have better customer service, and will often have a better re-sale value.

 

Most quality kids bikes will use genuine bike parts that can be serviced and replaced by a bike shop so can keep the bike running perfectly for longer. There are numerous cheaper copycat brands out there, but they fall down on attention to detail and build quality. They are usually missing some important features such as brakes, air tyres, ball bearings as described below.

Comfortable air tires, alloy rims with alloy ball bearing hubsIt's best to look for wheels with air (pneumatic) tires, alloy rims, and hubs with steel spokes. Air tires will provide more cushioning and grip for your child, giving them more confidence. Tires with a wide knobbly tread will give better grip on rough surfaces, while those with a narrower smooth tread will roll faster.

Some brands use EVA foam tires which are puncture-proof but do not provide much grip. Once they wear out, they cannot be replaced, so you need to buy a whole new wheel. Make sure your bike has ball bearings or cartridge bearings rather than nylon (plastic) bushings, which can rattle and wear out easily.

Some tiny balance bikes have 10-inch wheels, but most have 12-inch wheels. Although the LittleBig is a 14-inch balance bike, the unique low-slung frame means it has a similar starting saddle height to many 12-inch wheeled bikes.

Little balance bike with brakes

A balance bike with brakes offers an added layer of safety for young riders, enabling them to slow down and stop more easily, especially on steeper or uneven terrain.

 

By learning how to brake on their balance bike, children can focus solely on pedalling when they transition to a pedal bike. It's essential to choose kid-specific short-reach brake levers to ensure they are easy for small hands to use effectively.

LittleBig Balance Bike With Pedals, handlebar and stem detailLook out for a padded saddle rather than hard plastic. Check the material is tough so it doesn’t rip easily. Wood balance bikes usually have wood “saddles” with foam padding on top, which won't be as comfortable as a fully padded saddle.

Rubber handlebar grips are more comfortable and grippy than plastic ones. The only reason brands use plastic is to keep the cost down.

The best balance bikes come with a ball bearing or cartridge bearing headset, this allows the handlebars to rotate & steer freely. Some cheaper balance bikes come with rattly plastic bushings that cannot be serviced.

Most decent balance bikes are built like a real adult’s bike with genuine bike parts that can be serviced and replaced as parts wear, ensuring that the bike keeps running for many years.

 

Other cheaper balance bikes are more like toys, with parts like plastic bushings and proprietary parts (handlebars, wheels etc) that cannot be sourced locally.

 

It's important to check the bike's warranty as some will be very limited. 

It's not top of the list, but if the bike looks good, your child is going to like it more and want to ride it more.

Beware of popular cartoon-branded bikes (Paw Patrol, Peppa Pig, etc.) or ones with a plethora of accessories as standard (doll seats, baskets, etc.), as these are usually fitted to an inferior bike that is poorly thought out. The trinkets are usually to mask a multitude of shortcomings in the bike's design.

Top Tip!

No need for stabilisers (aka training wheels), balance bikes offers kids a smoother and safer progression to pedalling. Check out our 10 Reasons NOT TO Use Stabilisers On Your Kids Bike.

How Balance Bikes Offer Long-Term Value for Parents

LittleBig Red Convertible Balance BikeThe early years are a critical stage of your child's physical development and investing in a balance bike will give your child skills that will crossover to a range of activities.

 

The LittleBig convertible balance bike has been designed to grow with your child, turning into a pedal bike when they are ready, replacing the need to buy separate balance bikes and pedal bikes. This saves you money and offers excellent long-term value while giving your child the best start on two wheels while being more sustainable.

4 Kids that learned to ride on this one LittleBig bike!
4 Kids that learned to ride on this one LittleBig bike!

 

What's more, the quality parts mean it can be passed down to siblings or friends. We've seen some bikes being passed to 4 kids and still going strong!

Look for impartial reviews and try to avoid reviews from sellers only linked to one retailer such as Amazon, who will only review bikes on Amazon. Good reviewers like twowheelingtots test the quality and ride feel of the balance bike itself rather than just the concept of the balance bike.

LittleBig Brushed Convertible Balance Bike

Consider the bike's long-term value and warranty, longevity and serviceability. Having a growing convertible bike like the LittleBig means you won’t need to worry about buying a new one for a few years, giving you peace of mind. Yes, we are a bit biased here, but check out our customer reviews for real-world feedback. 

Balance bikes vary in price from €30 to over €1,000 (Specialized Hotwalk, we're looking at you!), but the best quality ones are between €200 to €400.

The LittleBig balance bike retails at €275, but thanks to the growing frame and the option to add pedals, it can last your child for 4+ years, giving long-term value for money. 

girl having picnic with LittleBig bike in background
2 year old boy on LittleBig convertible balance bike

How To Ride a Balance Bike

Riding an ill-fitting bike is awkward and frustrating. While sitting on the saddle, your child should be able to have their feet flat on the ground.

The handlebars should be within comfortable reach, without being cramped, so your child can steer easily. Handlebars on proper bikes can be rotated backwards or forwards and moved up or down to get the right fit.

Most kids will intuitively use their feet to stop while using the balance bike, at least while they’re getting started. Once your little one gets faster they’ll need to start using their brakes on their balance bike.

It’s best to teach them to use the rear brake first, then the front brake as they get more confident. You may wish to run alongside them with your hand on their back while they are learning in case they need to stop.

To ensure that a gentle fall doesn’t knock your child’s confidence, it’s best to be kitted up properly. A well-fitted helmet is strongly recommended, along with sturdy shoes and robust clothing, like jeans and a soft padded jacket. Avoid loose clothing or shoe laces that may get caught in the wheels.

An open area free from traffic and distraction will provide a safe learning environment, and ensure your child is focused on the task at hand.

Avoid parked cars, steps, open water and any other obvious obstacles. Tarmac or short dry grass will ensure your child can get enough momentum to balance safely.

In order to get your child coasting along easily, it’s best to find a very gentle downhill which will help in picking up speed. Just make sure there’s a good run-off at the bottom. Parks can be great places to learn as you will find long gently sloped paths and trails without too many people around and no traffic.

Balance is normally mastered quite quickly. But the nuances of pedalling and braking can take longer.

If your child is reluctant to start riding it’s best to put the bike back in the shed for a few weeks until they’re ready.

Fitting some jazzy accessories like bells, stickers or a basket could help entice your child to get on their bike.

Your child will try and copy whatever you do, so try to let them see you riding a bike as much as possible.

If they have a brother or sister who rides a bike then all the better. You can then go out and ride as a family, and that’s what it’s all about!

Simon and Fearghal at the Salar De Uyuni Bolivia

Who We Are |The Journey Behind LittleBig Bikes

Hi, I’m Simon, daddy, engineer, round-the-world cyclist, mountain biker and founder of LittleBig bikes. 
 
After working as an engineer on some incredible projects in Cambridge, my best mate Fearghal and I completed Revolution Cycle, the first Irish circumnavigation of the globe by bicycle. I’m also a mountain biker and love getting out on the bike with my kids to give them the same love of bikes as I have. 
 
Our sole aim is to make the best bike for kids to ensure they get the best start on their biking journey, and parents are absolutely stoked in their child’s confident riding.

Top Tip!

Starting early on a balance bike can have numerous benefits for your child's development. It can improve their motor and cognitive skills, boost their confidence, encourage outdoor play and give them the skills needed to start pedalling on their own.

balance bike versus kids pedal bike with stabilisers

Balance Bike vs Pedal Bike Fitted With Stabilisers

A balance bike actively challenges children to maintain balance, which quickly helps develop the skills needed to cycle independently.

On the other hand, a bike with stabilisers supports the child while they learn to pedal. However, the problem with this method as I experienced, is that when the stabilisers are removed, the child has to suddenly learn to balance the bike (while pedalling), making it a more daunting experience.

Additionally, the bike is more likely to tip from side to side unpredictably as the child’s weight transfers from one stabiliser to the other. This limits the variety of terrain the bike can be used on and slows the child’s development of core cycling skills.

For an in-depth comparison, read our post Balance Bike Vs. Training Wheels: Which is Best?

Little Bikes | Big Love

Frequently asked questions about Balance Bikes

As balance bikes are low to the ground, kids reach the ground with their feet. To move forwards, they push off the ground and begin by walking the bike, then progress to running, striding and gliding.

 

Once they are gliding along independently with their feet off the ground, they have mastered their balance and are ready to begin pedalling. But there’s no rush, kids can keep going on the balance bike for as long as they wish.

 

Balance bikes also teach kids how to steer properly by leaning the bike towards the corner, helped by the assurance of having their feet on the ground.

 

Balance bikes are proven to give kids independence much earlier than traditional pedal bikes with stabilisers/ training wheels.

 

Balance bikes are very intuitive for kids and usually they just grab the bike and go, no instructions needed! Their inherent simplicity means they weigh less than normal bikes and are easier for young kids to understand.

 

By taking the task of pedalling out of the mix, kids are able to concentrate on the more tricky and nuanced skill of balancing the bike.

If your child can walk, chances are they can ride a balance bike.

 

Between 18 months and 2 years old is the ideal age for kids to start on a balance bike. This is the average age range when a child is physically and developmentally ready to start balancing a bike.

 

While kids should be encouraged to start ‘balance-biking’ as early as possible, they’ll still enjoy the benefits even if they’re a little older starting out.

 

Balance bikes are easy for kids to propel and steer because they don’t have a drivetrain (pedals, cranks etc.), plus they’re much lower to the ground and much lighter than traditional kids bikes.

 

If you're wondering what balance bike is right for your child's age, note that balance bikes come in a variety of sizes, so you should have no difficulty finding one to suit most children from 18 months to 7 years old.

 

To check if the LittleBig will fit your child, check out our sizing page.

Put simply, yes! A balance bike allows your child to master the fundamental skills of balance and coordination much better than a normal bike that’s been fitted with stabilisers (aka training wheels).

This is because a balance bike actively challenges postural control, teaches balance and promotes independent cycling as it requires the child to actively stay upright by leaning their body and steering.

Recent studies have found that children who had only ridden balance bikes were able to cycle independently at a younger age, compared with those who practiced on a bike with stabilisers/training wheels, see extract from the study below:

  • Practising on balance bikes results in earlier onset of independent cycling than practising on bikes with training wheels (stabilisers).
  • The advantage of balance bicycles is likely caused by the balance bicycle more actively challenging postural control.

We wrote lots more on the topic of Balance Bikes Vs Training Wheels (Stabilisers) and 10 reasons not to use stabilisers on your kids bike

No, balance bikes aren't bad. In fact, studies have shown that they help improve coordination and balance in young children, so they transition to pedalling a lot quicker than other learning methods. Why not check out the successful stories on the reviews section of our shop, it shows balance bikes definitely aren't bad! 

Your child should be able to have their feet flat on the ground while sitting in the saddle. To check if the bike is a good size, measure your child’s inseam, with shoes on. This should be the same or slightly longer than the minimum saddle height of the bike.

 

If your child’s inseam is longer than the maximum saddle height of the bike, you need to choose a bigger bike! Your child should be able to reach the handlebars comfortably with their torso leaning slightly forwards. Balance bikes with a longer arm reach will allow your child to go faster and maintain a more aggressive, forward leaning stance on the bike.

 

If the bike is more upright (like a Dutch Bike), it will be okay for shorter distances but more difficult to propel the bike forward. Check out our sizing page to see if the LittleBig bike will fit your child.

Brakes aren’t really necessary on a starter balance bike for kids 18 months or so. However, as children grow older, they get more confident and glide along much quicker, so at least a rear brake is preferable to help them stop safely.

 

Balance bikes can come with no brakes, rear hand brake only, or both front and rear hand brakes. Balance bikes with no brakes assume the child can slow the bike by dragging their feet off the ground. This is okay at slower speeds, but not when the speed increases. You can read more on our article Balance bike with brakes? Do you need them?

 

Brakes are particularly important on inclines or rough surfaces where dragging your feet won’t slow the bike much. Having brakes on the balance bike also saves kids(and parents wallets) wearing out the toes and soles of their shoes.

Many children with physical & developmental special needs have difficulty trying to coordinate balance, pedalling and steering.

 

A balance bike is far easier to control than a pedal bike, so is a great way for kids with special needs to learn to glide along independently. The independence it provides is great for personal development and confidence building.

 

Gliding along on a balance bike is also great exercise and helps improve motor skills.

 

The LittleBig’s unique design allows it to be used as a balance bike for 5 years. If your child has slower growth (such as kids with Down syndrome), they may be able to use it for even longer. Kids with low muscle tone are fully supported by the saddle while they have their feet on the ground, making it even easier than walking.

 

The light weight of the LittleBig means it is much easier to push forwards and steer than a traditional kids bikes with stabiliser wheels.

LittleBig bike rider about to pedal for the first time

However much your child enjoys gliding around on a balance bike, there will inevitably come a time when they want to start pedalling.

If your child is able to glide along comfortably with their feet up, they’re probably ready to try pedalling. They will preferably be able to use the brakes (if your balance bike has them) and clearly will need to be big enough to fit the pedal bike.

 

But as pedalling adds a new skill to learn, it may still take them a little time to adjust before they can pedal away confidently. It’s important therefore they practice pedalling in a safe place, away from obstacles and traffic, and that they keep wearing a helmet.

 

The LittleBig bike makes the transition from balance bike to pedal bike easier by having the option to attach a set of pedals. This means your child can learn to pedal on a bike they’re already familiar with which will give them extra confidence.

 

To find out more, check out our in depth blog post on 6 Ways to Tell If Your Child Is Ready to Start Pedalling.

You can not fit pedals to most balance bikes as they are not designed to take them. But unlike other balance bikes, the LittleBig has the option to transform into a pedal bike. When your child is ready to cycle independently, you just attach the specially designed pedal kit and it converts to a great pedal bike without the cost or hassle of buying a new bike.

Balance bikes are great for toddlers as it will help develop their coordination and motor skills as well as give them independence and the freedom to explore. Balance bikes are really natural for toddlers to use and as they progress it will give them extra confidence. When choosing the best balance bike for a toddler (2/3 year old), you need to consider safety & stability, and don't forget about the all important aesthetic appeal. If your child doesn’t like how the bike looks, you’ll have a hard job getting them to try it out.

For parents, ensuring a safe ride on a well-built bike that won’t fall apart, are factors in the decision-making. LittleBig's unique design more than meets these requirements. Children love riding the balance bike, while parents have the assurance of knowing it’s making it easier and safer for them to learn to cycle.

Balance bikes are very safe for your child. They are intuitive for kids to use, inspiring confidence in the bike. Balance bikes are also very simple to maintain, so there is less to go wrong.

 

While balance bikes are probably safer than regular bikes, we still recommend wearing a helmet anytime you are on a bike!

The saddle on a balance bike should be set so that the child can have their feet flat on the ground.

Most decent balance bikes have a quick release seat clamp for easy adjustments. They should be able to reach the handlebars comfortably, with their torso angled slightly forwards.

Imagine pushing a broken down car, you naturally lean forward so you can brace against the ground. If the torso is too upright, it can be difficult to push forwards.

To see if the LittleBig will fit your child check our sizing guide.

For your child to ride confidently, their balance bike size needs to be just right. To check if the bike fits, compare your child's leg with the saddle height range.

 

To do this, ask them to stand up straight, back to the wall, with shoes on. Then place a book against the wall, between their two legs, and slide it up along the wall until it meets their crotch.

Measuring Inside Leg For Balance Bike

Now measure the vertical distance from the top of the book to the floor. This is your child's inseam leg measurement. To fit the balance bike, this needs to be within the saddle height range.

 

If their inseam is smaller than the lowest saddle height, the bike is too big. If the inseam is longer than the maximum saddle height, the bike is too small.

If you have any questions not listed here, perhaps check our FAQ’s page, About Us or contact us and we’d be delighted to help.