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10 Reasons Not to Use Stabilisers on Your Child's Bike
I've always recommended teaching children to balance before introducing pedals. And there's a good reason for that.
Stabilisers (or training wheels) let children pedal without having to balance. That might seem like an easier way to learn, but it means they're practising pedalling before mastering the skill that actually keeps a bike upright.
I was reminded of this recently while riding at a local BMX track with my kids.
Two children were riding nearby. One was confidently gliding around on a balance bike, while the other was struggling on a pedal bike fitted with stabilisers. Every time they hit a bump, one of the little side wheels would catch, lift or wobble.
It was a perfect example of why I believe children should learn to balance first.
Here are 10 reasons I'd avoid stabilisers when teaching a child to ride.
1. Stabilisers Don't Teach Children to Balance
Balance is the most important skill a child needs to ride independently.
On a normal bike, children constantly make little adjustments to their steering and body position to stay upright.
Stabilisers do that job for them. So while a child might become confident pedalling, they still have to learn how to balance once the stabilisers come off.
2. They Struggle on Uneven Ground
Stabilisers work reasonably well on smooth, flat surfaces. But the real world isn't always flat.
On gravel, grass, bumps or slopes, the side wheels can catch or lift unexpectedly, making the bike awkward to control.
It's exactly what I saw at the BMX track. The balance bike could roll naturally over the bumps, while the stabilisers kept interfering with the other child's progress.
3. They Create an Extra Learning Stage
With stabilisers, children learn to pedal first and balance later.
But balancing is usually the harder skill to master.
I'd rather teach children to balance first, then introduce pedalling once they're comfortable gliding, steering and stopping.
That way, they're building on skills they already have instead of learning how to balance all over again.
4. They Can Give Children a False Sense of Confidence
A child might be able to pedal quite quickly with stabilisers attached, but that doesn't necessarily mean they're ready to ride independently.
When the stabilisers are removed, the bike suddenly behaves differently.
Learning to balance from the beginning helps children build confidence in their own ability to control the bike, rather than relying on the side wheels to keep them upright.
5. They Prevent the Bike Leaning Naturally
When you turn a two-wheeled bike, it naturally leans into the corner.
Stabilisers restrict that movement, which changes how the bike handles.
Children riding with stabilisers don't get the same opportunity to experience how steering, leaning and balance work together.
6. They Encourage Different Steering Habits
On a balance bike, children naturally learn to combine steering with little shifts in body weight.
With stabilisers, the bike is supported from either side, so those movements aren't needed in the same way.
When the stabilisers come off, children may need time to adapt to how a two-wheeled bike actually steers and turns.
7. They Add Unnecessary Weight
I've always believed that a child's first bike should be as light as possible.
A lighter bike is easier to push, steer, stop and pick up after a wobble.
Stabilisers add extra wheels, brackets and fixings, increasing the weight of a bike that's often already quite heavy for a little rider.
8. They Can Be Noisy and Need Adjustment
Anyone who's followed a child riding with stabilisers will recognise the rattling sound of those little plastic wheels.
They can wear, loosen or move out of adjustment, particularly when used on uneven surfaces.
It's another thing to maintain on a bike that should be simple and enjoyable for a child to ride.
9. They Can Make the Transition Harder
One of the most common frustrations parents experience is removing the stabilisers, only to discover their child can't ride without them.
That's because pedalling with stabilisers and balancing on two wheels are different skills.
Starting with a balance bike means children are already comfortable riding on two wheels before pedals are introduced.
10. They're Another Temporary Component
Stabilisers are designed to be removed once a child can ride independently.
That means extra materials, manufacturing and components that are only used for a relatively short period.
I'd rather keep things simple and focus on teaching children the skills they'll use throughout their cycling lives.
So What's the Better Alternative?
Start with balance.
A balance bike lets children keep their feet close to the ground while learning to steer, glide and control their speed.
As their confidence develops, they'll naturally begin lifting their feet and balancing for longer distances.
Once they're comfortable gliding, steering and stopping, you can introduce pedals.
It's a much more natural progression, and one I've seen work time and time again.
For more advice on choosing the right bike, including sizing, weight and brakes, see our Balance Bike Guide.
Top Tip: Balance First, Pedalling Later
Don't rush to add pedals. Let your child become confident gliding, steering and stopping first.
I'd also recommend choosing a balance bike with proper hand brakes. Learning to control their speed early makes the eventual move to a pedal bike much easier.
Balance Bike vs Stabilisers: What's the Difference?
| Feature | Balance Bike | Bike With Stabilisers |
|---|---|---|
| Balance | Learned from the beginning | Bike supported by side wheels |
| Pedalling | Introduced after balance | Introduced before independent balance |
| Turning | Bike can lean naturally | Leaning is restricted |
| Uneven ground | Two wheels follow the terrain | Side wheels can catch or lift |
| Progression | Balance skills transfer to a pedal bike | Balance still needs to be learned when stabilisers are removed |
What Happens When Your Child Is Ready for Pedals?
Once your child has mastered balancing, learning to pedal is usually a much smaller step.
And it doesn't have to mean buying a completely different bike.
A convertible balance bike allows children to learn to balance first, then move onto pedals when they're ready, all on the same familiar bike.
That's exactly why I designed LittleBig. It starts as a little balance bike, grows into a bigger balance bike and converts into a pedal bike using an optional pedal kit.
No stabilisers, no starting over on a different bike. Just a natural progression from balancing to pedalling.
For more detailed advice, see our guide to 6 Signs Your Child Is Ready to Start Pedalling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are stabilisers bad for learning to ride?
Stabilisers let children pedal without learning to balance independently. The main drawback is that they still need to develop balance once the stabilisers are removed.
Is a balance bike better than stabilisers?
For most children, I'd recommend a balance bike. It teaches balance, steering and control before pedalling, which can make learning to ride independently more straightforward.
What age should a child start using a balance bike?
Many children start around two years old, although readiness depends on their size, coordination and confidence. Our Balance Bike Age Guide explains how to find the right fit.
Can a child learn to ride without stabilisers?
Absolutely. Children can learn to balance on a balance bike before progressing directly to pedals. Once they can glide, steer and stop confidently, there's usually no need for stabilisers.
