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#colour_rocket red, Learn to balance with confidence | 3 year old girl with the LittleBig in little balance bike mode

Balance Bikes: What Every Parent Should Know Before Buying

Choosing your child's first balance bike should be simple. But with so many different sizes, weights and designs available, how do you know which one is right?

After years of designing children's bikes, I've learned that some of the things parents focus on most - like age recommendations and wheel size - aren't necessarily the things that make the biggest difference.

The right balance bike should be light enough for your child to control, fit them properly and give them the confidence to learn at their own pace.

In this guide, I'll explain what really matters when choosing a balance bike, the common mistakes to avoid and how to find one that your child won't outgrow too quickly.

What Is a Balance Bike, and Why Does It Work So Well?

A balance bike is a children's bike without pedals. Instead of trying to balance and pedal at the same time, children use their feet to push themselves along, gradually learning to steer, glide and control their speed.What I love about balance bikes is how naturally children learn.At first, they might simply walk along while sitting on the saddle. Then they start taking bigger steps. Before long, their feet are lifting off the ground and they're gliding along on two wheels.And the best part? They're learning one of the hardest parts of cycling - balance - without even realising it.
Why Start With A Balance Bike Plus
  • Develops Essential Cycling Skills: Balance bikes help children develop the core skills of balancing, steering and braking, which are crucial for learning to ride a pedal bike. 
  • Increases Confidence: As kids master balance and steering on a balance bike, they gain confidence in their ability to ride a bike. 
  • Makes Learning to Pedal Easier: Children who start on a balance bike find it easier to transition to a pedal bike because they already have the basic skills of balance and steering. 
  • Encourages Physical Activity: Balance bikes provide a fun and active way for young children to learn how to ride a bike. 
Key Features Of A Balance Bike Plus
  • No Pedals or Gears: Balance bikes rely on the child's feet to push off the ground and propel the bike forward. 
  • Focus on Balance and Steering: The bike encourages children to maintain their balance and steering by leaning into turns which are essential skills for riding a pedal bike. 
  • Lightweight and Durable: Balance bikes are typically made of lightweight materials and have fewer parts, making them easy for young children to manage. 
  • Easy to Learn: Children can easily learn to ride a balance bike by first walking with the bike, then scooting forward with their feet, and finally gliding with their feet off the ground. 

How to Choose the Best Balance Bike

When I started designing LittleBig, I spent a lot of time looking at what makes a children's bike easy to ride. And one thing became very clear - a bike can look great on paper but still be difficult for a little child to control. Weight, fit, brakes and how the bike grows with your child all make a difference. But not every feature matters equally at every age. Here are the things I'd pay closest attention to before buying.

Feature Why It Matters What to Look For
Weight A lighter bike is easier for young children to balance, steer and propel. As light as practical for your child's size. Under 5 kg is a useful target for many balance bikes.
Frame Material Frame material affects weight, durability and corrosion resistance. Lightweight aluminium frames are ideal.
Saddle Height Your child should be able to place both feet flat on the ground for confidence and control. A low starting height with plenty of adjustment.
Brakes Hand brakes help children learn proper braking skills before moving to a pedal bike. Child-sized hand brakes are particularly useful as children become faster and more confident.
Wheel Size The correct wheel size depends on your child's size and riding stage. Choose based on frame geometry, saddle height and fit - not wheel diameter alone.
Growth Range A bike with a wide fit range offers better long-term value and fewer upgrades. Adjustable components or a convertible design that grows with your child.

What Age Should a Child Start Riding a Balance Bike?

One of the questions I hear most often is, "What age should my child start on a balance bike?"

And my answer is usually the same - it depends more on the child than their age.

Some children are ready to start around two years old, while others take a little longer. And there's no need to rush - children develop their balance and confidence at different rates.

I've always felt that fit matters far more than age. Two children of exactly the same age can have very different heights and inside leg measurements.

The important thing is choosing a bike that fits properly, allows your child to comfortably reach the ground and gives them room to grow.

For a more detailed breakdown of what to look for at each age, including sizing recommendations for 2, 3, 4 and 5-year-olds, check out our Balance Bike Age Guide.

LittleBig bike in three modes: small balance, big balance, and pedal bikeLittleBig bike in three modes: small balance, big balance, and pedal bike

Why Balance Bikes Are Better Than Stabilisers

Kids who ride a balance bike first usually don't need stabilisers, as they have already learned how to balance. Instead of relying on stabilisers (which can actually delay balance development), your child learns to steer, glide and stop using their feet. Riding a balance bike builds a strong foundation in balance and coordination, making the transition to a pedal bike much smoother.

For parents who want one bike to support the full journey from first glide to confident pedalling, convertible balance bikes are built to adapt as a child grows.

Why Parents Choose Balance Bikes

Boy and girl on Silver Storm LittleBig bike in the forest
Easy Transition To Pedalling

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 the LittleBig balance bike down a path
Develops Motor Skills

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.

3 year old boy riding the LittleBig convertible balance bike in a pump track
Encourages Outdoor Play

Riding 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.

Girl starting off on her pink balance bike on a footpath
Gets Kids Active Early

Once your toddler 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!

Boy in littlebig pedal mode on a dirt track
No Need For Stabilisers

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 then when using stabilisers (training wheels).

3 Year old boy riding on littlebig bike off road while wearing full face helmet
Safe and Fun

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

Balance Bikes, Where Confidence on Two Wheels Begins

Balance Bikes, Where Confidence on Two Wheels Begins

3 Year old boy riding the LittleBig balance bike on a dirt path in forest3 Year old boy riding the LittleBig balance bike on a dirt path in forest

Top Tip: Plan for the Pedal Transition

Some parents prefer a convertible balance bike so their child can transition on the same familiar frame.

What Makes a Good Balance Bike?

If you’re choosing a balance bike, focus on fit  , weight, control and durability. Look for a low starting saddle height, smooth steering, grippy tyres, and reliable brakes (for when your child gets faster)!
Why the Right Fit Matters More Than Age Plus

If there's one thing I'd encourage every parent to check before buying a balance bike, it's the saddle height.

A child should be able to sit comfortably on the saddle with both feet flat on the ground and a slight bend in their knees.

This gives them the confidence to push themselves along, stop safely and control the bike without feeling like they're going to topple over.

And don't rely solely on the manufacturer's age recommendation.

Two children of the same age can have very different inside leg measurements. That's why I always recommend measuring your child's inside leg and comparing it with the bike's saddle height range before buying.
Balance Bike Wheel Size and Build Plus

It'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.
Look for a lightweight balance bike Plus

For 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.
Balance bike with brakes for the win! Plus

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. It gives them early confidence using hand brakes before switching to a pedal bike.

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.
Are The Contact Points Robust and Comfortable? Plus

Look 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.
Aesthetics, the beauty is in the detail! Plus

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.
Long Term Value for Money Plus

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.
Are the parts serviceable or replaceable? Check warranty too! Plus

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. The LittleBig bike comes with a lifetime warranty giving parents peace of mind.

One Bike, More Years of Riding

The best balance bike isn't necessarily the most expensive or the one with the most features.

It's the bike that fits your child properly, feels easy to ride and gives them the confidence to keep progressing.

That's exactly what I had in mind when designing LittleBig.

Rather than buying a little balance bike, then a bigger one, then a pedal bike, LittleBig grows with your child through all three stages - so they can keep learning on the same familiar bike.

The pedal kit is available separately whenever they're ready to take that next step.

LittleBig Convertible Balance Bike
#colour_Rocket Red, Step 1: Little Balance Bike | Lightweight balance bike for kids age 2+ (Child's Height: 33"-41")

12-Inch vs 14-Inch Balance Bikes: Does Wheel Size Really Matter?

One of the most common questions parents ask is whether to choose a 12 inch or 14 inch balance bike. The right choice depends on your child's height, inside leg measurement and stage of development rather than age alone.

12 inch vs 14 inch balance bikes
Feature 12 Inch Balance Bike 14 Inch Balance Bike
Typical age Approximately 18 months to 4 years Approximately 4 to 6+ years
Best for Smaller or younger riders Older, taller or later-starting children
Fit range Shorter adjustment range More room to grow
Learning Excellent for first balance skills Ideal for developing confidence before moving to pedals
Long-term value May require a larger bike sooner Can often be used for longer before transitioning to a pedal bike

If your child is taller than average, starting later, or you want a bike with a longer usable lifespan, a 14 inch balance bike can be an excellent choice. Designs, such as the LittleBig convertible balance bike, use a growing frame to fit kids all the way from age two to six.

#colour_kingfisher blue, 3 in 1 convertible balance bike | Features and height range from little balance bike to big pedal bike#colour_kingfisher blue, 3 in 1 convertible balance bike | Features and height range from little balance bike to big pedal bike

5 Balance Bike Buying Mistakes I'd Encourage Parents to Avoid

Having spent years designing children's bikes, I've seen how little details can make a big difference to a child's experience of learning to ride. And some of the most common buying mistakes are surprisingly easy to avoid. Here are five things I'd always check before choosing a balance bike.

1. Buying by Age Instead of Fit

Age recommendations are only a guide. Children of the same age can vary significantly in height and inside leg measurement. The most important factor is that your child can sit comfortably on the saddle with both feet flat on the ground. Always check the minimum saddle height rather than relying solely on the recommended age range.

2. Choosing a Bike That Is Too Heavy

A heavy balance bike is harder for young children to steer, control and lift after a fall. Lightweight bikes are generally easier to manoeuvre and help children build confidence more quickly. As a general guide, look for a balance bike weighing under 5kg where possible.

3. Overlooking the Brakes

Many entry-level balance bikes do not include hand brakes. While children naturally stop using their feet at first, learning to use properly sized hand brakes can make the transition to a pedal bike easier and helps develop good braking habits from an early age.

4. Buying a Bike They'll Quickly Outgrow

A balance bike with limited saddle adjustment may only fit for a short period before needing to be replaced. Choosing a bike with a wide adjustment range, or a convertible design that can continue into the pedal stage, often provides better long-term value and allows your child to progress at their own pace.

By focusing on fit, weight, braking and long-term adjustability, you'll be far more likely to choose a balance bike that helps your child enjoy learning to ride while getting the best value from your investment.

5. Choosing Looks Over Quality

Bright colours, favourite characters and eye-catching graphics can make a balance bike appealing, but they don't necessarily make it easier or safer to ride. Many character-themed bikes focus on appearance rather than fit, weight or long-term adjustability.

Instead of choosing a bike based primarily on branding or stickers, look at the features that will make the biggest difference to your child's riding experience. A lightweight frame, the correct saddle height, quality components and a wide adjustment range will usually have a far greater impact on confidence, control and enjoyment than the graphics on the frame.

Best Balance Bikes and Comparisons

Once you understand what to look for in a balance bike, the next step is comparing specific models. Different bikes suit different ages, riding stages and budgets.

If you are comparing specific brands, you can also explore our in-depth comparisons:

Strider vs LittleBig comparison

Woom vs Frog vs LittleBig

LittleBig vs Decathlon

Kidvelo Rookie Vs LittleBig

Balance Bike Tips for First-Time Riders

Balance Bike Age Range | How To Choose The Perfect Bike

Getting started with a balance bike

How to know when kids are ready to pedal

Do Balance Bikes Need Brakes?

How To Teach Kids to Cycle Confidently

#colour_jungle green, Adventure starts here! | 5 year old boy in big balance bike mode

How To Ride a Balance Bike

Make Sure The Bike Fits Your Child Plus

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.
Learn how to use the brakes Plus

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 balance bike with brakes.

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.
Get Padded Up Plus

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.
Pick a Safe Suitable Location Plus

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.
Find a Gentle Hill Plus

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.
Patience is the Key Plus

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 bike bells,  basket or stickers could help entice your child to get on their bike.
Ride With Friends Plus

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!

Top Tip! - Why Balance Bikes Replace Stabilisers

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.

Balance Bike vs Training Wheels: Key Differences

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?

balance bike vs training wheels, which should parents choose?

Frequently Asked Questions About Balance Bikes

Here are answers to some of the most common questions parents ask when choosing a balance bike and helping their child learn to ride.
What is a balance bike? Plus

A balance bike is a two-wheeled bike without pedals that helps children learn balance and steering before they start pedalling. Children push along with their feet and naturally develop coordination and confidence on two wheels.
What age should a child start using a balance bike? Plus

Most balance bikes are suitable from around age 2 up to 5 or 6 years old, depending on the child’s height and confidence. The key factor is whether the child can sit on the saddle and place both feet flat on the ground.
How to Choose the Right Size Balance Bike Plus

The correct size is based on your child’s inside leg measurement and the bike’s minimum saddle height. Your child should be able to sit comfortably with both feet flat on the ground while holding the handlebars.
Are balance bikes better than bikes with stabilisers? Plus

Balance bikes teach children to balance first, which is the most important cycling skill. Stabilisers support the bike upright and can delay independent balance. Many families now choose balance bikes to help children transition more smoothly to pedals.
When is my child ready to move to pedals? Plus

A child is usually ready for pedals when they can glide confidently with their feet lifted, steer smoothly, and stop safely. Once balance is mastered, pedalling is typically much easier to learn.
Do balance bikes need brakes? Plus

Younger children often stop using their feet, but as confidence and speed increase, hand brakes provide greater control. Learning to use brakes early can help children transition more confidently to a pedal bike.
What is a convertible balance bike? Plus

A convertible balance bike is designed to start in balance mode and later convert to a pedal bike using an optional pedal kit. This can help children transition from balance to pedalling on the same familiar bike and may reduce the need to buy a separate pedal bike.
Is a convertible balance bike a good option? Plus

Convertible balance bikes allow pedals to be added when a child is ready, usually with an optional pedal kit, reducing the need to buy a second bike. Designs that also adjust in size can support children across multiple years of development.
Are balance bikes safe for toddlers? Plus

Yes, balance bikes are generally very safe for toddlers when they are the correct size and used with basic safety precautions. Because children keep their feet close to the ground, they can easily stop themselves if they lose balance. Wearing a properly fitted helmet and riding in a safe open area helps build confidence while reducing the risk of falls.
How long do children use a balance bike for? Plus

Most children use a balance bike for several years, typically from around age 2 until they are ready to move to pedals. As children gain confidence and coordination, they progress from walking and gliding to balancing for longer distances before eventually learning to pedal.
Should I choose a 12 inch or 14 inch balance bike? Plus

A 10 or 12 inch balance bike generally suits younger or smaller children, while a 14 inch balance bike can provide a better fit for older, taller or later-starting riders. The correct choice depends on your child's inside leg measurement and the bike's saddle height range rather than wheel size or age alone. Some growing 14 inch designs like the LittleBig can fit children from approximately age 2 to 6
What should I avoid when buying a balance bike? Plus

Avoid choosing a balance bike based only on age recommendations, colours, character branding or appearance. Check that the bike is lightweight, fits your child's inside leg measurement, has sufficient saddle adjustment and includes child-sized controls. A poorly fitting or unnecessarily heavy bike can make learning more difficult, regardless of how appealing it looks.