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A balance bike is one of the easiest and most intuitive ways for young children to learn to ride. Instead of relying on stabilisers, children learn to balance, steer and control their speed before pedals are introduced.
This complete balance bike guide explains how to choose the right bike for your child, including the best age to start, how to measure for the correct size, what weight and wheel size to look for, whether brakes are important and when your child may be ready to progress to pedals.
The best balance bike should fit your child correctly, feel easy to control and provide enough adjustment to remain comfortable as they grow.
Some balance bikes, such as the LittleBig convertible balance bike, can also convert into a pedal bike with an optional pedal kit. This allows children to continue riding the same bike as their confidence and skills develop, offering excellent long-term value.
To explore specific topics in more detail, read our balance bike age guide to find the correct size for every stage, or compare leading models in our guide to the best balance bikes for toddlers and young kids.
The best balance bike isn't necessarily the lightest or the most expensive. A good balance bike should fit your child properly, be easy to control and provide enough adjustment to grow with them. The table below highlights the most important features to compare before you buy.
| Feature | Why It Matters | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | A lighter bike is easier for young children to balance, steer and propel. | Under 5kg |
| 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 front and rear hand brakes. |
| Wheel Size | The correct wheel size depends on your child's size and riding stage. | 10 or 12 inch for younger riders, 14 inch for older children or those needing more room to grow. Or a bike like LittleBig that grows with your child. |
| 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. |
Most children can start on a balance bike once they can walk confidently and reach the ground flat-footed. This is often between 18 months and 3 years old, but fit and confidence matter more than age. Starting early helps develop coordination and control, while a balance bike for older kids can help children who start later build confidence and progress quickly before moving to pedals.
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.
Balance bikes come in different sizes, but age is only a starting point. Your child's height and inside leg measurement are more important when choosing the right size. Here's what to look for as they grow.
For a two-year-old, look for a lightweight balance bike with a low saddle so they can comfortably reach the ground with both feet. Easy handling is particularly important at this age, as it's often a child's first experience of riding independently.
By three, many children are becoming more confident riders and may be ready for a bigger balance bike. Look for enough room to grow, along with front and rear hand brakes so they can begin learning how to slow down and stop using the same skills they'll eventually use on a pedal bike.
At four, children may be confident balancing but not quite ready to pedal. A larger balance bike gives them room to continue developing their skills, while a convertible balance bike lets them move to pedals when they're ready without changing to an unfamiliar bike.
Older children generally need more room, with a higher saddle and longer reach than smaller toddler balance bikes provide. A 14 inch balance bike can be a good option for older or taller children who still need time to develop their balance before learning to pedal.
For children with autism, dyspraxia, Down syndrome or other additional needs, there's no need to rush the transition to pedals. A bike with a wide adjustment range allows them to develop balance and confidence at their own pace. You can find more advice in our special needs balance bike guide.
If you're looking for one bike that covers these different stages, the LittleBig convertible balance bike grows with your child from around age two to six, starting as a little balance bike, growing into a big balance bike, then converting to their first pedal bike.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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).
By having a low saddle height, kids can keep their feet safely near the ground giving confidence as they learn to balance and steer.
Where Confidence on Two Wheels Begins
Where Confidence on Two Wheels Begins
Some parents prefer a convertible balance bike so their child can transition on the same familiar frame.
Unlike 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
| 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.
Choosing the right balance bike is about much more than picking a colour or buying the first model you see. Avoiding a few common mistakes can make learning to ride easier, safer and far more enjoyable for your child.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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 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.
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 bike bells, basket or stickers 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!
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
If you are looking for a balance bike that can support your child from their first glide through to confident pedalling, the LittleBig convertible balance bike is designed to adapt through multiple stages of riding.
Learn more about the LittleBig convertible balance bike here.
