10 Reasons Not to Use Stabilisers on Your Child’s Bike

Stabilisers, also known as training wheels, can delay a child’s ability to balance and ride independently. While they allow early pedalling, they prevent children from developing the core skill of balance first. For most children, starting on a balance bike leads to faster learning, greater confidence and safer long-term riding.

I recently saw two children riding together at a local BMX track. One was confidently gliding around on a balance bike, while the other struggled to keep upright on a pedal bike fitted with stabilisers. Every bump caused the small side wheels to catch, wobble or lift.

Stabilisers (training wheels) may seem like a helpful shortcut to pedalling, but research suggests children benefit more from learning balance first. A balance bike allows children to develop coordination naturally before introducing pedals.

1. Stabilisers Prevent Children From Learning Proper Balance

With stabilisers keeping the bike upright, children do not learn how to shift their weight and balance independently. When stabilisers are removed, they must suddenly learn this essential skill from scratch.

2. They Struggle on Uneven Ground

Stabilisers work only on flat, smooth surfaces. On gravel, dirt, grass or slopes, they catch and tip, limiting a child’s ability to explore confidently.

3. The Transition Can Be Difficult

Once removed, stabilisers leave children without the balancing skills they need, often leading to frustration and loss of confidence.

4. They Add Unnecessary Cost

Stabilisers increase manufacturing cost and complexity, often without adding long-term value to the learning process.

5. They Reduce Agility

Bikes steer by leaning. Stabilisers restrict natural leaning, making turning less intuitive and limiting proper skill development.

6. They Encourage Bad Habits

Because stabilisers prevent natural lean, children may learn to steer incorrectly and need to relearn these movements later.

7. They Add Extra Weight

A lighter bike is easier to control and more enjoyable to ride. Stabilisers add unnecessary weight and drag.

8. They Are Noisy and Cumbersome

The small plastic wheels often rattle and wear unevenly, requiring adjustment and maintenance.

9. They Create Avoidable Waste

Stabilisers are often removed quickly and discarded, contributing to landfill waste. A longer-term solution reduces unnecessary material use.

10. They Increase a Bike’s Carbon Footprint

Additional components require extra materials, manufacturing and shipping — all for a feature that may be removed within months.

There Is Another Way — Start With Balance

Children who begin on balance bikes learn to glide, steer and control their speed naturally. Once balance is mastered, adding pedals becomes far less intimidating.

Read our full guide on Balance Bikes vs Training Wheels for a deeper comparison.

Can You Add Pedals Later?

Some bikes are designed to allow pedals to be added once balance is mastered. If you’re considering this approach, explore how a convertible balance bike works in practice.