Best balance bike: how to buy a two-wheeler for your child

Balance bikes are a popular way to introduce young children to cycling, helping them develop coordination, steering and confidence before moving on to a traditional bike. Unlike pedal bikes, they rely on children pushing themselves along with their feet, allowing them to learn balance at their own pace.

If you're shopping for your child's first balance bike, it's important to choose one that's the right fit. The correct seat height will help keep them safe and comfortable, while features such as wheel size, tyre type and brakes can affect how the bike handles on different surfaces.

In our expert guide, we explain the benefits of balance bikes, what features to look out for and how to choose the right model for your child. We've also rounded up popular options from brands including KRIDDO, Chillafish and Kinderkraft.

Popular balance bikes

When buying a balance bike, it’s important to choose the right fit for your child, so an in-store visit could be worthwhile. Buying online may save you money and can work well if you already know the size and style you’re looking for.

Paw Patrol Balance Bike

• Age guide: 1-5 years
• Approximate weight: 2kg

This colourful balance bike is decorated with characters from Paw Patrol and uses 10-inch puncture-proof foam wheels. It has adjustable handlebars and seat height, making it easier to adapt the bike as your child grows. Note that this model doesn't include brakes, so children will need to use their feet to stop.

The bike also features moulded handlebar grips designed to provide a more secure hold while riding. Matching Paw Patrol accessories, including a matching helmet, are widely available separately.

Is it nearly your little one's birthday? Read our roundup of the best gifts for one-year-olds.

KRIDDO Toddler Balance Bike

• Age guide: 2-5 years
• Approximate weight: 3kg

Another popular balance bike designed for younger riders who are learning the basics of balance and steering. It uses 12-inch puncture-resistant tyres designed for riding on pavements, grass and park paths, alongside a carbon steel frame designed to handle everyday bumps and scrapes.

Both the seat and handlebars are adjustable, which means the bike can adapt as your child grows. It also features soft rubber handlebar grips and a padded PU seat for added comfort while riding.

Peppa Pig Balance Bike

• Age guide: 1-5 years
• Approximate weight: 2kg

This colourful balance bike uses 10-inch, puncture-proof foam tyres to steer your little one through the park. The bike is made from a steel frame and has a removable front character plaque. Halfords also sells a Peppa Pig helmet and Rainbow Bell.

According to the retailer, the wheels have a 'deep tread' for improved stability. Your child will also benefit from an adjustable handlebar and seat, plus moulded grips.

Chillafish Charlie Balance Bike

• Age guide: 1.5-4 years
• Approximate weight: 2.5kg

Another popular balance bike that has an adjustable seat and handlebars. It uses puncture-proof, 10-inch tyres and includes an integrated carry handle for parents. This model is available in black (with brown seat), blue (with black seat) and pink (with yellow seat).

Chillafish claims the seat has been specially moulded to provide 'superior support as your child tackles obstacles on their route. It doesn't feature brakes, though.

See our recommendations for the best gifts for two-year-olds.

Kinderkraft 2WAY Next Balance Bike

• Age guide: 2 years+
• Approximate weight: 3.6kg

This balance bike might catch your eye if you're aiming to keep costs low. It's designed for children up to 35kg and features puncture-resistant foam wheels that the brand says are suitable for pavement and park pathways.

The Kinderkraft has an adjustable seat and a limited handlebar, which will hopefully prevent sudden turns that could lead to an accident.

What is a balance bike?

A balance bike is a simplified version of an adult bicycle, designed to teach young children how to balance and steer. Most balance bikes are recommended for children over 18 months old.

These bikes don't have pedals or gears, so toddlers must use their feet to propel and stop themselves. Most are made from lightweight metal – which makes them easier for kids to manoeuvre and for parents to carry at the end of an outdoor adventure.

Popular balance bikes feature an adjustable seat that you can raise as your child gets taller. For example, some models we’ve seen are suitable for children aged 1 to 5 years. Balance bikes are often protected with puncture-proof tyres, too.

Read our expert recommendations on the best gifts for three-year-olds.

Are balance bikes better than stabilisers?

A balance bike is designed to teach balance right away, whereas a bike with stabilisers places the focus on learning to pedal and steer. If your child develops strong coordination with their balance bike, they might be able to skip stabilisers entirely and advance directly to a pedal bike.

Make sure your child is protected with a secure-fitting helmet (plus kneepads if needed) and remember that everybody's experience learning to ride will be unique – some children will gain confidence fast, while others need more practice and benefit from a slower approach.

What should you consider when buying a balance bike?

• Wheel size – this is measured by the wheel's diameter. 10, 12 and 14-inch wheels are the most common type. Larger wheels can offer improved stability, but they're no good if your child is raised too high off the ground.
• Tyre type – foam tyres are common as they're cheaper for manufacturers to produce. However, air tyres offer better traction and cushioning, making them a better choice for uneven terrain. Think about the areas where the bike will be used when deciding.
• Brakes – can give your child more confidence and serve as a good practice before a 'proper' bike. Make sure your child can easily reach the brakes before setting off.
• Adjustable seat – seat height is the best indicator of a good fit for your toddler. We recommend choosing a model with an adjustable seat post to accommodate your child's growth. When riding, your little one should have a slight bend in their knee while pushing. If the seat is too low, it can make pushing uncomfortable.
• Footrests – some balance bikes feature a built-in footrest, positioned out of your child's stride, for use while gliding.
• Hand grips – many cheaper bikes feature plastic grips that aren't particularly comfortable when used for long periods. Mid-range and premium alternatives tend to have ergonomic, rubber grips.

Need to burn off some energy? Find out the best trampolines.

What age is a balance bike for?

Balance bikes are primarily designed for children over 18 months, or children that aren't quite ready for a traditional pedal bike. Some models, such as the Kinderkraft Baby Balance, are suitable for even younger kids. They typically accommodate children up to around 4 or 5 years old.

By choosing a balance bike with adjustable features, you can modify the seat height and handlebars as your child grows. This provides better value for your money and allows the bike to be used for a longer period.  It also lets you pass the bike down to a younger sibling if they want to learn themselves.

When shopping for a balance bike, check that the minimum seat height is appropriate and note the maximum height as well.

How do you teach children to ride balance bikes?

Before teaching your child to ride, make sure their balance bike is properly set up — check the seat height (your child should have both feet flat on the ground while seated), fixings and tyre air pressure. Consult the manufacturer's guide or website if you're unsure.

Here are a selection of tips on teaching your child to gain confidence with their balance bike:

• Start simple – you don't need to tackle hills and corners right away, so start slow with a smooth, straight course.
• Demonstrate – without putting all of your weight on the bike, show your child how to lift their legs over the frame and push themselves along. Children often learn by imitating.
• Master walking – see if you can get your child to slowly walk the bike from one point to another while sitting on the saddle.
• Gaining confidence – try finding a local park that has some gradual hills to conquer. Remind your child how to safely come to a stop if they need to.
• Coasting – teach your child that they don't always need to be pushing themselves along. If their balance bike has a footrest, explain how to use it and encourage them to balance while coasting.
• Build your own courses – if you have enough space, consider buying some cones online and setting up your own track. Your little one might enjoy creating new, twisting layouts of their own.

Remember to be patient with your child while learning to ride and celebrate small wins along the way.

Best gifts for kids: find a great present for all ages.

Can you add pedals to a balance bike?

Some balance bikes, often known as 2-in-1 bikes, have a detachable pedal kit with a chain.

By adding pedals to the bike, you can teach your child to raise their feet entirely off the ground once their balance is good enough. Investing in a 2-in-1 bike also saves you from having to grab a separate pedal bike at a later date.

Many big-name balance bike brands offer conversion kits. Strider's Easy-Ride Pedal Kit, for example, transforms the Strider 14x Sport from a balance bike to a pedal bike.