Best Balance Bike Reviews & Ultimate Balance Bike Buying Guide

Introduction

Learning how to ride a bike is one of the most important milestones in a child’s early years. Parents often have difficulty teaching kids both the skills of riding a bike and how to be confident while riding. There are several ways to make the learning process earlier. One method which has become very popular in recent years is the use of balance bike. In this review, you will find:

  • An overview of balance bikes
  • The benefits of using these bikes when compared to tricycles
  • Common features of the best balance bikes
  • Reviews of the 5 top-rated balance bikes for overall quality on the market today
  • Highlights of the best balance bike for safety, affordability, and features

What Here

Introduction
What Are Balance Bikes?
Benefits Of Balance Bikes
What Size Of Balance Bike Should I Buy?
When To Transition From Balance Bike To Pedal Bike?
Recommended The Best Balance Bikes
Balance Bike vs Tricycle
What Features Make the Best Balance Bike?
Top 10 Best Balance Bikes 2017
1. Best Balance Bike For Short Toddler: Ridgeback Dimension 12 Runner
2. Best Balance Bike For 3-4 Year Olds: Strider 12 Sport
3. Kiddimoto Kurve
4. Best Lightweight Balance Bike: Cruzee UltraLite Balance Bike
5. Kinderfeets Chalkboard Wooden Balance Bike
6. FirstBIKE Street Balance Bike, Light Blue
7. Best Balance Bike For Down Syndrome: YBIKE Evolve Ride On Balance Bike
8. Best Balance Bike Under $100: KaZAM v2e No Pedal Balance Bike
9. Best Balance Bike For Your Dollar: Y Velo Jr. Yvolution Ride On Balance Bike
10. TooToo 12″ Balance Bike By Yedoo
Best Balance Bike for Safety: Ridgeback Dimension 12 Runner
Best Affordable Balance Bike: Strider 12 Sport
Best Balance Bike for Features: Kinderfeets Chalkboard Wooden Balance Bike
Conclusion


What Are Balance Bikes?

Balance bikes are a unique type of transition bicycle that help children develop the skills and confidence needed to ride normal bicycles. They are usually used for children from the ages of 2-6, depending on their size and physical maturity.

These bikes are unique because they do not have pedals or a drivetrain. Essentially, a balance bike consists of a frame, a seat, handlebars, and wheels. These bikes are designed to be low enough that the child’s feet can rest flat on the ground while they are seated. Children can then push themselves with their feet to learn balance and steering.

In the past, balance bikes were created by removing the pedals and drivetrain from an ordinary bicycle. This is often difficult because there are few bicycles made for children at such a small size. Today, companies are beginning to create high quality balance bikes alongside standard bikes.

Benefits Of Balance Bikes

Using a quality balance bike has numerous benefits for the child’s development. Most importantly, however, it allows the child to learn without a risk of injury, as they simply place their feet on the ground if they lose balance.

In addition, these bikes help children develop skills at their own pace. Kids will often begin moving the bike simply by walking. They will then develop into a run or scooting motion.

Finally, they will have the confidence to build up speed and glide, using their balance and steering skills just as they would on a normal bicycle.

For this reason, many experts believe these are the best bikes for teaching children how to ride a bike. It helps them learn crucial skills like counter steering and balance while their closeness to the ground gives them confidence.

Of course, these bikes are not just for education. They are also great fun for children because they will love gliding around, exploring the world in a different way than they are used to. In addition, kids will love to ride around like their older siblings and parents.

What Size Of Balance Bike Should I Buy?

Safety should always be the first concern when choosing a balance bike for your child. If we assume that it would be the first time the child will use the bike, necessary precautions should be taken to avoid any incidents. Consider important bike features that will not frustrate your child, that would not restrain his desire to learn and that would always keep him from harm. Here are some factors you should take into account when choosing the best balance bike:

  • The Child’s Inseam

For the ideal fit when riding, the balance bike needs only one requirement, the child’s inseam measurement. This is the distance from the child’s crotch to the bottom of a well-fitting pants. Or you can let your child stand with their back against the wall, their bare feet slightly spread and measure the distance between his crotch and the floor. Measure to the nearest half inch.
Next, make an online search for Sizing Charts. These will provide you data on what bike size which will be best for your child, depending on the inseam measurement.ere…

  • Bike Weight

The weight should neither be too light or too heavy. Through research, the ideal weight should be no more than 30% of the child’s weight.
Use this formula: Max. Weight of Bike = 0.30 x Weight of Child.here…

When To Transition From Balance Bike To Pedal Bike?

After observing your child getting better every day on the balance bike, you would now consider taking the next step: the Pedal Bike. True, you can see the results of your child’s efforts by the way he/she zooms around the neighborhood with utmost confidence. But is it truly the time to invest on a full-sized bike? Before you make that decision, consider the following often taken-for-granted signs. Perhaps after going through these, you may delay that decision for a little more practice around the block on the Balance bike.

Take note on how your child manipulates the balance bike. Continuously propelling the bike forward without lifting their feet above the ground for long periods of time means only one thing: that they haven’t yet mastered the important skill of balance. When the kids can lift their feet with confidence, learning how to move with the bike instead of just moving the bike, then it is time to retire the balance bike and invest on the pedal bike.


Recommended The Best Balance Bikes

The best bike for your child is out there, waiting for you. Here are our top picks for recommended balance bikes per age:

Balance Bike for 18 month old: Strider – Ridgeback Dimension 12 Runner

Best Balance Bike for 2 year olds: Kinderfeets Chalkboard Wooden Balance

Best Balance Bike for 3-4 year olds: Strider 12 Sport

Best metal balance bike: Cruzee UltraLite Balance Bike

Balance Bike vs Tricycle

Parents may wonder why balance bicycles exist if tricycles already help kids learn how to ride bikes. However, there are numerous advantages to using a balance bicycle instead of a tricycle.

With a tricycle, children virtually never have to worry about falling due to the training wheels. This means that they can steer in any manner they please while focusing on pedalling. While this certainly helps them get accustomed to riding and pedalling, it often leaves them dependent on the stability of training wheels.

Without the possibility of falling, tricycles can cause children to learn poor steering habits which must be corrected later on. In addition, they often prevent children from learning valuable skills like counter steering. Tricycles can unfortunately teach children how to ride quickly without ensuring that they know how to stay safe while doing so.

This is all in contrast to balance bikes. One of the main benefits of balance bikes is that they teach kids to focus on their balance and steering instead of pedalling. Once these skills have been mastered, they can begin to learn pedalling. This is a much safer process which first teaches children how to stay upright instead of how to move quickly.

What Features Make the Best Balance Bike?

Just as with any product, there are poor balance bikes and excellent balance bikes. The difference in quality often comes down to the inclusion of several key features. Parents should be careful to look for these in order to know which balance bikes are worth spending hard-earned money on and which are not.

Some of the most important features that combine to form top-rated balance bikes are

  • Seat and Grip Qua​lity

Kids need to feel comfortable sitting on their balance bike and secure when they hold the handlebars. Large, cushioned seats and thoughtfully-placed handlebars are crucial so that the child will put their feet down when off-balance rather than let go with their hands.

  • Adjustable Height

In order to maximize safety, kids must be able to comfortably have their feet flat on the ground while seated on the bicycle. Instead of buying a new bicycle every time the child grows a few inches, the best balance bike will offer adjustable height settings to use as the child grows. This can also be a deciding factor for parents who have multiple young children but only have the funds to afford a single balance bicycle.

  • Safety Features

While the ability to put their feet down will keep kids safe, there are also a number of features which should be included to maximize safety. High-end balance bikes often feature steering locks, which prevent the child from turning to quickly on a sharp angle. There are also rear brakes included in many models which are useful if the child begins moving too quickly. Lastly, the thickness of the tires should be taken into account, as thicker tires are able to handle rough terrain better.

  • Convience

As young children are very low when seated on balance bikes, it can put a strain on parents to bend down and lift the bikes. For this reason, it is important that the bikes feature a light frame without compromising durability. Often, the bikes will also include handles for easy carrying. Further, some models can even be folded for discrete storage and transportation.

  • Design

An important feature which should not be overlooked is design. Kids love bright colors and clean, smooth curves. Some bikes come in a variety of exciting designs to make the bikes look like firetrucks or police cars which kids adore. The more interested the child is in the bike, the more likely they are to spend more time riding and developing their skills.

Top 10 Best Balance Bikes 2017

While they are small, the best balance bikes can be costly. Before spending hundreds of dollars, parents should read the best balance bike reviews in order to make an informed decision. The reviews below are based on both the objective facts such as the quality of material used to build the frame and subjective experiences of parents. Each of the five bikes on this list are exceptional in overall quality. They do vary in the particular features offered, which will allow parents to find the ideal model for their child.

Here are the top five balance bikes on the market in 2017


1. Best Balance Bike For Short Toddler: Ridgeback Dimension 12 Runner

Ridgeback Dimension 12 Runner  Read Parent Reviews | Check Best Prices

A scaled down electric powered dirt bike, this single speed dirt bike runs at a maximum speed of 14mph. The bike has 12” pneumatic knobby front wheels to give it more power transfer and a hand operated rear brake. It has a quiet chain driven motor and a twist grip throttle controller. Designed for kids 1-3 years and up.

Pros

Cons

  • Super light frame for easy lifting- Sturdy construction means this bike will last for years and can be handed down.
  • Schwalbe Big Apple tires offer great traction.
  • Sleek design is visually pleasing.
  • Very smooth ride thanks to thoughtful construction.
  • Very smooth ride thanks to thoughtful construction.

 

  • Too expensive for many people to spend on such a small bicycle.

Summary

Very few balance bicycles can offer the quality and features found in the Ridgeback Dimension 12 Runner. Its main attraction is simply the quality of its frame, handlebars, and wheels. With an exceptionally light frame and Schwalbe wheels, kids will have no trouble safely steering this balance bike on streets or bike paths. While it is quite expensive, this bike offers unparalleled quality, safety, and durability.

Check it out on Amazon


2. Best Balance Bike For 3-4 Year Olds: Strider 12 Sport

  Read Parent Reviews | Check Best Prices

The Stider 12 Sport is one of the highest-rated balance bikes on the market today. It has earned a place in many “Top 10” lists, and for good reason. This bike offers everything parents and children alike could hope for in a balance bicycle.

It is sturdy, safe, and very attractive. With a metal frame and thick tires, children will be safe riding around on smooth and rough terrain. It is designed to accommodate children from 18 months to 6 years of age.

 

Pros Cons
  • Great design will catch child’s eye.
  • Rear brake is included for added safety if child is moving too quickly.
  • Comfortable with a large seat and padded handlebars.
  • Super lightweight at only 3 kg, making it easy for children to manoeuvre and parents to lift.
  • Lacks some convenience features like handles for easy carrying.

Summary

The Strider 12 Sport is an incredible balance bike that offers exceptional value for the price. It is significantly cheaper than the Ridgeback Dimension 12 Runner but still offers high-end features. Its rear brake is particularly attractive for parents who worry about their child riding too quickly. As well, its tires are built to keep great traction no matter the terrain.

Check it out on Amazon


3. Kiddimoto Kurve

  Read Parent Reviews | Check Best Prices

This is the highest quality wooden balance bike on the market today. It is extremely popular with children and parents, and offers tremendous value for its reasonable price. It comes packed with features for both safety and convenience, making this a purchase parents can be confident will help their child learn while keeping them safe. It is recommended for children ages 3-5.

Pros Cons
  • omes equipped with three height settings to accommodate different sizes of riders.
  • Steering locks at 30 degrees which helps prevent kids from performing tight turns and falling.
  • Wide variety of designs means there is a model that will suit every child’s personality.
  • Less durable than best models.
    Slightly heavier than top models because of its wooden frame.

Summary

The Kiddimoto Kurve is one of the most stylish and fun balance bikes on the market today. Its numerous playful designs allow kids to find a bike that matches their personality. As well, it comes with safety features like steering wheel locks at 30 degrees in order to prevent sharp turns.

With a reasonable price, outstanding design, and great safety features, the Kiddimoto Kurve is one of the best balance bikes a parent will find.

Check it out on Amazon


4. Best Lightweight Balance Bike: Cruzee UltraLite Balance Bike

  Read Parent Reviews | Check Best Prices
A brightly colored and fun balance bike for kids, the Flip Balance Bike may be a purchase that pleases the parent just as much as their child. This balance bike comes in a variety of colors and is made of a strong steel frame.

This makes storing and carrying this bike incredibly easy. In addition, it comes with convenient features to accommodate smaller and larger children.

Pros Cons
  • Strong steel frame means this bike will last for years.
    3 height settings allow children of different sizes to enjoy the bike.
    Bright colors will keep kids happy and excited to learn how to ride.
  • Not as comfortable as top models.
    Steel frame is heavier than other balance bikes

Summary

The Cruzee UltraLite Balance Bike is good choice for parents. In addition, it is built to last with a durable steel frame. While it has some drawbacks like a relatively uncomfortable seat and heavier build, there are so many positive features that it is still a fantastic purchase

Check it out on Amazon


5. Kinderfeets Chalkboard Wooden Balance Bike

  Read Parent Reviews | Check Best Prices
Kinderfeets Chalkboard Wooden Balance Bike is the most unique and creative bike on this list. This is a bike that helps kids learn to ride bikes while also exercising their creativity and expressing themselves.

The bike’s wooden frame comes equipped with a chalkboard for drawing. Kids adore customizing their bike with their names and drawings. In addition, this bicycle includes thick, durable wheels and is recommended for children aged 3-6.

Pros Cons
  • Comfortable seat and well-positioned handlebars ensure that children are comfortable and secure while riding.
  • Sturdy wooden frame will last for years.
  • Chalkboard comes at cost of convenient features like folding and footrests.
  • Not adjustable for different heights.

Summary

While it may not boast the widest array of features, the Grattify Draw On Me is a unique and fun balance bike for kids. It comes equipped with a chalkboard on its frame which kids love to draw on.

This will ensure that kids never tire of their bicycle as adding new pictures can make it feel like a completely new bike. It is also built to last with a strong wooden frame and high-end, thick wheels.

Check it out on Amazon


6. FirstBIKE Street Balance Bike, Light Blue

  Read Parent Reviews | Check Best Prices
One of the best reviewed balance bikes today is the German designed FirstBIKE Street Light Blue balance bike. It is loaded with features that can surely impressed prospective buyers. It is a super light training bike geared for developing the child’s sense of balance and motor skills. For safety, the frame is composite but strong and flexible enough for shock absorption.

The bike uses a unique drum brake in its hand brake and the air-filled tires are ideal for off-road riding. The shape of the seat is designed to prevent slippage and is adjustable to the child’s growth. To make sure of the child’s safety when they ride or fall, the bike uses recessed bolts and these prevents serious injuries.

For easier grip, it has knobbed handlebars. It is truly one of the best metal balance bikes in the market. The unique ergonomic design alone is worth its purchase. It is designed for young kids to develop their sense of balance and control and boost their confidence and their enthusiasm. Children can also use the bike to accompany their parents in their exercise walks. The bike is highly recommended for kids between 2 and 5 years old. It is available in a variety of colors.

Pros Cons
  • Designed for a “no-stress” bike learning experience.
  • Frame is strong, durable and flexible since it’s made with high-tech materials.
  • Comes with a lot of safety features.
  • Can be quite intimidating for beginners.
  • The seat might loosen after being used a few times.

Summary

Because of the growing demand for balance bikes, there are so many brands that have entered the market. No matter who the competition is, the FirstBIKE balance bike is on a league of its own because of its unique features in functionality and safety.

Furthermore, it has a composite frame that is soft, safe and durable. For toddlers, a lowering kit is sold separately, but that would still make it the ideal first bike.

Check it out on Amazon


7. Best Balance Bike For Down Syndrome: YBIKE Evolve Ride On Balance Bike

Read Parent Reviews | Check Best Prices
The new YBIKE Evolve can be used in three stages. In Stage 1, the bike is used as a tricycle so the child can learn to how use pedals and how to steer the bike. Stage 2 as a balance bike to develop balance and control skills. There are two rear wheels, no pedals. Stage 3 transforms it into a running bike to further develop the crucial balancing skills and the speed necessary to ride a pedal bike.

There is one rear wheel, no pedals. This model concerns itself with the easy transition from a tricycle to a balance bike and finally to a normal pedal bicycle. Since the Evolve is recommended for kids between the ages of 2 and 5, as the child grows, the seat can be adjusted to fit the child’s growth. The transformation factor of both the bike and the child makes the Evolve unique. For the bike, from tricycle to running bike. For the child, from pre-school to a big kid.

Pros Cons
  • Adjustable bike which has 3 back-wheel settings.
  • Affordable bike which has a lot of great features.
  • Suitable for children of different ages.
  • Installing the bike can take a lot of time.
  • Parts need to be assembled correctly.

Summary

Because of its unique and amazing features in meeting every need of the customer, the YBIKE is in high demand and is considered one of the best balance bikes for your dollar. Aside from its unique functionality, it also possesses a strong aluminum frame, it has a large carrying capacity, comes in different colors, has an adjustable plastic seat and of course, its unique and exceptional design.

Check it out on Amazon


8. Best Balance Bike Under $100: KaZAM v2e No Pedal Balance Bike

  Read Parent Reviews | Check Best Prices
The Kazam’s new v2 frame is a solid option for average or larger-build kids. The previous design of the v2 Kasam, the Classic, weighed 11 pounds. Several improvements have been made in the new v2’s design. It is much lighter now at 8 pounds and it has foam tires. Its frame can either be of steel or aluminum.

The angled footrest design of the bike is a unique and special feature. With the KaZAM balance bike, both the seat and the handlebars can be adjusted for the child’s convenience. The EVA tires are puncture resistant and they require no maintenance. It’s one of the best balance bikes under $100.

Pros Cons
  • The FOOTREST design which is patented is a unique feature of this bike.
  • Seats and handlebars are adjustable.
  • EVA tires are resistant to punctures and need no maintenance.
  • It’s a bit too wide for petite children.

Summary

Because of their sturdy built, the KaZAM balance bikes are meant to last long and can be passed on to the next sibling. The most outstanding and unique feature of the v2 is its patented footrest, designed to help the child in developing balance and control. The new v2 KaZAM model also has an improved frame design, it is lighter in weight and offers air-filled tires for better stability and traction

Check it out on Amazon


9. Best Balance Bike For Your Dollar: Y Velo Jr. Yvolution Ride On Balance Bike

  Read Parent Reviews | Check Best Prices
The Y Velo Jr.-Yvolution Ride On Balance Bike was designed for younger riders. It is recommended for children between the ages of 1-1/2 to 4, the best balance bike for short toddlers. For a safety factor, the bike has a single front wheel and two rear wheels which provides stability and to protect the young riders from any injury. One of the rear wheels can be removed once the child have develop confidence to make it on two. The wide tires, again for safety, have been tested and can perform well on different surfaces. The seat and the handlebars are adjustable.

Its rubber-over-mould wheels provides for a smooth and comfortable ride. The bike’s larger wheels make for easy riding and balance and the higher elevation of the frame makes the ride safer on uneven surfaces. It can easily be transformed into a standard balance bike by adjusting the beam saddle and the height of the handlebar.

Pros Cons
  • Size of the bike makes it ideal, even for short toddlers.
  • Bike will help your child develop motor skills, coordination and balance.
  • Frame is lightweight even though made of durable aluminum.
  • It’s a bit heavy.
  • Not very stable for young beginners.

Summary

This balance bike is great in riding around with family. The bike comes with decorated handlebars and stem pads for safety. The seat is padded for superior comfort of your child. The single speed bike has an easy-to-use rear coaster brake too.

Check it out on Amazon


10. TooToo 12″ Balance Bike By Yedoo

 Read Parent Reviews | Check Best Prices
Because of its special features, the TooToo 12″ Balance Bike by Yedoo is one of the best selling bikes. The price is very affordable and it’s one of the best lightweight balance bikes out there. The rear V-brakes make slowing down and stopping the bike manageable even with just the child’s feet. The aluminum-coated handlebars of the bike are lightweight and the improved handgrips are provided with safety ends. The design of the saddle was improved for comfort as well as stability and a steering limiter prevents unnecessary falls.

The seat of this bike can be adjusted to allow room for the child’s growth. Its minimal weight makes it one of the lightest running bikes available and its low seat to ground makes it perfect for children between the ages of 2 and 4. This feature gives the small rider a level of comfort and confidence and eliminates the fear of injury. It helps develop the mastery of balance and steering with ease.

Pros Cons
 

  • One of the best lightweight bikes on the market, weighing only 8 lbs
  • Handlebars are made with aluminum and have premium grips for hands.
  • Saddle can be adjusted.
 

  • Bolts are exposed so they can be harmful.
    The frame has a high step, making it
  • hallenging to get on and off the bike.

Summary

Specially built for younger and lighter weight kids, the Yedoo Too Too bike is nimble and light-weight for easy steering, stopping and slowing down. The bike also uses air tires instead of foam tires for better performance. Its adjustable seat height allow for the child’s physical growth. Because of all the special and safety features, it would be a parent’s best buy.

Check it out on Amazon


Best Balance Bike for Safety: Ridgeback Dimension 12 Runner

 

The best balance bike will not only offer great style and a versatile selection of features; it also much be very safe. The Ridgeback Dimension 12 Runner is an exceptionally well-built balance bike that is made by one of the premier bicycle companies in the UK.

Firstly, this bike is tremendously safe simply because of the quality of its construction. With an aluminum body and remarkable craftsmanship, this is a bike that will not fall apart after some bumps and falls. In addition, its high-end Schwalbe Big Apple tires are the best tires on this list. They offer superior traction and ensure that the bike will not slide even when on rough terrain or traveling quickly.

In addition, the bike comes equipped with a break to help the child slow down if they begin moving too fast. It is also very light which makes for easy manoeuvring. Although the Ridgeback Dimension 12 Runner comes at a significant cost, parents who want peace of mind while their child is riding should consider investing in this incredible balance bike. Its durability means that it can be passed down to younger siblings in the future.

Best Affordable Balance Bike: Strider 12 Sport

 

Of course, parents will never sacrifice the safety of their child in order to save money. However, there are many affordable balance bikes that offer incredible value without forcing parents to take out a second mortgage. As it strikes a balance between high-end features and reasonable pricing, the Strider 12 Sport balance bike is the perfect choice for parents who want a quality bike for their child.

What is truly impressive about the Strider 12 Sport is the features that it includes despite coming at a mid-range price, around $100. While it is highly affordable, the Strider 12 Sport offers features and quality which rival high-end models.

Some of the highlights of this bike include its lightweight frame which make it easy to lift and transport. As well, it comes equipped with a rear brake for added safety when the child begins to ride too quickly. For parents who want a quality balance bike without breaking the bank, the Strider 12 Sport is the way to go

Best Balance Bike for Features: Kinderfeets Chalkboard Wooden Balance Bike

It is no secret that young children love to draw, doodle, and express themselves. Many parents can attest that leaving a piece of colored chalk with a child is a sure-fire way to have hundreds of pictures drawn on the laneway. For this reason, the Kinderfeets Chalkboard Wooden Balance Bike balance bike is perfect for parents who want a bike that offers more than just a fun ride.

With the chalk board attached to its frame, the Kinderfeets Chalkboard Wooden Balance Bike  bike becomes a moving masterpiece. Kids will never tire of writing and drawing on the board. This can be important, as children often tire of using the same toy repeatedly. By drawing new pictures before every ride, kids will feel like they are using a new bike every day.Its quality is good, although it does not compare to high-end models like the Ridgeback Dimension 12 Runner.

However, for parents who care more about their child having a blast while riding their bike than having the best quality frame and wheels, the Kinderfeets Chalkboard Wooden Balance Bike model is the perfect choice.

Conclusion

Balance bikes are becoming increasingly popular with parents who are teaching their children how to ride bicycles. They offer a wide range of benefits that are unmatched by the usual methods such as using tricycles. Instead of simply teaching the child how to peddle, balance bicycles allow the child to develop coordination, balance, and steering skills. This makes the transition to normal biking much easier.

Finding the best balance bike, however, can be difficult. Due to the rising popularity of these bikes, the market is being flooded with new models all the time. There are certain features which parents should look for in order to ensure they make an intelligent and informed purchase. These features include strong, light frames, brakes and steering locks, and colorful designs.

With all factors such as craftsmanship, tire and frame quality, and the range of features offered have been taken into account, the best overall balance bike is the Ridgeback Dimension 12 Runner. This is a superb balance bike which will keep children safe and comfortable as they learn to ride. However, it does come with a hefty price tag. For those looking to buy a quality balance bike for a reasonable price, the Strider 12 sport is the ideal model.

Any of the balance bikes reviewed on this list will make excellent purchases and are sure to keep children entertained for hours on end. Watching a child develop skills and confidence on one of these balance bikes will be a treasured memory for any parent.