Kids Bikes

What Age Do Kids Ride Bikes?

Kids typically start riding bikes at 2 to 3 years old with a balance bikes. Once they’ve mastered balance and coordination, they move on to pedal bikes around 4 to 6 years old.

How Are Kids' Bikes Measured?

Kids’ bikes are measured by their wheel diameter, not their frame, which is how adult bikes are measured. When determining the correct bicycle for kids, it’s essential to consider their height, inseam length, and age. For example, children around 3 are usually around 3 feet tall, meaning the ideal bike wheel size would be 9 or 10 inches. For a breakdown of the different heights and wheel sizes, please read our Bike Size Guide.

What Bike Sizes Are Available?

We offer a wide variety of different-sized bikes to cater to every age group. Smaller tikes and balance bikes have smaller wheels and stabilisers and are an excellent option for first-time riders. Training bikes tend to have a wheel diameter of around 10 to 12 inches, which usually makes them suitable for children aged 3 to 5. Our larger mountain bikes have a wheel diameter of 20 inches, which is designed for older kids and teens.

What Age is a 20-Inch Bike for?

The appropriate age for a child to use a 20-inch bike depends on their height, inseam length, and coordination skills. Typically, a child aged 8 to 11 would require a 20-inch bike. If you’re unsure if your child is ready for this size of bike, consider how they are performing on their current bike and if it may be worth ordering a new bike for them to grow into when they’re ready.

What Safety Features Do Kids’ Bikes Come With?

Kids’ bikes have various safety features designed to keep your child safe and secure when having fun! Balance bikes and training bikes don’t have pedals as they revolve around teaching your child how to balance – they come with soft grips and a padded seat so they can easily stop the bike. Any kids’ bike with pedals comes with highly responsive brakes designed to quickly and easily stop the bike. Many bikes also come with a chainguard, reflectors and non-slip pedals to make the bike easy and safe to use. We also recommend that children wear helmets whenever riding to prevent head injuries, as well as elbow and knee pads, particularly when younger. Always refer to the bike's product information when determining its safety features.

How Do I Choose a Bike for My Child?

Choosing the correct bike for your child depends on important factors, such as their height, stage of child development, and whether the bike is a good fit for them. Remember to measure their height and inseam height, as these factors determine the wheel diameter appropriate for your child’s bike.

Depending on their coordination, they may need a balance bike or a bike with stabilisers. If you think they’re too young for a balance bike, we also offer a range of trikes that could be more appropriate. Other important aspects to consider are the size and weight of the bike and ensuring that your child can brake quickly and efficiently while using it.