Bike Size Guide: Choosing the Right Kid’s Bike

There are a few things to consider before selecting a bike for your child, especially if it is their first bike. In this guide, we will discuss which bikes are best for your child’s age and height, as well as their riding experience and ability.

Bike Size Chart

What are the types of bikes available?

If you are planning on buying a bike for your child, it is important to know what type of bike is suitable for your child. We have bikes designed specifically to support your child’s riding ability and help build their confidence. We also have bikes that make riding fun, allowing your child to go on two-wheeled adventures.

Let’s discuss the different types of bikes available…

Trikes

One of the most common first bikes, a trike has three wheels to keep your child stable, allowing them to focus on steering and coordinating the trike around obstacles. Many trikes have pedals to teach your child how to manoeuvre the trike, but with a short range of motion that helps to keep them within a safe distance when you are supervising.

Trikes are suitable for children aged as young as 10 months to 3 years plus, with features that help to build confidence safely. See our full range of trikes to find one suitable for your child’s age and height.

Balance bikes

Being able to keep stable on a bike is one of your child’s biggest milestones to master before they can ride a bike without any support. Balance bikes help to build this primary skill by teaching your child the fundamental body positions to keep balanced.

With no pedals or chain, children will use their legs to push the bike along. It is important that your child can touch the floor when on a balance bike, as this is what will help them remain stable. A child can use their legs to find their balance point, especially when steering, moving their body position to maintain stability.

Over time, your child will be able to glide along, steer around obstacles and stop safely. Once they are in complete control of a balance bike, they will be confident enough to transition to a pedal bike.

Having a balanced bike is a great starting point for learning to ride a bike. We have balance bikes available in different wheel sizes, making them suitable for children aged from 1 year old to 5 plus. Check out our full range of balance bikes.

Bikes with stabilisers

A bike with stabilisers looks just like a normal pedal bike, but they have the assistance of training wheels attached to the rear wheel. These help to keep the bike upright and balanced. Stabiliser bikes are ideal for children who understand where the balance point is, especially when steering, but still need some assistance to keep steady. It also helps them get used to using brakes to slow down and pedalling whilst maintaining balance.

Once your child has mastered all these skills, they will be more comfortable when the training wheels are ready to come off.

Kids bike buying advice

What is more important when choosing a kid’s bike, the size or age?

You may find that your child is in between a bike wheel size due to their age and height. If this is the case, you should consider their age, riding confidence, and riding ability.

If your child can confidently ride a bike independently and safely, then choosing a bike with bigger wheels is recommended. This is because they can maintain balance comfortably, so the bigger wheels won’t hinder them. It also means the bike will last longer, as the saddle height can be adjusted as your child grows.

If your child is less experienced and needs more support to ride a bike, then choosing a bike with smaller wheels is recommended. This is so they can touch the ground and support themselves if they lose their balance.

What is the best bike for a child who has never ridden a bike before?

For younger children aged 1-5, going from a trike to a balance bike to a stabiliser bike is the recommended process, as it will teach them all the skills needed to ride a bike progressively.

Our range has balance bikes and bikes with stabilisers with different wheel sizes, so there is an option for children of many ages and heights. It is important to give your child the opportunity to learn how to ride a bike safely, that way, they will build confidence quickly.

What if my child is too old for a training bike?

If your child has never ridden a bike but you feel as though they are too old for a training bike, choosing a bike with smaller wheels is recommended. This will allow them to touch the floor if they find it difficult to find their balance point. By doing this, you will help them to build their confidence before transitioning to a larger bike.

The Best Bike by Age

Bikes for 1-2 year olds

Smoby Baby Balade Plus 3-in-1

• Versatile travel solution, ideal for walks and to give your child their first experience of riding a bike.
• Freewheel system to prevent pedals from turning.
• Safety harness and retractable footrests.
• Push chair support and parental steering through a steering handle.
• Suitable for ages 10 months +.

See the Smoby Balade Plus in blue and pink.

Smoby Rookie Ride-On Balance Bike

• Four-wheel ride on to help teach essential skills before transitioning to a balance bike.
• Limited steering range to ensure stability.
• Suitable for ages 1 year +.

Globber Go Bike Elite

• Adjustable saddle so that children can learn in their own time.
• 10 inch TPE wheels and curved handlebars for maximum comfort.
• Suitable for ages 2+.

Available in pink and blue.

Bikes for 3-5 year olds

Bluey 2-in1 10″ Training Bike

• Quick and easy conversion between balance bike and pedal bike.
• Adjustable seat and handlebar height.
• Suitable for ages 3+.

Huffy Disney Frozen 14″ Bike

• Removable stabilisers with a freewheel system.
• Front and rear brakes included.
• Suitable for ages 4+.

Bikes for 5-8  year olds

Huffy Disney Pixar Cars 16″ Bike

• Wide training wheels.
• Front and rear brake.
• Detachable stabilisers for when your child is ready to ride freely.
• Suitable for ages 5+.

Huffy Extent Junior 20″ Bike

• Suitable for children who are confident to ride a bike unsupported.
• Easy to use 6-speed twist shift gears.
• Alloy quick-release seat clamps to easily adjust saddle height.
• Suitable for ages 6+.

Bikes for ages 8+

Huffy Extent 18 Speed 24″ Mountain Bike

• Durable hardtail frame and front fork suspension for more adventurous rides.
• 18 speed index twist shift gears.
• Suitable for ages 8+.

At the Entertainer, we have kids bikes available for children of all ages, ability, and riding experience, so you are sure to find the right bike for your child. Check out our full kids bikes range for more.

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