December 26, 2022·5 min·1065 words·Kristy Marshall
Keep in mind your child’s size and abilities, like if they’re able to ride a bike, and the different styles of bicycles, such as balance or mountain bikes, to help guide you when choosing the ideal two-wheeler. We carefully considered any age, height, and weight recommendations, design, ease of use, and wheel types when reviewing products.Here are the best bikes for kids to cruise around in style on.The Joystar Totem Kids Bike is our best overall pick because in addition to its cool design and multiple color options, this bike is great for children from ages 2 to 9 years old. It comes with training wheels for little ones who are learning how to ride a bike but can be taken off when ready, allowing kids to ride on just two wheels. Plus, the bike arrives with 85% of the assembly already complete.It is equipped with a foot brake for younger kids but does come with a hand brake option for older children. The bike’s premium steel frame is specifically designed to survive any bumps for kids on the go. For children who are just beginning to ride a bike, parents can help out thanks to the seat’s holder-style design.Price at time of publication: $140It also features a bright yellow design and reflectors to make it easily visible, has durable rims to keep it looking nice, and has comfortable hand grips to avoid slipping. This bike is best for kids between 4 and 8 years old, or those between 42 to 49 inches tall.Price at time of publication: $78Kids as young as 15 months can be pushed around in the first stage configuration and the third stage can hold kiddos up to 37 pounds.This balance bike is designed for kids between 18 months and 5 years and is built with 12-inch wheels. It’s made with a durable lightweight steel frame and ergonomically padded seat. As for maintenance, the tires never go flat, and children can even rest their feet on the built-in footrests.Price at time of publication: $100This bike is designed for kids between 4 feet 2 inches and 5 feet tall and 135 pounds or less.Price at time of publication: $138It’s also designed to give your kid a comfortable ride with an ergonomic seat with adjustable height, front-wheel suspension, and easy operation. Kids between 5 and 10 years old can safely ride this super sleek and stylish bike.Price at time of publication: $280It has 16-inch wheels and a durable steel frame so the bike will last and look good while doing it. The bike also comes with a pack of stickers so your child can customize it to their liking.Both the seat and handlebar heights can be adjusted, there is a chain guard to avoid injuries, and the bike is made with a durable steel frame to help it last for years.Price at time of publication: $180The tires are 12 inches, but Woom designs bikes for older kids as well. This particular bike is great for beginners because of its specially designed steering limiter, leaving behind oversteering, swerving, and less accidents.Price at time of publication: $200Keep in mind that kids’ bikes are measured by the wheel instead of the frame like adult bikes. Wheels can come in any size, typically 12 inches to 26 inches. Smaller wheels are best for younger children, and a 26-inch bike would work for children over the age of 10.Either way, you want to buy a bike your child feels comfortable on. Purchase a bike that works for your child now instead of one they will grow into (unless the bike has adjustability features). This ensures your child is comfortable, learning how to properly ride a bike, and is safe because the bike is the correct size.
Skill Level
Is your child a bike riding newbie or are they basically a pro? Keeping their abilities in mind will help guide you when choosing a bike. For new riders, a balance bike or one with training wheels will be the best option. More experienced riders may appreciate features like adjustable gears, hand brakes, and suspension in the seat for a faster, more comfortable ride.
Style
There are lots of bike styles out there for your little one. From colors to accessories, there are seemingly endless options. Consider the design that fits your child’s personal style and skill level so that they are even more excited to ride it.
Balance bikes: These are a very simple style of bike as they don’t have chains, brakes, kickstands, or any additional features. They are designed with handlebars, and a frame (and sometimes removable pedals), all in hopes of encouraging children to balance their way on the bike with no training wheels. This style of bike is perfect for toddlers who are just learning how to ride a bicycle.Small/middle-wheel bikes: Think of your traditional bike for children just learning how to ride a bicycle and that’s where you’ll find this style. Perfect for younger children, these types of bikes are what’s next after children outgrow their balance bikes (or if they are starting to learn a little bit older).Mountain bikes: Sometimes designed with shocks, kids’ mountain bikes typically have bigger and wider tires to allow riding on rougher terrain. They’re perfect for off-roading, experienced riders, or big kids. There are mountain bikes available for toddlers, but be sure to look into the wheel size.Road bikes: Opposite of a mountain bike, road bikes are designed for paved roads rather than rough terrain. Some kids’ road bikes are made with a 20-inch wheel, but they typically start at 24 inches, making the age recommendation around 8 years old.BMX bikes: BMX, or “bicycle moto cross,” is all about off-roading and stunts. These bikes often have thicker tires, and are usually suitable for children above the age of 7.
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Ashley Ziegler is a staff and freelance writer who covers lifestyle, home, parenting, and commerce for a variety of platforms. She’s a mom to 1-year-old and 4-year-old daughters and an aunt to 3 nieces and 2 nephews ranging from 5 to 11 years old. In addition to regularly scouring the internet to find the best things for herself, Ashley spends multiple hours a week researching, comparing, and writing about products specifically for kids and families.
