This page is dedicated to helping you find the best balance bikes readily available in 2018.
This newer phenomenon has captured keen interest from parents and children from around the world. After all – it’s a bike with no pedals, no chains, and no brakes. So why would someone want one? Although we explain some of the benefits a little lower on this page, some of the main advantages are to improve a child’s core strength, help make them feel more confident, and to provide better safety.
The main goal of this page is to introduce to you what we believe are the best choices available. We have updated our rankings for 2016 with all of the newest and/or updated models. We try to update this table as much as possible, and also provide brief reviews of each product based on the features available. Because the “best” may mean something different to each child, we have provided our Top-5 choices along with the main feature differences so you can choose what is important to you. Here are some of the more important links:
So which models are the best balance bikes?
To be honest…this isn’t going to sound like the best answer, but it could be many bikes. We have found that what works for one child doesn’t normally work for the next (sometimes in the same family). In the sections that follow, we have provided what we believe are the Top 5 choices right now. Our comparison chart below should provide you with more specifics depending on the factors you are looking for.
As you’ve probably seen so far, finding a balance bike is not an easy task. We tried to paint the best picture possible, but sometimes it is easier just to see all of the data in front of you. The following comparison table was created to make your life easier and was compiled early in the year to give you the most up to date information. We tried finding what we feel are the best representation of what is out there and tried to give an attribute to each include the rating, height, weight, age range and a few interesting features with each. We hope you enjoy!
 |  |  |  |  | |
| Strider 12 Read Review | Kazam Read Review | Schwinn Read Review | Prince Lionheart Read Review | Skuut Read Review | |
| Review /5 | 4.6 | 4.5 | 4.4 | 4.3 | 4.1 |
| Price | $$ | $$$ | $ | $ | $$ |
| Age Range (years) | 1.5 to 5 | 3+ | 3+ | 2 to 5 | 2 to 5 |
| Weight (lbs) | 6.7 | 11.2 | 10.5 | 10 | 10 |
| Material | Metal | Metal | Metal | Wood | Wood |
| Wheel Type | Foam | Air | Air | Rubber | Air |
| Maximum Weight (lbs) | 60 | 75 | N/A | 65 | 65 |
| Minimum Seat Height (in) | 11 | 14 | 14 | 14.8 | 13.5 |
| Maximum Seat Height (in) | 19 | 17.5 | 16.5 | 17 | 16.5 |
There are several things one should consider when purchasing this product including:
- Size of the child – Most balance bikes you’ll find are for the 2 to 5-year-old age group. However, there are some that can be used for kids as young as 18 months to as much as 6 years old. Although age can be quite subjective (i.e. there are 18-month-olds that are bigger than 2-year-olds) it is best to look at how much weight it can handle along with the lowest height the seat can be.
- Material – The bikes you’ll see on this and other websites are either made from metal or from wood. Metal-constructed ones are typically more durable but end up costing a little more. Wooden ones on the other hand as you can imagine are limited in durability as they are more susceptible to weather like rain, snow, etc. Although I would argue that wooden bikes “look” better and are slightly less expensive if you want something that’ll last longer you may want to look into metal-based models.
- Function – A parent should probably consider what goal they have for their children. For instance, the Strider 12 is one of the most advanced models around and is even used in competitions and for tricks. However, most parents would probably be happy enough with the $50 model that teaches their kids balance while having fun. You don’t always need all the bells & whistles.
Quick reviews
We have provided reviews that describe and break down all of the major features belonging to more than 10 different models that can be purchased. The following section, however, looks at some quick overviews that contain the main benefits you can expect out of ones we have identified in our comparison chart.
Strider 12
One of the more popular gifts that parents are looking for this year are these types of bikes. It is a great gift for teaching children bicycle riding skills and with so many great new models to choose from it can be hard to find the one that will work best with your child. One model that can be considered as one of the top balance bikes in 2016 is the Strider 12. One of the hardest things to do when you are learning how to ride a bike is to learn the proper technique for balancing. That is where this one comes in handy.
If you are new to this new phenomenon, you may have never heard of the Strider brand. Many consider Strider to be at the forefront of this evolving trend as they constantly produce better and better models each year. From the ST-3, to the ST-4 and now the Strider 12, you can rest assured you are receiving a fantastic product. Who knows? You could even enter your children into one of their many competitions (like the World Championships) if they are up for it! The Strider 12 is one that actually does not use any pedals at all. The idea behind this concept is to have the child learn the proper way to sit, steer, and use their legs to move them along. By not throwing in the nuisance of coordination with using the actual pedals, they are able to properly learn the basics of riding before actually having pedals. When they are ready for a regular bicycle they can completely bypass the use of training wheels as the bike taught them the proper way to stabilize themselves on their own.
The Strider 12 should be a great choice for young children from 18 months to around 5 years old. They can learn at an early age and then as they age, they are able to move up to bigger regular bikes. This model features an extremely lightweight design which helps steer it easily. The handlebars and seat are completely adjustable allowing for children to use it for many years.
Kazam
Balance bikes are becoming a more and more popular alternative to training wheels and tricycles when it comes to teaching toddlers and children to ride a bicycle. What really sets KaZAM’s Classic model apart from the herd is its patented frame design. Unlike the competition, which has frames very similar to regular two-wheeled bicycles, the KaZAM resembles a scooter a little bit.
Toddlers and small children are still able to adjust the height of the saddle and handlebars to suit their individual needs. But with the patented frame design of the KaZAM, the uncomfortable and straining leg positioning that accompanies gliding, namely lifting and holding the legs straight in front or bending the knees and holding the feet off the ground, is resolved with the ability to rest one or both feet on the center of the frame beneath and in front of the seat. This provides a much more comfortable and natural position for the legs and greater enjoyment for kids as they don’t have to worry about holding their legs in position and can focus on learning how to ride properly.
The KaZAM also features air-inflated tires, which mimic the bumps and shock absorption of regular bicycle tires. Some other brands give their models gimmicky, impractical tires or wheels made of hard rubber. Neither of these options is true to the sensation of riding a two-wheeled bicycle, and children will have to adjust to the change of sensation when transitioning to a pedal version. With the air-inflated tires of the KaZAM, no adjustment is necessary. This great choice is available in six eye-catching colors and is suitable for children up to 75lbs.
Schwinn
Getting your first bike is a big deal when you are a child. As a parent, you want to make sure that you find the best one out there in terms of both fun and safety. There are many different choices on the market for children these days, but you have to comb through many different features to find the best one. If you are looking for a model that is easy to ride, safe to use, and sturdy then the Schwinn makes an excellent balance bike choice.
The Schwinn is a unique new choice in the market that has a different design. It is essentially a foot to floor design that provides the stabilization that a new rider needs to properly learn how to ride. It is a great way to teach the young rider the basics of riding while giving them the confidence that they may lack. It comes with an adjustable seat and handlebars so it can grow while the child grows, as well as air tires that can be easily filled.
With so many other children’s bikes on the market today, why is Schwinn’s version much better than the others? For starters, it comes from a trusted brand in bikes. Schwinn has been around for a long time and they know just what to do to make one easy to ride, as well as making it durable. They use all the best materials to make sure that what you buy for your child lasts for years to come. With real rubber tires, there is less wear and tear and better traction on the ground.
The fact that this type requires no training wheels is a huge positive over many others in the market. No longer will your child have to learn how to ride a bike with clunky training wheels on the sides. It has all the perfect combination needed to ensure that your child has fun while learning how to ride their new toy. It is easy to assemble, so parents will not need to spend days getting to put it together for their child to use, and it is long lasting and very durable. With a great selection of colors, children of all ages and genders will have a great time learning how to ride their very first bike. Our full review will provide even more details if this one interests you.
Prince Lionheart
If you want a bike that will last and last, then this is certainly the one for you. A lot of people don’t understand the benefits of choosing a wooden over a metal one, but the truth is that there are plenty of benefits available and it always helps to understand them before you make your final decision. Take the wooden frame of the Prince Lionheart for example, it is made entirely out of wood and rubber and this means that you don’t need to worry about it rusting and you don’t need to worry about the paint flaking off either. The natural appearance doesn’t just make it unique because it also makes it last longer and it gives it a smoother look as well when compared. Of course, with this model, the frame is made entirely out of birch and it comes with all the benefits of a standard bicycle, including an adjustable seat and rubber tires.
So what other features does it have to offer? It comes complete with solid rubber hand grips and this gives your child the ultimate level of control when compared to others. The rubber grips offer the ultimate level of stability and it also ensures that your child can stay safe even when out in the rain. With normal ones, the rubber handles have a relatively low level of grip and they are made out of plastic as opposed to rubber. With the Prince Lionheart, however, you don’t need to worry about any of this and there really are plenty of benefits available. Lastly, it has 12″ rubber tires and it weighs 10 lbs in total, so it has never been easier to take this out with you when you’re on the go and out for a family trip! You can see our full review from here.
Diggin Active Skuut
The Diggin Active Skuut is the first bike where we will provide a quick overview. It is a model that is environmentally friendly in terms of design and structure. Birch wood is used to make the frame and fork and it is finished with a lacquered veneer. The glue and paint products applied are non-toxic making it environmentally friendly. Other features include the pneumatic pressurized 12-inch rubber tires, wheels without spokes and a steering limiter. The seat is adjustable from 13 to 17 inches and can carry a maximum weight of 72 lbs. The Skuut is ideal for kids from 2 years old up to 5 years old. This prize-winning bicycle was among the first launched in the US and has become a favorite for many.
While the Diggin Active Skuut’s environmentally friendly design makes it attractive to parents who are environmentally concerned, it is average when compared to similar models on the market. The downsides of the Diggin Active Skuut are, strangely enough, the very same things that help make it a great bicycle. The eco-friendly birch wood certainly isn’t marine grade, therefore, it isn’t weatherproof or waterproof, which makes the wood vulnerable to bending and decay. The rider also is not provided with much flexibility in terms of custom adjustments and versatility. The cost of the Skuut ranges from $70 to $100.
Early Rider
Next on our list of balance bike reviews is the Early Rider Lite which is one of the higher priced wooden bikes on the market as they range in price from $145 to $160. Although is features a lightweight frame (total weight of 7 lbs), it can still withstand and carry children weights up to 125 lbs. This makes the Early Rider Lite a perfect balance bike choice for kids from 20 months up to 5 years old.
It is made from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certified birch wood and consumers have the assurance that the wood is extracted in an eco-friendly way. In addition, unlike the majority of their competitors, the Early Rider Lite wood is water and weatherproof. Its additional features include:
- 2-inch laminate riser on an adjustable handlebar
- A seat that is adjustable between 11.6 and 15 inches
- A removable steering limiter
- Non-toxic materials
- Pneumatic rubber tires (12-inch diameter) as well as recessed bolts.
The shortcomings of the Early Rider Lite are the high price around $160 at the upper end. The customer also does not have the option of adding brakes or footrests like in other models. That being said, it is a quality choice and great in terms of being environmentally friendly.
Learning to ride a bike is a milestone in every child’s life but is often a frightening experience for some children. Somehow, they are able to overcome it and soon enough, they are riding happily around the neighborhood, showing off their biking skills.
Society has learned to accept this process when it comes to riding, but that concept has changed a bit. A new evolution in the biking industry, as a result of some innovative thinkers, have led to the redesign of the training bike.
The new training bike omits those unstable training; wheels; removes the safety hazards of cranksets and chains; more importantly, helps the toddler understand and champion their coordination skills.
What is a balance bike?
So what are these bikes all about anyway? This is a great question!
In its simplest form, it eliminates the need of using pedals and a chain. Instead, the child uses their legs to stabilize themselves and get to where they need to go. Since there are no pedals, their legs are able to move without obstruction. As time goes on, after numerous hours of practice, the child gets better and better and eventually, she will feel more confident in her ability to balance without his or her feet touching the ground.
They are mainly targeted for children as young as 18 months to as old as 6 years old. However, as age can be quite subjective it is best to take a look at the height and weight restrictions to see if your child can make the fit. Some are more advanced than others as well and geared more towards children who have mastered their balancing skills.
Main Features
The following list represents the common features you’ll discover when trying to make a decision.
Frames
The frames can be made from wood or metal frames. While birch wood is the common material used for wooden bikes, steel-framed models incorporate technology to design durable and lightweight steel or aluminum frames. Steel or metal frames are seen in most models, however, there are a select few that incorporate a full wooden construction.
No Pedals
The main emphasis is on stabilization, so training wheels and pedals have no purpose whatsoever. Training wheels create a false sense of stability for the rider and although the use of training wheels does not hinder the child’s ability to learn, they are much better at instilling confidence. The omission of pedals helps the rider focus more on using his or her legs to balance first. This teaches the child to rely on their legs for mobility along with stopping and catching themselves on falls. Conventional models tend to do the opposite – learn to pedal first, then balance later.
Tires
Most models come standard with either foam tires (ideal for paved surfaces, but not for off-road adventures), or pneumatic tires (ideal for off-road adventures and better at absorbing shock). These are the same tire types used on most conventional pedaled bikes. Therefore, it is up to the rider to determine his or her preference.
The video below is a great start for teaching people how to use one of these bikes:
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=embed/NCFQ_JYRD4o
Benefits of Balance Bikes
Why should you purchase a one of these instead of a standard trike or training wheels? How will this benefit my child? These are some of the questions parents ask. Although they are relatively new in North America, and they are not cheap (although there are less expensive options available); therefore, it’s fair for parents to feel skeptical about this new product.
There are several reasons why parents should consider a one as the option for training their child how to bike.
Coordination Skills
One of the key elements for success on a pedaled version is balance, the next being coordination. Balance is the first obstacle a child encounters when learning to ride a bike. However, when on a pedaled bike, the focus gets distracted by the need to pedal. So, she concentrates on pedaling when she should balancing. The bike encourages them to rely on her balancing and coordination skills. Without pedals in the way, they will use her legs at first to keep a steady mobility. In time, the new rider will figure out how to just push off with her legs and glide the bike down the street. Introducing these bikes can enhance a child’s motor skills.
Safer
The trouble with trike’s, or bikes with training wheels are the pedals, the cranksets and the chains. These are obstructions to a child learning to ride resulting in slight injuries. In the beginning, they will be unfamiliar with pedals so will not use them. Trouble is, when not in use, they still rotate within the vicinity of their legs. Often the unused pedals end up scratching their legs or slamming against their shins.
Versatility
When it comes to hills or unpaved surfaces, the balance bike allows the rider to use her legs to overcome these obstacles. Arguably, a bike with training wheels, or a trike, offers the same option. However, they are lighter and easily handled by a young child. There are also no pedal obstructions to bother or hurt while climbing up the hill.
One might argue that they are easy to outgrow. This is not quite true as many companies who sell them offer many different accessories to accommodate the growing physical and technical needs of the child. These bikes are targeted for children as young as 18 months and as old as 6 years old.
We hope that you have enjoyed your stay on our website. Finding the right balance bike for your child isn’t the easiest choice to make and we hope that we have shown you some of the more relevant things to look out for. If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to Contact Us.