How to Teach Balance Bike (Just Follow Six Easy Steps)

Published on: May 27, 2022
Written by Camila Avery / Fact-checked by David Rowan

Now bicycles are the most popular transport for urban people. While the excessive rise of motorized vehicles makes our daily life miserable by creating air pollution, bicycles are doing exactly the opposite. For city riding or daily commuting, a bicycle is the best choice for those people who are concerned about their health.

To live a healthy life we must take bicycles as a part of our transportation.

 Most bicycle riders start riding when they see they can’t manage extra time to do exercises. But after riding for a few months they stopped cycling. Because they are not habituated and encouraged enough for cycling. To break down this problem we have to start with our kids. We can teach our kids to ride bicycles at an early age. If they take cycling as fun they will continue it even when they are grown up.

The best way to teach your kids to ride a bicycle is to buy them a balance bike. A balance bike is a type of bicycle that your kids can ride without using the pedal. They can simply keep their feet on the ground and push the feet to go forward. So, here are some tips on how to teach your kids to ride a balanced bike in an easy way.

Get Them the Right Size Balance Bike

To teach your kids to ride balance bikes you have to buy them the right size balance bike. All balance bikes are not the same in size. Balance bikes come in 5 sizes; these are 12”,14’’,16’’,18’’, and 20’’. If your kids are 18 to 2 years old then you have to get them a 12” balance bike. If you buy them the larger size for their age then they will not be able to ride the balance bike. The balance bike runs by using the feet. If your child’s feet cannot touch the ground then they will not be able to balance over them.

So to teach your kids to ride balance bikes you must choose the right size balance bike.

Teach Them How To Steer Handlebar

The most important part of riding a bicycle is knowing how to steer the bike. If we learn the steering system then it is so easy to ride a bicycle without any help from the assistant. So, for teaching our kids to ride balance bikes we only need to teach them how to steer the bar. As there is nothing to be worried about falling on the bike, they just need to steer the handlebar in the right direction.

Teach How to Use the Feet

Balance bikes mainly run on feet. So, teaching how to use the feet is so important. Teach them to lift their feet when the balance bike glides. And push the feet on the ground when the bike gets slow.

Assist Them Until They Learn to Balance

All kids are not so talented that they will learn how to balance the bicycle in their first lesson. Some kids forget to use their feet at the right time from falling on the bike even though they know the technique. This is a kind of habituation. They will acquire this technique if they practice daily.

To prevent any accidents during their learning period, assist them by holding the saddle. When they start riding, they leave the saddle and when they slow down the bicycle holds the saddle again. If they can’t steer the handlebar straightforwardly or can’t turn the bike by themselves then help them by holding the handlebar.

Some people also support the kids instead of supporting the bike. Because if we support our kids riding the balance bike they can ride it as they want. We just support them to prevent any kind of accident or fall.

Teach Them the Braking System

After they learn to steer and balance, teach them how the braking system works. Normally in balance bikes, manufacturers use the rear brake only. Your kids can either stop the bike using their feet or the rear brake.

Encourage Them to Be Confident

We do every difficult task when we are confident. When your kids start riding a balance bike they will be so scared. So, encourage them to be confident. Make cycling fun by playing the game. Run before or after your kids to catch them or tell them to catch you. This type of game will help them to ride the balance bike fast.

This is how you can easily teach your kids to ride a balanced bike. When they can steer the balance bike for up to 30 seconds then you can buy them a pedal bicycle. Also, encourage them to use the helmet and necessary safety kits for an accident-free ride.

Adjustments Should Be Made to the Balance Bike

1. Adjust the handlebar height to be appropriate for the child’s height and reach.

2. Adjust the seat height to be appropriate for the child’s leg length.

3. Adjust the handlebar width to be appropriate for the child’s shoulder width.

4. Adjust the crank length to be appropriate for the child’s inseam measurement.

5. Check the overall frame size to ensure it is not too big or too small for the child.

Tips Can Be Used to Motivate a Child to Stay Focused

1. Make learning to ride a balance bike fun

Let your child choose a fun helmet and bike, and play some of their favorite music while they practice.

2. Set short-term goals

Encourage them to set small goals and reward them when they reach them. For example, they can aim to ride around the block or to the end of the street.

3. Provide positive reinforcement

Praise them when they make progress and give them words of encouragement when they struggle.

4. Use incentives

Offer incentives such as stickers or a treat when they reach their goals.

5. Give them space

Allow them to work at their own pace and don’t rush them.

6. Get them involved

Ask them to help choose their bike and helmet and let them pick out their own decorations for it.

7. Set a good example

Show your child that you believe in them and that you’re proud of them when they make progress.

8. Take breaks

Allow your child to take breaks when needed and make sure to remain positive throughout the learning process.

Can I Use Wooden Balance Bike Plans to Create a Customized Teaching Bike for My Child?

Yes, you can use wooden balance bike plans to create a customized teaching bike for your child. By following the plans, you can build a personalized and unique wooden balance bike that will meet your child’s specific needs and preferences.

What Features Should I Look for in a Balance Bike When Teaching My Child to Ride?

When seeking the best balance bike for your child, prioritize essential balance bike features such as an adjustable seat and handlebars, lightweight frame, and durable tires. A steering limiter can also aid in preventing accidents and promoting stability while your child learns to ride.

Conclusion

The Balance Bike is a great way to teach children the principles of riding a bike without the fear of falling. It helps them to develop their balance and coordination skills while having fun. With a little practice, children can quickly learn to balance and control their bike, and eventually progress onto a regular bike. It’s a great way to introduce cycling to children from an early age.

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