The Benefits of Pedal-Free Bicycles for Kids

Published on: May 25, 2022
Written by Camila Avery / Fact-checked by David Rowan

If we want to leave our children a better world and instill a more sustainable way of life, it is convenient to familiarize them from a young age with the use of bicycle. If when they are babies we can take them with us in the bicycle chair when they are getting a little older, they need to have their bicycle.

We all know that it is not easy to learn to ride a bike. The child has no balance and does not know how to handle themself without falling. For some time now we have been seeing a new method for learning to ride a bicycle that is much more useful than the tricycle or bicycles with wheels. They are the so-called bicycles without pedals.

What are Bicycles Without Pedals for Children

Children on Bicycle

The traditional method for teaching children to ride a bicycle was the wheel. A method that was not effective because it did not develop a sense of balance and as soon as we took the wheels, the learning process started from scratch. The secret to riding a bicycle is balanced, and that is precisely what we should teach the child.

Tricycles were also very common as a previous step to the bicycle. The child was driving safely on his tricycle or even on his motorcycle, but the problem of catching the bike for the first time persisted, that is, the child had not developed a sense of balance. At this point, experts realized that bicycles without pedals were ideal.

Bicycles without pedals are designed for children from 2 years of age. Some wonder how it is possible to ride a bicycle without pedals. Well, these bikes without pedals should be adapted to the height of the child, and it is the child himself who propels it with his feet, which should be able to pose on the ground without difficulty.

The Advantages of Bicycles Without Pedals for Children

The main advantage of bicycles without pedals compared to traditional methods for learning to ride a bicycle is that the child acquires balance naturally and progressively. When you walk on your bicycle, your child adjusts safely and is receiving the safety you need on a bicycle.

Pedal-free bikes also enhance your psychomotor ability and improve your sense of direction. And most importantly, the child learns from a small right all the advantages of enjoying the bike with autonomy and independence. Logically, no child should ride a bike without pedals without the supervision of an adult, and it is also advisable to wear helmets, although the risks are minimal.

Once the little one has acquired safety in his bicycle without pedals, it will come the moment to happen to a bike like one of its parents. It will be time to buy a brand new bicycle with pedals or use the one you already have if it is the type of evolutionary bike because in that case, only the pedals will have to be added.

Safety Precautions to Take When Riding a Pedal-free Bicycle

When riding a pedal-free bicycle, also known as a balance bike, it is important to take the following safety precautions:

1. Always wear a properly fitted helmet to protect your head in case of a fall.
2. Make sure the bike is the appropriate size for the rider.
3. Use reflective gear and lights if riding at dawn, dusk, or in low-light conditions.
4. Check the bike for loose or damaged parts before each ride.
5. Ride on flat, smooth surfaces with little to no traffic.
6. Teach children to keep their feet on the ground and not to ride too fast.
7. Children should be supervised while riding.
8. Do not ride on wet or slippery surfaces.
9. Follow traffic laws and rules of the road.
10. Do not ride in the dark or at night.

Conclusion

Pedal-free bicycles, also known as balance bikes, can be beneficial for children as they provide a safe and easy way for kids to learn how to balance and control a bike before transitioning to a pedal bike. They can also improve a child’s coordination and confidence. Additionally, since pedal-free bikes do not have pedals or chains, they are generally easier to maintain and less likely to cause injuries. Overall, pedal-free bicycles can be a great option for parents looking to introduce their children to cycling.

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