What Age to Start Balance Bike (Know the Right Age)

Teaching your kids to ride a bicycle is not so difficult if you get them a balanced bike. Most of the parents want to buy their kids a bicycle but they make the wrong decision while choosing the bicycle for their kids.

All bicycles are not made equally for kids of any age. Bicycle types and sizes vary depending on the size and the age of the kids. But parents always want to buy their kids a larger bicycle than their size.

Because they want to save money. They plan to use the bicycle even when their child gets older. But while teaching your kids how to ride a bicycle you should consider buying the right type of bike.

So, if you want to teach your kids how to ride a bicycle, nothing is better than a balance bike. But all balance bikes do not come in the same size. Your kid’s age determines the size of the balance bike. Let’s get some knowledge about the right size balance bike that is perfect for your kid’s age.

The Right Age to Get Your Kids a Balance Bike

A balance bike is not like a stroller or tricycle where you can put your kids and they do not need to care about balance. The concept of a balance bike was taken from the first invented bicycle where the riders did not use any pedals instead they used their feet.

But now balance bikes are manufactured only for kids to teach them how to balance a bike before they start riding a pedal bicycle.

But as I said before the types and size of the balance bike varies depending on the kid’s age. That’s why you can’t put an underaged kid who doesn’t have the balance on himself.

You should buy your kids a balance bike at a certain age when they can at least run fast without falling. Normally manufacturers create balance bikes for 18 months to 12 years old kids.

Bike Size by Kid’s Age

Normally the size of the balance bike depends on the seat height and the wheel size. But the seats are adjustable. You can adjust the seat height according to the frame height. So, you should depend on the wheel size when buying a balance bike.

For an 18-year-old kid, the right wheel size of the balance bike is 10”. But a 2 to 3 years old kid also rides this balance bike if you raise the seat height.

For 2 to 4 years of kids, the right wheel size is 12”. For 3 to 6 years of kids, the right wheel size of the balance bike is 14”. For 4 to 8 years old kids you can choose the 16” wheel. And lastly, you can choose a 20” wheel for 7 to 10 years of old kids.

If you think that your 12 years old kid is not able to pedal a bike then you can buy him/her a 20” wheel balance bike. They can easily raise the seat height to adjust their saddle position.

Why You Have to Buy The Perfect Size

Basically, balance bikes are grouped by size. As we know if we buy a 29-size mountain bike for a 5.5” cyclist, then it will be difficult for him to ride the bicycle with comfort.

Even his feet will not reach the pedal perfectly. Here the balance bikes also have the same concept. an 18-year-old kid’s feet are not tall like a 5 or 6 years old kid’s.

Kids ride balance bikes using their kids so if we put an 18 years old kid on a balance bike that is bigger than his size then he or she will not be able to keep their feet on the ground. If they cannot put their feet on the ground then there is no meaning of balance. That’s why you have to choose the perfect size when you buy a balance bike for your kids.

Should You Spot While Your Kids Riding Balance Bike

As balance bikes are made to keep the self-balance by the kids so you don’t need to spot your kids while they ride a balance bike. They can avoid falling using their feet. But for kids 18 to 3 years of age, you should spot them. They need more time to understand how to use their feet and braking system in an emergency.

Whether you buy your kids a balance bike or a normal pedal bike you should encourage them to use the helmet. Kids have so many adventures you will see some kids making their own trails in their backyards. They put extra extremeness on their self-made trail. That’s why you should buy them the right size balance bike with a helmet.

Benefits of a Balance Bike for a Young Child

Balance bikes have several benefits for young children:

1. They help children learn balance and coordination: A balance bike has no pedals, so children have to learn to balance and steer the bike using their feet.
2. They make the transition to a pedal bike easier: Once children have mastered the balance bike, they will find it easier to transition to a pedal bike since they have already learned the basic skills of balancing and steering.
3. They’re safer than traditional tricycles or bikes with training wheels: Since children are learning to balance on a balance bike, they’re less likely to fall and get hurt.
4. They are lightweight and easy to handle: Balance bikes are usually made of lightweight materials, making them easy for children to control and maneuver.
5. They are a fun way for children to get exercise and explore the outdoors: Riding a balance bike is a fun and active way for children to explore the outdoors and get exercise, which is important for their physical and mental development.

Potential Risks Associated With a Balance Bike

There are some potential risks associated with using a balance bike, such as the risk of injury from falls or collisions. It is important to make sure that the bike is the appropriate size for the child and that they are wearing proper safety gear, such as a helmet, to reduce the risk of injury. Additionally, it is important to supervise children while they are using the bike to ensure that they are using it safely and appropriately.

Conclusion

The appropriate age to start a child on a balance bike can vary depending on the child’s development and abilities. However, generally speaking, children as young as 18 months old can begin using a balance bike with proper supervision and guidance. It is important to ensure that the child is physically and cognitively ready for the bike and that the bike is the appropriate size and weight for the child. Additionally, it’s important to teach the child proper safety measures and to supervise them while they are using the bike.

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