While all the balance bikes on our list perform exceptionally well for the average balance biker riding around town, the following balance bikes on our “specialty” list perform wonders off the beaten path. These age groups are approximate, as a bike’s seat height should also be considered for the best fit (seat heights provided in bike descriptions below). With comfortable, upright body positioning, large 14″ air tires, a removable “surfboard” footrest and turning limiter, and DUAL hand brakes (a rare find in balance bikes), the woom 1 Plus is the ultimate confidence-building, larger balance bike. to 16 inches, but the handlebars adjust only forward and backward, not up and down, providing a more limited range than on some of the other bikes we tried. But most riders don’t need the extra-robust wheels, and feature-wise, you get more for your money from the REI REV 12.

These balance bikes are highly adjustable and comes with an extra-long seat post, so you can start them tiny and keep them riding while they grow. It’s also a unique longer-term solution for special needs kids who may prefer to stay on a balance bike. As a certified secondary science teacher, she loves digging deep into the why and how of kids biking. Endorsed by a Stellenbosch University study which proved that the YBIKE Original encourages substantial improvements in balance, coordination and self-confidence. Still, we wished for small extras: Angled tire-valve stems would make filling the tires easier, and a handbrake would have been nice.

Ideally, this height is around 7 to 8 inches off the ground on a 12-inch balance bike (the number denotes the wheel size), which is low enough for most 2-year-olds to stand over comfortably. But during our testing, the kids avoided riding this bike, likely because of its 15-pound weight, nearly double that of any of the other bikes we tested. Finance is provided by PayPal Credit (a trading name of PayPal UK Ltd, Whittaker House, Whittaker Avenue, Richmond-Upon-Thames, Surrey, United Kingdom, TW9 1EH). For single-track-loving families, the Dirt Hero is also a phenomenal replacement for a small MTB pedal bike! The air-filled, treaded tires on the Guardian bike find traction on all surfaces, and the wide wheelbase (the distance between the centers of the front and rear wheels) allows for better balance.

For those aggressive riders who are ready to tackle jumps or varied terrains, the Cub 2 is also available in a Plus model which features air tires, a rust-free aluminum frame, and a handbrake. If your child is already in kindergarten or 1st grade but is still struggling to learn to ride a bike… Bixe 16 to the rescue!A toddler in 18-months clothes who is just getting started will fit on a different balance bike than a toddler or preschooler in 3T pants. Built for the true off-road balance bike enthusiast, the Dirt Hero balance bike (by Kids Ride Shotgun) lives up to its name and offers an exceptional ride for toddlers and preschooler riding beyond the pavement. To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. LEARN TO RIDE FASTER: Unique, single gear balance bike design with pedals that fold in and out so your child can learn to ride a bike faster.

We had issues with the width of its rear tubes, which rubbed our tester’s legs, and the foam tires were quite slippery. Receive a 10% off code* and be the first to learn about exclusive offers, competitions and much more! A little heavier than other options on our list, the Scoot is less ideal for petite or timid kids, but is a dynamite bike for confident, athletic, or eager little ones.To help keep little ones safe, STACYC’s unique design allows parents to adjust the max speed settings on the bike to prevent kids from riding at unsafe speeds. Jump down to our FAQ section at the end of the page to get answers to more frequently asked questions about balance bikes. The Woom 1 balance bike doesn’t compromise on anything: It offers simple assembly, solid parts, and ideal geometry.