Gear

The Best Balance Bikes for Toddlers and Older Kids

Before you get your kid started with training wheels, consider a pedal-less balance bike to get them riding by their second birthday.

by Jonathan Stern
Updated: 
Originally Published: 
The best balance bike, Banwood First Go pictured against a green backdrop

You’ve seen them tearing down sidewalks and swerving around mailboxes: toddlers on two wheels. Balance bikes — also know as gliders and striders — offer toddlers and older kids a developmentally rich mix of confidence-building independence and outside play, letting young kids build up their body strength while also honing their gross motor skills. Plus, they’re just hella fun. A kids’ balance bike is much more than a prelude to a two-wheel bike with pedals, although it is that. It’s a great way for children to learn the basics of cycling, while also having a sense of control because their feet stay on the ground.

To pick out the best balance bike for your toddlers or older kids, pay attention to tire size and seat height: Your kid should be able to touch the ground and comfortably push off when seated. As for tires, 12-inch tires are most common, followed by 14-inch tires, for bigger kids. The bike should weigh no more than one-third of what your child weighs, so they can maneuver it easily. Most of the balance bikes below feature air tires, which provide more cushioning and traction than most foam tires. Here are the top models to get your kid up to speed… at their own pace. Before you know it, they’ll be hooked and asking for a mountain bike.

The Best Balance Bikes, Striders and Gliders for Kids

Cub Balance Bike by Retrospec
$109.99
Balance Bike by Woom

There's a reason Woom bikes are the considered the best ones out there. They're insanely lightweight, so they're easy for kids to manage. Which is a pretty big deal, because a heavy bike can overwhelm beginners. These bikes are made from from light, high-quality AA 6061 aluminum material, and this starter model features 12 inch wheels. The handlebars are adjustable, and this bike features a hand brake, so kids learn good habits early as they become comfortable with using brakes instead of their feet to stop. The weight limit is 110 pounds. And it only weighs 6.6 pounds.

$200
Charger Kids' Balance Bike by Early Rider Limited

A balance bike meant for toddlers and preschoolers, this one has two inch wide Vee Speedster urban tires for added balance and a sense of security when on the movie. The standout feature here: You can add a rear brake when your rider is ready for one. The bike itself weighs seven pounds.

$219
Skip Toddler Balance Bike by Schwinn
$114.99
12 Sport Balance Bike by Strider
$109.99
The Croco Balance Bike by Croco
$84.90
First Go Balance Bike by Banwood Bikes

A beautiful balance bike, this one weighs 10 pounds, has an adjustable seat and handlebars, and 12-inch wheels. It even comes with a detachable Parisian-style wicker basket, for any quick outings to the farmer's market. It's suitable for kids ages 3-5.

$189

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