A Primer on Balance Bikes

Balance bikes are more popular than ever with parents and kids. You can now purchase one in brick and mortar bike stores and online shops. But there are parents who are still confused regarding the variances between a standard training bike and a balance bike.

This article will further tackle crucial information about the item so you can easily select a model that will suit your child’s needs.

Balance bikes are also known in the business as pre-bikes or running bikes. They are simply bike models designed without pedals. The intention of the balance bike design is to provide kids the chance to learn bike riding without the hassles that usually come with standard kiddie bikes.

Balance bikes offer kids an easier and more relaxed attitude on accomplishing what can always be described as a challenging ability to achieve.

So what is the difference between a standard bike and a balance bike? A conventional bicycle includes two normal sets of wheels, pedals and all of the usual parts. There are regular bikes that are designed for smaller kids and they are the training bikes and the tricycles. These are bikes with 3 or 4 wheels.

However, these bicycles are now deemed as old-fashioned and not actually good enough for children to use. Balance bikes though are an advanced piece of biking technology with a distinctive, innovative design—they do not feature pedals or any of the clutter that traditional bicycles have. The balance bike only features two wheels, and the best ones in the business include foot rests.

Balance bikes are meant to allow kids to master how to balance and let steering come instinctively. As soon as the child masters these concepts, he or she will find it way easier to pedal on a bike. This also allows the child to focus on training himself or herself to balance by remaining on the seat and pushing themselves forwards while keeping a single foot or two on the ground surface each time.

Furthermore, this type of bicycle does not have any kind of stabilizer. The stabilizer was nixed on the design as it hampers the capacity of kids to learn since the item changes the motions of a kiddie bike.

Balance bikes do not have chains as well, and as we all know, the chains on a bike are often dirty and riders can get oil stains on their clothing due to its presence.

In addition, models without pedals are easier to carry around; one can simply place the bike on the vehicle boot of a car. Because the balance bike does not have plenty of moving parts, parents won’t have to deal with a lot of maintenance stuff on it as well.

Other Advantages of the Balance Bike

Biking, if done in a safe manner, can be a great and fun experience for both parent and kid. Here are some of the reasons why a balance bike will benefit your kid in the long run.

It enables kids to be active

Obesity is a frequent concern for parents in the country right now. Children are eating too much unhealthy food and often lead sedentary lives. Parents who encourage kids to become more active and promote exercise from a young age will help them make fitness a habit until they are older.

By motivating your kids to get on a balance bike, you can enhance not only your child’s health, but you will also get into the action along with your kid. You have to make sure that you keep an eye on your child the whole time while they are learning how to ride a balance bike, so you will be obligated to run along as your child drifts by.

The design of the bike guarantees that the child will be encouraged to make use of their legs to drive themselves in a forward direction. This is an excellent device to make your children see that exercise can be fun and enjoyable too.

It teaches how to handle balance

As mentioned before, balance is the top focus of a balance bike’s design. Gaining good balance will help benefit kids in the long run. By teaching kids how to ride a bike with such a design, you will be training them about efficient balance.

The bicycle is often easy and simple to use compared to bikes with pedals and it provides children the control they require to learn and progress at their own pace.

Gives way to proper coordination

Plenty of kids make a great effort to ride bikes since they cannot concentrate on the direction that they want to go to. They have to keep their balance in check while glancing at their feet over the course of the ride.

Using a balance bike means they do not have to deal with parts like pedals. All they need to do is raise their feet off of the ground and ride away.

Improves confidence

Children have this innate ability to catch on new stuff at a fast pace. If you are an encouraging parent and your kids understand the potential that they possess inside, they will have great self-confidence.

Mastering the use of a balance bike by themselves (with a little help from the parent) will gain them confidence that will help them tackle difficult situations later in life.

Choosing Balance Bikes

It is true that there are plenty of balance bikes available right now but it can get a tad confusing when it comes to choosing one that will suit your kid’s needs. Balance bikes feature a simple, minimal design. You should know that this type of bike will not easily cater to all kids.

Children have different preferences and needs so you have to carefully select one that will easily complement what your child requires.

A model that fits the requirements of a toddler will not suit the needs of a 5 year old child. We’ll make it easier for you to choose one by including all the factors you have to remember, plus crucial features that you have to watch out for when hunting for a balance bike.

Construction and materials

Balance bikes are available in wood, metal and composite materials. Bicycles made with metal or steel material are often heavy and they succumb to rusting when cracked. Metal ones are stronger and can accommodate up to 100 pounds of weight. For an eco-friendly option, you can choose wooden bikes; however, they are less flexible compared to metal models.

Composite models are a brand new concept in the bike industry that presents a lightweight construction with a high weight capacity. They are also rust-resistant and will not easily succumb to chipping/breaking.

Geometry

Apart from quality and minimal features, one chief difference between budget and high-end balance bikes is the geometry. The manner in which a bike can be handled, balanced and controlled easily has to do with the frame design or geometry of the bicycle. This factor must not be ignored and parents should remember to check bike models thoroughly before buying one.

Seat height

This is one of the most important factors you have to take into account. Always know the minimum saddle height of a bike. A bike with the incorrect size for your child is not only uncomfortable, but it can be dangerous as well. The minimum saddle height among these bikes must be approximately 1-1.5 inches less than the inseams of the rider.

Children will suit a bicycle with a saddle height that is parallel with their inseams. However, the additional 1 inch or more will reduce the chances of injuries from an unexpected fall and will also make getting on and off the bike easier for the child.

Seat shape, material and cushioning

Seats on balance bikes can differ in terms of materials, shapes and thickness of the cushioning or padding. The common shape of the seat includes the triangular shape and the U shape. The latter is relatively new in the industry and is designed in a way that will help children to remain on the seat without slipping.

Material for the seat varies as well. There are available bikes with leather or sturdy plastic seats. Plastic seats are the most durable but they do not provide sufficient cushioning. The majority of balance bikes have plastic seats that are covered with vinyl with several foam padding layers.

Handlebar grips

The majority of parents often ignore the overall design of the handlebars. Even though this part is deemed to be a minor part of the bike, handlebar grips are in fact one of the crucial safety features you have to look for in a balance bike.

Handlebar grips that are made with rubber and have knotty ends will help safeguard the hands of the child in case the bars get pushed into a tree or a wall. It also helps protect children’s hands from getting knocked on the ground surface during a fall.

Tires

Tires are the last item that you have to mull over. There are 6 available tire options in the market—solid rubber, hard plastic, rubber honeycomb, EVA foam and air tires. Air tires present more traction and padding, but are also prone to flats. Rubber tires provide less traction but will not succumb to flats.

EVA foam tires, on the other hand, provide less traction without cushioning or succumbing to flat tires. The hard plastic ones do not provide traction or padding and are designed just for indoor use.

Image	Product	Price	Rating
	Cruzee UltraLite Balance Bike	$$$	4.9/5
	Tauki Kids No Pedal Push Bicycle	$$	4.5/5
	Chicco Red Bullet Balance Training Bike	$	4.5/5
	Schwinn 12-Inch Balance Bike	$$	4.3/5
	Strider – 12 Classic Balance Bike	$$	4.7/5
	Radio Flyer Glide N Go Balance Bike	$	4.3/5
	Velocirider Best Balance Bike for Kids & Toddlers	$	5.0/5
	Balance Bike for Kids Banana Bike	$	4.8/5
	Radio Flyer Glide N Go Balance Bike	$	4.3/5
	Kids Child Push Balance Bike Bicyle 12 White by CyclingDeal	$	4.1/5

5 Suggested Balance Bikes

Here are some recommendations for kids’ balance bikes. Check out the list and try to find models that you would love to check out.

Cruzee UltraLite Balance Bike

The UltraLight from Cruzee may miss training wheels and pedals, but it is a very user-friendly bicycle for kids to practice on. The balance bike allows kids to learn biking easily through managing balance, while their feet lie on the built-in foot rests safely. It is designed for younger children ages 18 months to 5 years and it is one of the lightest balance bikes in the market today. It is portable and easy to manage due to the lack of oily bike components.

Pros

• Easy to use
• Padded seat brings additional support
• Super lightweight at 1.9 kilograms
• Affordable model
• Made with anodized aluminum and comes with great color selections
• Has EVA foam tires for zero flats
• Built to last, durable and rust-proof

Cons

• Handlebars and seats can get misaligned after a fall so readjustments are needed
• Because it has EVA foam tires, it is more recommended for even ground surfaces

Tauki Kid Balance Bike

Tauki’s Kid Balance Bike does not have any pedal, but it does feature a solid construction and frame that is sturdy and hardwearing, and will last you for years. Kids will also enjoy learning the basics of bicycle riding and will be guaranteed of a safe, smooth ride due to its features. The saddle height and the handlebar are fully adjustable for better comfort and fit, while pneumatic tires promise excellent stability too.

Pros

• Features solid, strong construction for longer service
• Durable, tough coating for better finish
• Pneumatic tires provide excellent suspension abilities
• Gives a smooth and noise-free ride
• Adjustable saddle height and handlebars for great, accurate fit
• Includes free portable pump and tools
• Backed by limited 1-year warranty

Cons

• Assembly instructions provided were not clear and easy to follow
• Heavy at 11 pounds

Chicco Red Bullet Balance Training Bike

The Red Bullet from Chicco is an excellent starter bike for kids who want to learn how to use one. It has a design that will make bike riding easy and enjoyable. The model does not have training wheels, brakes and pedals, so the rider will completely focus on balancing the bike.

It has a durable, strong frame which guarantees stability and longer service. It also features ergonomic and adjustable parts, plus it is lightweight for better control and comfort during the ride. Therefore, it is recommended for kids ages 3 years and up.

Pros

• Affordable price
• Simple, fast set-up
• Durable design and frame
• Attractive paint job
• Has the appearance of a real bicycle
• Includes adjustable seating and handlebars
• Good steering control due to wider handlebars

Cons

• Wrench included for set-up is useless
• Foam tires mean lesser traction
• Smaller size means children will outgrow it soon enough
• Paint job not scratch-resistant

Schwinn Balance Bike

The Schwinn Balance Bike is made to allow kids to experience the thrill of riding a genuine bicycle without dealing with pedals. Its wheels are the pneumatic kind and this lends a feel of a real bike. The bike is great for any growing kid who wants to learn to ride a bicycle.

It is suggested for kids from 2.5 to 5 years of age. The seat and the handlebars of the bicycle can be adjusted in a snap and it also makes use of a flip lock to keep the height of the seat in place at all times.

Pros

• Popular with customers
• Made with high-quality, durable materials
• Affordable model
• Simple and fast assembly
• Has great selection of attractive colors
• Has adjustable seat and handlebars

Cons

• Some parents might find its size bulky
• A few customers complained of chipping paint job and rusting

Strider 12 Classic Balance Bike

The Strider 12 Classic Balance Bike is a great bike for learning all about balance. It has a very basic, minimal design—it does not have the usual parts that are included in a standard bicycle. The model features adjustable seat and handlebars, a built-in footrest and a plastic seat.

It has an excellent color selection too and is a neat beginner bike for kids ages 18-36 months. It is also designed with a lower seat height so kids can begin riding the bike as soon as they reach 18 months. If you are in need of a balance bike that has the works, you must see to it that you scope the Strider 12 Classic.

Pros

• Has a simple, no-fuss design
• Features lightweight frame for better, easier control and steering
• Requires minimal maintenance
• Can be used by toddlers as young as 18 months
• Includes adjustable seat and handlebars to accommodate growing kids
• Has solid, tough tires that can tolerate any kind of terrain
• Guaranteed safe to use

Cons

• Requires tools for assembly

Conclusion

To finish this article, keep in mind that the most crucial factor that one has to take into account when looking for a good balance bike for kids is the size. As soon as you have determined the proper size bike for your kid, you can then tackle factors that are based on your own preferences. Hopefully this article has helped you enough to create a totally wise purchase.