Very trendy for several years, this two-wheeled machine without pedals is perfect for teaching toddlers to cycle: an excellent way to improve walking and introduce baby to balance. To help you choose, here is our comparison of the best kids balance bikes.
Do you know who Karl Drais is? The historical inventor of the ancestor of the bicycle, now known as the balance bike. Without pedals, the balance bike is perfect for teaching toddlers to walk, and later to cycle. Karl Drais had sensed the usefulness of a machine to go faster without effort: "The velocipede is a machine invented for the purpose of making a person walk with great speed, making his walk very light and not tiring by the effect of the seat which supports the weight of the body" – Patent of February 17, 1818
What is the balance bike?
Invented in 1817, it is a vehicle with two inline wheels that moves forward pushing the ground with their feet. The first balance bikes even had some kind of lever to steer the front wheel.
Very trendy among parents (and children) in recent years, this "mini bike" has proven to be an excellent initiation to walking activity. A smart and fun purchase, provided you choose the right model …
Here is our top of the best balance bikes:
(>> Best available prices displayed in real time, all you have to do is choose!)
The best infant balance bikes
True miniature bikes, these balance bikes are accessible from 1 year old, when baby has mastered walking. Some have additional wheels.
This Janod wooden carrier is a model suitable for toddlers: like any tricycle, the machine prepares baby to learn to ride a balance bike and later to cycle.
Characteristics :
– Age: from 12 months
– Material: wood
– Supported weight: maximum 20kg (36 months)
– 3 silent wooden wheels + rubber rings
– Seat with backrest
– Seat height: 23 cm
– Dimensions: 49.30 x 32.20 x 29.97 cm
Our opinion :
An adorable wooden model that will appeal to toddlers, and parents! This carrier, precursor of the balance bike, will accompany baby in improving walking and discovering cycles. A model that remains however limited in time, and is only suitable up to the age of 3 years.
More information on the Janod wooden carrier
Since its creation in 1949, the German brand Puky manufactures and sells a multitude of vehicles for children: tricycles, bicycles, trotters, and balance bikes. An irreproachable quality, very appreciated by the parents. The brand carries out a demanding test test on cycle safety in its own control laboratory.
Characteristics :
– Age: from 18 months
– Material: Metal (ergonomic saddle)
– Red and yellow color + impact-resistant lacquer
– 4 small silent wheels
– Optional strap to transport the bike
– Dimensions 58 x 28 x 24 cm.
– Supported weight: maximum 20 kg
Our opinion :
This exercise bike is a good alternative to the two-wheeled balance bike: like the trotter, this 4-wheel model offers good stability and can be offered from the age of 18 months. Solid and in stock at a low price.
More information on the My First Puky Wutsch balance bike
The German brand Rebel Kidz is also one of our favorites: authentic design and models suitable for children. In wood or steel, Rebel Kidz balance bikes are elegant and designed to accompany our little ones in learning to cycle.
Characteristics :
– Age: 1 to 3 years old
– Material: wood
– Removable faux leather saddle with embroidered logo
– Seat height adjustment: 32 to 46 cm
– Tires: 12 inches with suspension
– Balance bike weight: 2.8kg
Our opinion :
A nice wooden model for toddlers with a unique design and good hanging comfort. This balance bike will be more suitable for indoor adventures, without risk for the child, nor for the furniture … Although this model is made of wood, it is very stable. The brand also has models with steel frames in stock, for older children.
More information on the Rebel Kidz range
The best balance bikes from 2 years old
These are the most versatile balance bikes, which will follow the child until the age of 5. To assemble yourself during delivery.
The vintage Bikloon model from Janod is one of the best-selling balance bikes on the market. The French brand has established itself in the world of children's toys, and its range of balance bikes is a real favorite!
Characteristics
– Age: from 2 years old
– Material: Metal and imitation leather
– Beige and brown color (in stock in other colors)
– Comfortable and height-adjustable saddle (38 to 48 cm)
– Removable imitation leather bag
– Dimensions: 85 x 41 x 61 cm
– 12 inch wheels (tires to inflate)
– Delivery: to assemble yourself
Our opinion :
This real vintage metal balance bike with inflatable tires is very solid. Enough to organize outdoor outings and introduce the child to the mastery of balance and coordination. The adjustable saddle adapts to the size of the child. Without hesitation, a robust model that will last for several years.
More information on the Janod balance bike
The Banwood First Go pink balance bike is one of the most popular flagship models: ideal for playing indoors or outdoors, this balance bike with steel structure guarantees unparalleled strength. A retro style that is likely to be envious of adults!
Characteristics :
– Age: 2 to 5 years old
– Material: metal (steel frame)
– Adjustable handlebars: 50 to 59 cm.
– Adjustable saddle: 32 to 40 cm.
– Wicker basket and small bell
– Handles and saddle in imitation leather
– 12 inch wheels
– Total weight: 4.5kg
– In stock in red, beige and emerald green
Our opinion :
The metal material is the most robust: no risk of breakage or erosion, and durability guaranteed. A very elegant and vintage model, we love it!
More information on the Banwood balance bike
Reference brand for children's cycles since 1949, Puky offers scalable balance bikes adapted to each age. Tested in the brand's control lab, the balance bikes are known to be very safe. This metal balance bike is Puky's most versatile model, suitable from the age of 2.
Characteristics :
– Age: 2 to 5 years old
– Ergonomic adjustable saddle
– Height adjustable handlebars
– Frame with low access + footrest
– Doorbell and support stand
– Total weight: 3.7 kg
Our opinion :
An ideal balance bike as a complement or as an alternative to a scooter, to teach the child balance and coordination. Its low access is designed for the morphology of toddlers. Adjustable in height, the saddle and the handlebars can change as the child grows! A personalized fit and an entry-level price, Puky quality!
More information on the Puky LR balance bike
The best scalable / convertible balance bikes
Suitable up to 5 or even 6 years old, these are generally the models that have options to adjust to the size of the child. Evolutionary balance bikes have height-adjustable saddles and handlebars, and even raiseable wheels.
Strider is a designer and sporty brand designed to grow with children. Strider's main idea: ''if your baby can walk, he can ride a balance bike without any problem. This model is the most classic of the American brand, suitable for the most adventurous children. Muddy trails, cobbled streets or garden grass, a real all-terrain vehicle.
Characteristics :
– Age: from 18 months to 5 years
– Material: steel frame
– Lightweight 12-inch puncture-proof wheels
– Integrated footrest
– Adjustable saddle (27.9 – 40.6 cm)
– Adjustable handlebars (45.7 – 55.8 CM)
– Mini saddle adapted to the morphology of toddlers
– Balance bike weight: 3.0 kg
– Maximum weight supported: 27 kg.
Our opinion :
A renowned quality balance bike, scalable and solid. This Strider Sport model is the most versatile, which will go just as well on paved roads as on rocky paths. Do not forget the helmet, and accompany the child in his progressive learning to cycle, in complete safety.
More information on the Strider balance bike
The Dutch brand Trybike is one of the only evolutionary and convertible balance bikes on the market. Created in 2015 by two brothers, the brand was rewarded for the quality of its models of children's bikes without pedals.
Characteristics :
– Age: 15 months to 6 years
– Material: steel
– Adjustable saddle: 30 to 45 cm
– Total weight: tricycle mode 6 kg / balance bike mode 5 kg
– 360 ° rotating handlebars
– Adjustable front wheel
– Liftable rear wheel and thick tires
– Non-slip footrests
– Delivery: to assemble and fully modular
Our opinion :
The know-how of Trybike is no longer to be proven: the passion of the founders of the brand has guided them towards intelligent and solid designs. The advantage of this model is that it can be converted from a tricycle to a balance bike, and is fully adapted to the child's learning. The rear disc has been designed to provide a comfortable seat for toddlers and learn to balance at their own pace!
More information on the Trybike convertible balance bike
Our advice for choosing the right balance bike
> The ancestor of the bicycle : invented in 1817, this vehicle mounted on wheels allows you to move forward effortlessly … or almost!
> How: without pedals, it is moved forward by pushing back the ground with the feet. The saddle is low enough to allow the child to push off the ground easily and without the risk of "arching" legs.
> For children: the opportunity to improve learning to walk and help develop motor skills and balance.
> Main advantage: introduce the child to handling a bicycle and above all master the notion of balance. This is what will give the child more autonomy while improving his confidence! A toy to take to the park or to use at home if space allows!
More than a basic bike, the balance bike has convinced many parents. Ideal for young children who can walk, there are balance bikes for every age group.
>> Baby balance bike, from 9 months:
Similar to the balance bike but with 3 or 4 wheels, tricycles and carriers allow toddlers to experience their first rides without risking losing their balance. Example: Pukilino carrier from Puky
>> Balance bike for toddlers, from 1 year:
As long as the child masters walking, it is quite possible to buy a suitable balance bike. In case of doubt, some have 1 or 2 additional wheels, for more stability. Example: balance bike little Bikloon Janod
>> Intermediate balance bike, from 2 years old:
After 18 months, the child has mastered walking correctly: this is the ideal age to practice balance and coordination. Using a balance bike will allow children to build their small legs while developing their motor skills. A moment to learn about slips, descents, climbs and braking. Example: adjustable model 2 to 6 years Besrey
>> Advanced balance bikes, from 4 years old
Once comfortable with balance and coordination, it is at the age of 3 or 4 that children may want to go … faster! Hence the interest of a balance bike with brake. The possibility of braking will be acquired: time saved on learning to ride a normal bike. Example: Bikestar model
>> Scalable balance bike:
Some brands have invented more advanced products, with additional accessories. Suspensions, solid brakes, all-terrain wheels, scalable saddles, storage basket… a complete toy! Evolutionary balance bikes are more expensive, but will be able to grow with the child from 1 to 5 years old without worries. Enough to acquire the necessary notions to then get on a bike, without small wheels and with pedals. Example: 18 month / 5 year model Strider
For versatile use, several items may be price into account.
– An adjustable saddle:
At this age, the child grows quickly, so prefer a model adjustable in height to last several years. To find out if the size is suitable, it's simple: once seated in the saddle, the child should have their feet flat.
– The material :
Wood, plastic, steel, aluminum, plastic or carbon?
> The "trendy" choice will go towards wood : The advantage is that it lasts a long time and resists wear. Wooden games are very popular.
> The practical choice and low price : the plastic balance bike is cheaper and lighter. Perfect for babies who are just getting started with walking.
> The solid and professional choice: the metal or steel balance bike will be robust and can withstand heavy loads. For example : Rebel Kidz Air Classic Evolutionary Balance Bike (can withstand a weight of 35 kg).
> The strong and light choice : aluminum, a good compromise that is easy to maintain and does not fear corrosion.
– Practical accessories:
The presence of a brake, suspensions, footrest, storage basket, etc. All these little extras that will make the practice even more fun.
– The sizes of the wheels:
Indicated in inches, this is the thickness of the cycles. A parameter to take into account depending on the size of the child and his ability to handle the device. Smaller, narrower wheels will suit toddlers.
Like all children's games, and especially cycles, balance bikes are sold at prices ranging from simple to triple, or even more.
Plastic balance bikes are the cheapest:
> on sale from 30 euros for small models, to offer your baby as a first balance bike, especially if you plan to quickly invest in a bicycle or two-wheeled model. Be careful, however, to ensure the solidity of the model.
The wooden balance bikes are in the middle of the range:
> On sale from EUR 40 for the simplest, and up to EUR 130 for the most "trendy" brands. The most expensive are not necessarily the best, they often benefit from their notoriety.
Convertible, scalable and / or steel balance bikes:
> More complex and advanced models, these are the most expensive. Solid and robust, they will have the advantage of withstanding wear and tear, throwing stones and all the stunts of the child. The price can range from 70 to 250 euros for some high-end brands.