What size balance bike is best for a 2 year old ?

What size balance bike is best for a 2 year old–What is a balance bike? 

Balance bikes are also called stride bikes, glider bikes, or toddler push bikes. It is ideal for young children over 18 months of age. Balance bikes have no pedals. Toddlers can learn to balance without the pedals knocking against their legs. By doing this without the pedals, they first develop the basic skill of riding a bike. They learn to balance before focusing on pedalling.

As a parent, it can be a beauty to watch your child grow up. And it is even more amazing when you witness the change in learning to ride a bike from letting them crawl. In fact, teaching your toddler how to ride a bike is a bond moment for both you and your toddler and a fun milestone for your toddler.

It is great to know that you are playing a vital role in helping your child develop a skill that will help them develop courage, decision making and motor skills.

Best Balance Bike for Children Aged 18 Months to 2 Years

When choosing a balance bike, it is important to remember that they are not one-size-fits-all. A baby wearing 18-month-old clothes, who is just starting out will fit a balance bike separate from the baby in preschool. And there are also great balance bikes for grade school students.

These are five of the best balance bikes for two-year-old children.

• Retrospec’s Cub Balance Bike: The Retrospec Cub Balance bike is simple, lightweight, and practical for learning to ride a bike. The electric orange colour is just icing on the cake. Suitable for 2-year-olds, colour options work for both boys and girls. This balance bike has about 4,400 reviews on Amazon. One mother said, “This is an amazing tool for teaching children to balance quickly and safely.” They will naturally want to go fast and lift their legs, thus learning to balance. It is easily adjustable in height, very strong, and not heavy. “

Price: All Most $60.

Weight: 9 Pounds

Material: steel.

FEATURES: Air tires, hand brake, quick release seat post, and turning limiter.

• Chillasfish Charlie Lightweight Toddler Balance Bike: The Chillasfish Charlie is the most affordable and best balancing bike ever. It is a hyper-lightweight 10″ balance trainer with puncture-proof tires and a high-quality metal frame. The perfect toy to train your toddler’s gross motor skills, balance, and steering. Thanks to its lightweight frame, your toddler can easily control the bike.

Price: All Most $60.

Weight: 9 Pounds

Material: steel.

• Radio Flyer Air Ride Balance Bike: The Radio Flyer Air Ride Balance Bike is the second most reviewed balance bike on Amazon. The Air Ride Balance Bike features rubber air tires that hug the road and a sturdy steel frame for durability. The comfort seat adjusts to grow with your child, and the ringing bell offers additional fun. It also features grip tape on the frame to provide no-slip safety as your child glides.

Price: All Most $70.

Weight: 9.48 Pounds

Material: steel.

• Schwinn Elm Girls’ Bike: The Pink Color Beauty is only for girls. The Schwinn Elm Balance Bike takes this concept one step farther by incorporating kid-specific, ergonomic features. The steel ‘SmartStart’ frame is designed with narrower, kid-sized proportions for easier handling. The ball bearing headset with steering limiter and mag wheels with EVA foam tires all combine to provide a smooth ride with improved stability. Plus, the quick-release seat collar makes it easy to adjust the saddle height for a great fit.

Price: All Most $100.

Weight: 8.18 Pounds

Material: steel.

• Joovy Bicycoo Mg Balance Bike: Joovy Bicycoo is the most expensive and stylish balance bike. Bicycoo Mg is made of a one-piece magnesium frame. Magnesium is also the most eco-friendly and sustainable metal known to man. The Bicycoo Mg’s overall weight is 6.7 pounds, making it very easy for a child to control from walking start to riding. The lowest seat height is 12 inches off the ground; kids can start the walking process early.

Price: All Most $170.

Weight: 6.7 Pounds

Material: steel.

More information can be found at: Best Balance Bike for 2 Years Old Kid.

Why are balance bikes more popular than training wheels?

Balance bikes teach kids how to ride with balance, while the training wheel teaches how to ride in an unbalanced state. Bikes with training wheels tilt to one side, creating a misconception of balance. To ride a bike without a training wheel, a child needs to learn how to ride unbalanced and then how to ride while maintaining balance. which is really painful for a learner. On a balance bike, proper balancing techniques are learned from day one. Another thing to consider is that balance bikes are more fun and much easier than bikes with training wheels.

Using a balance bike teaches your child more physical awareness and helps them learn to change weight, lean at an angle, and shore smoothly in a way that the wheels of training simply cannot. The actual pedalling part of riding a bike is not something that is difficult to learn. It is trying to learn to paddle and balance at the same time that takes the kids and frustrates them. Teaching them the balancing and handling parts first makes it much easier for them to add the pedalling parts later. And we’ve seen some 2-year-olds master it in a week and ride a regular paddle bike.

A Buyer’s Guide for Balance Bikes 

• Kid’s Inseam: A 12″ Balance Bike would be ideal for kids 18 months to 5 years old or 12 to 20 inches long. Older than that? You may be looking for a 14 “or even a 16″ balance bike. And most 12-inch bikes have a weight limit of about 60 pounds. Especially if your child is older when you start shopping for a balance bike, look for a bike that can grow a bit with your child if he needs a 14-inch bike, go for a 12-inch instead of 14”.

• Weight: There is no need for weight consideration because any child can drive a lower and upper-weight bike. But if your child is using it in a way that has him or her picking it up often, then weight is a factor. Also, the lower weight bike price is higher than the higher weight.

• Spin in the Wheel: This list includes all bike wheels that spin smoothly, but if you are buying or using a used bike from a department store, spin the wheel quickly and make sure there are no strange bumps or jolts. They should spin freely and smoothly, and keep spinning for a while. If they only stopped after a few revolutions, the bearings would probably be worn out.

• Types of Tires and Wheels: While a balance bike may not have many components, tires and wheels make a big difference for rider convenience. Don’t get plastic tires: Pneumatic tires are more comfortable and perform better than hard rubber, but with a little more maintenance. Also, check the wheel bearings: Most other bike-specific companies use sealed cartridge bearings on their wheels, not loose balls like some cheap department store bikes do. These just won’t last long, are smooth for a long time, and probably won’t need to be replaced in your child’s lifetime.

There are different types of tires available on the market:

1. Big apple: They are also known as “fatboys” because they have a wide profile. These are the types that will give your child an extra measure of traction (tire grip on the road) and shock absorption. This is great for having confident kids who enjoy jumping or skating in the skate park. They don’t cost a pretty penny, but they are well worth it.

1. EVA foam tires: These are cheaper and lighter than air tires. They never go flat and are puncture-proof. I saw no wind. However, they are relatively less comfortable than air tires because they have some shortcomings in the shock absorption section. This is no comfort, even though they are as cheap as dirt.

1. Plastic tires: Plastic tires are the lightest and hardest. They have little or no traction, and trade is meaningless. For this reason, these are fairly unique. You will probably find them on balance bikes that are only for indoor use.

1. Rubber tires: These are somewhere between air and foam. You can think of these as a step from EVA foam. They are puncture-proof, but both cushioning and traction are good. This is due to the properties of the material.

• Size: First of all, kids will never climb into it unless it fits them. And if that’s not reliable enough, the better the bike fits, the safer it will be. When you are choosing the best balance bike for your child, it is very important to have the right fit. As a parent, you can help determine the right size for your child:

• Sit on the saddle while resting with both feet on the ground.

• Straddle the upper bar with comfortable clearance and keep both feet on the ground.

• Reach for the handlebars with a slight bend in the arm while sitting on the seat.

If the arm of the balance bike breaks, let your child be able to hold them comfortably and apply enough pressure to stop the bike.

• Frame material: The material used in your child’s balance bike affects the weight of the bike. So it is also important. You can find balance bikes in metal alloys, wood, and composite frames, of which metal is the most common. The cream-of-the-crop is aluminium alloy 6061 in the frame of the bike. Wooden bikes are eco-friendly but less compatible than metal bikes. So, there is no right answer as to which component will make the best balance bike for your baby because each has its own advantages and disadvantages. It will depend on what suits your child and if he likes to ride a bike.

• Companies and Warranties: This list includes all bike branded companies and warranties on each product. As a customer, you have the right to ask the manufacturer to address any issues that may arise with your child’s balance bike. Of course, according to their terms. Look at the company and the warranty, and make sure you find a company that you trust with a warranty that you feel comfortable with. A word of advice, an original bike usually has a warranty that lasts at least a few years. So, once you get a good warranty, you will get peace of mind.

• Price: Price is also an important factor when you are in the market to buy the best balance bike for your child. Once you get started, be clear about your budget and get a bike that fits all your needs within your budget. Within your budget, you will be able to find the best balance bikes for your kids, but if you try a little harder, you will find plenty of balance bikes in every price range that is within your budget. So, don’t spend more than you need.

What are the main advantages of a balance bike?

Balance Bike has many advantage rather than any other bikes for kids. Here we showed you five major advantages over other types of bikes for kids,

• Kids fit much better than tricycles or training wheels
• Remove easily and safely on uneven surfaces
• Lightweight and easy to ride – kids can ride very far
• Provide fun and independent riding year after year before converting to a baby paddle bike
• Eliminate Training Wheel Requirements – Balance Bike Graduates usually learn to ride a paddle bike in about 5 to 10 minutes, drama is free.

Safety of Balance Bike for Kids: Since the Balance Bike can be used by a child under 18 months of age, safety is of utmost importance. Getting started on an open grassy area or dirt road is helpful for your new rider.

Don’t forget a helmet for your child, it’s very important. Make sure the helmet is the right size. so that it could not spin in his head. When you put your child’s helmet on his head, ask him if he can see the rim on the bottom of the helmet. If he can, the helmet is right for him. When your child is starting, you need to remember not to hold the bike. All you have to do is lightly hold the back of his jacket or shirt. That way, he would have control over the bike’s feel and what he needed to do to support it. Your baby will accept it quickly.

Let your child try the balance bike on his own terms. Most kids will stand on the bike and walk it first, which can take a week or more. Then all they have to do is sit down and move the bike forward. This process can take days or even months for your baby, but no worries! As long as your child shows interest, he is learning and having fun.

Lastly, always make sure that you are supervising your child’s riding.

FAQ about balance bikes:

The most important question, we believe, for those who are just starting their balance bike journey is answered here.

When can my kid start riding a balance bike?

There is no exact age, but many can start playing with a balance bike on a soft surface if they walk with relative confidence. It may take a while for them to get better at riding, but playing with bikes and giving them a chance to get curious is a good way to get them to enjoy riding bikes. So yes, order now if you have a newborn you hope will turn into a little shredder.

• How long will my child be able to use the balance bike?

Usually up to about six years of age, although if you start these early, they will probably graduate to a paddle bike much earlier. After all, a child will not use a balance bike for too long before they get ready for the first piece of their two-wheeler. If you buy a bike that can be converted to a paddle bike, you will have a lot more time to use.

• Should I use balance bikes instead of training wheels?

Obviously, As we mentioned above, using a balance bike teaches your child more physical awareness and helps them change weights, lean angles, and learn to shore smoothly in a way that the wheels of training cannot. Not the actual pedalling part of riding a bike, which is hard to learn, It’s trying to learn to paddle and balance at the same time that makes the kids trip and frustrate them. Teaching them the balancing and handling parts first makes it much easier for them to add the pedalling parts later. We’ve seen some 2-year-olds master it in a week and get on and off a regular paddle bike.

• Can I use a regular bike as a balance bike?

For kids 5 years of age or older, removing a regular bike pedal is a good and affordable option, but it is not practical for young children and pre-schoolers. Paddle bikes are much heavier than balance bikes, making them more difficult to balance. It’s important to remember that balance bikes are more than just a way to finish. While balance bikes prepare kids for biking, they give kids fun and freedom year after year. If you are thinking of unlocking the bike’s pedals to use as a balance bike, it is best to do so with older children on 16′′, 20′′, or 24′′ bikes. When a child is still small enough to fit a 12′′ or 14′′ bikes, even a cheap balance bike is a better option.

• Can I buy cheap balance bikes at any local bike store?

If you are on a budget, we recommend finding a better alternative. There are many great options at cheap prices. In this list of tips, we have discussed some of the best features of cheap bikes. These bikes have a long shelf life and can be easily passed on to nieces, nephews, and friends. We gave the same bike to about five different families, and it is still going around.

• Can you create a balance bike by unloading the paddle from the paddle bike?

Yes, you can. All you have to do is remove the chains, paddles and cranks. It is worth mentioning that bikes with training wheels are generally more than balance bikes because they require ground clearance which prevents the pedals from hitting the ground while riding. This means that the saddle is quite high, so if you decide to move the paddles, it will be too much for your child, as their feet will not be able to touch the ground.

Based on most reviews, the perfect bike model for kids should keep them from losing their balance and be child-friendly. 

Final Take

The most important thing to note is that this balance bike is very cheap, and feels light in your wallet! At the same time, it is a suitable choice for a balance bike. Your child will enjoy the outdoors without fear of falling or injury.

Of course, whichever you choose, your child will still learn to ride a bike. Their age and their skills can already influence which type of bike works best. Remember, the overall height of the bike is important. You won’t get too much use from a small bike that is too long to help them learn. Finally, a balance bike is a great choice for a small child.