Do You Need A Balance Bike?

While many parents erroneously believe that training wheels train a child to ride a bike, the truth is that they don't! Balancing:

The primary purpose of a balance bike is to teach a child to balance while they are sitting and in motion

, which is the hardest part of learning to ride a bike!

Can you use a regular bike as a balance bike?

Yes, you can convert a normal pedal bike to a balance bike by taking off the cranks, pedals and chain

. However pedal bikes are normally taller than their balance bike counterparts as they need added ground clearance so the pedals don't hit the ground while riding.

At what age should you get a balance bike?

18 months or 2 years old

is a perfect time to start a toddler on their balance bike journey. Introducing a balance bike early will allow your toddler to learn to ride independently from the very start.

What is the difference between a balance bike and a regular bike?

Balance bikes are little more than regular bikes without pedals

. On a balance bike, kids propel themselves by using their feet to push along the ground – as opposed to moving forward by pressing on pedals to rotate a wheel.

Is 5 too old for a balance bike?

A balance bike is a great way to teach kids who are 4 to 6 years old to learn to ride a bike

. Whether your child has yet to learn how to ride a bike or struggles with the confidence to remove the training wheels, balance bikes can help.

How should a beginner balance a bike?

Are balance bikes safe?

Safety:

Balance bikes are safer and more practical than tricycles and training wheels

. Tricycles are slow, awkward to maneuver and easily tip on uneven or angled surfaces. On a balance bike, children are focused on balancing, rather than pedaling.

How long does a balance bike last?

It's understandable that you want your child's balance bike to last as long as they want to enjoy it –

typically two to three years

. Look for a bike with an adjustable saddle height that offers a good range. Some versions also have adjustable handlebar heights, offering an even more tailored fit.

Is 3 too old for a balance bike?

Balance bikes are available to fit kids of all sizes – from 18-months to adults

. Balance bikes are NOT one-size-fits-all and are available in 5 different tire sizes. For older kids, usually about age 5 and up, you can remove the pedals from a pedal bike and have them use it as a balance bike.

Can you turn a normal kids bike into balance bike?

The primary goal of this ‘ible is to provide an answer to the question “Is it possible to convert a regular kids' bike to a balance bike and back again?” I certainly couldn't find an answer on the internet when our daughter was learning to ride. The answer is

YES!

How do I convert my bike into a balance bike?

Take the pedals off and turn it into a balance bike

!

decide if you should take the pedals off a pedal bike, or buy a balance bike instead. take the pedals off a bike. adjust the saddle ready for use as a balance bike. put the pedals back on again.

Why is a balance bike good?

Balance bikes are great for toddlers as

it will help develop their coordination and motor skills and give them independence and the freedom to explore

. Balance bikes are really natural for toddlers to use and as they progress it will give them extra confidence.

Do you need training wheels after balance bike?

If your child did not start out on a balance bike, don't despair.

You can still teach them how to ride a bike without training wheels

.

How do you stop on a balance bike?

What age is a 12 inch balance bike for?

Can an 8 year old use a balance bike?

Kidvelo Balance bikes are best suited for toddlers/children aged 18 months to 8 years of age

. If your child is confidently walking and tall enough to manage the bike frame on their own, then you know it is time to get your kiddo on a balance bike.

Is 7 too old for a balance bike?

The majority of balance bikes come with 12′′ wheels and are

suitable for children about 3 – 4 years in age

. However, there are some larger balance bikes now available which are designed for taller children. These are usually marketed at ages 4 and over, but of course, the individual measurements of your child will vary.

Why is it so difficult to balance on a bicycle when it is still?

A bicycle contains two wheels in a straight alignment. At first, this would appear to make it much harder to balance, but physics actually make it easier.

When a structure like a revolving wheel starts spinning in one direction around a central axis, it wants to continue moving in that direction.

Why is riding a bike so hard?

A bike is hard to pedal because it's in the

incorrect gear for the terrain or because of excessive friction

. Changing to a smaller gear or reducing the friction makes riding easier. The cause of friction can be brake pads rubbing against the rim or disc, insufficient chain lubrication or low tire pressure.

Do they make balance bikes for adults?

The STRIDER Balance Bike can be used by anyone, at any age

. Many children or adults who were told that they would never ride again are finding success in the balance bike.

Why do kids use balance bikes?

Balance bikes

help develop gross motor skills, help kids transition easily to a pedal bike without training wheels

. and provide hours of fun and exercise.

Do toddlers need helmets on balance bikes?

I'm always surprised by how few people buy a helmet for their child at the same time they buy a bike. Even for kids on balance bikes,

a helmet is not only critical for keeping them safe, it is also required by law in many states

.

Should a child wear a helmet on a balance bike?

I would say

you should, yes

. Partly because they can get up quite a speed if they get any good, but also because it will make your life much easier when you move them up to a ‘proper' bike and they're already used to wearing a helmet. We had a Puky for DS2 at the same age, and he wore a helmet from the start.

Are balance bikes good for babies?

Balance Bikes:

Best for 18-months and 2-Years-Old

. If your toddler is anywhere from 18 months to just turning 2-years-old, they may be ready for a balance bike! Balance bikes teach toddlers the art of balancing from an incredibly young age, and will prevent the drama of training wheels later on.

Can a 2 year old pedal a bike?

Children can start riding pedal bikes from age two and up

. Pedal bikes are heavier than a balance bike, making them more difficult for youngsters to handle. Once a child has learned to balance, they can usually manage a pedal bike, as long as the weight is not too heavy for them physically.

Are baby balance bikes safe?

Baby Joy Balance Bike

The non-slip wheels means your child is as safe as possible

, but we still recommend you guide them as they ride. There are some more benefits to this bike. Firstly, it can help teach kids balance.