In the early 19th century, balance bikes were for adults only. Then they forgot the idea for 150 years and remembered it again in the 2000s. Now the balanced bikes are not ridden by uncles in leggings and top hats, but by children aged one and a half to five years.
Market contains a huge number of the most diverse means of transportation for children. The traditional bicycles, scooters, and mini-cars powered by electric traction (which by the way, many adults dream about); but there is a thing that is still quite rare in many countries: “balance bikes”. In case you didn’t have an idea, a balance bike is essentially a bike without pedals, and it is more passable than a scooter, but at the same time it is not as difficult to learn, and therefore even children from 1 year old can ride it. In addition to a simple means of transportation, a balanced bike perfectly develops a child’s sense of balance, motor skills, the ability to assess the road and the situation around.
With the help of a balancing bicycle, kids get to know a real bike for the first time. At an early age, it is difficult for them to pedal and keep balance, which is why such a toy-wheelchair was invented for the smallest ones.
To make sure that your child will get the best balance bike we made this article.
Advantages of balancing bikes over other means of transportation for children:
Studies of the influence of balanced bikes on the physical development and health of children are still ongoing, but today it has been proven that they have a number of undeniable advantages over other types of transport, namely:
- On a balance bicycle, the kid will quickly learn to keep balance, develop dexterity and coordination of movements; after riding it, he can easily change to a two-wheeled bike. The experience of many parents suggests that learning to ride a bike is much faster and easier when you change from a balanced bike.
- A balance bike helps you develop independence. The ability to quickly make a decision and be responsible for it appears. After all, it is his bike and he drives it by himself, and he is also the one responsible for it himself.
- Another characteristic of the same series is that the kid learns to assess the terrain and understands how this affects his trip. For example, going uphill is more difficult than going downhill, but when rolling downhill, you can develop a high speed and you won’t have time to break.
After a while, when walking and traveling, he himself begins to look for places along where he can go around and starts to experience obstacles.
- A sense of speed and self-confidence is fostered during fast trips, and the instinct of self-preservation develops. The kid is not afraid to fall, because, in any fall, he instinctively rests his feet on the ground. Although it cannot be said that people do not fall on a balancing bike; They fall, especially if they no longer ride it, kids usually begin to do some sorts of tricks or simply “show off” in front of their peers. That is why, when riding it, he/she definitely needs a helmet on his/her head, and even better protection for the elbows and knees, especially in summer.
- The speed of movement on a balanced bike is higher than on foot and your walks will become more pleasant. You do not need to walk slowly and constantly wait for your child. Now parents will often catch up with their children.
- Uniform development of both legs. Many doctors recommend trying to put children with leg issues on a balanced bike and give them the opportunity to ride it themself. After a period of time, all the leg problems will be gone, and they will be developed equally and he feels great.
When riding a scooter, one leg stands on it, and the other pushes off the ground. The kid quickly gets used to such a ride and does not change legs. and all requests of the mother to change legs will be often ignored or quickly forgotten. “Mom, well, it’s more convenient for me” – this is the answer parents will hear. As a result, one leg is stronger than the other. When riding a balance bike, both legs get the load at once and the problem is solved by itself.
By the way, when riding a bike, it develops not only the muscles of the legs but also the back, arms, press, breathing is trained.
- Medical luminaries claim that young children are developing sensory-motor development. and the more the baby moves and the more varied his movements, the more intensively his brain develops. He does what is called cross-rolls or cross-steps. Their essence is that each shoulder, when moving, bends towards the thigh of the opposite leg. They help to improve the functioning of the brain, coordinate the work of both hemispheres. That’s why running regularly on a balance bike makes your child smarter.
- Balance bicycles are lightweight compared to a bike. This means that it is easier for the kid to ride it, as it is always hard for a mother to drag a child and his bike, which means the weight of the balance bike will make it an easy mission for her.
- It is very good if several children from one group have balance bikes. Children become more sociable, sharing a common hobby, they enhance their socialization; As they learn how to communicate with each other.
Just like anything else balance bikes have also some drawbacks:
- Some children develop high enough speed when traveling and therefore it is strongly recommended to wear a helmet and protection.
- Children break with their feet and, as a result of this, shoes wear out much faster. To avoid this, we highly recommend you use special shoe pads.
- With a firm seat and polyurethane wheels, when driving fast on uneven surfaces, there is an impact on the spine. Therefore, for children over 3 years old, it is better to take it slowly when buying the best balance bike for your child.
- Not all kids enjoy riding a balance bike, but just a few of them do not. that’s why you should be very careful about the way you teach your child how to ride a balance bike.
The perfect age to buy kids balance bike:
Children develop in different ways. Some begin to walk at 10 months, while others crawl up to one and a half years.
According to the parents’ experience, it is best to buy a lightweight plastic balance bike, for example, at 1.5-2 years.
If the son or daughter is 3 years old, an iron model with camber wheels is better, after which he will change to his own bike.
How to choose the best balance bike for kids:
- Seat height: The most important criterion, because ease of use directly depends on this. It is recommended that the height from the seat to the ground be slightly less than the length of your child’s leg. Also, pay attention to the range in which its height can be adjusted so that after six months when the child grows up, the balance bike does not become a dead weight in the pantry.
- Handlebar height: There is no clear formula, as in the case of the saddle, but the adjustment is also highly desirable so that the child is comfortable regardless of age.
- Frame materials: It can be wooden (beautiful and environmentally friendly, but quite heavy), plastic (lightweight frame, but not always strong), or metal (highest strength, average weight, and wide adjustment possibilities).
- pay attention to the weight of the product: This is for parents of two to three-year-olds who quickly get bored with monotonous activities. If the child gets tired of riding the balance bike and decides to continue on foot, the mother will have to carry the bike in her hands for the rest of the road. If you do not go for a walk far from home, this criterion is not so important. But if you plan to take a running bike with you to the store or on long walks, keep in mind that in addition to bags with groceries and other things, you will also have to carry children’s transport, so it is better if it has a low weight – no more than 4 kg. In favor of lightweight models, one can also cite the fact that it is easier for young children to move around on them since the main driving force that sets the balance bike in motion is the child’s own weight. If the construction of the balance bike is too bulky, it will be difficult for the child to move it, and he will quickly lose interest in riding.
- Wheels: First, you should pay attention to the material of the discs. Plastic spokes are generally lighter than steel spokes, but also less reliable. Secondly, tires – EVA polymer is light enough and is not afraid of punctures, but a traditional rubber tube swallows bumps better, and therefore the choice of one or another option depends on the place where you will most often ride.
- Brakes: They will be useful for children from 4-5 years old and older because they already develop quite high speeds. Smaller drivers will simply find it difficult to use them due to the tight grip and lack of habit – nevertheless, reflexively, the child will first of all try to brake with his feet and only then remember about the brake.
- Shock absorbers: Such things are only useful if the child will often ride on rough terrain. When driving on asphalt roads, shock absorbers will not bring a tangible effect, but they will add mass.
Choosing a bicycle, as the first stroller for a baby, can take a very long time, since the variety of colors and textures does not allow you to decide from the first time what you and your child want. Some parents make a big mistake when buying a bike based only on external characteristics because for comfortable riding on this type of transport, it is imperative to take into account the individual characteristics of the child; To avoid such mistakes and unnecessary expenses, as well as not to buy a thing that in the end may turn out to be useless for your child, we recommend that you carefully read the advice of experts before going to the store.
- Tip 1: choose a balance bike that suits the child’s height: This is the most important rule, non-observance of which will deprive the child of the opportunity to ride the chosen bike. The most important criterion here is seat height. If it is too small for a child, he will not be able to ride on it, because the knee and hip joints will be in a physically abnormal position, which can provoke rapid fatigue, pain in the legs, and even cause curvature of the spine. Too high a height will also create certain difficulties, because the child will not be able to fully push off the ground with his feet, as a result of which he will quickly get tired of the run bike and will lie idle.
- In order to choose the right bike ride by height, you should not look only at the markings on the packaging, since generally accepted parameters are taken into account here, which do not always coincide with the anthropometric data of a particular child. This parameter is calculated very simply:
- the child must be placed on the floor in such a way that the legs do not bend at the knee joints;
- using a roll centimeter, measure the length from heel to groin (along the inner thigh);
- subtract about 2.5 cm from the obtained value – the resulting figure will be the optimal seat height for your child.
- It is very practical to buy a balance bike with a height-adjustable seat and steering wheel since such a vehicle will be enough for a child for more than one season.
- Tip 2: consider the type of terrain: If your child is still too young and under 4 years old, the type of area you live in should be considered before buying. Like any means of transport, balance bikes ride well and easily maneuver on an asphalt surface, so if you live in a city with asphalt roads or have the opportunity to often get to parks and squares with asphalt surfaces, a pedal bike can be bought for a child of any age – he will not experience difficulties with management.
- But if you live in a village or in an area where most of the roads are unpaved or rocky, keep in mind that it can be difficult for a 2-3-year-old baby to overcome natural obstacles. Older children (from 4 years old) can easily cope with this type of transport on any road.
Price:
It is so difficult to give a specific price for the balance bikes because it differs according to the characteristics, as we should put into account that this kind of bikes cannot be considered as toys, that’s why the price must be a little bit high. We should know also that kids’ balance bikes are not just a way of entertainment or play but also it is very useful for your child as I mentioned above.
The best balance bike for kids:
It is the best balance bike in all respects: lightweight, high quality, pneumatic, and braked.
- The strider comes with an adjustable seat and handlebar to accommodate ages 18 months to 5 years which means that this balance bike will grow with your child.
- It is the perfect balance bike for young children, because it makes it easy for them to ride and stride. The mini-grips allow your child’s little hands to easily take control of the handlebar.
- It is more than just a bike that teaches them how to ride it, this is the bike that introduces kids to the freedom, power, and responsibility of riding. they will gain the power to keep up with you when you’re out.
- available in five colors: pink, blue, green, yellow, and purple.
This bike is designed for babies. It is a good balance bike for 1-year-old babies; it teaches them how to ride a bike at an early age.
-
This is the best period for children to increase balance, coordination，and strength on their legs, that’s why it is very important to encourage them to ride bikes by buying one that suits them perfectly.
-
The AyeKu baby balance bike is safe and easy to play and install, it takes nothing more than 2 minutes to finish assembling.
It has a soft seat, and handlebar as it can be adjustable and it contains a bell.
- PushMee balance bike features high-quality, molded EVA Polymer Tires. the tires don’t need to be inflated! And they also ride safely and easily on a variety of surfaces.
- characterizes with lightweight
It has a lightweight frame built with strong carbon steel for every detail of this bike. The design makes the bike easier to control for kids, and it’s ideal for children to start training.
- JOYSTAR 16 Striker is the perfect balance bike for those who want to learn how to ride but haven’t had the right opportunity to learn.
- Simple and safe; Along with providing the best balance bike, this bike is crafted with your child’s safety in mind. Front Caliper handbrake provides excellent stop power. The aluminum quick-release seat clamps allow for No Tool saddle height adjustments. Installed with Pneumatic tires trail over rocky and bumpy terrain.
- This bike comes with a warranty, which means if you weren’t satisfied with it or there was a problem all you have to do is to contact the company and they will fix or replace the defective parts.
Light enough to drag, and strong enough for those moments of frustration when you throw it to the ground, safe and has a cool look too.
- To enable your kid to control the steering skill very quickly and master it, the GOMO balance bike has a turn limiter.
- The custom footrest lets them place their feet safely as they go fast for their very first time.
- wheel axles stop wheels from falling off while the padded seat lets kids hit their first tiny “all-terrain bumps” without jarring.
- The GOMO bike has a steel frame that’s as light as it is tough.
- light enough to be carried by children! they can lift and drag it, just as easily as they can scoot along. The ” T-bar with its special GOMO grips is easy for little hands to grab while the ” heavy-duty foam wheels, can be dragged over gravel without punctures.
- Two years warranty.
- It uses high-quality EVA tires. and it contains a solid carbon steel material that forms the bicycle frame; and also on a wide and bicycle soft saddle and unique spring shock absorber system can fully protect the child’s body.
- Perfect as a birthday gift; and the best training tool child balance bike, it not only can enhance the baby’s balance ability, and promote the development of the body’s muscles but also exercise your baby’s limb coordination.
- Easy to install. This balance bike consists of handlebars, bicycle frames, front wheel, and saddle. Any parents can assemble it in a few minutes.
- Lifetime quality assurance and after-sales service to every customer.
- This Balance bike is helping your kids develop a sense of athletic ability and confidence in their bodies. It will make them love the outdoor exercise and stay away from video games and TV. It can make them feel amazing to ride a bike, improve more family time, and bring a smile to their face.
- A durable Aluminum frame Albott balance bike is more practical and safer than a bicycle with a training wheel, children will focus more on balancing rather than pedaling. It is a much safer way to learn to ride a pedal bike.
- The ergonomic soft rubber handle and ultimate comfortable padded seat provide a comfortable experience for the kids.
- Each bike Accessory comes partially assembled, follows the owner’s manual, inserts all the accessories into the place, and clamps it down with the wrench provided. Only take a few minutes to finish the installation.
This baby balance bike teaches your baby a very crucial skill: balance. Learning early can have a notable impact on their confidence when it comes to cycling unsupported. Not only this, a baby balance bike will teach your baby to control the movement of the bike with their body weight and steering. Due to the seat’s height, it is safe even for younger babies since the feet can easily reach the floor
- It has a safe design for babies 10 to 24 months; it doesn’t contain pedals; its turning limit is 135 ° so it can prevent the baby from turning over. The baby balance bike is a great gift for 1-year-old boys and girls. But please always keep in mind that your baby needs to be accompanied by someone during the ride.
- The baby balance bicycle wheels are non-slip, wear-resistant, and non-destructive floor and the baby can ride indoors or outdoors. The comfortable seat and sponge handles give your baby a better riding experience. The lightweight and compact baby balance bike are easy to store and carry. The assembly can be completed in a short time according to the instructions without additional tools.
- made of high-quality material, BPA free, and have bright nontoxic pain. This ensures that they are safe.
To conclude:
If you are looking for a gift for your toddler or for your 1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5/ 6 years old child and you are so confused, a balancing bike can be the best choice for you, still, there are many things you should take into account before buying, your child deserves the best balance bike ever, that’s why it very important to take your time, in choosing a good one, with a great quality which he or she is going to love; because the childhood bikes or in particular the first bike we get in our lives never can be forgotten