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What are balance bikes?
Simply put, a balance bike is a bicycle without pedals or training wheels. It simply has the frame, fork, handlebar and wheels. As its name suggests, the purpose of a kids balance bike is to teach boys and girls how to balance while they are sitting and in motion.
Why buy balance bikes for kids?
Balance bikes for kids are a great way to introduce your child to the world of cycling from an early age. Before trainer wheels, balance bikes are often said to be the best way to teach your child how to feel their own body weight as it shifts on the bike, which will help them down the track when they come to ride more confidently on their own. Whether you’re looking for scooters, balance boards or try bikes, there’s something for you at My Happy Helpers
What is the right age for kids to start using a balance bike?
So how young is too young for a balance bike? Australian guidelines indicate that they are appropriate for kids from 18 months to 7 years old. In fact, if your child can walk, then they can use a balance bike! Compared to traditional bikes with training wheels, which are aimed at older kids of 3-4 years, this means your child can start riding much earlier.
Are balance bikes expensive?
Most of our balance bikes reflect standard pricing for balance bikes. You can take home two balance bikes in Bamboo and Sage for just $149.95 each. Some of our more expensive options reflect the bikes’ bespoke, vintage designs, such as the Blue Vintage Trybike, which you can buy for $199.95. Meanwhile, our state-of-the-art balance bikes, such as this Explorer Trike, feature sun protection, comfort seats, and a pusher option for days when your child is a little tired.
What are the different types of balance bikes and accessories?
You might be looking to improve your child’s balance on a bike they use before getting trainer wheels, in which case, our try bikes and helmets would be a great option.
How does a kids balance bike work?
Riding a balance bike is simple! Because it’s low to the ground, kids move forward by pushing off the ground and walking with the bike. As they progress, they move onto running, striding and eventually gliding. Once your little one is gliding along and has mastered their balance, they’re ready to begin pedalling!
What are the advantages of balance bikes?
Balance bikes are a fantastic investment for your child for a number of reasons. In addition to being easy to use and store away, their simple design lets kids start, stop, steer and turn with safety and confidence because their feet are on the ground. Once they have developed these skills, they’ll be riding a bicycle without training wheels in no time! It’s not just about balance. In addition to being fun, the design of balance bikes encourages children to use their arms and lift their legs in order to move forward, which helps them build their strength as well as fine-tune their posture, motor skills, agility and coordination.
How can I teach my toddler to ride a balance bike?
There are a few simple things you can do to get your child started on their balance bike journey!
- Find a wide and open space that is free from rough surfaces and obstacles.
- Make sure your child is wearing a helmet so that even the smallest fall won’t hurt them.
- Ensure the balance bike is set up correctly for your child’s height
- Help your child onto their balance bike and watch them go!
Are balance bikes better than bikes with training wheels?
You may be asking yourself whether a wooden balance bike is better for your child as opposed to a pedal bike with stabilisers (also known as training wheels). We believe that if your child is younger, then balance bikes are a safe and fun option. Bicycles with training wheels usually can’t be used on rough or sloped surfaces as they pose a risk of tipping over. Furthermore, if your child is turning a corner, their weight is being supported by the outside stabiliser wheel, which prompts them to learn to lean the wrong way. On the other hand, a balance bike lets your child lean the bike the correct way - towards the inside of the corner. This, combined with the focus on developing their coordination and balance, means they will start riding a bicycle without training wheels more quickly.
What is the right size bike for a toddler?
Unlike normal kids’ bicycles, balance bikes are chosen based on the inseam. When it comes to measurements, the saddle/seat of the balance bike should be at a height that allows your child to have their feet flat on the ground while sitting. In addition to this, they should be able to easily reach the handlebars if they lean slightly forwards - this will allow them to brace against the ground. If you want to check if the balance bike is the right size, measure your child’s inseam while wearing their shoes. This measurement should be the same (or slightly more) than the minimum saddle height. If the inseam is longer than the maximum saddle height, then you need to choose a bigger bike.
How much should a balance bike weigh?
Ideally, you want your child’s balance bike to be as light as possible so that they can push it easily. Normally, balance bikes are made from a variety of materials, including steel, wood, plastic, or aluminium alloy. The materials that you choose will depend mostly on your child. For example, wooden balance bikes are incredibly lightweight and are less expensive than metal ones. However, they are more prone to wear and tear, and can be easy to damage. Metal balance bikes, on the other hand, are better suited to bigger children as they have a higher weight tolerance, but can also be heavier and more difficult for smaller children to push. Generally speaking, your child’s balance bike should be no more than 30% of their weight. The average two-year-old weighs around 12.7kg, which means that their balance bike should weigh no more than 3.8kg.
When to move from balance bike to pedal bike
A good way to make the transition is to remove the pedals on their pedal bike. This will allow your child to get started just like they did on their balance bike and create that sense of familiarity. Once they’re used to the extra weight and height, you can screw the pedals back on and watch them go - all without training wheels! In the meantime, we suggest having both the balance bike and pedal bike available to your child while they are making the transition. This overlap of bikes can last for up to a year, but it will ensure that your child is stronger, more confident, and more skilled when they finally make the switch.
How do you know which wooden balance bike to Choose?
Balance bikes are a fantastic way for your little one to start learning to ride a bicycle - but how do you know which one to choose? Essentially, any bike can teach you to balance, but there are vast differences in quality, performance, durability, stability and safety. This is why we stock only the very best wooden kid bikes from Kinderfeets, Trybike and Globber! Our toddler bikes come with adjustable seat heights and EVA airless biodegradable tires, which will not go flat fast. Our balance bikes are also designed with comfortable footpegs to help children position their feet properly for cruising and to prepare for pedals.