Everything you need to know before buying your child’s first bike PLUS where to buy them
These bikes are wheelie good!
Seeing a child make their first wobbly moves on a bike is in equal parts sweet and terrifying!
Once they master it, however, a whole new world of fun and fitness opens up as they learn to ride and glide in life with wheels.
However, before introducing a little one to their first bicycle, there’s a few things every parent should consider …
Choosing the right size bike for your child
While the idea of buying a bike that your child can grow with and grow into might be appealing to the hip pocket, it’s not always the best option for safety.
Bikes need to be the right size, weight and height for a child to be able to properly control and manoeuvre them safely. Age is not a good indicator alone, you should also consider height and ability before deciding which bike to go with.
A bike is the right size when:
- The rider can sit comfortably on the seat while resting the balls of both feet firmly on the ground.
- The rider can stand straddling the top bar of the bike with a noticeable clearance while both feet are flat on the ground (no tippy toes!)
- The rider can each the handlebars comfortably when seating on the seat. Arms should have a slight bend, not be rod straight.
- If the bike has handbrakes, the rider needs to be able to comfortably grip and apply enough pressure to stop the bike while riding seated.
Many bikes allow you to be able to adjust the handlebars and seats, it’s safest to ensure that your growing child fits the bike each time they ride.
And don’t forget a good fitting, safe helmet at all times!
READ MORE: Teach your child to ride a bike in four easy steps
Bike riding is a skill for life.
10 of the best balance bikes
For some young riders, managing the steering, pedaling and braking of a bike comes quite naturally. For others, it’s quite normal for those skills to come as they master each one independently. For those kids, balance bikes (bikes without pedals) are a great option to get kids used to the feel and balance required to propel forwards on two wheels.
We’re shared some of our favourites in the gallery below …
Bluey Licensed Kids’ Balance Bike, RRP $59.99
Catch a ride with Bluey! Kids will love learning to ride with this balance bike that has been designed without pedals to help your child develop balance, coordination and confidence. The low height allows the child to reach the ground comfortably, helping them get used to riding on two wheels.
Aussie Baby Kid Balance Bike 12″, RRP $89.95
Teach your kid how to ride a bike safely and happily with an Aussie Baby Balance Bike. Balance bikes are great for kids from 18 months to 5 years old. It helps kids learn balance and steering. It has no pedals, no crank set, and no training wheels.
The Wiggles Emma Balance Bike Kids, RRP $59.99
Teach your kids to ride with this Wiggles Emma Balance Bike.
This balance bike has been designed without pedals to help your child develop balance, coordination and confidence so that they can make an easy transition to a traditional pedal bike.
The low height allows the child to reach the ground comfortably and helps them get used to riding on two wheels.
KG Electronics Trike Star 12″ Kids Balance Bike, RRP $59.00
Children will surely enjoy riding and balancing on this Trike Star 12″ Balance Bike.
SmarTrike Folding Balance Bike, RRP $129
This trendy Folding Balance Bike from SmarTrike is the fastest, simplest way for learning how to ride two wheelers! Kids as young as 3 can start training and developing balance, motor skills and confidence with ease.
This ride-on also comes with safety gear to avoid those pesky bumps and bruises, including knee pads, elbow pads and wrist guards that easily adjust to fit kids of all sizes.
MyPlaza Rigo Kids Balance Bike Ride On, RRP $58.95
Want to teach your children how to ride a bike? Start with the Kids Balance Bike. A great bike for your child to learn how to balance on two wheels, and have plenty of fun doing so.
Hape Balance Wonder Bike, RRP $79.99
Give your bundle of energy the confidence they need to ride a bike by practising their balance without the need for training wheels on this Hape Balance Bike – before you know it they’ll be tabletopping, endoing and jumping the neighbours cat!
Rigo Kids Balance Bike, RRP $56.39
Want to teach your children how to ride a bike? Start with the Kids Balance Bike. A great bike for your child to learn how to balance on two wheels, and have plenty of fun doing so. The ultra lightweight and portable bike is built with durable power-coated steel to stand up to robust use and comes with great features like adjustable handle bars, padded seats, built-in footrests, quick release lock for easy adjustments and EVA tyres that need no pumping to name just a few. And after a few weeks of learning with the Kids Balance Bike, your child would have develop the confidence and skills to transition to a normal bike with minimum hassle. So fret no more and let your child ride like the wind with the Rigo Kids Balance Bike.
RIGO Kids Balance Bike, RRP $139
Want to teach your children how to ride a bike? Start with the Rigo Kids Balance Bike. A great bike for your child to learn how to balance on two wheels, and have plenty of fun doing so. The ultra lightweight and portable bike is built with durable power-coated steel to stand up to robust use and comes with great features like adjustable handle bars, padded seats, built-in footrests, quick release lock for easy adjustments and EVA tyres that need no pumping to name just a few. And after a few weeks of learning with the Kids Balance Bike, your child would have develop the confidence and skills to transition to a normal bike with minimum hassle. So fret no more and let your child ride like the wind with the Rigo Kids Balance Bike. Order one today.
Kids Balance Bike Ride, RRP $39
Let your kids enjoy their time outdoors and help them fine tune their motor skills, coordination, and agility by getting them the new Norflex Balance Bike.
Providing your kids a balance bike and encouraging them to start exercising at early age will more likely they will develop healthy habits for life. Other than that, it will let them use their feet to stop, steer, and turn around, practicing their control and giving them confidence to keep riding.
10 great training wheel bikes
Bikes with training wheels are perfect for kids who need a little confidence while mastering the skills of steering, pedaling, pushing and braking. The two extra small wheels at the back of the bike provide stability and prevent tipping and falling.
And when your little rider is ready to branch out, the can be unscrewed so they can ride freely.
We’ve shared some of our favourite training wheel bikes in the gallery below …
Bluey Kids’ 30cm Ready To Roll Bike w/ Training Wheels, RRP $79
This adorable little bike is the perfect way for little learners to take the next step towards independence. A perfect stepping stone from ride-on trikes to riding their very own bike, this beginners set comes with removable training wheels for when they’re ready to take the next steps. For endless fun peddling their little legs, this could be the perfect gift from Santa.
Royalbaby
Freestyle 12/14/16/18/20″ Kids Bike in Pink, RRP $249.95 to $289.95
RoyalBabys newly developed Freestyle bike for boys and girls offers factory direct sales with favorable retail price. They are the most famous and best selling kid bike brand in China, with patented components featuring outstanding designs and quality. They are built to be compliant with CPSC and ISO standards. The bikes also come with unique strong individual packaging that is easy to carry which improves safe delivery. Available in 12, 14, 16 and 18 inch wheels. Creative colours to choose for your little riders’ favour.
Spirit 40cm Beginner Bike w/ Training Wheels, RRP $109
Is your little one ready for their first set of wheels? Kids can learn to ride with ease thanks to this adorable beginner bike. Featuring removeable training wheels, your little one will have the confidence they need in taking their first pedals.
Royalbaby Freestyle 12/14/16/18/20″ Kids Bike, RRP $249.95 to $309.95
RoyalBabys newly developed Freestyle bike for boys and girls offers factory direct sales with favorable retail price. They are the most famous and best selling kid bike brand in China, with patented components featuring outstanding designs and quality.
They are built to be compliant with CPSC and ISO standards. The bikes also come with unique strong individual packaging that is easy to carry which improves safe delivery. Available in 12, 14, 16 and 18 inch wheels. Creative colours to choose for your little riders’ favour.
The Wiggles 30cm Emma Wiggles Bike, RRP $99.99
Your little Wiggles fan will adore this Emma Wiggle bike! Start them off with training wheels and then remove them as your child gains more confidence. Complete with cute front plate, streamers, spokey dokes and a doll seat, this adorable bike will make a statement wherever your youngster’s adventure takes them.
Aussie Baby
Sparkle Fuchsia Flower 12″ Pavement Cycle Bike, RRP $109.00
The ideal bike for beginner riders who want to make a statement at the skatepark. Start them off with training wheels and then remove them as your child gains more confidence. The adjustable seats and handlebars ensure this bike grows with your youngster while the super tough frame ensures a durable bike for years to come.
DC Batman Bike w/ Training Wheels, RRP $119
Let your little ones fight crime with this durable DC Batman steel frame bike. A perfect bike for the young superhero, it comes with training wheels for balance and stability, which can be removed as your riding confidence grows, and front and rear brakes for sure stopping power.
Royalbaby Stargirl 12/14/16/18″ Kids Bike, RRP $249.95 to $289.95
RoyalBaby Girl’s Bike Little Swan 14 16 18 Inch Kids Bike Girls Child’s Bicycle Blue White.
Airwalk 40cm Electro Frame Swirl Bike, RRP $125
The ideal bike for beginner riders who want to make a statement at the skatepark. Start them off with training wheels and then remove them as your child gains more confidence. The adjustable seats and handlebars ensure this bike grows with your youngster while the super tough frame ensures a durable bike for years to come.
Royalbaby Space Shuttle 14/16/18″ Kids Bike, RRP $389.95 to $429.95
RoyalBaby Space Shuttle Kid’s Bike Lightweight Magnesium With Disc Brakes Bicycle For Boys and Girls.
