Buying a bike for your child is such an exciting milestone, it opens out a world of adventure while also giving them the opportunity to learn new skills.
Choosing the right bike makes all the difference when it comes to how much they will enjoy cycling.
As you may have already found, there is a huge range of kids bikes available and it can be confusing to figure out which is the best option for your child.
The reviews and buyer’s guide below can help make sense of the kids bikes available so you can find the best one for your family.
1. RoyalBaby Freestyle Kid’s Bike for Boys and Girls (Top Pick)
The RoyalBaby Freestyle is a sporty bike that is perfectly suited to children transitioning from a training bike. It is sturdy and durable and you can easily adjust the seat and handlebar height to suit your child.
This is a functional bike that is easy to maintain. The wide tyres are heavy-duty pneumatic rubber and have custom RoyalBaby tread. There are 4 size options available so you can enjoy the benefits of this bike in the best size for your child.
The Freestyle bike does need to be assembled but all assembly tools are included. The assembly is 4 simple steps as you will need to install the training wheels, pedals, handlebar and saddle.
One of the key safety features of this bike is that it has a front calliper brake and a rear coaster brake to give your child options when they are learning to slow down and stop.
The set also comes with a few accessories including a water bottle and cage and a bell.
What We Like:
- Sturdy
- Adjustable handlebar and saddle
- Comes with accessories
What We Don’t Like:
- Heavy
2. Reid Cycles Explorer S 20″ Kids Bike
The Explorer S 20″ Kids Bike from Reid Cycles is a fun and easy to ride bike that is best suited for 7-10 year olds.
The steel frame is durable and has BMX style handlebars that are easy for kids to control. The KMC Rustbuster chain requires minimal maintenance and the chainguard helps to prevent mess.
This bike is available in 4 colours and is great for boys and girls. The saddle and grips are junior specific making them comfortable and well suited to children.
What We Like:
- Easy to ride
- Durable steel frame
- Comfortable
What We Don’t Like:
- Not adjustable
3. CyclingDeal Kids Push Balance Bike
This bike from Cycling Deal is a smart, functional and well-priced option suitable for children from 2-6 years.
The adjustable seat and handlebars allow your child to comfortably use this bike for many years. The soft plastic saddle is comfortable and does not have an odour like some bike saddles do.
This balance bike comes partially assembled, the seat and the handlebars need to be fitted to the desired height and the bike is ready to use.
The footrest on this balance bike is naturally positioned to help children find their centre of gravity and prepare them for pedal bikes.
The tyres are resilient, shock-absorbent and resistant to skidding. They are suited for all surfaces from lawns to sand and road.
What We Like:
- Comfortable
- Easily adjustable
- Suited for all surface types
What We Don’t Like:
- Tyres require inflating
4. Rennrad Convertible 2 in 1 Balance/Pedal Kids Bike
If you’re looking for a bike that can grow with your child, this 2 in 1 balance and pedal bike is worth a look. The alloy frame is strong and has a lifetime warranty.
The tyres are puncture-protected, the large saddle is a two-piece design that provides comfort and there is handlebar impact protection.
Once your child has mastered the balance bike and it is time for the next step you can attach the chain and raise the saddle height.
The bike has reflectors and a high-quality bell for added safety. The brake lever is adjustable and can be used in either modes.
The pushbike is suitable for 3 year olds and the bicycle mode is suitable for 4 years old and up.
What We Like:
- 2-in-1 balance and pedal bike
- Puncture protected tyres
- Large saddle
What We Don’t Like:
- Limited height adjustment options
5. Airwalk 40cm Switch Girls BMX Bike
This beautiful pink and purple BMX bike is a great entry-level option that is bound to make your child stand out.
The Airwalk 40cm Switch bike has training wheels for children still learning to ride and you can remove them with ease when ready.
The bike has a front brake, a front and back reflector and a chain guard.
The seat and handlebars are adjustable and you can also adjust the angle of the handlebar. This bike is perfect for children between 4-7 years old.
What We Like:
- BMX style bike
- Adjustable seat and handlebars
- Removable training wheels
What We Don’t Like:
- Only available in bright pink/ purple colour scheme
6. HASA Bicycle Kids Mountain Bike
This mountain bike from HASA is perfect for kids that can ride with two wheels or are still learning with four.
Being able to attach and remove training wheels as needed makes this a great bike for long term use.
This bike has large, thick wheels that are ideal for riding across different terrains. The saddle is comfortable and the height is adjustable so your child can continue to use this bike as they grow.
This bike has both a front and back brake controlled by 4-finger brake levers and the alloy frame makes sure the bike isn’t too heavy to manoeuvre.
The HASA mountain bike looks smart and it comes 85% assembled so will be ready to use with only a small amount of assembly.
What We Like:
- Can be used with training wheels
- Strong alloy frame
- Great for older children
What We Don’t Like:
- Chain does not have a guard
7. Trek Precaliber 16 Kids Bike
This Precaliber 16 kids bike is perfect for children ages 4-5 years.
The saddle has a handle built-in allowing parents to guide the bike as it is ridden. The handle can be replaced with an integrated light mount when the handle is no longer needed.
The training wheels are tool-free making them easy to install and remove when the time comes. All of this comes together to make this Precaliber bike a fantastic choice for learning and progression.
This bike is comfortable, durable and fun for children. The aluminium frame is lightweight making it easy to manoeuvre.
This bike is long-lasting and can be handed down to younger siblings.
What We Like:
- High-quality
- Lightweight
- Built to last
What We Don’t Like:
- The training wheels are very small in size
8. Reid Cycles Ranger 24″ Kids Bike
The Reids Cycles Ranger is a tough bike that is built to handle the rough and tumble of kids learning to ride. It is the perfect size for 9-12 years old.
These bikes have a lightweight, hydroformed alloy frame that is easy to control and is great for building confidence. The handlebars, grips, saddle and pedals are all designed to suit young riders.
The suspension fork absorbs bumps to improve control over uneven surfaces. The 21-speed gearing makes it easier to keep pedalling over different terrains.
What We Like:
- Perfect for trails
- Easy to manoeuvre
- Sturdy
What We Don’t Like:
- Better suited to older children who are already confident riding bikes
9. Cruzee Balance Bike
The Cruzee Balance Bike can be easily adjusted so it grows with your child meaning it is suited for children from 18 months – 5 years old.
The handlebar and seat adjustments require no tools so you can effortlessly adjust the size to suit riders from 60cm – 125cm tall.
This bike is incredibly light at only 1.9kg, this makes it one of the lightest balance bikes available and is perfect for little ones.
Being so light makes it easy to manoeuvre and easy to carry if your kids get tired.
The frame is made from aluminium and has an anodised finish so it is a sturdy option that is built to last.
This no-pedal balance bike is fun, comfortable and convenient. It is easy for children to enjoy and has integrated footrests for when they are practising balancing and coasting.
What We Like:
- Lightweight (1.9kg)
- Easily adjusted
- Grows with your child (can be used from 18 months- 5 years)
What We Don’t Like:
- No brake lever
Kids Bike Buyer’s Guide
A bike gives a child a feeling of freedom and adventure. As kids grow they will need a bigger bike that matches their height and abilities.
Choosing between bikes is easy when you know what to look for. Below we have outlined the clear features that should be considered when looking at kids bikes.
Don’t let the choice overwhelm you, the best kids bike will be the right size, easy to use and fun for your child to ride.
Kids Bike Sizes Explained
The size of the bike is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing between bikes for kids.
Below is a rough guideline that should give you a clearer idea of what bike size is best suited to your child. If your child is particularly tall or short for their age, be sure to factor this in when selecting a bike.
12 inch Wheel Size
Balance bikes with 12 inch wheels are perfect for 2-4 year olds. These are great bikes for toddlers as it gives them a chance to learn how to balance on two wheels.
The balance bikes are pushed along by the rider’s feet and are stopped with their feet too. This is a great kids bike for simplifying the learning process and improving their balance and coordination.
14-16 inch Wheel Size
These bikes are designed for 3-6 year olds. They usually have one gear speed, pedals and one brake lever.
This size makes a great first pedal bike for kids as it keeps things simple while adding in important elements that you see on adult bikes.
20 inch Wheel Size
These are slightly larger in size and are best suited to 5-8 year olds.
These are often more like mountain bikes as they are usually well suited to different terrains.
They tend to have two brakes, a front suspension and will sometimes have different gears.
24 inch Wheel Size
Kids bikes with a wheel size of 24 inches are suitable for 8 years up. You may see more options such as mountain bikes and road bikes.
Mountain bikes will offer wider tyres with more tread, a front suspension to absorb shocks from uneven terrain and multiple gears.
A road bike will usually have narrower tyres built for cycle tracks and pavement.
Even though it may be tempting, don’t buy a bigger bike that your child can “grow into”, they will end up not using it and it will likely knock their confidence if they do try to use it.
While this is a general size guide for kids bikes, the bike you actually choose will also depend on your child’s riding skills and ability.
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Key Features
- Manoeuvrability – the bike needs to be light enough that it is easy for your child to move it around. Aluminium frames will be lighter than steel frames which makes them easier to handle for younger kids. The frame size is also important, it should also have a low standover height to make sure getting on and off the bike is not a challenge, this is particularly important for young children and less confident cyclists.
- Sturdy – bikes are designed to withstand rough and tumble but sturdy does not mean the bike should be heavy. The best kids bikes are sturdy, well-made and lightweight.
- Brakes – being able to slow down safely is essential but the brakes need to be child-friendly. The size and operation should be suited to children meaning they need to be smaller and easier to use. Some kids bikes have coaster brakes but these have mixed reviews as they add weight to the bike and don’t teach your child how to brake on larger bikes meaning they will still need to learn this when they get a new bike later on down the line.
- Gears – only look at bikes with gears if your child is ready for this. Having a bike with gears can be confusing and overwhelming if your child is still learning the basics. Gears are not really necessary on kids bikes unless it is a mountain bike or you are one step away from adult bikes.
- Adjustments – the seat height and handlebar height should be adjustable. Getting the right bike size makes it a lot easier and more enjoyable for your child to ride and being able to increase the seat height as your child gets taller lets them make the most out of the bike for longer.
- Suspension – a suspension is only really necessary on larger bikes and bikes specifically suited to rough terrain e.g. a mountain bike. Kids bikes generally don’t need a suspension so this shouldn’t be a deciding factor when choosing between bikes.
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Safety Features
- Lights and reflectors – these are simple features that will ensure your child can be seen when they are cycling, particularly when they are cycling during low light conditions.
- Bell – kids love bike bells and having a bell on their new bike will help them to let people know where they are and when they are approaching.
- Chainguard – if the bike has a chain then it should have a chainguard to prevent injury and mess.
Kids Bike FAQs
A bike with a 14-16″ wheel size is best for a 5 year old.
The best bike for a 4 year old will be a 14 inch wheel size. This will also give them room to grow so they can practice using the same bike for a couple of years as they grow. Most 14 inch bikes allow you to attach training wheels if necessary too.
