Image: MomJunction Design Team
Learning how to ride a bike is an important skill many children pick up during childhood. It enables children to experience complete freedom while having fun with their friends. However, since you also want them to be safe while they pedal away, look into buying the best bikes for kids. Most modern bikes fulfill this requirement as they come with many safety features.
Nurturing the habit of regular cycling will encourage your little one to adopt a healthy lifestyle and spend more time playing outdoors. But how do you choose the right bike for your child? Below, we have listed some of the most efficient and best-selling bikes for kids that are suitable for various age groups.
Top Picks
13 Best Bikes For Kids To Buy In 2024
Here is a list of bicycles that you may want to consider purchasing for your child.
1. Best For Learning Basic Cycling: Schwinn balance bike
This bike is perfect for younger kids learning basic cycling. This review video showcasing a tester’s experience can tell you more about the product.
Pros
- This quality-tested bike is available in ten color variants.
- It is designed to look like a BMX.
- This bike has a steel frame, and the pedal-free design makes it easy for kids to ride it around.
- Its air-filled wheels are made of 12″ spoked material.
- The foot-to-floor design ensures the safety of children.
- The seat can be adjusted according to the child’s height.
- The company offers a limited lifetime warranty.
Cons
- Adult supervision is mandatory for learners.
"I liked this balance bike's quality and design, although the height was taller than expected. While some components needed slight adjustments, its unique features, like the secure footrest and rubber tires, make it a worthwhile investment. It's useful for teaching the little ones balance before they switch to a pedal bike."
Quick tip2. Best Pedal-Free Push Bicycle: Retrospec balance no pedal bicycle
It is a simple, pedal-free push bicycle designed for beginners. You may check out more about this expert-approved product from this video.
Pros
- It is available in more than 15 different color options.
- The foot-to-floor and step-through frame design ensure child safety.
- This bicycle is maintenance-free and requires minimal effort for assembly.
- It has air-free tires that never go flat.
- This bike is also certified by CPSC for compliance with all the safety features.
Cons
- Some users may find the handle too big.
- The painting finish on the bike is not durable.
3. Best For Customization: Joystar kids bicycle
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product is a hit with users, evidenced by the 3,771 fine reviews on Amazon.
A cute bike with training wheels for children starting with their basic riding lessons. Watch this video for more information.
Pros
- This bicycle comes in seven color variants and is easy to assemble. The package also consists of decal stickers that children can use to customize their bikes as they like.
- The seat adjustment is simplified with the quick release technology. The seat comes with a saddle holder that adults can hold on to while teaching how to ride.
- Foot brakes can be applied if the child is unfamiliar with the hand brakes.
- The body of the cycle is made of premium steel.
- This bike comes with black tires and can be run only on a single speed.
Cons
- It is not sturdy or long-lasting.
"Assembling this bike wasn't difficult, but I did experience minor setbacks with missing screws for the safety reflectors. The tires are robust and versatile, and the training wheels offer sufficient support. It's a fitting gift for a child learning to cycle."
Schwinn balance bike Best For Learning Basic Cycling | Retrospec balance no pedal bicycle Best Pedal-Free Push Bicycle | Joystar kids bicycle Best For Customization | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Steel | Steel | Steel |
| Weight | 13.9 Pounds | 13.9 Pounds | 21.5 Pounds |
| Frame Material | Alloy Steel | Alloy Steel | Carbon Steel |
| Color | Pink | Pink | Blue |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 3,079 | 4,448 | 3,771 |
| Price | $113.13 | $79.99 | $159.99 |
4. Best For Young Girls: RoyablBaby Stargirl bike
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has earned its stripes, with over 1,632 reviews on Amazon.
Ideal for girls, the kids’ bicycle with training wheels and a cute handlebar can make your little one’s outdoor adventures even more fun.
Pros
- This elegant little cycle comes in two color variants.
- It has a basket, a horn, and reflectors.
- Its heavy-duty training wheels ensure safety when the child is practicing to ride the bike.
- It can be easily assembled and requires minimum maintenance.
- The body of the cycle is made of Hi-Ten steel.
- It has an enclosed chain guard and non-slip resin pedal with reflectors.
- The bike also has a front hand brake and a rear coaster brake.
Cons
- The gearing and peddling resistance is quite low.
"This bike is adorable and simple to assemble. While its pink hue thrilled my four-year-old granddaughter, she struggled with the pedals and hand brakes due to her tiny hands. She's improving every day, though, and the attached back wheels helped ensure safety. It's a promising long-term investment."
Quick tip5. Best Adjustable Training Wheels: Diamondback mini viper bicycle
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 712 buyers on Amazon have said the product lives up to the hype.
This widely tested and trusted bike is ideal for kids who are at an intermediate level with their riding skills.
Pros
- This cycle is made of a heavy-duty steel frame.
- It has a junior, padded seat.
- The alloy wheels have 28H rims.
- Its durable plastic chainguard ensures the skin and clothing stay clean and protected from any chain abrasions.
- The training wheels are fully adjustable.
- The bike has a coaster brake for the benefit of younger riders.
Cons
- Some users may experience a squeaky noise while cycling.
"This bike's size suits older kids, as it is a bit large for my six-year-old. It's something he'll grow into, though. It arrived in excellent condition and looked great once fully assembled. It's quite a sturdy bike."
6. Best Unique Square-Tube Frame: RoyalBaby Kids Bike
Looking for a pedal bike for kids that is not just good-looking but functional enough to give your little one a competitive edge over other riders? Here you go!
Pros
- This bicycle comes in six color variants.
- It has a unique square-tube frame that gives the cycle an attractive look.
- It has patented 2.4” wide tires to ensure stability while riding.
- The bike comes with a front handbrake and a Quando coaster brake for safety.
- The cycle also has TPR soft grips and non-slip pedals with reflectors.
- This is easy to assemble, and the package contains a bell, designer frame pad, and sturdy training wheels.
Cons
- Some users may have difficulty peddling due to the heavy-weight of the bicycle.
"The bike has aesthetic appeal and rides well. It can be a bit heavy for some, but its solid material, durability, and ease of assembly are commendable."
7. Best BMX Bike For Transitioning: Mongoose Legion BMX bike for kids
The Mongoose Legion kids’ BMX bike is most applicable for transitioning.
Pros
- It is available in six color and three style variants.
- This BMX style bike has aluminum U-brakes that provide precision and speed control.
- It also has a Hi-Ten steel handlebar joined by a fork stem for improving the steering performance.
Cons
- The brakes are weak and require heavy force.
8. Best Adjustable Seat: JoyStar kids cycle
A pretty cycle in unicorn shades that your child may want to flaunt while going on outdoor adventures.
Pros
- This bike comes in two size variants with 12” and 14” training wheels.
- It has a sturdy body made of 1.2mm premium steel that aids in providing support during the bumpy learning sessions.
- Its seat can be adjusted as per the height of the child.
- The bike has a coaster brake and a chain guard to ensure the safety of the rider.
- It is also safe for evenings or night-time riding as it comes with reflectors for enhanced visibility.
- Low maintenance and easy initial assembly make it a favorite among parents too.
Cons
- The paint job on the cycle is subpar.
"The vibrant colors and the comfort offered by the JoyStar bike made it a hit with my children. Initially, it posed strength challenges for my little girl. However, once she got the knack of riding it, she couldn't let go of it. In addition, the bike is very well built and continues to survive hours of rough riding."
9. Best Full-Coverage Chain Guard: Schwinn Elm Bike
The kids’ cruiser bike has smart design features that set it apart from the rest. Let’s have a look at what makes it unique.
Pros
- This bicycle comes in three color variants and five wheel sizes to suit children of all ages.
- The bike is optimally designed to fit children of all ages comfortably.
- It comes with an advanced peddling technology that narrows the position to match the width of a child’s hips.
- The seat can be adjusted to suit the child’s height.
- The bike has a full-coverage chain guard to protect the child from any abrasions.
- It includes training wheels, front basket, and saddle handle for towing and storage.
- Schwinn also offers a limited lifetime warranty on this bike.
Cons
- Depending on the usage or wear-and-tear, the bike may not be durable or long-lasting for some users.
"This Schwinn bike is an excellent fit for my children, and they love it. Despite its lightweight frame, it provides a balanced, sturdy ride. However, the not-so-comprehensive instructions made assembling the cycle a bit of a challenge. Nevertheless, its durability and child-friendly features make it a good investment."
Do remember10. Best Dual Disc Brakes: Nice C BMX bike for kids
This quality-tested BMX bike for children comes with dual disc brakes to keep your little one safe during their outdoor adventures.
Pros
- You can choose from several colors and wheel-size options for the bike.
- The body is lightweight and is made of magnesium alloy metal.
- It has thick tires that provide a smooth riding experience to the users.
- This comes with a dual braking system, with a regular brake and a disc brake.
- The company offers a three-month return and exchange warranty for manufacturing defects.
Cons
- Not all users found the disk brake to be very smooth or effective.
"My eight-year-old adores this stylish bike. I approve of it, as assembling it was a breeze! The stickers that came along with the bike added to my child's delight. And thankfully, it also comes with detachable training wheels, which made it easy for my boy to learn to ride."
11. Best Easy-To-Assemble: Huffy Spiderman bicycle
Whether or not your child is a fan of Spiderman, the cool graphics will keep them glued to the bicycle.
Pros
- The manufacturer offers multiple style, size, and color variants for this bike.
- Assembling this cycle is easy. Its handlebar has a 3D Spiderman logo with web tread sidewalk tires to make it very attractive.
- The wide training wheels provide a comfortable riding experience.
- It has a front and rear hand brake for maximum safety.
- The padded seat has Spiderman graphics too.
- Its durable and sturdy frame makes the cycle long-lasting.
Cons
- Some users may find the training wheels to be bumpy or unstable.
"My little one, a Spider-Man fan, adores this bike. It is easy to assemble, boasts a solid build, and is stylish. However, it's smaller than anticipated, potentially limiting its use. Despite this, the bike delivers quality and fun for our superhero-loving tot."
12. Best With Flat-Proof Tires : The Little Tikes Balance-to-Pedal Bike
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
About 1,278 reviewers on Amazon have given their seal of approval to the product.
Little Tikes training bike has a simple design and flat-proof EVA foam tires to provide your child with hours of fun.
Pros
- It is easy to assemble.
- The single-gear balance makes it easy to ride.
- The seat and handlebars can be adjusted according to the child’s height.
- Its foldable pedals can be tucked in when being used by new learners.
- The option to switch between balance and pedal makes it long-lasting.
- Its flat-proof EVA foam tires do not require inflation.
Cons
- The seat might be a little crooked.
- The wheels might be slightly flimsy.
"During the initial days, my child did find the bike a wee heavy to handle. But with time and practice, he has gained good control over the bike. Despite the small issues, it's helped my little one smoothly transition from balance to pedal bikes."
13. Best Padded Comfort Saddle: Duzy Customs Kids Bike
Your search for an attractive kids’ road bike for beginners ends with this one by Duzy Customs.
Pros
- This cycle comes in four size and five color variants.
- It has 2.4-inch thick street-style tires.
- The seat has a padded comfort saddle and a parent handle for teaching the kid to ride a bike.
- This bike also has rear coaster and front bulldog caliper brakes.
- The chain guard is fully protected and ensures zero abrasions while riding.
- It can be assembled quickly, and the fold-out pedals make it easy to store when not in use.
- The seat can also be adjusted as per your kid’s height.
- The company also offers a limited lifetime warranty.
Cons
- Some users may find the cycle to be very heavy.
- It is not very sturdy or long-lasting.
"I bought this bike for my young grandchild, and it has been an instant hit. It is well-built, easy to put together, and heavy-duty. It did take him a little training to get used to riding it independently, but soon, it became the perfect companion for his adventures. Moreover, the front and back brakes make it a reliable and sturdy find."
Safety Tips To Follow When Riding A Bike
A bike is as much a means of transport as it is a plaything for a child. Considering that it is used outdoors and can expose the child to a bit of risk, they must follow certain safety precautions while using it.
Here are some safety measures that children should follow to stay safe while riding a bike.
- Wear a kid’s bike helmet that fits right, to protect against injury.
- Ensure the bicycle suits your child’s height. When their feet touch the ground, it is easier to balance while practicing or in case of a fall.
- It is important to check if the seat and handlebars are fitted tightly.
- The brakes should also be working well and must not be too tight or loose.
- The bike’s wheels should be aligned well for a smooth and easy ride.
- Buy a bike that suits your child’s age and body proportions as well.
- For beginners, it is ideal to buy a bicycle that has training wheels.
- Advise the kids to ride only on the walkways, sidewalk, bike lanes, playing area, parks, or the backyard. Ensure that they do not take the bike to busy roads or streets where cars and other vehicles pass.
- Adult supervision is mandatory for beginners.
- Children who can ride independently must follow traffic rules and obey all the signs of safety.
- Kids should wear bright clothes during the day and neon or fluorescent colored clothing in the evening or night to improve their visibility outside.
- Educate kids about the importance of looking for hazards. Potholes, puddles, and speed bumps, etc. may lead to a crash when not evaded.
- Ensure the bike is serviced regularly and the chain is oiled at periodic intervals.
How To Choose The Right Bikes For Kids?
, a cycling fanatic, reviewer of e-bikes, and professional bike mechanic, says, “Shopping for bikes is always an exciting endeavor. But when looking for a bike for your kids, don’t get overwhelmed by the information available. There are so many types of bikes, styles, and sizes that it takes a lot of work to narrow down your choice.”
He adds, “Do extensive research, read reviews, and get the opinions of professional cyclists and parents alike. Always choose the best materials, components, brakes, and gears for reliable and safe rides no matter your child’s level.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are boys’ and girls’ bikes different?
Yes, boys’ and girls’ bikes are different in some aspects. Unlike a boys’ bike, a girls’ bike is lighter, shorter, and has a U-shaped top tube rather than a straight one.
2. Should I fit stabilizers into a kids’ bike?
Yes, if your child is a beginner, a stabilizer might be a practical solution to ensure your child’s safety while teaching them how to ride a bike.
3. Do kids’ bikes need suspension forks and lots of gears?
If your child wants to ride their bike on a mountain or uneven ground, a bike with a suspension fork and gears would be preferable for a stable ride.
4. How can I tell when my child has outgrown a bike?
You will notice a few things when your child outgrows a bike. For example, when the bike seat becomes smaller than required, your child has to bend their knees too much while pedaling, or the bike can’t be adjusted any higher. In such cases, you need to choose an age-appropriate option for your child.
Why Trust MomJunction?
To help your child have a pleasurable riding experience, Wedetso Chirhah, our in-house writer and reviewer of children’s products, has compiled a list of the best bikes for kids. He has considered factors such as comfort, style, safety features, and more, to ensure a seamless shopping experience for you. Wedetso has also highlighted the pros and cons of each best-selling product and included a section that lists some safety tips that one should note before riding a bike.
The Bottom Line
Children enjoy cycling from early childhood. Cycling is a fun activity that children love indulging in and also helps them stay active and fit. The best cycle for children ideally has a sturdy frame, comfortable seat, good braking system, and safe tires. So, when you are purchasing a cycle for your child, you can choose ones like the Joystar Kids Bicycle that has an adjustable seat to accommodate growing children. The Schwinn Balance Bike, which has a pedal-free structure, and the RoyablBaby Stargirl Bike, which includes training wheels, could also be ideal for beginners. Also, encourage them to ride safely and use the necessary gear to protect themselves.
Infographic: What Are The Advantages Of Bike Riding For Children?
Children’s bikes are the perfect companion for young adventurers, offering endless fun and fostering a love for outdoor activities while serving as an eco-friendly means to commute to school. Check out the infographic below to discover the physical, cognitive, and mental benefits of bike rides and why you should encourage your child to indulge in this enriching activity.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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