A balance bike is a bike without pedals. While it has a frame, fork, handlebars, wheels etc, it has no drivetrain. To move forwards, kids push off the ground with their feet, like Fred Flintstone.
Another thing balance bikes don’t have is stabilisers (A.K.A. training wheels). Since kids have their feet on the ground, they can develop their balance and coordination as they are not supported by stabilisers. This allows kids to develop their balance first, before progressing to pedals.
What age are balance bikes for?
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Balance bikes are normally for kids from 18 months to 7 years old. If your child can walk, chances are they can use a balance bike.
As balance bikes don’t have a drivetrain (pedals, cranks etc.) they are much lower to the ground and are much lighter than traditional kids bikes. This makes it easier for small kids to propel and steer the bike.
Do balance bikes really work?
Balance bikes typically give kids independence much earlier than traditional pedal bikes with stabilisers/ training wheels. Their inherent simplicity makes means they weigh less than traditional pedal bikes and are easier for young kids to understand.
Balance bikes are intuitive for kids and usually they just grab the bike and go, no instructions needed! By taking the task of pedalling out of the mix, kids are able to concentrate on the more tricky and nuanced skill of balancing the bike.
How does a balance bike work?
As balance bikes are low to the ground, kids reach the ground with their feet. To move forwards, they push off the ground and begin by walking the bike, then progress to running, striding and gliding. Once they are gliding along independently, kids have mastered their balance and are ready to begin pedalling. But there’s no rush, kids can keep going on the balance bike for as long as they wish.
Balance bikes also teach kids how to steer properly by leaning the bike towards the corner (unlike with stabiliers!), with the assurance of having their feet on the ground.
5 reasons why balance bikes are better than training wheels
Here it is in a nutshell. Training wheels enable a child to pedal a bike, remain upright, and get from point A to point B. But they don’t actually teach a child to ride a bike, and the whole experience is a bit awkward. Here are the 5 primary reasons why balance bikes are better than training wheels.
Balance bikes fit young kids much better than 12″ bikes with training wheels.
Uneven surfaces are a breeze on a balance bike.
They are light and easy to ride – kids can ride them much farther.
Balance bikes offer years of fun and independent riding
Graduates never need training wheels. The transition to a pedal bike is easy!
Benefits of Balance Bikes
Here are a few benefits of the balance bike that set it apart from tricycles or training wheels.
Gives Them More Control
The key feature that makes balance bikes so attractive is that they offer toddlers more control. Because their feet are still on the ground, they’re introduced to the world of cycling with the benefit of stability! Balance bikes are designed to make little ones feel safe and secure while easing them into riding.
Helps them Master One Skill at a Time
Learning to pedal, balance and steer, all at the same time, can be quite the task for a toddler! With balance bikes, they’re learning one skill at a time. First, they learn to sit on the bike and find their balance with their feet planted on the ground. As they walk their feet forward, they can feel how their arms steer the direction of the bike. Before you know it, they’re zooming up and down the street, moving their feet, balancing their bodies, and giving those motor and coordination skills a boost!
Builds Confidence
If you can remember when you first learned to ride a bike, you might recall feelings of fear and frustration. Falling off a bike might be considered a necessary childhood step, but it can also be a little scary and discouraging for a young child. Balance bikes are low to the ground, which can make falls a lot less daunting. In addition, they’re easy to use! Toddlers pick up on balance bikes very quickly, making them feel positive, self-assured, and confident in their new skills.
Boosts Development
Much like a tricycle, balance bikes offer a lot of developmental benefits. It helps them practice motor planning (learning how to turn corners), understand spatial awareness (learning how to avoid obstacles), and it activates the vestibular system (learning how to balance and move). Plus, it’s a great leg workout! Building leg strength can help with other milestones like climbing stairs and walking backward.
Tips for Purchasing a Balance Bike
There are a few things to keep in mind when purchasing a balance bike. First, you want to make sure that the height is right for your child. When seated, their feet should be safely planted on the ground with the ability to push off. Another thing to watch out for is the tire size. Smaller tires (about 12-inch) are great for younger riders, and larger tires (about 14-inch) are better for taller or older riders. Air tires are better for toddlers because they’re lighter, which makes it easier for your child to maneuver the bike.
Steps for teaching a child how to ride with a Balance Bike
Things you need:
Flat, paved space (a slight hill can be used to help kids get some momentum on their coasting– used for downhill, not uphill)
Balance bicycle, or a regular bicycle that has had the pedals removed
Helmet
Knee and elbow pads and bicycle gloves (optional–for children who are nervous about hurting themselves)
Sidewalk chalk (optional)
Steps:
Remove the pedals from the bike (if using a regular bicycle)
Lower the seat until the child’s feet are flat on the ground (if their heels are even slightly raised, they will have trouble balancing)
Draw lines about 40’ long, and about 10-15′ apart on the pavement
Have the child push themselves along the ground with their feet, using the “lanes” as guides
Once they have gotten the hang of that, challenge them to try coasting with their feet up
When a child successfully coasts 20 feet about three to five times in a row (no wobbling), they can graduate to a pedaled bike
Once children are on a pedaled bike, make sure that the seat is high enough that they aren’t hitting their knees with their chest, but they should be able to touch the ground quickly and easily with their feet.
Before you start to practice pedaling, you should review how to brake (even kids with experience riding their bikes will forget how to brake in the excitement of pedaling by themselves)
Hold the back of the seat (like you would with a traditional bike) to help the children get their balance, and walk with them while they find their balance while pedaling
No need to let go of the seat without telling them–once you feel them pulling away from your hand, you can let them know that you are letting go, and they should also feel that they’ve got their balance and will be completely okay with you letting go
Watch them fly!
Find out more at: https://www.legalaid.vic.gov.au/sites/www.legalaid.vic.gov.au/files/vla-resource-bike-law.pdf
