10 Best Balance Bikes Reviewed in 2024
Selina Marie
Teaching your child to ride a bike is one of the parenting milestones that you’re probably looking forward to. Having your child start out on a balance bike will make the process a lot quicker and easier. A balance bike is a two-wheeled bike that does not have pedals and mainly teaches your child how to balance. Children as young as eighteen months can enjoy using a balance bike. In fact, once they master balancing they should have the skills to skip over training wheels and go straight to a regular bike. Check out our list of the ten best balance bikes to officially begin your child’s bike riding journey.
In a Hurry? The test winner after 2 hrs of research
Promotes healthy lifestyle
Lightweight
Adjustable features
Perfect for ages 18months to 4
10 Best Balance Bikes Reviewed
1. Joystar
Promotes healthy lifestyle
Lightweight
Adjustable features
Perfect for ages 18months to 4
Seat doesn't go very high
A key to helping your child learn to ride a bicycle is by getting them their own balance bike. This particular balance bike is recommended for children starting from 18 months to about the age of 4. This bike is designed to help your child learn to balance, stop, and get familiar and comfortable when it comes to riding a bicycle
Read moreDesign
This bike comes with adjustable features so that your little one can use this as they grow. The seat is adjustable to whatever height is comfortable for your little one. It is also extremely easy for parents to assemble before use.
Physical Development
Balance bikes are perfect for your child to learn how to balance and get outside. These bikes are designed to help your child transition into a bicycle and feel confident and comfortable when it comes to riding. Your child will gain speed and muscle. It’s a great way for your child to enjoy time outside instead of spending inside on those screens.
Comfort
The seat is adjustable for children between 18 months and 5 years of age. The step-through frame sits low and allows children to mount and dismount all on their own.
Ease of use
This bike is simple to use that your child will love to use this every day. It’s the perfect gift to get your little one started early when it comes to riding a bike.
2. Radio Flyer Glide N Go
Large, air-filled tires for a smooth ride
Comfortable seat cushion
Adjustable seat height
Soft grips on handles for steering
Lightweight, durable steel frame
Bike runs a little large; better for older or taller children
Radio Flyer has been around for 100 years, creating toys that are beautifully simple and extremely safe. This balance bike is a pedal-free, lightweight steel bike frame with 12-inch air tires that ensure smooth riding. The seat is cushioned for comfort, so little ones can sit for longer periods of time while they practice, and the seat is adjustable to fit your child’s growing needs.
Read moreDesign
Its sleek, classic red design will have your child excited to ride in no time at all, and its durable build can withstand some bumps and crashes along the way. Just don’t forget the helmet!
Physical Development
Balance bikes allow children to work on steering and navigation, as well as balance and control. They’re pedal-free, so you don’t have to worry about them suddenly riding off while you run to catch up; these bikes set a nice pace for learning that leaves kids confident and comfortable when they move on to two-wheelers
Comfort
The seat is padded for optimal comfort and the bike is lightweight so parents can easily wheel it and lift it for storage. The seat is also adjustable so you can customize the fit and feel as your child grows.
Ease of use
The Radio Flyer Glide and Go is most suitable for children who are between the ages of 2.5 and 5 years, and at or beneath the 50-pound weight capacity. It’s sleek, safe, and stable. This bike will last you a while, and since its adjustable, your child won’t outgrow it for some time to come. It’s comfortable and it will equip them with all the right skills to transition smoothly into riding a big kid bike.
3. The Croco Ultra-Light
Flat-free, EVA polymer tires
Lightweight, sturdy aluminum frame
No tool, easy assembly
Adjustable seat and handlebars
Cushioned grips and seat cover
Children on the younger end of the 18 months-to-5-years spectrum may have trouble reaching the floor even on the lowest seat setting
Weighing just 4.3 pounds, the Croco Premium is the lightest balance bike on the market. The secret to this feat is their EVA polymer tires and quality aluminum frame, which makes the bike durable but keeps it from being heavy. All screws are equipped with safety ends to ensure soft little skin doesn’t snag.
Read moreDesign
Quick-release clamps mean that even when you adjust it for your growing boys and girls, there’s no need to break out the toolbox. A 100-percent satisfaction guarantee ensures that if you have any issues, Croco will cover you and replace all defective parts.
Physical Development
If you’re tired of doing extra reps every time your child needs you to lug around one of their toys, this is the bike for you. It’s incredibly light--so much so that children can carry it themselves, and yet the safety and strength of the product isn’t compromised by this. Croco has a great design here, made for comfort and a consistently good performance.
Comfort
An adjustable seat and handlebars mean that your child will be able to use this for quite some time. This bike is most suitable for children ages 18 months to 5 years, and comes with extra-soft handle grips, a padded seat, and gripped footrests. Its seat adjusts from 11.5 inches to 18.5 inches off the ground, and the handlebars can separate an extra 5 inches as well, as growing children’s arm span increases.
Ease of use
Although it is extremely lightweight, it also is extremely durable. Its tires are made from EVA polymer, which is integral to keeping the bike at a mere 4.3 pounds. Assembly takes roughly five minutes and is tool-free.
4. Strider 12 Sport
Handlebar and seat is adjustable to grow with your kid
Very lightweight frame, making it easy for your child to hold and handle
Promotes hand-eye coordination as steering controls the path of the bike
Does not have any unnecessary distracting parts that may prevent kids from focusing
The seat is made of very hard plastic which may be quite uncomfortable
The Strider 12 Sport balance bike is loaded with goodies that will make the process of learning to balance more than enjoyable for your child. Children as young as one can experience the fun of balancing and with the adjustable seat they can continue to experience the fun as they grow. This bike is available in a variety of different colors, thus making it easy to pick out the perfect one for your child.
Read moreDesign
With the very simplistic design of this 12 Sport Balance Bike by Strider, young inexperienced kids can learn how to balance a bike.
Physical Development
They can also learn how to steer it, without using training wheels. This is fantastic as training wheels may further hinder a child from learning how to ride a bike independently for the fact that they don’t have to work on the concept of balance because they training wheels are there for that specific function
Comfort
The customized toddler grips make it easy for your child’s little hands to grasp and control the bike. The padded handlebar and seat will provide a comfortable experience. The bike can be customized to fit children anywhere between 18 months and 5 years, with an inseam roughly falling between 12-20 inches. The mini-grips are perfectly sized for small hands.
Ease of use
This helpful bike does not have any type of complicated features which will go a long way towards making kids feel confident as they learn to ride a bike.
5. Strider 12 Classic
Very easy for kids to operate and handle
The seat is adjustable to suit your child’s height accordingly
Does not come with pedals which could get in the way of kids learning how to balance
Great starter bike for the overall development of motor skills
The seat is plastic and may be uncomfortable
With ten years of experience under Strider’s belt, it should be no surprise that another Strider bike made our list. Transporting the bike is super easy as it can quickly be taken apart and put back together. Young children can easily maneuver the bike as it only weighs 6.7 pounds. Available in pink, red, blue, or green you can purchase this bike in your child’s favorite color.
Read moreDesign
The 12 Classic is specifically designed to aid young kids in smoothly transitioning from taking decisive steps while sitting on a seat, to acquiring the knowledge of guiding and balancing a bike.
Physical Development
Similar to Strider’s 12 Sport Balance Bike, the Classic version can help unseasoned kids to develop a strong foundation in balancing a bike. The foam wheels allow your child to get the bike rolling quickly. In fact, the foam material makes it easy for your child to push the bike over a variety of terrains.
Comfort
Kids will feel confident in being able to easily pilot this Strider bike as the seat is adjustable to help with comfort and the grips are custom made specifically for small hands. Adjusting the handlebars and seat is super easy as the bike is designed with a quick release. At 11 inches, this is one of the lowest seat heights found in balance bikes.
Ease of use
This lightweight bike comes with built-in footrests to further aid your child in balancing as they are able to coast and glide with them.
6. Retrospec Cub No Pedal
Tires will never go flat as they are air-free
Helps to improve coordination and balance
Handlebars and Seatpost is adjustable to aid in maximum comfort
The bike frame is sized perfectly for small kids to further build upon their confidence and independence
The bike is a bit on the heavier side and may be tough for kids to handle at first
The first time we laid our eyes on the Cub No-Pedal Balance Bike for Kids, we thought it was a scooter with an integrated seat. The reason for this was the unusually sleek profile of the Cub but with an extra-large footrest platform at the base of the frame and the seat. The only thing that really gives it away as a unique glider bike is the two wheels that are too large to be considered a scooter. Regardless, the Cub is one fascinating ride for young tots as the comfy seat naturally conforms to the still-developing hips and pelvis of growing children.
Read moreDesign
The Cub’s sleek and curvy appeal be trays the functionality of its overall design. What is truly amazing about the Cub is its wide footrests as well as spectacular step-thru frame. The tires are fully rubberized, too, and as such, you don’t have to worry about tire punctures and blowouts. This should spell an added benefit in the form of low maintenance requirements.
Physical Development
For the fact that there are no pedals on this bike, kids can receive a better balance, therefore, decreasing the falls. Your child will enjoy the high-quality frame on this bike as it is virtually indestructible so that it will last them until they acquire enough stability and confidence to control a bike with pedals.
Comfort
The footrest is very low to the ground, so whenever your kid feels uneasy, they can stop comfortably. The seat, as well as the handlebar, are fully adjustable, too. You don’t actually need any special tools to do this. Moreover, the adjustability of both components is just perfect for growing children. The wide footrests are a joy to behold as they provide added security and safety for your kid’s fragile feet. This helps provide greater stability as your kid can easily rest his or her feet on these structures instead of letting them dangle on the sides.
Ease of use
This amazing bike by Critical Cycles has a very low risk of injury and minimal assembly so that your kid can start striding and gliding right away. The unitary design melding the seat structure, the frame, and the rear wheel fork adds to the stability of the Cub. Adding to this safety and stability is the step-thru design of its bike frame. It’s like the frame of ladies’ bicycles allowing them to easily hop onto the seat. This minimizes the risk of falls especially if your kid’s motor development is not yet that fully advanced.
7. Schwinn 12 Wheels
Improves balance and coordination skills
Features adjustable seat height
Handlebars can be adjusted according to the height
Includes air tubed tires
Simple and unique frame design
The metal frame will rust if left out in the weather
Lacks handlebar padding
Learning to ride a pedal bike is not nearly as challenging after kids have learned to ride a balance bike. This balance bike has a unique body design that is practical and simple. The simple and unique design of this frame on the balance bike is great for young riders. It is easily adjustable to their height and makes it ideal for them to learn quickly.
Read moreDesign
Both tires on this bike have the air tub design
which is great for outside riding or on rough terrain. The simple design of this balance offers everything that a great balance bike needs and would be great to add to your outside play toy collection.
Physical Development
Learning to balance on a pedal bike can often be difficult, but with this balance bike, it takes away the pedaling and just focuses on the balance. Children who learn to ride a balance bike are shown to have considerable improvements in their bilateral coordination.
Comfort
The design is great for getting just the right height with the body to the floor. With adjustable seat height, it makes it easy for kids to feel comfortable pushing and gliding along. This allows them to practice balancing a bike without having to worry about the pedal aspect. Adjusting the handlebars to just the right position also adds to their confidence.
Ease of use
Allowing kids to learn to ride a balance bike before riding on a pedal bike is a great way to promote their balancing capabilities. It is one of the most important skills that are needed.
8. Fox Air Beds Bixe Extreme Light
Extremely lightweight
Seat and handlebars are adjustable
Easy to use
Will make the process of learning to ride a bike quicker
Some reviewers feel rubber tires would provide a better grip
The Bixe will swap out any fears your little one has with learning to ride a bike and replace it with excitement. Designed with an all-aluminum frame, this 12-inch bike is extremely lightweight. Weighing in at only four pounds, your toddler can feel a sense of control as they have the ability to carry their own bike. Introducing your child to a balance bike before a bike with training wheels will make the process of learning to ride a bike quick and easy.
Read moreDesign
The seat and the handlebars are designed to just thus allowing your child to continue to use this bike as they grow. When purchasing you can choose between several fun colors to match your child’s style.
Physical Development
Your child can safely plant their feet down as soon as they begin to feel as if they are losing their balance. As their ability to balance increases so will their confidence. Assembly is simple, thus your child can begin balancing in no time. Kids will also see an increase in gross motor skills, the ability to steer themselves, and general confidence. Plus riding a bike is great exercise and builds powerful leg muscles!
Comfort
Designing the bike to be light enough for a toddler to carry is absolutely amazing as it will reduce your child’s fears and make them feel more in control. Designed with a young child’s height in mind, this bike is the perfect size for them to be able to lift their feet and coast comfortably—which is the whole point of a balance bike!
Ease of use
The bike is easy to use, thus your child will have no trouble with grasping the concept of walking with their bike between their legs.
9. KaZAM Classic
Has inflatable tires so that you have a reasonable amount of control over how fast or slow your kid goes
Easy to assemble as you only need two tools, which are included
Footrest has an ample amount of space
Does not have a steer-limiter, which promotes independence as your kid can be responsible for their own steering
The seat is pointed downward which can hinder kids from staying seated comfortably
Handlebar grips are made of rubber and can easily slide off
We know how frustrating it can be to teach young kids how to ride a bike. There’s simply a lot of things that need to be considered such as your kid’s ability to balance. While some may prefer a tricycle, many prefer a no pedal bike such as the KaZAM Classic Balance Bike.
Read moreDesign
The overall design of the KaZAM Classic is truly a marvel, to say the least. The placement of the footrest is one of the main reasons why we chose this over the others. Plus, the other features like a fully adjustable handlebar and seat make this a true gem to have for your children. The KaZAM Classic Balance Bike has a good build in addition to being compact and lightweight so that it is easy for you to place into your trunk without any hassle if your kid would like to ride at the local park.
Physical Development
In contrast to the no-pedal bikes listed above, this classic balance bike has inflatable tires. The inflatable tires will benefit your child greatly as you can decide how much air will be able to help them balance better. The fully integrated footrest is located in the inner curve of the bike frame, unlike the usual arrangement located on the rear fork. This arrangement allows for optimum comfort riding as your kid will be able to put his or her feet directly in front of him or her and not towards the side and back. This is not to say that there are no detractors as well, especially those who are concerned about the tires getting punctured and needing remediation.
Comfort
The KaZAM Classic has plenty of features that are designed to make your kid’s training a lot safer, more comfortable, and truly easy. The molded seat, for instance, allow for superb riding comfort which is further enhanced by its fully pneumatic tires. Adding comfort to the riding experience are the grip handles that have been beautifully wrapped in soft and cushiony padding.
Ease of use
The fully integrated footrest is located in the inner curve of the bike frame, unlike the usual arrangement located on the rear fork. This arrangement allows for optimum comfort riding as your kid will be able to put his or her feet directly in front of him or her and not towards the side and back. This is not to say that there are no detractors as well, especially those who are concerned about the tires getting punctured and needing remediation.
10. Banana Lightweight
Updated frame design with seat and wheel bearings
Features quick release bracket on the seat
Easy and quick assembly
Puncture proof foam tires
Economical value
Foam tires do not ride will on smooth surfaces
The seat is not durable and lacks cushion
With the new and improved design of this balance bike, you won’t be let down. The seat and bearings have been updated plus they have added; quick release bracket on the seat, made the metal headset stronger, upgraded the handlebars, and it is now easier than ever to assemble. One cool factor about this balance bike is the banana-shaped frame design which is great for toddlers 18 months or older.
Read moreDesign
Save money and your children’s knees as well. It is thought in the past that balance bikes were just a waste of money, but they are proving everyone wrong. Balance bikes actually replace all the tricycles and small ride on toys that kids usually get plus they can ride their balance bike for a much longer period of time making it a great decision overall.
Physical Development
Their overall balance skills will be better causing fewer wrecks once moving to a pedal bike. So buying a balance bike it is a win for all.
Comfort
The tires feature a puncture proof foam that has been constructed from EVA foam. Not only will they never get a flat, but you will never have to pump them up either. This is a great bike with a classic design that is sure to impress.
Ease of use
The seat goes pretty low making it easy for them to start their bike riding journey at a pretty young age. With the updated frame design it is super strong, but yet still easy to carry and lightweight
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Design
In picking a product to include in our list of the most amazing balance bikes, we had to look at the safety first. This is because these ride-on toys are technically replacements for training wheels and tricycles that many young kids use. However, since they don’t have pedals or any mechanism other than a frame, a steering handle, and two wheels, their safety is one of the utmost concerns. In ensuring the safety of these kinds of bicycles, we looked at their overall construction. It must be highly durable, otherwise, you’d be expecting a lot of wipeouts from your young rider. The safety features can come in different forms, though.
Physical Development
Balance bikes are a wonderful way for your child to explore the bicycle world before they get comfortable riding a bike. These balance bikes are easy for your child to use and learn. Your child will be able to work on their fine motor skills as well. They’ll gain strength trying to steer and learn how to balance properly. Your child will be well prepared when the time is right before they transition to a bike that has pedals. They won’t be as fearful to use a regular bike once they’ve mastered the balance bike.
Comfort
It was also crucial for us to look at the different features integrated into the design and construction of the pedal-less bike. These can include the braking system, a turning limiter, the height of the seat, and any available footrests. The latter is actually for practical purposes especially if your kid is already cruising along pretty well with his or her glider bike. It would be awkward having his or her feet dangling on either side of the bicycle simply because he or she doesn’t have a structure with which to rest his or her feet. The weight of the balance bicycle had also been factored into the equation. Too heavy and the risk of falling because of poor balance and control is also great. Too light and one wrong move can send the bicycle up into the air like E.T.
Ease of Use
All of these features were cross-referenced with the developmental needs of children at a specific age. We had to make sure that the recommended age matches the developmental level of the child riding it. Otherwise, any mismatch can have implications to the young rider’s overall development. In general, balance bicycles serve to develop or train a kid’s sense of balance which should be the springboard for improving the kid’s coordination and confidence. If the ride-on toy cannot guarantee this basic developmental need, then we had to scrap it off our list.
The bicycle maker’s reputation was also scrutinized. As much as possible, we only included those with an excellent reputation as it somehow speaks of the quality workmanship and safety that they put in every product that they manufacture. If we can establish their credibility, then we can be sure it’s a high-quality product.
Design Physical Development Comfort Ease of Use 
Evidence suggests that starting children on a tricycle does not really prepare the child to one very fundamental requirement of riding a bike: balancing. Riding a bicycle requires excellent proprioceptive senses as well as superb coordination of the different body parts to achieve balance. Three wheels make balancing easy and only teaches children the art of pedalling.
It is for this reason that a balance bike is now regarded as a much better approach to teaching kids how to ride a bike without necessarily pedalling first. They are essentially taught how to achieve and maintain balance especially while the pedal-less bike is already moving.
Other Factors to Consider
Safety
These balance bikes are very safe as they are made from durable materials that will not break down over time. Balance bikes for kids are low to the ground and easily adjustable to suit the individual needs of your kid. Because they don’t contain chain links or bulky pedals, which could result in injury, you can rest easy knowing that your kid will be safe as they operate this bike.
However, it is important to remember that no bike will protect your kid 100 percent of the time no matter how well built it is, so always equip your kid with a helmet and other protective gear.
Educational Value
Young kids love being able to do things on their own without the help of their parents for the fact that it makes them feel grown-up if you will. As kids are able to pick the lightweight balance bike up on their own and easily get on and off of it without help, they will feel more independent as well as confident when it comes to balancing and operating a bike properly. This feeling of independence will go a long way as your kid grows older and transitions to a bike with pedals.
Creativity
Kids are creative beings by nature. With these balance bikes, your kids will be able to pretend play that they are on a speed bike or motorcycle as they learn how to navigate the bike. Additionally, having an awesome balance bike will encourage your kid to interact with other kids in the neighborhood or at the local playground so that they can ride bikes together, creating many fun memories. Eventually, your child will be able to transition from a balance bike to a two-wheel bike with pedals which will enable them to get out and enjoy the outdoors. Fresh air and the scenery of the outside world are proven to boost creativity in many individuals, including children.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: Are the tires of the 12 Sports Balance Bike by Strider made of rubber or plastic?
The tires on all Strider bikes are made of high-quality industrial foam. Unlike plastic, this particular type of foam tire provides amazing traction, possibly much better traction than plastic tires. In view of the fact that the tires are filled with foam rather than air, they are 100 percent maintenance-free and you will never have to worry about your kid’s tire ever going flat.
q: What are the benefits of bikes without pedals?
Pedal-less bikes provide a variety of benefits for inexperienced kids. Kids can learn to operate bikes without pedals at a very young age, unlike traditional pedal bikes, giving them the advantage to learn sooner. Pedal-less bikes are very lightweight making it easy for little ones to navigate and handle. Pedal-less bikes also teach kids everything they need to know in order to ride a bike with pedals such as steering, balance and how to stop, all without bulky obstructing pedals or chains.
q: Can I attach pedals to balance bikes?
No, you cannot attach pedals to balance bikes as there is no way to efficiently do that because you would also need to integrate a chain-link system. Balance bikes are specifically designed without pedals so that your child may learn how to properly establish balance without the use of training wheels or pedals. Furthermore, the location of pedals could hinder your little one from learning how to properly balance a bike.
q: Balance bikes seem very easy to navigate, does my kid still need a helmet?
Yes, whether it’s a balance bike or a bike with pedals, your kid still needs to wear a helmet. No matter what type of bike your kid is operating, they will still be prone to minor accidents as all kids are and will need a helmet to protect them. In addition to a helmet, elbow and knee pads will be helpful as your kid learns how to balance and operate a bike.
Sources
- , Airless Bicycle Tires Review , Article
- , Your Bike Tires Are Over-Inflated (Probably), Informative Article
- , Great Ideas! 5 Reasons Balance Bikes Are Better for Toddlers, Blog Post
- , Balance bicycle, Wikipedia Page
- , Did you say “bikes with no pedals?” , Informative Article
