10 Best Kids Mountain Bikes Reviewed in 2024
Ana
Jessica Mentzer
The best part about rugged, rough terrain is being able to ride a fabulous mountain bike over the area. These bikes are special because they can handle the uneven surfaces of wooded areas, mountains, rock formations, hills, grassy areas, and even beaches. What makes them able to glide over these expanses so easily is the large tires and the durable, strong frames on them. The positive reviews are overwhelming on these bikes and we feature them here for you. Popular names in the bicycling world such as Mongoose, Schwinn, Roadmaster, and Northwoods have some of the best bikes in this category. There is even a folding mountain bike called the Stowaway that has a huge number of positive feedback and reviews online. We think that you will be most pleased with these incredible products. Let us now show you the best kids’ mountain bikes rated in 2019.
In a Hurry? The test winner after 25 hrs of research
Includes a mountain steel frame
Tires are four-inches wide
Hills are easy to climb with the seven speeds
Will ride well on rocks, sand, and snow
Has beach cruiser pedals and frame
10 Best Kids Mountain Bikes
1. Mongoose Dolomite Fat Tire
Includes a mountain steel frame
Tires are four-inches wide
Hills are easy to climb with the seven speeds
Will ride well on rocks, sand, and snow
Has beach cruiser pedals and frame
Does not have the holes included to mount on a bike rack
Some said it arrived damaged for them
This Mongoose Dolomite Fat Tire Bike has beach cruiser pedals and frame, plus tires that will easily glide over dirt and sand. It will even bounce over rocks and embankments quickly because of the huge, fat tires. This item is offered in red or blue and includes a mountain steel frame. All-condition braking is provided by the rear and front disc brakes, plus changing gears is easy and smooth because of the twist shifters. Hills are easy to climb with the seven speeds of the rear Shimano derailleur. This bike has an adjustable, threadless headset and strong alloy rims that are lightweight. It includes nice extras, such as a sport seat and three-piece crank. If you want to ride in style almost anywhere, then this is the bicycle for you.
Read moreDesign
Just the appearance of this well-built, awesome bike makes anyone want to ride it! the fat tires look as though they will easily glide over anything in their path. What fun!
Ease of use
Kids can change the gears easily and climb hills quickly with the included seven speeds. No terrain is impossible with the power of this mechanism and the wonderful features it has.
Effectiveness
Unique to a mountain bike, this one can handle well even in sand and soft dirt because of the large tires. Almost any terrain type will not pose a problem for this fabulous durable bicycle.
Durability
The super-sized, knobby tires are twenty-six-inches in diameter and four inches wide. They will ride well on rocks, sand, snow, and any terrain all year round for fun and enjoyment whenever you want.
2. Stowabike 26" MTB V
Has eighteen speeds
Brakes are V-brakes of steel
Looks great and is built to last
Holds up to 177 pounds
Comes with an Allen wrench
Some said the brakes are not the best
Bike is heavy for a portable item
When space is a problem at home, in the car, or on public transportation, then this is the mountain bike for you. It folds up into approximately half of the space it takes up in the form to ride it. The bike comes with an Allen wrench to loosen the joints that allow it to fold up quickly and easily. Two colors choices are offered for this bike, and the frame is a twenty-six-inch folding frame. The fork is twenty-six inches of steel, and the tires are the same width in diameter. It includes steel handlebars with a steel stem, grips of black rubber, a mountain bike seat, and a steel kickstand. This bike holds up to 177 pounds.
Read moreDesign
This bike has V-brakes of steel and dual suspension, plus quality components. It looks great and is built to last. The bike has spring shocks, three-speed shifter, and front and rear derailleur.
Ease of use
What is there not to like about a bike that can fold up easily for storage purposes? With just a few quick steps in loosening the joints, this bike will take up half the space it does when it is ready to ride.
Effectiveness
Kids will love the flexibility and endurance of this superb bike. It can do all the rough riding and tricks that regular rides can in all the rugged places that they like to explore, plus fold up in a compact form.
Durability
Although the steel parts make this bike heavier than some others, it is these durable parts that make it the high-quality item that it is for riding in rough areas and over obstacles.
3. Northwoods Aluminum Full Suspension
Available in two great colors
Has an aluminum frame that is full suspension
Includes alloy rims of 24”
Contains a Shimano Rear Derailleur
Sturdy, lightweight, and easy to assemble
Some said the front wheel wobbles
The cables were worn for a few buyers
Available in two great, bold colors, this full-suspension mountain bike from Northwoods includes alloy rims of twenty-four inches and twist shifters of twenty-one speeds. It has an aluminum frame that is full-suspension with a 50mm crown fork of steel. This bike contains a Shimano Rear Derailleur, and the crank is Steel Triple. This is a trusty, lightweight bicycle that is sturdy and easy to assemble. It is equally suitable for boys and girls of many ages and can be ridden in many different terrains, including flat areas, hills, wooded lots, and mountainous ranges. This is a fabulous bike for those kids that are usually very rough with their bikes and have troubles with breaking parts.
Read moreDesign
Large tough tires, many speeds, and a full-suspension frame is an ideal design for this incredible mountain bike for both boys and girls. It is so easy to ride that children of even young ages can ride it well.
Ease of use
Plenty of times, bikes are very hard to put together when they arrive in pieces in a big box. This one, luckily, is not hard to assemble and can be done within an hour or so.
Effectiveness
Wherever kids like to ride their bikes, this wonderful product will allow them to enjoy the experience much more. It is perfect for almost any terrain with superior traction and strong build.
Durability
This is a sturdy, lightweight bicycle that is very durable. You can trust the high-quality of the Northwoods name brand and feel safe that you are getting a terrific product that will last for many years of enjoyable riding.
4. 24" Roadmaster Granite
Is a superior all-around bike for rough terrain
Includes a mountain frame of steel
Easy to control and comfortable to ride
Tires are knobby tread
Alloy rims provide stability and durability
A few buyers did not like the overall design of the bike
Some people were missing parts
This boys’ mountain bike from Roadmaster comes in three color choices and has twenty-four inches wheels. It is a superior all-around bicycle for rough terrain, especially the mountains and hills in wooded areas. It can be used equally well on paved streets or unpaved rugged paths. The strong tires are knobby tread, so the bike is easy to maneuver on dirt roads or pavement. Alloy rims provide stability and durability. This terrific mountain bike includes eighteen-speed twist shifters and a rear Shimano Derailleur. This allows the best shifting performance on the trail. Roadmaster has been a trusted American name brand for bikes for decades. Their top-quality products speak for themselves.
Read moreDesign
The marvelous design of this amazing bike includes a mountain frame made of steel and a suspension fork in the front. It makes the bicycle easy to control and comfortable to ride.
Ease of use
Easy to shift and maneuver, kids of all ages will be able to ride this item efficiently. It can manage all sorts of terrain types and not put a strain on the rider for additional power for steeper climbs.
Effectiveness
Twenty-four inches wheels are the perfect size for almost any kind of exploring on a bike. Kids can just ride in the neighborhood on flat surfaces, or take this incredibly sturdy bike in the very rugged, hilly country for a fun experience.
Durability
Having a trusted brand of a bicycle can give you the confidence to ride in open territory that is rough and untamed. This bike will do just that because it carried the well-known name of Roadmaster.
5. Schwinn S29 Men's 29"
Has twenty-nine-inch wheels and an eighteen-inch frame
Gives excellent shifting when changing gears quickly
Comes with a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer
Made by a trusted, well-known company
The 21 speeds will permit the rider to handle difficult terrain
Front wheel was wobbly for a few buyers
Some received damaged or missing parts
This fantastic mountain bike from Schwinn has twenty-nine-inch wheels and an eighteen-inch frame. It includes an SR Suntour suspension fork and rear and front disc brakes. The bicycle contains SRAM 3.0 trigger twenty-one-speed shifting and SRAM 3.0 rear derailleur, which gives it excellent shifting when changing gears quickly. It comes with a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer and includes SR Suntour alloy three-piece cranks. This mountain bike is made by a trusted, well-known company with many decades in the business of making high-quality bikes. This bicycle has many performance features that will benefit the mountain rider.
Read moreDesign
The durable aluminum frame and the larger wheels will allow the rider to easily roll over sticks and rocks in the path. It will be easy to stop quickly in dusty areas with the rear and front disc brakes.
Ease of use
The twenty-one speeds will permit the rider to climb difficult hills or gain some speed during fast descents. The ideal age for this bicycle is fourteen-years-old and older.
Effectiveness
Several unique features of this bike will allow children to handle the rough surfaces of hills and mountains well. With the twenty-one speeds and the larger wheels, rugged terrain is not a problem to ride well in.
Durability
The Schwinn name is one you can trust for high-quality and durability in bicycles. They have been in business since the late 1800’s so they do know a thing or two about making excellent bikes.
6. 24" Mongoose Ledge 2.1
Features full-suspension and 21 speeds
Includes an aluminum frame and fork
Has alloy linear pull brakes
Comes with lightweight alloy rims
Has a mountain style athletic seat that is padded
Some said it was hard to shift
A couple of complaints about assembly
The 24” Mongoose Ledge Mountain Bike has an aluminum frame and fork with full-suspension that smooths a bumpy ride. It also has twenty-one speeds and Shimano rear Derailleur, which can handle a variety of terrains from rough to smooth. This bike has alloy linear pull brakes that provide strong stopping power and alloy rims that are lightweight and strong. The three-piece crank allows reliable gear support and aids the bicycle in transitioning easily from one gear to the other. The large wheels are a full twenty-four inches in diameter and the bike comes in a red and silver combination that most children will love.
Read moreDesign
The best mountain bikes have the larger tires that can take any type of terrain they encounter. It is those rides that kids love the most as they conquer all the places they would love to travel.
Ease of use
It really helps to have a comfortable seat to ride on when crossing rough areas of land and rocks. This terrific bike has a wonderful seat that is very comfortable because it is padded.
Effectiveness
The twenty-one speeds of this bicycle and the large tires will help kids manage the rough areas of woods, hills, and mountains where there are plenty of rocks and sticks in the paths.
Durability
Included is a mountain-style athletic seat that is nicely padded for those rough rides in rugged terrain. With the strong aluminum frame and sturdy suspension, rides are smooth and the bike long-lasting.
7. Guardian Kids Bikes Ethos. 16”
Kid sized mountain bike build with safety in mind
Features Sure Stop Technology, a lever of brake controls both wheels at the same time
Build for kids with a lower center of gravity
Includes lightweight frame for better stability
Manufacture process includes 34 checkpoints for safety
Gear shifting is not smooth unless traveling at a steady speed
Does not have room for a water bottle holder
It has been designed with a technology that makes this mountain bike safer for kids. The technology allows children to stop easier and with more control. It is a Sure Stop Technology that is designed with one lever of the braking system to control both wheels. This allows children to stop faster and with more control, also preventing the ever so scary accident of the child flipping over the handlebars. This 16 mountain bike is great for kids.
Read moreDesign
The design of the bike is best suited for children that are 40 inches to 46 inches tall, which is usually about 4 years old to 6 years old. Included with the bike is a chart that allows you to best select the size of the mountain bike that is best for each child. Each of the bikes has been designed with the same technology and give kids the control that they need when learning to ride a mountain bike.
Ease of Use
One of the best features of these mountain bikes is the company's drive to ensure that the mountain bike is one of the safest on the trail. They have been designed with safety in mind. They provide a quality product that has been focused on the control and stability of the bike giving it one of the most solid and stable rides that your child could embark on. It matters to them what happens after the bike leaves the product line and your child starts to ride.
Effectiveness
Every one of these bikes features a design that puts your child closer to the ground when they are riding allowing them to be more stable. It features a geometry design of the frame that is lower to the ground and the wheelbase has been extended. These two features combined improve the stability of the bike and provide kids with an experience that is safer and more reliable. The lower center of gravity gives this bike a feel that the kids will love riding and the insurance that parents are looking for in a high quality mountain bike for their child.
Durability
One of the best features of this mountain bike is the design, but it also is awesome to assemble. It comes in a box, but the best thing is the bike will be out of the box and the kids will be riding in less than 10 minutes. All of the tools have been included in the package and it is super easy to assemble.
8. Mongoose Status Comp 26-Inch
Has a full-suspension aluminum frame
Contains rear and front disc brakes
Allows quick release front with the alloy wheels
Can handle the trickiest moves
Includes a three-piece alloy rims and crank
Front forks came out of line for a few buyers
Comments on being hard to assemble
Mongoose is a well-known brand in the bike world and for good reason. They make some of the best, durable bicycles on the market. This is one of the two that we highlight on this page. It has an eighteen-inch frame and twenty-six-inch wheels. The model is only available currently in red and includes front fork suspension. It has a full-suspension aluminum frame and contains rear and front disc brakes for the best braking power. This bicycle allows quick release front with the alloy wheels and is agile and lightweight. It has a rear Shimano derailleur and SRAM twist shifters for the higher speeds. This bike can handle the trickiest moves and includes three-piece alloy rims and crank for the best durability.
Read moreDesign
The large twenty-six-inch wheels will allow this bike to roll over almost any surface and debris in the way. Large tires are a huge plus and a main feature of mountain bikes.
Ease of use
With front and rear brakes, children will be able to handle this product so well. They can stop even on uneven surfaces and inclines because of this unique dual braking system.
Effectiveness
This bike has rear and front disc brakes for the most braking power available on such bikes. When you are going down an embankment or hill at a fast speed, this feature will really be appreciated.
Durability
With front fork suspension and strong wheels and frame, this is one bike that will last for many years of incredible riding. The sturdy build not only enhances the ride, but also allows the rider to go the extra mile and conquer rougher terrains.
9. RoyalBaby Honey & Buttons Kids Bike
12-inch mountain bike for young riders
Features heavy duty training wheels for extra stability
Unique design for square tube frame
Includes 2.4 inch extra wide tires
Designed with front hand brake and coaster rear brake
Assemble is not easy, requires many steps and parts
Not a lightweight design
Mountain biking is a sport that everyone loves to give a try and this kid sized mountain bike gives even the smallest members of your family a chance to join in with everyone else. The bike features a unisex design making it perfect for everyone. The various colors of the bike are fashionable and really make the bike stand out. Plus it features a patented tire design that makes the bike super stable and easy to ride even on the toughest trails.
Read moreDesign
The design of the bike is truly unique. Each of the bikes on the frame and on the fork features a square tube design. The square design is interesting and makes this bike one that will look different than all the others, but also provides one of the best rides with the wide tires.
Ease of Use
Each bike features front hand brakes and also a coaster brake on the rear. This provides the bike with double safety features that are easy to use. Both of the brakes are kid sized with the levers being short and just a short reach away. When teaching the little ones to ride learning how to use the braking system can be a challenge, but with this bike and the child sized features it will be easier than you thought.
Effectiveness
Often little riders that want to ride a mountain bike may not be ready to hit the mountain trail just yet but with the heavy duty training wheels that are included with the bike it gets them started in the right direction. The training wheels are designed to give the rider the extra stability that gives them the confidence to become great riders.
Durability
The square tube design of this bike provides riders with a strong frame that gives the stability that they need to become strong riders. The bike has a style that is perfect for the little mountain bike rider but has been created from quality materials that provide riders with a stable and consistent ride.
10. BEIOU Carbon Fiber 27.5
Has twenty-seven-inch tires
Includes a twenty-nine-inch carbon fiber frame
Uses Shimano gear to man the bike at top speeds
Can be easily carried anywhere it is so light
Is comfortable to ride and easy to use
Some reviewer said the carbon is cheap
A few had cracks in the paint job
The BEIOU Carbon Filter Mountain Bike is comfortable to ride and easy to use. it can be carried anywhere because it is so light. It comes in four great colors and includes a black matte finish. This bicycle has twenty-seven-inch tires and a twenty-nine-inch carbon fiber frame. It includes twenty-seven speeds, hydraulic dual disc brakes, fork air suspension, and hairtail MTB. The bike uses Shimano gear to man the bicycle at the top speeds. The seat posts and handlebars are also in carbon fiber like the bike frame for a durable bike that will last a long time and withstand any terrain that comes along.
Read moreDesign
Unique to this model, this item is made of carbon fiber, making it so lightweight and rugged. This terrific design is appreciated by children for riding in the rough areas where they might have to lift the bike out of woody or bush areas.
Ease of use
The carbon fiber frame is what makes this bike so light and durable and enjoyable by new bicycling enthusiast and professional riders alike. The portability and transport options are greatly increased with such a bike, especially for kids.
Effectiveness
The carbon fiber that makes up this bike’s frame, handlebars, and seat post is an incredibly strong substance that will allow the bike to ride through almost any terrain easily.
Durability
A bike that can satisfy both beginners and professionals is a great bicycle. Because it is so easy to ride and has some of the most durable parts of any mountain bike, it is a joy to own and ride.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Design
With larger tires than regular bikes, these mountain bicycles just roll over twigs, rocks, and thick grass with ease. The strong frames allow the bounce and jolts that occur when going over these obstacles. It is this rough riding that makes such bikes so entertaining and enjoyable. Kids are fascinated and thrilled to ride these areas with such bikes because of the excitement and challenging terrain. We feature the best brands of mountain bikes that consumers are buying and are very pleased with and are buying the most. The ride of a mountain bike is only as good as its construction and design, which is what makes these so excellent for kids.
Ease of Use
Every bicycle on this page comes to you partially assembled. With the simple instructions, you must finish putting the parts together, such as the handlebars, kickstand, pedals, and for some, even the brakes. Tires must be inflated more because they arrive only partially inflated. It should only take less than an hour to assemble any of these mountain bicycles and have them ready to ride quickly. The assembly process is also a good teaching moment for kids to either help in the process or try to do it themselves if they are old enough. Children love putting things together and assembling your own bike could not be any more rewarding. It could also present a bonding opportunity with tackling this task together with a parent.
Effectiveness
All of these mountain bikes are for rough terrains where there is rocks, twigs, dirt, sand, and mounds of dirt. The large tires on the bikes and the durable frames make them suitable for these rugged areas where kids love to ride and test their skills. Each has their own special features, but basically, all of them can handle mountains, rock formations, hills, wooded areas, beaches (the fat tire bike), and grassy plateaus. They ride equally as well on flat pavements and yards. It is the special aspects of these products that separate them from regular bikes of the same size. They are much more rugged and tough to easily conquer the terrains with the traction needed than regular bike models.
Durability
Made of steel, aluminum, and carbon fiber depending on the item, the materials used in the construction of these bikes is the most durable, so they can take the punishment from the terrain and the child that rides on it. These bikes should last for many years of interesting, fun riding for your child. They are all well-built and most of them come from well-known names you can trust, such as Mongoose, Northwoods, Schwinn, and Roadmaster. These manufacturers make only high-quality products that you can trust and depend on for greatness.
Design Ease of Use Effectiveness Durability 
Riding gloves are perforated and half-finger, so they will keep the palms well-ventilated and moisture-free, plus allow a good grip. The hands will not form calluses or blisters with the use of riding gloves either.
Mountain bikes have at least twenty-one speeds to help kids with inclines and steep drops in surface areas. The brakes are much stronger too for needed quick stops. This is where they mainly differ from regular bikes of the same size, besides the larger tires and stronger frames.
Other Factors to Consider
Value
Each item we feature has received the best reviews and the most reviews of all online purchases of mountain bikes. These are also the products with the most feedback on this category as well. We sort through the positive and negative reviews to bring you only the best products that customers would buy again because they were fully satisfied with their purchase. We save you time in your shopping experience to find the best items for your child. Customers are recommending these items to others, and we tell you exactly why in each product section.
Brand
Well-known brands such as Schwinn, Roadmaster, Mongoose, and Northwoods are featured in this terrific buying guide because they are the best models on the market now. Kids recognize these names and want only the best products that are the toughest to handle all the riding they want to do. Parents will not have to worry about bike repairs as often as lesser-known models since these are high-quality and built to last for years of rugged use. these makers have been in the business of crafting these bike items for years, so they have the know-how and ingenuity to develop sounds products.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: Are these bikes for girls or boys? Are there any for both sexes?
Most of the bikes are states that they are for boys, but girls can ride these as well. It is important to make sure that the bike is not too large or heavy for them to handle as they ride or try to stop. If their feet can touch the ground when the bike is not moving, then they can probably handle the bike well in rough terrain too.
q: How old does a child have to be to ride one of these bikes well and be able to handle it themselves?
The recommended age for riding these mountain bikes greatly depends on the size of the bike chosen and the size and handling capabilities of the child. Sometimes very small kids can maneuver bikes very well, even if they are too big for the bikes. It is best to start with one of the smaller mountain bicycles and let kids build their skills gradually of riding in rough areas where there are sticks, rocks, and uneven ground. Once these skills are mastered with flexibility and dexterity, the ages and size of the child will not matter much.
q: Do these bikes come full-assembled?
No, all of the bikes must be assembled when you receive them. The best comments we have seen about assembly from reviewers is for the Merax Falcon that comes 85% assembled. The instructions are clear and simple to follow according to buyers. Other bikes must be assembled in more detail than this one, so it can get a bit complicated.
q: Is there a choice of colors when choosing one of these bikes?
There are usually a few choices for different colors with some of these bikes, but it is just normally one or two choices for a variation in color.
q: What is the best feature to look for in a mountain bike?
These bikes should have large, treaded tires and steel or aluminum frames that are quite strong. Make sure the size of the seat and the bike is one that the size of the child can ride comfortably.
q: What makes a mountain bicycle different than regular bikes?
Mountain bikes are smaller than some regular bikes, but they have stronger frames and tires. The tires are large, so they can ride smoothly over rocks and sticks that are usually encountered in rough areas off of paths. Tires and foot pedals are usually heavily treaded to give extra traction when needed.
q: Do kids need to wear the riding gloves when they ride the bikes in the rugged areas?
It is beneficial for kids to wear biking gloves to protect their hands from blisters and sores from gripping the handles. The gloves can also help their hands if they fall off of the bikes and have to protect their face and head in the fall.
Sources
- , MTB FOR BEGINNERS - TEACHING KIDS BASIC MOUNTAIN BIKING SKILLS, Informational Article
- , Kid’s Mountain Bikes: Tips and Tricks to Get Them on The Trail, Online Article
- , Mountain Biking with Kids, Blog Article
- , How to Raise A Mountain Biker, Blog Article
- , 5 TIPS: TAKING YOUR KIDS MOUNTAIN BIKING, Blog
