Top 18 Best Bikes for Kids Reviews 2021

Check out the top 18 Best Bikes for Kids in 2021. Our list provides useful information about products’ pros/cons, specifications, and a comparison chart to save your decision time. 

Kids from the Ages from two to ten are an extreme age of mental and physical development. Cycling can be considered as one of the best exercises to help them develop comprehensively. Currently, the bicycle market for kids is hugely diverse in terms of design and function. Kids with different ranges of ages will be suitable for bikes with particular functions. Parents’ most common concern is how to help their kids enjoy cycling time while ensuring safety.

That is why we are here, providing you with the list of 18 best bikes for kids in 2021 with all the useful information you need to make the right decision.  

Let’s get started! 

Read our latest guide about best bikes for 3-6 years old kids.

What are The Best Bikes for Kids? 

The below 18 suggested best bikes for kids are compiled after a long time learning about different bike brands. 

Best Overall: Guardian Kids Bikes Original for Boys & Girls

“Safer Patented Sure-Stop Brake System, lightweight, easy to assemble, excellent customer service.”

Most Reviewed: Guardian Bikes Safer Brake System for Kids

“Offer safe stopping; enduring steel frame; 6-speed shifting system; adjustable saddle’s length; easy to install; needed tools included”

Best Value: A11N SPORTS Belt-Drive Aluminium Alloy Bicycle

“Robust double-walled rims; lightweight aluminum design; belt drive system; require low maintenance; soft seating”

Best for the Money: RoyalBaby BMX Freestyle Training Wheels Bicycle

“4 wheel sizes available; come with a water bottle holder; front and rear brakes; durable steel frame; simple to assemble” 

Best for Toddlers: Retrospec Cub Kids Balance Bike

“Great starter bike, balance bike with foot-to-floor & step-thru design, Maintenance-free, Worry-Free, Minimal assembly, air-free tires never go flat, CPSC compliant.”

Best for Exercise: RoyalBaby Freestyle Kids Bike for Boys & Girls

“95% assembled, wide 2.4” pneumatic tires, non-slip resin pedal, chain guard, Royalbaby sealed bearing, bell, and DIY decal.”

Best Indoor Cycling: JOYSTAR Macarons Kids Bike for 2-7 Years Girls

“Great starter bike, cute design for little girls, sturdy frame, easy height adjustment, enclosed chain guard.”

Best for Special Needs: Schwinn Koen Boys Bike for Toddlers and Kids

“Perfect blend kid-centric engineering and BMX style, Schwinn’s SmartStart Technology, perfect proportions.”

Best for Girls: COEWSKE Kids Bike Little Princess Style

“Unique style with doll seat, along with a bell, a rear seat, a front basket, training wheels.”

Best for 4 Year Old: RoyalBaby Honey Buttons Kids Bike for Boys & Girls  

“Effortless to assemble, unique design with the square tube frame and various fashionable colors, adjustable bicycle handlebar, and seat, shrouded chain.”

Best for 7 Year Old Girl: Kent Tiki Bay Kid’s Cruiser Bike

“Cruiser style frame and fenders, coaster brake, special hand bar design, very sturdy and easy to assemble.”

Best for Boys: Segway Ninebot Kids Bike for Boys and Girls 

“Premium grade kid’s bike, double protection, the fully-enclosed bicycle chain, ergonomic and adjustable saddle, shock reduction tires, standardized steady stand, and soft-silicone coverage.”

Best for 20 Inch Bike: Mongoose Title BMX Race Bike

“Beginner-level riders’ design, tectonic T1 aluminum frame, integrated headset, good price for excellent quality.”

Best for Budget: Joystar Pluto Kids Bike  

“A quality built bike for the money, minimum maintenance with premium steel, Sturdy, DIY Decal & Safe Chain Guard.”

Best for 2 Year Old: Joystar Vintage Kids Bike

“An elegant bike painted with neutral colors, shockproof leatherette saddle, larger seat size for a more comfortable ride.”

Best for 8 Year Old: Huffy Kids Bike Go Girl & Ignyte

“Solid kids bikes with front Hand and Rear Coaster brakes for an easy transition to a full-sized bicycle, Quick Connect / Regular Assembly are two assembly options for parents.”

Best for Kids with Autism: Schwinn Elm Girls Bike for Toddlers and Kids 

“Light frame, Kid-Specific Q-Factor technology match the width of a child’s hips, pedals positioned forward, all for easy starting.”

Best for 10 Year Old Girl: Razor Angel Girls’ Bike

“Angle decal decoration, solid steel frame and fork, easy release seat post clamp for easy height adjustment.”

Best Bikes for Kids – Comparison Chart

The table below acts as a summary of the 18 best Bikes for Kids I will review. Let’s take a look and consider the following information as a reference for choosing the most suitable bike for your kids:

Top 18 Best Bikes for Kids Reviews 2021

It’s time to focus on the central part of my 18 best Bikes for Kids review! Let’s learn about each product’s pros, cons, and specifications!

Best Overall: Guardian Kids Bikes Original for Boys & Girls

Key features

• 16/20/24 inch 
• SURE STOP Brake system
• Ultra-lightweight design
• 95%- 99% assembled
• 100% 6061 aircraft-grade aluminum frame
• Extra-strength Rhino Rims

Product specs

Dimension	53 x 8 x 29 inches
Weight	20.5 lbs
Wheel size	16/20/24 inches
Frame	Aircraft-grade aluminum
Color	Black/red

Guardian Original was rated as one of the Best Bikes for Kids by Two Wheeling Tots for 20 bikes. The award-winning brake system creates its reputation as GUARDIAN “WORLD’S SAFEST KIDS BIKE.” Besides, it has an extra lightweight frame and a safe braking system. Still, this Guardian Original Kids Bike is assembled from other high-quality parts, including low maintenance 1-speed, extra-strength Rhino Rims, and kickstand.

The SureStop Brake system prevents your kids from head-over-handlebar accidents, and it’s noticeable weight- about 20 lbs allows them to drive with ease and confidence. The fantastic customer service is also a big plus for this bike. Guardian has developed a unique quality control system – the Guardian 34 Point Setup and Safety Check. Every bike must be checked through this system by professional mechanics before being sent to customers. This checking process makes sure all their bikes are perfectly safe and easy to install.

With such outstanding advantages, this product’s price may be slightly higher than other bikes for the same age kids. If the price isn’t affordable, you can see the models below for further references.

Most Reviewed: Guardian Bikes Safer Brake System for Kids

Key features

• Durable steel frame
• 16/20/24 inches wheel
• Linear pull brake system
• SureStop Technology
• 6-speed shifting included 
• Powerful rhino rims

Product specs

Dimension	48 x 11 x 26 inches
Weight	24 lbs
Wheel size	16/20/24 inches
Frame	High-tensile steel
Color	7 options

My first impression about the Guardian Bikes Safer Brake System for Kids is the frame construction, which is made from high-quality steel. This design will be very sturdy and heavy-duty so that it can withstand outdoor conditions. What’s more, it also lets your kid control their stability better. However, the weak point of this material is that it is a little bit heavy. 

Another great feature that I also love about this bike is the integrated SureStop Technology. It is equipped with one brake lever, which allows your kid to monitor the two wheels better. As a result, it lets your kid stop up to 40% faster than the normal braking style. What’s more, it can minimize the steering accident. 

The rhino rims are typically reinforced to improve strength. The seat clamp can be easily released to move up and down so that it can be fit to your child’s height. Also, you can adjust the saddle, and then your kid can touch the ground, learn to glide, and then paddle better. 

Best Value: A11N SPORTS Belt-Drive Aluminium Alloy Bicycle

Key features 

• Lightweight aluminum alloy frame
• 16 inches of wheel
• Advanced belt drive system
• Double front hand V brakes
• 96% assembled already
• Strong dual-walled rims

Product specs

Package dimension	34 x 20.25 x 8 inches
Weight	12.6 lbs
Wheel size	16 inches
Frame	Aluminum alloy
Color	3 options

Unlike the previous model, the A11N SPORTS Belt-Drive Aluminium Alloy Bicycle is made of aluminum alloy, which is much more lightweight while still keeping a sturdy frame. This is probably one of the most outstanding features of this bicycle. There are no training wheels, and it is suitable for kids from 3 to 7 years old. 

Another excellent property of this bike is the built-in belt drive system, which not only enhances the endurance but also minimizes noises. This way, your child can concentrate on their biking lesson. What’s more, every part is very high-quality, contributing to an extended lifespan. 

The double-hand V brakes on the front allow your kid to stop faster and more safely. Moreover, they can be adjusted to fit their fingers. There is a reason that I said this one is suitable for different ages, which is easy to modify its height. Furthermore, this model is delivered with 96% assembled packaging. This makes installing more straightforwardly. 

Best for the Money: RoyalBaby BMX Freestyle Training Wheels Bicycle

Key features

• Rugged steel frame
• 12/14/16/18-inch wheel
• Caliper and band braking system
• Exclusive brake lever
• Adjustable seat height
• Water bottle holder included 
• 95% assembled already

Product specs

Dimension	33.9 x 22 x 21.6 inches
Weight	21.8 lbs
Wheel size	12/14/16/18 inches
Frame	Steel
Color	2 options

The RoyalBaby BMX Freestyle Training Wheels Bicycle is reinforced with a steel frame. However, it is not too heavy, and you know, it is very durable. This model is a training-wheel bike, so it might be more suitable for small kids because it will add more stability and balance.

This model is equipped with a front caliper brake and back band brake. Therefore, it is very safe for beginners. In addition, it lets your child stop more quickly with a stronger power. The saddle is very soft, creating a more cushy seating for your child.

The pedals are designed with robust material and non-slip. As a result, they can prevent slipping off and let your kid concentrate on their paddling. I also love the water bottle holder. You don’t need to worry if your sweeties are tired of lacking water while riding hard. 

Best for Toddlers: Retrospec Cub Kids Balance 

Key features

• Pedal-less balance bike
• Airless tires 
• CPSC compliant

Product specs

Package dimension	33.15 x 20.24 x 7.09 inches
Weight	12 lbs
Wheel size	12 inches
Frame	High-tensile steel
Color	Various

Retrospec Cub Kids Balance is the best design for Toddlers with special foot-to-floor and step-thru design to build their confidence in keeping balance. Even the name demonstrates this car’s purpose to help children balance and improve coordination at crucial stages. Its design is extremely safe, reducing risks of injury on tricycles and training wheels.

The design is entirely suitable for kids from 20 months to 5 years old without a pedal but a low-down tube and a kid-friendly frame. Another advantage of this Retrospec Cub Kids Balance Bike is that the foam tires do not need to be pumped up. It requires minimal assembly, maintenance-free, and worry-free. 

Some parents may prefer a bike that can give their kids more cycling practice than a pedal-less design. The third bike below might be a good idea.

Best for Exercise: RoyalBaby Freestyle Kids Bike for Boys & Girls

Key features

• 12/14/16/18/20 inch
• Wide 2.4 inch pneumatic tires
• Full Chain Guard
• Anti-slip Resin Pedal
• Reinforced Steel Frame & Safety Paint
• Unique Stem

Product specs

Package dimension	48.2 x 26 x 6.7 inches
Weight	31 lbs
Wheel size	12/14/16/18/20 inches
Frame	Steel
Color	7 options

RoyalBaby Freestyle Bike is a well-built design bike that helps kids to enjoy their double safe exercise. It uses the front caliper – rear coaster brake, wide 2.4” pneumatic tires, crank, non-slip resin pedal, chainguard. Royalbaby sealed bearing, and exclusive brake lever allows your little kids brake efficiently.

RoyalBaby Freestyle Bike has many colorful size options, including training wheels/ a kickstand that parents can consider, therefore provides your kids with the most suitable exercise bike. For parents, it saves your time and your headache to install the front wheel and brake.

If you love the Royalbaby brand with a more lovely design for your baby, or you want to find more exercise bikes as references, do not miss the below products.

Best for 20 Inch Bike: Mongoose Title BMX Race Bike

Key features

• Title Micro, Mini, Junior, Pro and Expert
• Lightweight Tectonic T1 Aluminum Frame 
• Internal Cable Routing
• Hi-ten steel fork and handlebar
• 3-piece chromoly crank 
• Arisun XLR8 race tires

Product specs

Dimension	23.62 x 8.66 x 48.82 inches
Package weight	24.05 lbs
Wheel size	20 inches
Frame	Tectonic T1 aluminum
Color	Red

If you want to buy a perfect 20-inch bike for your new-rider kids, this Mongoose Title series is exactly what you are looking for. It provides you different sizes suitable with a variety of riders’ height.

The Mongoose Title Series is a professional combination for new racers using a Lightweight Tectonic T1 aluminum frame- just 2.76 lbs, integrated headset, and internal cable routing, 150mm 3-piece tubular chromo cranks drivetrain with a 40T chain-ring and euro cartridge bottom bracket,…

Many great features that differentiate this bike from other bikes. Depending on each child’s needs, parents may prefer other models than this Mongoose Title Race Bike. However, I firmly believe that quality is good value for money and will please the most demanding parents.

Best for Special Needs: Schwinn Koen Boys Bike for Toddlers and Kids

Key features

• 12/14/16/18/20 inch
• Schwinn’s SmartStart Technology
• Kid-centric engineering
• Tool-free adjustable seat

Product specs

Package dimension	48 x 20 x 10 inches
Weight	27.05 lbs
Wheel size	12/14/16/18/20 inches
Frame	Steel
Color	3 options

This bike is designed to help kids with special needs easier to pedal and balance with a lighter frame, forward-positioned pedals, easy-starting designed gearing, and smaller grips and seats.

The design for young rider customers combines both rear coaster brake and front caliper brake to get familiar and easily transit to the only hand-brake bike. Based on a child’s proportions, it ensures kids to have the most comfortable riding position.

This model is for boys, but parents who have daughters don’t be worried as it is also designed for girls with almost similar features and a more feminine look, listed below. 

Best for Boys: Segway Ninebot Kids Bike for Boys and Girls 

Key features

• 14/18 inch
• Adjustable Ergonomic Seat
• Pneumatic tires
• Fully-enclosed chain

Product specs

Dimension	49 x 21 x 31 inches
Weight	29.8 lbs
Wheel size	14/18 inches
Frame	Steel
Color	3 options

Optimal geometry design gives the effect that it is suitable for boys rather than girls, even its weight must be more manageable for boys to handle. 

The suspension on the front wheel is installed to maximize stability when riding. Friction when operating is reduced remarkably with the bearing system so that kids can pedal effortlessly. Double protection with the coaster brake and the hand brake on the rear-front wheels plus fully-enclosed chain protect them from potential accidents. 

Best for Girls: COEWSKE Kids Bike Little Princess Style

Key features

• 12/14/16/18/20 inch
• The Front & rear hand V-Brake
• 2.125 inch wide knobby air-filled tires

Product specs

Package dimension	36.7 x 20.2 x 6.8 inches
Weight	25.15 lbs
Wheel size	12/14/16/18 inches
Frame	Steel
Color	8 options

This Coewise Little Princess Bike is truly a unique creation that can easily attract any little girl’s eyes. It has many colorful pastel options and also provides ample stopping power using the Front & rear hand V-Brake plus coaster/foot brake for girls to use easily.

With soft curves and princess decorations, the bike is absolutely the best birthday present for girls. It is a lovely designed bike that includes the basket in the front and doll carriers in the back. Your little girl can now carry her princess dolls or kinds of stuff when riding instead of choosing between cycling and playing with the doll.

However, depending on each girl’s personality, dynamic models may be preferred. If you still want to find such a bike model for your girl, please continue to see the list below.  

Best for 7 Year Old Girl: Kent Tiki Bay Kid’s Cruiser Bike

Key features

• Cruiser style frame and fenders
• 20-Inch wheels
• Coaster brake

Product specs

Dimension	54.75 x 37 x 25 inches
Weight	27.15 lbs
Wheel size	20 inches
Frame	Steel
Color	Purple

It is an entirely girly 20-inch bike to every detail and perfectly fits most 7-year-old girls’ proportions. One plus of this bike’s design is to have a larger handlebar than standard bikes’. This handlebar is comfortable for 7-year-old girls, keeping their backs straight while driving. 

This 20-inch bike has its frame, and fenders designed the cruiser style. It’s the perfect choice for girls to ride around town on this soft-edged colorful cruiser bike. This bike type installs a coaster brake, very easy to use or maintain and allow all-weather operation.

The design of the bike is quite simple. Each part of the bike is not too prominent, but it is undeniable that the whole bike is a perfect combination to help girls enjoy cycling in the neighborhood area most comfortably and safely. Being simple is the best.

Best for 4 Year Old: RoyalBaby Honey Buttons Kids Bike for Boys & Girls 

Key features

• 12/14/16/18 inch with training wheels/kickstand
• Front hand-brake and coaster brake
• 2.4” wide tires, 95% assembled 
• Training wheels/kickstand included 

Product specs

Package dimension	38 x 22 x 7 inches
Weight	25 lbs
Wheel size	12/14/16/18 inches
Frame	Steel
Color	6 options

This bike is designed for children between the ages of 3 and 9. However, according to most of the parents who have used this bike, this bike has a proportion that perfectly matches the 4-year-old’s body proportions.

The bike has four wheel-size options with an adjustable handlebar and seat suitable for children of different heights. For the size of 12/14/16 only, there are never-bent training wheel legs, which are patented one-piece triangle structure and widen distances. Therefore, parents can be assured that your children are safe on each of their trips, freely explore the world.

The cycle also includes a wide selection of colors for both boys and girls, with white as the primary color. Royal Baby brand has once again captured customers’ hearts with this sturdy and good-looking Honey Buttons Kids Bike.

Best Indoor Cycling: JOYSTAR Macarons Kids Bike for 2-7 Years Girls

Key features

• 12/14/16 inch wheel
• Training Wheels
• Coaster Brake
• 1.2 mm premium steel frame

Product specs

Package dimension	34.7 x 16.8 x 7.4 inches
Weight	19.8 lbs
Wheel size	12/14/16 inches
Frame	1.2 mm Premium Steel
Color	Macaron

Joystar Macarons bikes come with training wheels of all sizes, making it possible for your child to cycle all day indoors without worrying about falling or hitting objects and walls. It is a super cute bike with a mixture of different pastel colors, makes it look like a delicious macaron cake. 

Not only beautiful, but this model of Joystar is made of a 1.2 mm premium steel frame with a limited lifetime warranty, four pieces reflectors for the handlebar, seat post, front and rear spokes, and a coaster brake for kids to stop quickly and safely.

Overall, there are too many pluses for a children’s bike that a parent could consider buying. For sure, your child will spend the whole day happily cycling around the house with this bike.

Best for Budget: Joystar Pluto Kids Bike 

Key features

• 12/14/16/18 inch wheel
• Minimum maintenance 
• DIY Decals & Chainguard
• 85% assembled 
• Saddle with holder

Product specs

Package dimension	29 x 16 x 7.5 inches
Weight	21.25 lbs
Wheel size	12/14/16/18 inches
Frame	Premium steel
Color	7 options

Joystar Pluto is a great bike that gets a lot of praise for its superior quality for the budget. The bike comes with training wheels for size 12 “/ 14” / 16 “/ 18” or a kickstand for size 18 “. The saddle can be adjusted easily according to your child’s height; the foot brake makes it easy to stop without wasting too much effort.

For decoration, your kids have up to 7 different color choices and many DIY decals to stick their name on the bike and make it their favorite bike. It is also installed with a chain guard so that your kids will be prevented from getting hurt.

This Joystar Pluto bike is carefully designed in both function and appearance. Even small details such as the saddle holder or the alphabet DIY decals. They do not cost too much but create a lot of value for the bike.

Best for 2 Year Old: Joystar Vintage Kids Bike

Key features

• 12/14/16 inch wheel
• Shockproof seat 
• Sturdy frame 
• Coaster Brake 
• 85% assembled 

Product specs

Package dimension	30 x 15.8 x 8 inches
Weight	21.9 lbs
Wheel size	12/14/16 inches
Frame	Premium steel
Color	3 options

Joystar Vintage has all the things that a 2 year old kid needs. The bike uses a coaster brake like most bikes for children, making it easy to stop. The saddle is covered with shockproof leatherette, and the seat size is also larger than regular bikes, which makes it more comfortable for kids.

One plus point of this bike is that it comes bundled with a front basket and training wheels and a fairly neutral color, different from other kids’ bicycles. All the bikes for kids from Joystar never let you down. 

Besides the high-quality features, Joystar’s bike color is available in a variety of choices. If you want to find Joystar with an elegant color for your children, then don’t hesitate to put this model in your cart.

Best for 8 Year Old: Huffy Kids Bike Go Girl & Ignyte

Key features

• 20 inch wheel
• Quick Connect/ Regular Assembly design
• Front Hand/Rear Coaster
• Steel frame 
• Kickstand included 

Product specs

Dimension	45.5 x 8.7 x 21 inches
Weight	32 lbs
Wheel size	20 inches
Frame	Steel
Color	4 options

The size of this Huffy Kids Bikes Go Girl & Ignyte is the perfect choice to improve kids’ height from 7 to 8 years old. The brake system with the front and rear coaster brakes help children get used to the adult bike quickly.

Especially, they are designed in colors suitable for both boys and girls. The single-speed bike looks fantastic with a gloss Crimson red/blue Abyss finish, whereas the single-speed Go Girl shows off a liquid pink/purple frame with hot pink wheels and handlebar.

Both Go Girl and Ignyte have 2 assembly styles for parents to make decisions. Quick Connect design makes assembly fast with simple screw-on pedals, a pre-installed front wheel, and an easy align headtube. While Regular Assembly design requires parents to watch the Assembly tutorial and install more components like the front wheel, handlebar, seat and pedals, and then adjust the front brake. 

Huffy Bikes for girls and boys have certain differences in colors, materials and assembly styles that parents need to consider carefully before making the right choice for your children.

Best for Kids with Autism: Schwinn Elm Girls Bike for Toddlers and Kids

Key features

• 12/14/16/18/20 inch
• Rear coaster brake/ Front hand brake 
• Kid-Specific Q-Factor technology
• Schwinn’s SmartStart Technology

Product specs

Package dimension	44 x 20.5 x 8 inches
Weight	15-18 lbs
Wheel size	12/14/16/18/20 inches
Frame	Steel
Color	3 options

It is another design from Schwinn for girls. It has an eye-catching design with a mixture of bright colors that stimulates the kid’s vision and feeling. Also, the bike’s overall weight is very light compared to other same-size models, which is really suitable for children with autism. 

Same as the model Schwinn Elm for boys, the adjustable saddle, seat post, and slack seat-tube angle are designed to fit every girl’s body proportions ensuring your girls have the most comfortable riding position. The design for young rider customers combines both rear coaster brake and front caliper brake to get familiar and easily transit to the only hand-brake bike that prepares them for a full-sized bicycle. 

If you have already used and loved the Schwinn Elm model for boys and are looking for a similar one for your daughter, Schwinn Elm Girls Bike for Toddlers and Kids is the right bike for you.

Best for 10 Year Old Girl: Razor Angel Girls’ Bike

Key features

• Strong steel frame 
• 20 inch rims with 48 spokes
• Front and Rear Hand Brakes
• Kickstand included

Product specs

Dimension	49 x 21.5 x 7.3 inches
Weight	34 lbs
Wheel size	20 inches
Frame	Steel
Color	3 options

The Girl’s Razor Angel is very suitable for girls from about 9 to 10 years old, girls of this age pay a lot of attention to their appearance and the items they use, so do bicycles. Different from other girls’ models, this Razor Angel bike design creates a more dynamic feeling without soft curves. Aqua/Pink/ White are the three main color options with an angel-themed decal sticker as the highlight.

It is a high-quality bike at a welcome price. It has a solid frame and fork totally built from steel. A BMX handlebar bolted to a sturdy four-bolt stem, alloy levers and front and rear side pull hand-brakes. A set of axle pegs and quick-release seat post clamp are also included for easy height adjustment.

Aqua/Pink/ White are the three main color options with an angel-themed decal sticker as the highlight. Appreciated for both appearance and quality, your little daughter will be able to enjoy a wonderful time cycling with her friends. 

Bikes for Kids Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose A Good Bike?

After exploring the 18 best bikes for kids, I would like to introduce some elements you need to consider to select the most appropriate product.

Size

Finding a bike with the right size for your kids is the most important thing parents need to keep in mind, which helps children feel comfortable while riding and positively affects the children’s height development. Unlike adult bikes, which are usually measured based on their frame size, kid-size cycles are based on their wheel size. Wheel size corresponding to kid-height and age information will be listed in the table below.

Tire Size	Age	Inseam	Height
12″	2 – 3	15″ – 18″	36″ – 39″
14″	2 – 4	15″ – 20″	37″ – 44″
16″	4 – 6	16″ – 22″	41″ – 48″
20″	5 – 8	19″ – 25″	45″ – 54″
24″	8 – 11	23″ – 28″	49″ – 59″

Weight

The weight of a kid’s bike is an essential factor that should be carefully considered. Children’s bodies are weak and too small to operate a bicycle, especially when they first learn to ride it. The lightweight bike also helps kids keep balance better. 

Typically, a bike for kids weighs half their body weight. A too heavy bike will quickly exhaust your kids when cycling for a long time or going too far. A child’s bike should be < 40% of their weight. Aluminum or titanium are the two lightest materials for a kid-bike. However, steel is also a not too lousy option if other bike components are light enough. A steel frame makes sure your kid-bike is sturdy. 

Weight, however, should never be considered in isolation. Some cheap bikes have the same weight with high-end brand ones because their bikes lack some components, or the bikes’ frame is designed to be smaller to reach the ideal weight.

Design and Color 

Parents often focus on specifications when choosing an appropriate bike for their kids. But children never think of those things. The most important thing they care about is whether the cycle is the same as their hobby or not, and how it fits their personality. Boys and girls will have different favorite colors, and each child will also have their color preferences.

Currently, the above types of bikes for children are incredibly diverse in color choices. Parents need to know the kids’ favorite to be able to make the most accurate choice. 

Things to Avoid When Teaching a Kid to Ride a Bike

Teaching your child how to ride a bike since he/she was a kid is not always easy. Everything is not always simple for them to nail it the first time. You don’t just instruct them to pedal, brake, etc. But more importantly, you need to prevent some things to make sure they can ride their bike safely, fast, while having fun. 

So, belows are some of the most crucial things to avoid when teaching your children to ride a bicycle. 

Don’t start on the street

Not only older children but kids are also nervous when they sit on their bike saddle the first time. Therefore, the first and most crucial thing is to make sure they feel completely comfortable. So, if you don’t live in a secluded area, then the street will not be an ideal place for your kid to practice riding a bike. Instead, you can let them do that in a vacant lot near your house or park, etc. 

Training wheels are not always useful

There are controversial opinions about whether to teach a kid how to ride a bike with training wheels or balance bikes. Actually, each method has its own strong points. Depending on the start age that the child starts learning cycling, you can choose a suitable way. However, generally speaking, a balance bike seems to be better to help children build their confidence, especially when they are too small. 

You can also buy them a normal two-wheel bike. Then take the pedals off. Don’t forget to lower the saddle so that they can sit comfortably and their feet can touch the ground. The most important skill here is pushing off and gliding. Teach them to push their feet and glide the bike along. This way, they can gradually get the balance. And when they are familiar with balancing their bodies on the bike, you can put the pedals back and move them to the next step, which is pedaling. 

Don’t start them on an inappropriate bike

Certainly, your kid can’t ride a bike to a mountain or join a bike tour right after the time you teach them how to pedal. But that doesn’t mean that they should not begin with an ill-fitting bicycle. 

The most suitable bike would be the one that they can stand over it without touching the top tube. Besides, the handlebars should not be straining. They are still young and small, so too-large one will make them “scary” and very challenging for them to start out. 

Don’t hold on to the bicycle and push or run alongside

Remember when your dad or your mom ran close to the side of your bike, vowing never to let go and then thrusting you into a life of uncertainty with just one resounding push? Yes, I used to do that. And I have to admit that it is not an effective way to make them bike faster. 

Let them build momentum through their own pedal movements. You might know that, but this action can wobble the bicycle and resist any balancing techniques that your child should learn. Ideally, allow them to build their momentum via their own padel movements. 

Don’t push your own goals on them

This is the same as “don’t push your kids to go too fast or far in a short period of time”. In other words, don’t make them feel so stressed to master one level and move to the next step. The most vital thing is probably to make them fall in love with riding a bike and enjoy every cycling lesson. 

Watch the following video to know more about the appropriate way to teach your kid to ride a bike.

Frequently Asked Questions

The FAQ part will include some common questions and answers that you often wonder when choosing a kid-bike. Go through all of these questions, and there will be no problem finding the best bike for kids. 

What does a 20-inch bike mean?

14, 16, 20, or 24 are numbers indicating the diameter of the wheels on the bike in inches. They are the kid bike sizes. 

How do I know what size bike to buy my child?

The most common way to find the right bike for your child is to look at the measurement of their inseam then comparing it with your child height, as the table above I already showed.

Is a 20-inch bike too big for a 6-year-old?

If your child’s height is between 37” and 44” and her inseam is from 15” to 20”, a 14-inch wheel bike will be the best size. If your child height is from 41” to 48” in height with an inseam of 16 to 22 inches, choose a 16-inch wheel.

Can adults ride 20-inch bikes?

Both children and adults can ride a 20-inch bike of all sizes. However, children’s age limit is from 7 to 8 years old for riding a 20-inch bike. 

Can a 7 year old ride a 20 inch bike?

A child about 6 or 7 can ride a 20-inch bike and likely continue to ride it while he/she is 8 years old. It’s best to set the bike’s seat about 2 – 3″ above your child’s inseam if he/she is a good rider

Can a 5 year old use a balance bike?

A balance bike is a great way for children from 4 to 6 years old. It is a very simple, lightweight bike teaching your kids to keep the balance even your children have yet to learn how to ride.

At what age can a kid ride a bike without training wheels?

As you know, each kid develops at his own pace, and you can teach your child how to ride a bike at the age that you think he/she is ready for it. In case the bike doesn’t have training wheels, the average age to start learning cycling is somewhere around five and seven or eight years old. 

Should I get a balance bike with brakes for my kid?

Instead of letting them drag their feet to slow down the bike, it is better to equip that balance bike with brakes. But you have to make sure that he/she uses brakes effectively, or you should show them how to use it. Brakes will help them control their speed and perform faster, more powerful, and safer stopping. 

Should I add pedals to a balance bike?

If your kid is old enough to be able to ride a bike; however, he/she is still not proficient with a balance bike, consider buying them a bike with good pedals and then simply remove the pedal, teach them balance first. Then, once they keep their stability, you can put the pedal back on.

Do training wheels slow you down?

People usually teach children how to balance on training wheels first so that they can be familiar with it. Actually, it will be slightly slow and inhibiting initially. However, it is considered a basic step to the better riding skills on two-wheel bikes later. 

What age is a 2-wheel bike for?

Most children learn the fundamentals of pedaling, steering, and braking on a tricycle or “large wheel” bike. And when they are around four years old, they will be ready to practice two-wheel cycles. In case they are just two years old, you can consider buying them a balance bike for their first bicycle.

Are balance bikes a waste of money?

In fact, balancing bikes are so efficient at teaching children how to ride a bicycle that they can develop in just a few months. Hence, many consider these a wasteful investment as they are usually only used for several months. But in return, your kids can learn to cycle faster.

My Top Picks

After reviewing all 18 Best Bikes for Kids based on the criteria of the vehicle’s design, dimensions, outstanding features, you probably have a choice, but if you haven’t made a decision yet, then let’s take a look at my two picks as your references.

Guardian Kids Bikes Original would be the ideal bike for kids, boys, and girls with many size options. The bike’s price can be considered the most expensive than others, but its value is much higher than the price you have to spend. The great function of this model is the brake system, which is called GUARDIAN “WORLD’S SAFEST KIDS BIKE” by EVANTUBEHD.

Joystar Pluto Kids Bike will be the next optimal choice that is considered worthwhile with its quality. This model is also designed for both boys and girls with different sizes for different ages. It is an attractive bike, sturdy, and easy to install. Both parents and baby will be delighted with this expense. Your children will love the DIY decals as they can decorate the bike by sticking their name on it.