+34 971 33 48 63
Table of Contents
Why Your Kid Should Learn to Ride a Balance Bike
Many lifelong cyclists recall their early bicycle experiences as their first taste of freedom and independence. With a bicycle, they could explore and go farther and faster on their own.
But there was also a learning curve, which typically included bruises and band-aids. One of the biggest questions parents have centered on whether to start kids out on balance bikers vs. pedal bikes with training wheels.
Both balance bikes and training wheels are effective and safe ways to teach a child how to ride a bike. There is no right or wrong choice, just the best choice for you and your child.
There is also no perfect age for a child to start riding; kids develop motor skills, cognitive skills, and interests on their timeline, not ours.
Balance bikes, sometimes referred to as strider bikes, feature handlebars, a seat, and two wheels but no drivetrain. There are no pedals, cogs, chain - and typically no brakes.
To move, kids start by walking the bike while sitting on the seat, taking longer strides and gliding between steps, and finally picking up both feet and coasting a long way. To slow down and stop, they simply drag or press their feet on the ground.
Why might you choose a balance bike?
If you are considering a balance bike for your child, here are some of the potential benefits.
Lower to the ground: Because the child must be able to push with either foot while sitting on the seat, the frame of the balance bikes are lower than on a pedal bike. This makes bikes more accessible to younger children.
Lightweight: Removing the drivetrain and training wheels reduces the weight of a child’s bike. Balance bikes are typically 6-9 pounds(2.7- 4 KG), compared to 12 - 15 pounds(5.4 -6.8 KG) for a pedal bike with the size of the same wheels.
Teacher natural turns: When steering through a turn on a pedal bike with training wheels, the bike stays mostly upright. Any amount of learning is determined by the height of the training wheels. High speeds can lead kids to topple over if they turn too sharply.
Simplicity: Kids develop body awareness and balance quickly as they learn to walk, run, climb, and jump. Balancing on two wheels with their feet on the ground continues that progression, and once they master the balance part, learning the mechanical aspect of pedaling may come easily.
If you’ve decided to choose a balance bike for your children, you might want to look at the German Berlin-based brand Bandwood bikes: a family-owned business based in Berlin that is passionate about creating beautiful cycling products. Its core values lie in safety, high-quality and timeless design.
First GO Balance Bike Chrome Edition
This is the perfect learning bike for children aged 3-5 years. One of the important aspects to consider about Bandwood’s bikes is their timeless design, and all of them have the perfect weight for younger children (4.5 KG)
First GO Balance Bike Bandwood
These vintage-style bikes are a safe and comfortable ride for your little one that will naturally develop their balance and steering! Toddlers love the independence and sense of achievement they get from riding a balance bike.
The Bandwood FIRST GO is a gift that will introduce children to cycling with a child-friendly frame.
Both models' handlebar and saddle are adjustable, providing sufficient room for growth and adapting to your child’s size. Available in 13 colors.
