Do you look back to those halcyon days of our childhood with fond memories of summer holidays spent bombing around on your bike with friends and family? Teaching your child to ride their first bike is an exciting milestone for any parent, and most of us can’t wait to get our kids pedalling away and having good healthy fun outdoors.
However, when it comes to selecting the right bike for your child, it’s essential to make an informed decision. The advantages of buying a balance bike for a child vastly outweigh those of buying a bike with stabilisers – our advice is not even to consider fitting stabilisers! (NB if your child is too big for a balance bike, then a pedal bike with the pedals removed would be the best option).
Here’s why:
- Safety and Age Suitability: Balance bikes can be safely ridden from around the age of 2 onwards, making them ideal for toddlers and young children who are just beginning to explore the world of cycling.
- Learning Proper Balance: Balance bikes teach children to balance properly from the start, a fundamental skill that will serve them well as they progress to pedal bikes.
- Ease of Stopping: Unlike bikes with stabilisers, balance bikes allow children to easily put their feet down to stop, giving them a greater sense of control and safety.
- Focus on Steering: With balance bikes, children can focus solely on steering without the added complexity of pedalling, making the learning process more intuitive and less daunting.
- Building Confidence: Riding a balance bike helps build a child’s confidence in safely coasting down slopes and navigating various terrains.
- Smooth Transition to Pedal Bikes: Children who have mastered balance bikes often find the transition to pedal bikes much easier and usually master it a lot earlier, thanks to their already acquired sense of balance and coordination.
What About Brakes?
Now that you’ve made the fabulous decision to buy your child a balance bike, you might be wondering whether brakes are necessary. Our advice? Don’t worry too much about brakes! If your balance bike comes with brakes, you could consider removing them until your child is comfortable flying around on their new bike. They will naturally use their feet to stop, focusing on balance and learning how to use their weight to propel, turn, and stop the bike.
Some may argue that brakes help save your child’s shoes, but wearing a pair of old shoes or wellies will do the same job. As kids become more confident on the bike, you can introduce brakes gradually. Remember, brakes are not vital on a balance bike, so don’t let this factor heavily influence your decision.
Right Fit
If you’re unsure whether your child is too old for a balance bike, you can use our handy inside leg measurement tool to find the perfect fit. And remember, buying a balance bike or ‘pedal-less’ bike is preferable to giving a bike with stabilisers if your child is yet to learn how to pedal. It’s a confidence booster and a lot of fun!
In conclusion, choosing a balance bike for your child’s first ride is a decision that offers numerous benefits, from safety and confidence-building to an easier transition to pedal bikes. By ditching stabilisers and focusing on balance and fun, you’re setting your child up for a lifetime of cycling enjoyment.
If you have any questions or need more help, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. You can contact us either via email: help@littlebike.co.uk or by phone: 01442 872123