- November 25, 2021
15 Bikes for Kids Reviewed
Most people remember their first bicycle vividly, and the sense of freedom and autonomy we all felt the first time we were able to ride on our own without training wheels or one of our parents holding us upright. As a parent, you can once again see this magical experience take place within your child; all you have to do is get them a bicycle.
The benefits of cycling for kids and adults alike are too numerous to be listed here, but let’s just say that a good bike that your kid enjoys riding will get them off the sofa and encourage them to spend more time outdoors exploring and getting some much-needed exercise.
We reviewed scooters and other ride-on gifts for kids before, so make sure to check those out as well.
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Reviews Considered
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Hours Researching
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Products evaluated
RoyalBaby Freestyle
The first bike on our list has a durable steel frame that can give your kid many years of vigorous use.
It provides comfort with the cushion seat, and it has both the rear coaster brake and a front caliper for extra safety. There’s a water bottle included in the deal, as well as a bell and training wheels.
This bike is probably among the best choices if you’re looking for something that your child can use to coast around the neighborhood with some style.
But it also offers plenty of safety with both the coaster and the hand brake, as well as training wheels and a firm but comfortable grip. With this bike, it’s going to be easy for your little one to learn to ride quickly and safely.
Benefits:
- All-terrain tires
- Easy to assemble
- Many safety features
Diamondback Bicycles Mini Viper
Another amazing BMX for kids, the Mini Viper is a 16-inch bike that has a durable steel frame for added safety, as well as a bunch of other cool features.
It offers excellent value for money since it feels like a pro performance bike for a reasonable price. Aimed at girls and boys aged 3 and 6, this is an ideal bike for adventurous boys and girls.
Each one is put together by hand, with a lot of attention and care, making them exceptionally sturdy and reliable. It will easily last years, even with the abuse that only a preschooler can exert upon it.
This model, unfortunately, doesn’t come in any other color, so girls or any kids who don’t like blue could be a bit disappointed by that.
Benefits:
- Hand-built
- Arrives assembled
- Easily adjustable seat
JOYSTAR Kids Bike with Training Wheels
This versatile bike comes in four sizes and unisex design, including models with as well as without training wheels.
Sticker decals for kids that love crafts are included in the package for your kid to apply themselves, and there are a total of seven color patterns you can choose from.
It also comes with some essential tools for maintenance and is almost wholly assembled on arrival.
The premium steel frame on this bike means that your child can get through any bump or land any jump and simply keep moving. You can opt to install a training wheel if your child is a complete beginner, or if you’ve got an experienced cyclist on your hands, leave it off.
Benefits:
- Training wheel included
- Reverse-pedal braking
- Strong frame
COEWSKE Little Princess Style Bicycle
For the little princess in your family, here’s an excellent bike from COEWSKE. Available in many colors and multiple sizes, as well as a variety of accessories, it is almost fully customizable, meaning your little girl can make it look just the way she likes.
The bike has large and comfy hand grips as well as wide pedals that will give her a sense of security and make it easier for her to maintain control.
The bike chain is fully enclosed for increased safety, and the wide air-filled tires provide a stable and smooth ride.
In this category and age range, this bike has what you could easily call a revolutionary brake system because it offers both a front and rear brake controlled by handles attached to the right and left grip, respectively, as well as coaster brakes that stop both wheels at once.
Benefits:
- Designed specifically for girls
- Six colors available
- Training wheels included
Fox Air Beds Aluminum Balance Bike
You can expect a lot from this bike since it is one of the most recent and state-of-the-art models on the market.
The advanced design of the Fox Air Beds Balance Bike will keep your kid safe through the improved durability of the frame, while at the same time allowing them to have lots of fun and go fast.
For enhanced versatility and comfort, the handlebars can be adjusted from twenty to twenty-four inches, and the seat can go from eleven all the way to seventeen inches as your child grows.
Since the frame is made of aluminum, and the tires are foam, you can guess that this is one of the lightest balance bikes on the market. Despite the lightness, the frame is very robust and can comfortably accommodate even older kids.
Benefits:
- Very lightweight
- Great design
RoyalBaby Honey & Buttons
Sporting a unique square-tube frame and wide tires, the Honey & Buttons bike from Royal Baby is more accessible to ride and more stable than other bikes in this category.
So if your little one is still trying to get the hang of balance, this is the best choice for you. Another reason why this bike is perfect for beginner riders is the excellent brake system with both coaster brakes, and hand brakes included and within quick reach.
They will be comfortably planted on the recently developed foam seat, and non-slip pedals will ensure they are always in control. There are also flashy reflectors on the pedals to alert any motorists nearby that a little rider is around.
Benefits:
- Foam seat
- Wide wheels
RoyalBaby Space Shuttle
Among the many reasons this bike made it onto our best kid’s bikes list, there are two that stand out. Firstly, and most obviously, it looks incredible.
It seems as though your kid could launch right into space and go to the moon and back with this thing if you look away for a moment. Secondly, and perhaps most importantly, it has a newly-developed magnesium frame, which allows for ultra-low weight, with increased durability and strength.
The magnesium is also responsible for the unique shape of the bike, making it look like something out of a sci-fi movie. The bike comes in three different colors, namely black, white, and purple, all fitting the shape of the frame perfectly.
Benefits:
- Really cool design
- Lightweight
- Wide tires for added balance
Guardian Kids Bikes (Original)
This lightweight bike is extra safe for your child because it will stop quickly when it needs to, and it is easy to maneuver and steer.
The package it comes in includes everything you need to assemble it in terms of tools, so setting it up should be a breeze. For added stability, it has a low center of gravity, plus it is easy to get on and off.
This bike is ideal for beginners and more experienced riders since it offers the option of single speed as well as six or seven speeds. It is easy to switch between the gears with the high-quality Shimano grip shifter with a window showing the speed you are currently using.
Benefits:
- Great brakes
- Multiple speed options available
RoyalBaby Stargirl
No matter what terrain she’s going to be riding on, the wide and durable tires on this bike will guarantee your kid a comfortable and smooth ride.
The RoyalBaby Stargirl has a stiff steel fork and frame that can take everything your little girl can throw at them, and the enclosed chain will keep her clean and protect her from getting trapped in the chaining.
It is easy to adjust the seat to different heights, so this bike has the potential to be in your family for a long time and grow with your child.
This bike is an excellent choice if you want a bike for your little girl that will keep her safe and give her a comfortable ride. It comes in pink and blue with ribbon streamers on the handlebar.
Benefits:
- Training wheels included
- Cute colors
- Adjustable seat
Schwinn Petunia Steerable Bike
If your toddler girl wants to experience the immense joy of riding a bike, this is an excellent option from Schwinn.
It is the Petunia Steerable Push Bike, and it is super-cute. Schwinn is one of the most famous and prestigious bike makers in the world, and it’s easy to see why when you take a look at this highly affordable, yet extremely high-quality product.
When it comes to your kid’s first bike, things don’t get much better than this. It is entirely possible for a child as young as eighteen months to use this bike and stay utterly safe with mom or dad steering from behind.
Keep in mind that your kid can push the pedals back to brake, so you could end up with bruised shins if you’re not careful.
Benefits:
- Rear-steering handle
- Water bottle on the handle
- Heavy-duty training wheels
RoyalBaby Bull Dozer
If your kid is extra energetic and loves to cycle off-road, you should consider the Bull Dozer from RoyalBaby. It has reliable and rugged features like double top tubes and sturdy square tubes in the fork and frame, so it has off-roading in its DNA.
This, however, doesn’t mean that it is uncomfortable for cruising around the block. On the contrary, it is excellent at those relaxing leisure rides, mainly because your kid can navigate all sorts of terrain without stress.
This is ensured by the fat three-inch tires, unique to this particular brand. They will guarantee not only comfort but stability as well. On top of that, the tires are very durable with added wear-resistance.
Benefits:
- Perfect for off-roading
- Strong, wide tires
- Sturdy frame
Royalbaby Jenny & Bunny
The last RoyalBaby product on this list is the Jenny and Bunny bike. It has a rear hand brake and a front caliper brake for extra safety, and for the retro feel, it has a gorgeous front-mounted basket, a bell, and handlebar streamers.
This bike is better suited for kids who already have some riding experience and can handle riding on two wheels with confidence since it does not come with training wheels.
The rubber grips are comfortable and soft, so your little girl is going to enjoy riding this bike for hours on end. It’s easy to use and set up for parents, with the quick release seat adjustment clamp and a special kid’s saddle. The foot pedals are made of non-slip resin for added safety.
Benefits:
- Four sizes available
- Non-slip pedals
- Front-mounted basket
Dynacraft Hot Wheels
The Dynacraft Hot Wheels fourteen-inch bike for boys features a durable steel frame and fork, decked with licensed Hot Wheels graphics, a quick release adjustable seat, a crossbar pad, and a handlebar shield.
It also has stylish red and black tires made for all-terrain riding. When it comes to cool features your little boy will enjoy, it plays a realistic engine revving noise when the handgrip is pulled back, so you can be sure that your kid will be doing that quite a lot.
Training wheels come with the bike and are removable, so when your boy is feeling confident, they can ride on two wheels only. There are two ways to brake with this bike, either by squeezing the front caliper brakes or by backpedaling.
Benefits:
- Realistic engine noises
- Hot Wheels graphics
Dynacraft Magna Gravel Blaster
Explicitly marketed for boys, the Magna Gravel Blaster from Dynacraft has a glossy finish that we thought could attract boys and girls alike. The whole body of the bike is beautifully colored in black and green contrast, and its saddle offers extra comfort with full padding.
The bike includes adjustable training wheels for kids who are just starting to ride, and it offers plenty of control and a safe and comfortable ride.
The fork and frame are made of durable steel, and the bike comes with a lifetime warranty, which is worth mentioning. The handlebar is completely padded as well and painted with colored stickers, which give the bike a vibrant and crisp look.
Benefits:
- Adjustable training wheels
- Padded seat
- Funky look
Huffy Kids Hardtail Mountain Bike
The only real mountain bike on the list comes from Huffy in the form of a kid’s version of their Hardtail model.
The Huffy Kids Hardtail is made for aggressive riding off-road as well as cruising through town, and it features a gloss frame available in six color combinations, a front suspension fork, and a Shimano six-speed drivetrain.
The frame is durable and lightweight and can handle dips and bumps smoothly and efficiently, ensuring a comfortable ride.
The handlebar’s position is slightly raised to minimize shoulder and back strain while offering a riding position that provides control and comfort. The six-speed shifter means that your kid will be able to handle almost any climb with relative ease.
Benefits:
- A true mountain bike
- Durable and lightweight
- Shimano drivetrain
How to Choose a Bicycle for Kids?
One of the most critical decisions for you to make when picking out a bike for your little one is whether to go for a pedal bike or a balance bike. The latter is propelled by your child’s feet pushing against the ground directly, and it will help your kid with balancing, maneuvering, and steering in the early days of learning how to ride. If your kid has never ridden a bike before, a balance bike is an excellent start to help make the transition to a pedal bike smoother.
After your kid has spent a sufficient amount of time on their balance bike, you can start to look for a pedal bike with removable training wheels for a short while so that your kid can get the hang of pedaling, but you shouldn’t keep the extra wheels on for too long if your child had already mastered the balance bike.
You should also keep in mind that the bike you eventually decide on is not too small or too big for your child. This sounds like common sense, but you’d be surprised by how many parents get the sizing wrong. Don’t forget that in children’s bikes, most often, manufacturers use the diameter of the wheels to determine the size, unlike adult bikes where the size of the frame is used. If you’re ordering online, make sure to check the sizing chart first and use your little one’s inseam length to get the right size.
Criteria We Used
Weight
Weight is an essential factor to consider when looking to purchase a bike for your kid — the weight of the bike itself, but also the weight of your child. The two go hand-in-hand since most experts agree that the weight of a bike shouldn’t exceed about 30% of its rider’s weight. Anything more substantial would be challenging to control, so we’ve tried to look for bikes that are on the light side while still providing plenty of support and comfort.
Ultimately, we cannot know how much your child weighs, so you’ll have to make this decision yourself, but we suggest getting a bike that is a bit on the heavier side first, closer to the 30% weight mark, so as your child grows the bike would still be able to support them.
Durability
If you want your kid’s bike to last a while, it’s not only vital for it to be the right size and have an adjustable handlebar and seat to follow your child’s growth. Perhaps most importantly, it needs to be sturdy and durable enough to take all of the abuse it might encounter from a child who is still learning to ride. The bike should be prepared to take lots of falling as well as running into walls and trees as your kid and his friends are riding around the neighborhood with their walkie talkies. That’s why we prioritized bikes made of aluminum and steel.
FAQ
When should I start teaching my kid to ride a bicycle?
Both boys and girls at around the age of three are ready to start learning to ride a bike. However, there are exceptions. When it comes to balance bikes, for example, kids as young as eighteen months or even younger can start giving them a shot, and for those kids, the process is going to be easier later on. All that being said, most parents don’t have their kids move from a tricycle to a bicycle before the age of five.
What is the best place for my child to ride while they are still learning?
Any clean and flat surface will do. A safe area without vehicle traffic, like a flat driveway, large patio deck, or ideally a concrete basketball or tennis court. Make sure that whatever area you choose is free of debris and has no bumps or cracks your kid could injure themselves on. You should monitor your child at all times when they are learning to ride since accidents can happen in a blink of an eye, and you should be ready to react at a moment’s notice.
Conclusion
As a matter of safety, getting the right bike for your child is crucial, mainly because a bike is supposed to last a while, and most of them are not cheap. Therefore, considering as many products as possible before taking the plunge is very important.
We’ve done as much as we can to help you make your choice by listing some of the best bikes out there right now as well as some of the things you should pay attention to when taking your pick. The rest is up to you, and after reading our reviews, hopefully, you have a good idea about what you want for your child.
Catherine is a writer from Canada who simply loves toys, collectibles and superhero figurines. Writing is her passion, but she also loves reading, enjoying her “me time” and finding new ways to improve her work and ways to entertain the readers.
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