Buying a bike for your toddler can be daunting. With so many features and different versions, it can be challenging to find the best bike for your little one.
Toddlers are high-energy and love to keep busy throughout the day. And no matter how much you love your kids, it's hard to keep up with them! A bike is a great way to get your kids out of the house in the fresh air and introduce them to healthy and fun exercises. But what makes a great toddler bike, and which ones are better than their competitors?
The best bikes for toddlers are:
- Strider - 12 Sport Balance Bike
- ACEGER Balance Bike
- JOYSTAR Pluto Kids Bike
- Radio Flyer Classic Red Tricycle
- KaZAM v2e Balance Bike
- Yvolution Y Velo Flippa Toddler Trike
- bersey Toddler Trike
- Schwinn Koen & Elm Toddler Bike
- NiceC BMX Kids 12” Bike
Our guide on the top nine toddler bikes will help you to narrow down your search so that you're only buying your little rider the best bike around. Our list covers our favorite picks, their features, why we love them, and who they're great for.
Riding a bike is a great entertainment and development tool for your child. It can help keep a growing body healthy and improve motor skills. It has been found that riding a bike can even help your child develop better social skills and creativity. So, what are you waiting for? Let's get right into our choices for the nine best toddler bikes.
1. Strider – 12 Sport Balance Bike
The first toddler bicycle on our list is the Strider Sport Balance Bike. As a parent, there is nothing worse than having your child grow out of their toys, and it can get expensive to replace them year after year.
Luckily for you, this perfect first-time bike is designed to grow with your kids and can be adjusted to work for kids between the ages of eighteen months and five years old with an inseam of around 12 - 20 inches. It has an adjustable seat with a height range of 11 - 19 inches tall, and the handlebar height can also move between 18 and 22 inches.
Adjustment is simple, thanks to the latches located on the handlebar and underneath the seat, so you can quickly adjust the height to suit your child without using any tools.
The Strider gives your child the best opportunity to learn to ride a bike without the worry of tumbling or scraping their knees.
Because the bike has no pedals, your toddler can maneuver the bike with their feet and push themselves forward and backward with ease. Having no pedals can help your little one learn to control their balance and coordination before graduating to a bigger bike with pedals. It is also lightweight and weighs 6.7 pounds, making moving around even simpler.
One of the best features of this toddler bike is its EVA polymer foam tires, which will never get flat and don't require any maintenance. Thanks to the comfortably padded seat and built-in, non-slip footrests, your child can also ride in style.
Pros:
- It helps teach children balance and coordination before graduating to bigger bikes
- Tires require no maintenance and will never run flat
- Adjustable seat and handlebars without the use of tools
- You can use it for years before your child grows out of it
Cons:
- Can be expensive
2. ACEGER Balance Bike For Kids
Another excellent balance bike option without pedals is the ACEGER Balance Bike. You can use it for children between the ages of two and five. It's a fantastic option for parents who want to teach their children balance and coordination before committing to a bigger bike.
While tons of toddler bikes are themed or cater toward a specific gender, this gorgeous bike is offered in various colors like red, green, white, and purple for little princesses and princes alike.
The ACEGER is made from durable carbon steel, which means this bike can take a few knocks. The material makes it a bit heavier than the Strider, though, and it weighs 11 pounds. So it's an excellent choice for toddlers that are a little more boisterous when it comes to playtime.
Although you will need to assemble the bike yourself, assembly is quick and easy. There are even online videos to walk you through the process.
You can adjust the bike with a quick-release clamp for a seat height of up to 17-inches tall with a minimum of a 13-inch inseam. Your child will also be able to ride comfortably thanks to the soft leather handlebar grips made especially for tiny hands! It can accommodate children with a maximum weight of around 75 pounds.
Pros:
- The bike is sturdy and durable thanks to the carbon steel frame
- Quick and easy assembly
- Soft leather handlebar grips for a comfortable experience
Cons:
- The bike is heavy and weighs around 11 pounds
- Can be expensive
3. JOYSTAR Pluto Kids Bike
The JOYSTAR Pluto Kids Bike comes in various sizes, but the 12-inch bike is suited to toddlers aged between two and four years old or children with an inseam of 14 to 17 inches. It can accommodate children up to 33 to 41 inches tall, so your child has plenty of room to grow with their bike.
This durable bike is made of premium steel, making it more durable than many other bikes on the market. It has a quick-release set to make height adjustment quick and easy, and you can even do it on the go. The steel frame also has a lifetime warranty, so the bike is protected against the bumps and bangs of a new rider.
Unlike some of the other balance bikes on this list, this bike has pedals with a chain guard to protect your toddler while learning to ride.
If you're looking for a bike with a ton of benefits, then a toddler bike with pedals is a great choice. Bikes with pedals are essential for your toddler because they can teach them better motor skills and can be beneficial for their heart and overall health. They can also help keep your kids more active, making your child happier and improving their creative and social skills.
The JOYSTAR Pluto has a built-in foot brake, also known as a coaster brake. Your child can use the brake by pedaling backward to slow the bike and come to a complete stop.
The training wheels are fully removable to make this bike last for years to come, so your child can graduate to their 'big kid' bike with ease. It also comes with a bell and a DIY sticker pack to make your child's new bike even more special. They can use the stickers to personalize their bicycle.
Pros:
- Coaster brake for young riders to use
- The bike is made of durable premium steel with a lifetime warranty
- The JOYSTAR Pluto comes with training wheels that you can easily remove on the go
- Includes a chain guard for the safety of little riders
Cons:
- Requires assembly
- Some children may find using pedals more difficult
4. Radio Flyer Classic Red Dual Deck Tricycle
Suppose your child has outgrown balance bikes (or you want to skip them altogether), and you want a great alternative to training wheels. In that case, we highly suggest checking out the Radio Flyer Classic Red Tricycle. This retro-looking tricycle will give parents a healthy dose of nostalgia while also giving your toddler hours of fun!
The Radio Flyer is designed for toddlers over 30 months and can accommodate children up to five years old. You will need to pay close attention to the weight limit, though, which is slightly less than a standard bicycle at only 49 pounds capacity.
We adore the candy apple red color that this bike sports and the design is just as incredible. With a 12-inch front tire and two smaller tires, this tricycle will give your kids the perfect amount of support and balance that they need when learning to ride a bike.
Made of durable steel, the frame is sturdy and long-lasting. If safety is your concern, then this is the bike for you! The Radio Flyer comes with a dual-deck stair at the back of the bike, which your toddler can use to climb on and off their new bike independently.
The controlled steering and fantastic weight distribution also make turning a breeze. These features will also help to curb any unwanted tumbles or topples. The tricycle can also be easily adjusted for taller toddlers, and your child will be able to grow with their brand new bike for years to come.
Pros:
- Unique design
- Better balance
- Controlled steering and good weight distribution to avoid falls
- Dual-deck step makes it easy for toddlers to get on and off their bikes on their own
Cons:
- Younger riders may find it challenging to move to two-wheeled bicycles after using a tricycle
5. KaZAM v2e No Pedal Balance Bike
The KaZAM v2e No Pedal Balance Bike is comparable to the Strider 12 Sport but at a lower price. This awesome balance bike has no pedals and is great for your toddler to learn how to ride a bigger bike without using training wheels.
The KaZAM is great for kids aged two to five, with an inseam of between 12 and 17 inches. Thanks to the KaZAM's adjustable seat and handlebars, your child will take years to outgrow the bike and can use it for years before needing a bigger bike.
The seat has a quick-release clasp, and you can adjust the height between 14 and 17 inches within seconds. Similarly, the handlebar can be adjusted with no tools and moves between 18.75 and 20.75 inches.
It's great to take with you on a hike to keep your little ones entertained, and its EVA puncture-proof tires make it great for taking off-road. Your child will be able to move around easily thanks to the lightweight, 6.5-pound frame. This also makes it easy to transport when using the bike away from your home.
We love that the frame is Hi-Tensile steel with a patented design. The design includes a built-in footrest in the middle of the frame, so your children can coast once they have built up a little bit of speed. And when they put their feet up, they will be able to practice their balance and coordination when they move on to their 'big kid' bike!
Pros:
- Puncture-proof tires require no maintenance
- Adjustable seat and handlebars
- Built-in footrest to allow your child to cruise while riding
- Lightweight and easily transportable
Cons:
- The handlebar may require some use to loosen up
6. Yvolution Y Velo Flippa 4 In 1 Toddler Trike
If you want more control over your toddler while they are learning to ride, then this is the bike for you! The Y Velo Flippa has four modes wrapped into one bike and gives you major bang for your buck. It is fantastic for parents on a budget.
This combination toddler tricycle is designed for kids aged two to five years old with a minimum height of 32-inches tall. Your child can safely ride this trike if they are of minimum height and are under the 44-pound weight capacity.
You can use this trike in one of four ways. The trike comes with one larger front wheel and two back wheels, with small pedals located on either side of the front wheel. It has a handle attachment at the back for parents to push their child or keep control while their toddlers learn to ride on their own.
While you can use the handle to push your toddler, you can also remove it and let your toddler use it independently as a tricycle. You can also transform the trike into a balance bike at the push of a button. You can also remove the Y Velo's pedals from the front wheel and store them under the seat for better child safety.
We love the versatility and durability of this bike. When the trike is in balance bike mode, you can steer the bike using the back handle or remove it altogether to allow your little one to push themselves. It is a great way to get your toddler used to the motion of pedaling while in trike mode and learn to balance when in balance bike mode.
Pros:
- Four-in-one functionality
- Rear handlebar for parents to keep control of the trike
- It can be used as a tricycle or balance bike
- Easily change between the two modes with the press of a button
Cons:
- The 44-pound weight limit may not accommodate older children
7. bersey 5 In 1 Toddler Bike
We love the Yvolution Y Velo Flippa for its amazing versatility. Still, if you want a bike that can grow with your child through their developmental phases, then the bersey Toddler Bike may be better suited for you.
The bersey is designed for children as young as one year old and can be used for years to come. You can use the bersey as a baby walker to help your child learn to walk and gain better control over their leg muscles or press the button to change modes on the bike in a matter of seconds.
Your child can use their new bike any way they like and can safely ride it if they are under the 55.11-pound weight limit. You can use the bike as a tricycle with or without pedals, a baby walker, and a balance bike. When you're not using the pedals, you can easily remove them, and your child can learn to improve their balance.
The bersey has limited 70-degree steering for better safety, which minimizes the risk of tumbles and falls while your child is learning to ride. The bike's frame is also made from carbon steel for better durability. Thanks to the curved, no-edges design, this bike also limits the impact on your child's growing joints.
Both the handlebars and EVA foam tires are non-slip, so you don't have to worry about your children having an accident while practicing their riding skills.
Pros:
- 5-in-1 functionality
- Your toddler can use it through different developmental stages
- Safe and durable
- It easily converts with the push of a button
Cons:
- Weight limit restricts use for older kids
8. Schwinn Koen & Elm Toddler And Kids Bike
The Schwinn Koen & Elm 12" bike is one of our absolute favorite starter bikes for young riders. Designed for toddlers between the ages of two and four or between 28 and 38 inches tall, this awesome first-time bike comes equipped with removable training wheels.
So when your toddler has the hang of things, there is no need to buy them a bigger bike! Simply remove the training wheels, and they are good to go.
We love this bike because it is built with little ones in mind. It has two different brake options to allow your child to slow down and stop their bike, no matter how skilled they are at riding. They can pedal backward to use the rear coaster brake or use the perfectly positioned handbrake that is easy for little hands to reach and operate.
The bike also includes Schwinn Koen & Elm's SmartStart technology, which incorporates a lightweight frame, forward-positioned mechanics and pedals, gearing engineered for easier riding, smaller pedal placements, and slimmer handlebars and saddles.
Additionally, the Kid-specific Q-Factor technology that features narrower pedal placements is designed to correspond to the breadth of a child's hips, making cycling and maneuvering even easier when they are learning to ride. With this fantastic bike, your child will be riding safely and comfortably.
Pros:
- Removable training wheels
- Two brakes for better handling
- SmartStart technology
- Kid-specific Q-factor technology
Cons:
- It can be expensive for parents on a budget
9. NiceC BMX Kids 12” Bike
If your child loves the outdoors and adventuring, then the NiceC BMX Kids Bike is for you. This bike is built for offroading so that your little one can join in on outdoor fun with the whole family.
We would recommend that your child has a good knowledge of how to pedal a bike before you invest, though. Riding a bike can be difficult for a child - even with training wheels - so they will need a good understanding of how to ride a bike on a flat and smooth surface before they take their bike offroad.
But suppose your child already knows how to balance their bike and has mastered the basics on a flat surface. In that case, the NiceC is a great bike to help them learn how to master different terrain. This is important to help strengthen your toddler's riding skills as they grow older.
The NiceC is designed for children between two and four years old and is made from a durable magnesium alloy to survive bumpy terrain. While it is sturdy enough to ride on harder, uneven surfaces, the frame is still lightweight enough to let your toddler have complete control of their bike.
The bike sports a dual-brake system for young riders to learn the ropes and use the brake that they're comfortable with. It also has multi-layered rubber tires for better shock absorption to ensure your child's safety while riding outdoors.
The NiceC comes with removable training wheels, so your child can experience the safety of extra wheels or the freedom of two wheels while they are learning to ride. Both the handlebars and seat are adjustable to grow with your child. The handlebars can move between 21 and 25 inches, while the seat can adjust between 17 to 22 inches.
For an extra-special touch, the bike comes with a sticker pack to allow your little one to customize their bike and express their creativity.
Pros:
- Dual-brake system
- Extra thick tires to reduce shock
- Perfect for offroading
- Removable training wheels
- Adjustable seat and handlebar height
Cons:
- The bike frame is heavier than some other toddler bikes
- It can be expensive for parents on a budget