Best Bikes For Young Riders

You need a bike for your kid's birthday that is coming up but aren’t sure what to buy. What are the best bikes for young riders?

The truth is youth bicycling is making a comeback. (In fact, take a trip to a box store, or contact a company directly, and you might be surprised when they tell you they are out of stock). Thanks to a worldwide pandemic, and the shutdown of almost everything, families have grown desperate to find creative ways to break free of the claustrophobic walls of their homes. These brave road warriors have found that bicycling is a beautiful way to get the kids up and away from their phones, breathe in some fresh air, and experience the great, big, glorious world of the outdoors. But with so many options, it is hard to know where to start looking for a bike that would be worth the money.

The best bikes for young riders are:

• Little Tikes My First Balance-to-Pedal Training Bike (balance/pedal)
• Mongoose Switch BMX Bike (first riders)
• Guardian Ethos or Arios 16-inch (Girls or Boys)
• Dynacraft Magna Kids Bike Boys 24 Inch (Ages 8 - 13)
• Raliegh Retroglide Royale 2.0 iE Step Over (electric)

Not only do your kids need the exercise and distraction biking offers, but you also know that they don’t always take care of the things you buy as much as you might want them to. So, you need a bike that will last and not fall apart the first time they ride it. Are there essential differences between kids' bikes, or are they all about the same? The last thing you want is to invest money in a quality bicycle just for your kids to hate it and never ride it. You have decided to research and find something that will be a great ride, well-built, and last longer than one summer. You want something your kid could ride to school, down the street, or even on a bike trip down a trail.

So, since there are over 53 million bike riders in the US alone, and many of them are children, let’s scour the web and see what bikes for young riders consistently rank among the best. But first, a word about why finding the right size is essential.

‍The Right Bike Size Means Everything

Children's bikes can range in various sizes, from 14-inch to20-inch rims, depending on what size your child needs. As a general rule, toddlers (age 2-3) are best served by a 12-14 inch bike, Older pre-kindergarten kids to second grade (ages 4 -8) should fit a 16 - 20 inch, and pre-tweens to teenagers need something larger, a 24 - 26 depending on their height.

What Bikes are Best for First Riders? - (Ages 2 - 3)

When should a child begin to learn to ride? Most experts believe that when toddlers reach age 2-4, This is an excellent time to begin to develop the joy of riding. If you have a small child who has never been on a bike and want to expose them to the joys of riding but don’t think they are ready to handle the added task of peddling, consider a balance bike. They are a better option when safety is paramount, and speed is not essential. Balance bikes give your toddlers an excellent exposure to the love of cycling and help them get used to wearing protective gear at a very early age.

Little Tikes My First Balance-to-Pedal Training Bike for Kids

This is a very affordable balance bike with fold-out pedals that gives you the best of both worlds. The bike is equipped with an adjustable seat and handlebars so that it can grow with your child. The single gear is easy to pedal, and the bike comes in various colors. Never Run Flat Tires mean you don’t have to worry about pumping air into a tire. The affordability of the bike makes this an excellent value for budding cyclists.

Price: $  - (69)

Specs:

• Rim Size - 12 inch
• Frame - Steel
• Ride Type - Road
• Comfort level - High
• Speed - 1

Features:

• Solid Sturdy frame
• Built for toughness - handles daily abuse
• Balance or Pedal options
• Lower seat and pass over
• Wider tires
• Ergonomically designed handlebars
• Multiple rim sizes - increased options

For more information, check out the manufacturer's website or Amazon.

JOYSTAR Girls Bike for 2- 4 Years Old Toddlers/Kids

If you are looking for a bike fit for a princess, this bike is as cute as it is functional. The bike has retro styling with a lower pass-through, steel frame, and a basket attaches to the front. The single-speed bike is low enough to the ground to aid in stopping, but the bicycle is equipped with a pedal brake and brake calipers with handlebar triggers (this allows your child to get used to braking systems used on more adult bikes). The frame and fork come with a limited lifetime warranty. The bike also comes in 12, 14, 16, and 18-inch models, so you can choose which size best fits your child.

Price  - $$ - (169)

Specs -

• Rim Size - 12-inch to 20 inch
• Frame - Steel
• Ride Type - Road
• Comfort level - High
• Speed - 1

Features

• Solid Sturdy frame
• Built for toughness - handles daily abuse
• Balance or Pedal options
• Lower seat and pass over
• Adjustable seat and handlebars
• Multiple rim sizes - increased options

For more information, check out the manufacturer's website and Amazon.

Strider - 14x Sport Balance Bike

This balance bike comes with a pedal conversion kit that is easy to put on as an added cost option. (You should order the pedal kit along with the bike). The Strider is one of the highest-rated and reviewed bikes on several websites. The low pass-over makes getting on and off easy, and the lower seat position eases the child’s fears by situating them lower to the ground and back to improve balance. The bike allows for development and confidence as your toddler begins to experience the joys of riding. The durable steel frame lasts and is built to take the punishment of daily use.

Price  - $$ - (164)

Specs -

• Rim Size - 14 inch
• Frame - Steel
• Ride Type - Road
• Comfort level - High
• Speed - 1

Features

• Solid Sturdy frame
• Built for toughness - handles daily abuse
• Lower seat placement
• Pedal Kit available
• Wider tires
• Ergonomically designed handlebars
• Multiple rim sizes - increased options

For more information, check out the manufacturer's website or Amazon.

RoyalBaby Freestyle Kids Bike 12 - 14 inch

This RoyalBaby is a freestyle bike that has a definite BMX look to it. The bike is balanced and gives your toddler plenty of control while riding. While it is not intended for trail riding, this bike looks very cool with its back seat position and bright colors, and it will make your child feel that they are riding as cool a looking bike as their older siblings. The company offers rim sizes up to 20 inch, so there are options for upsizing. A single gear with both handbrake and pedal braking. The frame is steel and will handle almost anything an older toddler can throw at it. This bike is a good value for the money.

Price: $$ - (194)

Specs:

• Rim Size - 12 - 14 inch
• Frame - Steel
• Ride Type - Road
• Comfort level - High
• Speed - 1

Features:

• Solid Sturdy frame
• Built for toughness - handles daily abuse
• Lower seat placement
• Pedals in a good position
• Wider tires
• Ergonomically designed handlebars
• Multiple rim sizes - increased options

For more information, check out the manufacturer's website and Amazon.

What Bikes are Best for Young Riders - (Ages 4 - 8)

This era can be an awkward age to try and find a bike for your younger rider. Most companies offer multiple rim sizes to appease the needs of different shaped kids.

Mongoose Switch BMX Bike for Kids, 18-Inch Wheels

A basic BMX bike is probably the best choice for elementary school-aged boys who will likely ride everywhere (trail and street) and who will not always treat their bikes with the utmost care. This bike is suitable for kids ages 5 - 8. The Mongoose has the benefit of a coaster brake and a caliper braking system brakes with easy-to-reach squeeze triggers on the handlebars. The stand-over frame makes getting on and off the bike easy, and a chain guard helps minimize unnecessary scrapes and bruising. The bike has training wheels that are easily removable once riding balance is achieved. The Mongoose is one of the best bikes you can buy on a budget, and they offer a variety of rim sizes so that you can find a bike for your child’s appropriate height and weight.

Price: $  - (108)

Specs:

• Rim Size - 18 inch
• Frame - Steel
• Ride Type - Trail or Street
• Comfort level - High
• Speed - 1

Features:

• Solid Sturdy frame
• Built for toughness - handles daily abuse
• Forward pedal placement
• Trail or Street use
• Wider tires
• Ergonomically designed handlebars
• Multiple rim sizes - increased options

For more information, check out the manufacturers website or Amazon

Guardian Ethos or Arios 16 or 20-inch Bike (Girls or Boys)

Both of these bikes are more expensive but have a quality build. While the Ethos has a steel frame, the Arios is aluminum. (The steel frame generally allows for better control but is heavier, while the aluminum frame is lighter and easier to carry). The bicycle is designed for smaller aged riders (3 - 5) and is durable enough to handle daily use. It has a handlebar braking system with Surestop that is within easy reach. The easy-to-step-over frame makes mounting and dismounting a breeze quickly.

Price: $$  - (298 - Ethos. 398 - Arios)

Specs:

• Rim Size - 16 inch
• Frame - Steel (Ethos) Aluminum (Arios)
• Ride Type - Road
• Comfort level - High
• Speed - 1

Features:

• Solid Sturdy frame
• Built for toughness - handles daily abuse
• Forward pedal placement
• Trail or Street use
• Wider tires
• Ergonomically designed handlebars
• Multiple rim sizes - increased options
• Also offered in 20-inch and 24-inch
• Variety of Colors

For more information, check out the manufacturer's website or Amazon

Woom 16 - 20 inch Boy/Girl Bikes

The Woom bikes are great for an everyday rider who needs a shifter for more challenging terrain. The eight-speed twist-to-shift system allows young riders to experience the shifting experience and aids in hill climbs. The low stand-over design makes getting on and off easy, and the lower sitting position makes the ride comfortable. The aluminum frame contributes to the lighter load, and the 8-speed is less complicated than other gear-engaged models.

Price: $$$  - (499)

Specs:

• Rim Size - 16 - 20 inch
• Frame - Aluminum
• Ride Type - Road
• Comfort level - High
• Speed - 8

Features:

• Lightweight Aluminum Frame
• Exposes a child to shifting
• Adjustable seat
• Ergonomically designed handlebars
• Multiple rim sizes - increased options
• More expensive than others
• Variety of Colors

For more information, check out the manufacturer's website.

Priority Start 16 inch

This bike is a transition bike to help young children graduate to larger bikes. It is well built, and if you have multiple kids, it is a great bike to pass down (I know, that might not be a fashionable idea, but sometimes it is necessary). The construction is stiff, and the ride rigid. The bike is designed for street use. The Priority Start 16 is simple, straightforward, and easy to maintain. If you want a no-hassle single-speed adventurer that will do the trick to grow your kid into a larger offering, this is the bike. It is a bit more expensive than other models, but it will last for families for years.

Price: $$$  - (329)

Specs:

• Rim Size - 16 inch
• Frame - steel
• Ride Type - Road
• Comfort level - High
• Speed - 1

Features:

• Lightweight Frame
• Adjustable seat
• Ergonomically designed handlebars
• More expensive than others
• Variety of Colors

For more information, check out the manufacturer's website.

What Are the Best Bikes for Tweens - (Ages 9 - 13)

By this time, most children have learned the essential skills to ride a bike (the average age for learning how to ride is about five years old).

Dynacraft Magna Kids Bike Boys 24 Inch

This bike is a basic BMX-style bicycle that works on and off the road. The sturdy steel frame will handle the abuse of daily activity. The bike is a single-speed with a coaster brake, an adjustable seat, and handlebars. The frame and fork are warrantied for a lifetime. The bike is an excellent basic bike for children or grandchildren with some experience with riding. It comes in various colors so that you can buy one in your child’s favorite hue.

Price: $$$  - (499)

Specs:

• Rim Size - 24 inch
• Frame - Aluminum
• Ride Type - Road
• Comfort level - High
• Speed - 8

Features:

• Lightweight Aluminum Frame
• Exposes a child to shifting
• Adjustable seat
• Ergonomically designed handlebars
• Multiple rim sizes - increased options
• More expensive than others
• Variety of Colors

For more information, check out Amazon.

Huffy Hardtail Mountain Bike, Stone Mountain 24 inch

This Huffy will bring back memories of the days when you put your own bike through every kind of jump and trick possible. The Hardtail is a spectacular basic bike for anyone ages nine and up. The steel frame is backed by and lifetime warranty, and the bike is conducive to the trail or road. It is a 21 speed bike, so it may take some adaptation on your tween to understand when to use the gears, but shifting is smooth and effortless. Tires have additional nobs to provide extra traction on off-road settings or pavement. This bike is trendy and is an excellent value for the price.

Price: $$ - $$$  - (199 - 399)

Specs:

• Rim Size - 24 - 26 inch
• Frame - Steel
• Ride Type - Road
• Comfort level - High
• Speed - 21

Features:

• Lightweight Aluminum Frame
• It can be used for mountain or road
• A child uses 21 gears for uphill climbing
• Ergonomically designed handlebars
• Multiple rim sizes - increased options
• Good Value for the money
• Variety of Colors

For more information, check out Amazon.

Prevelo AlphaFour

This Prevelo is one of the company’s most sought-after models. It is a bike that is very well designed and somewhat expensive. The lower seat configuration provides additional support and agility when steering. While the bike is usable for off-road and street riding, this is a bicycle explicitly engineered for tweens. From the thin pedals made to fit smaller but still growing feet to the flat bar handles, which promote correct riding posture, the bike will last the stress of daily abuse. The aluminum frame is lightweight and sleek. The bike looks good in every detail. If you want one of the best bikes out there that will turn heads every time your kid gets on it, the Prevelo is the one to get.

Price: $$$$  - (429)

Specs:

• Rim Size - 24 - 26 inch
• Frame - Aluminum
• Ride Type - Road
• Comfort level - High
• Speed - 9

Features:

• Lightweight Aluminum Frame
• It can be used for mountain or road
• Sleek design, eye-catching
• Ergonomically designed handlebars
• Multiple rim sizes - increased options
• More expensive than other models
• Variety of Colors

For more information, check out the manufacturer's website

Cleary Meerkat 24in Five Speed Bike - Kids

Cleary Bikes makes a quality bike. Designed to handle the rigor of daily activity, this is a 5-speed shifter that can help give your tween enough gears for everyday driving. Hydraulic disc brakes are an exciting function, unlike other bikes with rim-mounted calipers. The bike is sleek and beautiful in design, and flat handlebars make for appropriate posture. ThisMeerkat shows up consistently on review sites, and even though it is a reasonably expensive bike, it should be one that lasts several years.

Price: $$$$  - (619+)

Specs:

• Rim Size - 24 - 26 inch
• Frame - Aluminum
• Ride Type - Road
• Comfort level - High
• Speed - 5

Features:

• Lightweight Aluminum Frame
• It can be used for mountain or road
• Sleek design, eye-catching
• Ergonomically designed handlebars
• Multiple rim sizes - increased options
• More expensive than other models
• Variety of Colors

For more information, check out the manufacturer's website.

What Are the Best Electric Bikes for Kids?

Electric bikes are growing in popularity and have found a place in the special needs community. Aided by a small electric motor, the rider follows the pattern set by the motor, making pedaling easier. Most bikes have limited top speeds for safety reasons, and even though they are much more expensive than their foot-powered counterparts, many families are investing in them.

Woom 5 - 24 inch

This Woom 5 Up is an excellent electric bike, but it is by no means the cheapest. Woom has a stellar reputation for making quality bikes, and its electric offering is no exception. The bike is light, weighing only 7 lbs, and has a top speed of 12 mph. The electric motor offers three different pedal assist settings and the option for straight pedal power. The bike has 24 and 26-inch options, and braking systems work well. Adjustable seats and handlebars allow for riders of different heights.

Price: $$$$ - $$$$$ - (3599+)

Specs:

• Rim Size - 24 - 26 inch
• Frame - Aluminum
• Ride Type - Road or Off road
• Comfort level - High
• Speed - three settings of pedal assist

Features:

• Lightweight Aluminum Frame
• It can be used for mountain or road
• Expensive but built to last
• Ergonomically designed handlebars
• Multiple rim sizes - increased options
• Works with a phone app to track miles and location.

For more information, check out the manufacturer's website.

Raliegh Retroglide Royale 2.0 iE Step Over

This e-bike received the highest Consumer Reports score and a recommended designation. This eight-geared bike has four pedal-assist levels and a long-range. The bike can be easily broken down for storage or transport with a removable battery and detachable front and rear wheels. The bike is not as expensive as other models, but it isn’t the cheapest. It has an effective braking system and a distance of 25 - 45 miles. It may be too tall for shorter kids. Better e-bike for tweens or teenagers.

Price: $$$$$ - (2599+)

Specs:

• Rim Size - 27 inch
• Frame - Aluminum
• Ride Type - Road or Off road
• Comfort level - High
• Speed - four settings of pedal assist
• Consumer Reports Recommended

Features:

• Lightweight Aluminum Frame
• It can be used for mountain or road
• Expensive but built to last
• Ergonomically designed handlebars
• Multiple rim sizes - increased options
• Works with a phone app to track miles and location.

For more information, check out the manufacturer's website.