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These are the 7 best kids' bikes for a safe, fun and easy ride
Are your kids ready for their first bike or want to upgrade their bike? These are the best picks to get them on the right foot.
Learning how to ride a bike is a right of passage for kids and parents alike.
But the key to making your child a confident rider, no matter their level, is choosing the right bike.
You'll need to look for features that will enhance your child's cycling experience as well as ensure their safety, including lightweight frames, non-slip pedals and adjustable handlebars.
Ready for your little one to become a bicycle champion?
Whether you're looking for a good first bicycle for your little one or a safe upgrade for your older kid, we have the best kids’ bikes for all ages, right here.
Read more: Check out our favorite cameras for tots and teens
Top high-quality bikes for kids
For beginners
Specifications
Age range: 18 months and over
Wheel size: 12 inch
Frame material: Aluminum
Ready to get your kiddo their first bike?
woom's balance bike teaches toddlers the basics of balance before introducing pedals.
Featuring a super light yet sturdy frame, ergonomic handlebars and a low entry point, your little one can confidently ride this bike using just their feet. A rear brake is strategically placed above the chainstay to avoid any foot contact, too.
For extra safety, the rubber tires are filled with air to make rolling easy, while reflective striping keeps them visible on sidewalks.
Now that’s a great contender for a first bike.
With training wheels
Specifications
Age range: 3 to 4 years old
Wheel size: 12 inch
Frame material: Steel
Shopping for the best bikes with training wheels? This parent-approved pick has an average rating of 4.4 stars from over 12,000 reviews.
Perfect for young riders learning the ropes, this sporty-looking bike is great for building confidence and comfort with cycling.
Its features go beyond to ensure safety and peace of mind, too. The brake lever is designed for small hands, the non-slip pedals keep feet in place and the triangle-shaped training wheels provide greater stability when cycling.
We’re also impressed by the water bottle holder for when your kid get thirsty.
With 95 percent of the bike already installed, you’ll also enjoy how easy assembly is.
An upgraded bike
Specifications
Age range: 4 to 6 years
Wheel size: 16 inch
Frame material: Steel
When your kids feel comfortable cycling without training wheels, this is the kind of bike they'll want.
Lightweight and easy to control, this kid-tested (and loved) bike is designed for both road and off-road use, balancing safety, control and a durable design.
There’s also a special SureStop system on this bike that gives your child better control to stop, so there will be no confusion when it's time to hit the brakes and no chance of the bike flipping over.
Plus, it’s also available in a variety of vibrant colors, including this very on-trend purple and aqua combination.
Favorite mountain bike
Specifications
Age range: 5 to 9 years
Wheel size: 20 inches
Frame material: Steel
For your child's first trail ride, you'll need a bike that has power, performance and durability. This pick fits the bill.
With six speeds for strong acceleration up straight and uphill climbs, this mountain bike is built for adventure-seeking little riders.
Its ABS tires and front suspension can handle uneven terrain, pavement, gravel and dirt with ease while its pull-hand brakes allow for quick stopping action. The premium padding on the saddle also provides lasting comfort, so nothing gets in the way of your child having a smooth ride.
Best of all? Its steel frame is backed by a lifetime warranty!
For quick learning
Specifications
Age range: 3 to 4 years
Wheel size: 12 inches
Frame material: Carbon steel
You don't need training wheels to help your little one achieve balance and this pick proves it.
With a special EZ Crank system, this kid's bike is designed with two cycling modes to help early riders become more proficient on two wheels.
Essentially, your little one can start learning to balance on the two-wheeler before switching to pedal bike mode with a button click.
For extra support, the bike's bottom bracket is close to the ground so that children can touch their feet to the ground for extra stability while its lightweight frame of just four pounds makes it super easy to maneuver.
The results? Your little one can develop their motor and coordination skills while easing their future transition to a bigger bike.
For girls
Specifications
Age range: 4 to 6 years old
Wheel size: 16 inches
Frame material: Steel
How cute is this pick?
With its stylish design, functionality and safety, this 16-inch bike is a must-have for any little princess.
Coaster brakes support the bike's sturdy steel frame for speed control, an adjustable seat height and handlebars give comfort and a strong grip and sturdy training wheels can be removed once she’s ready to ride on two wheels.
This bike also shines with its accessories. It boasts a heart-shaped handlebar basket for storing small essentials on the go along with shimmery purple and silver streamers to add extra flair.
For boys
Specifications
Age range: 3 to 4 years old
Wheel size: 16 inch
Frame material: Steel
A bike like this is cool from top to bottom — from the exterior design to the features.
Boasting trendy graphics and a blue and red color scheme for a big kid look, your child will feel like the coolest kid on the block. Fear not, it doesn't skimp on safety either.
The single-speed drivetrain and coaster brakes are great for those starting and they can be gradually transitioned to using the hand brake when they are feeling more comfortable.
The proportions of this bike are key too. It uses a lighter frame for easy cruising and staying in motion as well as an adjustable saddle that can expand as your child grows.
How to choose the right bike for kids
A child's first bike is an important decision for any parent. So, if you need some help choosing the best one, here are a few things to consider.
Size: Buying a bike that fits your child's current height and size is essential to ensure your child is comfortable and safe while riding. Features such as adjustable handlebars and saddles can be used to adjust the bike as your child grows.
Age: For all different levels of bikes, each comes with a recommended age range for children, so be sure to check it before you purchase it.
Level: The type of bike and extra support your child needs will depend on whether they’re a beginner, intermediate or confident cyclist.
Design: A balance bike is perfect for toddlers just starting, a training wheel bike is for kids learning the basics of balance while a mountain bike is for youngsters ready to take on the trails.
What are the best bikes for kids?
The best kids' bikes offer safety, functionality and a ton of fun. So, if you need help narrowing down your next purchase, here are some we like:
woom 1 balance bike: With its lightweight frame, low entry point and rubber tires for safe cycling, this pick is one of the best toddler bikes.
Guardian 16 Inch Small Bike: Shopping for the best bikes for four to six-year-olds? Designed for road or off-road use, this bike balances safety, control and a durable design, making it a good choice for any level of rider.
Royalbaby EZ Kids' Innovation 2-in-1 Balance & Pedal Learning Bicycle: For learners who don't want training wheels, this pick is a great choice because of its dual design and easy pedal bike transition.
Happy cycling!
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Prices updated on 04/24/2024. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices mentioned above.
Written by
Lauren Pascal
A self-proclaimed ‘obsessed TikTok user,’ Lauren Pascal uses her knowledge to help readers shop for trendy new products. Lauren is also an experienced travel writer and recently wrote informative pieces for travellers during the pandemic.
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