Our Young Riders Chose the Top 12 Bikes for Different Ages and Sizes

Reviewing the Best Kids’ Bikes, Ranging from Toddler Balance Bikes to Stylish BMX Varieties

As a child, achieving the ability to ride my bike independently brought me a sense of freedom and boosted my confidence. It allowed me to explore my neighborhood and visit friends without relying on my parents for transportation. These memories of riding with friends to places like the local tennis court or city pool have stayed with me for almost two decades. Therefore, it is crucial to provide children of all ages with the best bikes to help them experience the joy of independence and the freedom that comes with it.

Our Top Picks

Whether your child is at the stage of using a balance bike or ready for longer rides, the best kids’ bicycles cater to their varying developmental needs. A quality bike should be adaptable to your child’s growth, comfortable for extended use, and constructed from durable yet lightweight materials to withstand tumbles and impacts.

To pinpoint the finest kids’ bikes, we meticulously researched the leading models available. Subsequently, we subjected 17 popular bicycles to rigorous testing with our own kids to identify the most superior choices. Our evaluations focused on factors like assembly ease, stability, adjustability, comfort, value, and overall performance. Additionally, for up-to-date insights on bicycle safety, we sought advice from various experts, the CDC, and the AAP.

Top Choice for Balance Bike

Strider 12 Balance Bike

The Strider 12 Balance Bike is a popular choice for children learning to ride. It provides a safe and effective way for kids to develop balance and coordination before transitioning to a pedal bike. The lightweight design and adjustable seat height make it suitable for kids as young as 18 months old. With no pedals or training wheels, children can focus on learning to balance and steer, ultimately building confidence and skills for riding a traditional bike. The Strider 12 Balance Bike is a durable and fun option for parents looking to introduce their children to the joy of cycling.

Why We Recommend It

This bike stands out for its simplicity, making it ideal for young children who are just starting to learn how to ride. According to one parent in our testing, this basic design makes it an excellent choice for toddlers who are true beginners. The ease of assembly is another plus, as our tester was able to put it together in under five minutes without the need for any tools. Adjusting the bike was just as simple and tool-free.

The Strider Sport also impressed us with its stability and comfort, particularly for our 3-year-old rider. It remained sturdy on various surfaces, from grass to sidewalks and trails. The tires played a significant role in this stability, providing good traction. Additionally, the combination of foam and rubber tires helped cushion any shocks, enhancing overall comfort.

Parent Testimonial

According to Katie, a mother of a 3-year-old, she appreciates that the bike is specifically designed for her child’s age and size. She mentions that the bike’s construction instilled confidence in her child to venture into new experiences independently. The bike’s light weight and simple design without excessive features or complexities made it easy for her child to learn effectively.

But Keep in Mind

Regrettably, it is not possible to attach pedals to this specific model in order to prolong its usage.

Top Affordable Balance Bike Option

Radio Flyer Air Ride Balance Bike

The Radio Flyer Air Ride Balance Bike is a popular choice for kids learning to ride. It features air tires for a smooth ride and adjustable seat and handlebars to grow with your child. The sturdy steel frame provides durability, while the classic design adds a touch of nostalgia. This bike is perfect for helping children develop balance and coordination skills before transitioning to a pedal bike.

Why We Recommend It

There are plenty of reasons to appreciate this bike, especially considering its affordable price of $70. Beyond the cost, we admire the bike’s stability, even when being maneuvered by a shaky 2-year-old. The bike’s ability to handle bumps effortlessly is another standout feature. Additionally, the shock absorption contributes to the overall comfort of the ride, as does the comfortable seat.

Additionally, our tester was able to assemble the bike in just five to ten minutes using only a pair of pliers. Adjusting the seat and handlebar height was a breeze with the same tool, allowing for a personalized and customizable riding experience.

Parent Feedback

According to Irianna, a mother of a 2-year-old, this bike is an ideal choice for beginners due to its stability and easy adjustability as the child grows.

However, Keep in Mind

You are unable to attach pedals to this particular balance bike. Additionally, it is notably heavier than the Strider.

Top Pick for High-End Balance Bike

Early Rider Big Foot 12

The Early Rider Big Foot 12 is a top-rated bicycle for kids. Its sturdy construction and high-quality materials make it a popular choice among parents looking for a reliable bike for their children. This bike is specially designed for kids aged 2-5 years old, providing them with a smooth and comfortable ride while they learn to balance and steer. The Big Foot 12 is equipped with essential features such as an adjustable seat and handlebars, making it adaptable to growing children. Its lightweight frame and durable tires ensure stability and safety, making it an ideal first bike for little ones.

Why We Recommend It

Resembling a miniature mountain bike, the Early Rider Big Foot 12 stands out due to its premium quality and construction. Crafted from durable and rust-resistant aluminum, this bike boasts thick-treaded tires that offer excellent traction and absorb shock effectively. The combination of flexible aluminum and cushioned tires creates a reliable shock absorption system, providing a comfortable and smooth ride.

One notable feature of this model is the inclusion of brakes, adding an extra layer of safety, especially for young riders with a penchant for speed. While a braking system may seem complex for toddlers, our 2-year-old tester had no trouble understanding it. According to a parent tester, “The brake not only helps the child learn cause and effect and how to stop the bike but also gives peace of mind to the parent, knowing that the child is familiar with the braking system when transitioning to a different bike in the future.”

Parent Testimonial

According to Stella, a mother of a 2-year-old, this bike is a perfect choice for parents looking to purchase a high-quality bike with a braking system. Stella emphasizes the luxurious design and superior craftsmanship of the bike, noting that it stands out as a premium option for young children to learn how to use the brake effectively as they grow older.

However, Keep in Mind

Even though you can adjust the seat, the handlebars remain fixed in their position.

Top 16-Inch Bicycle Choice

Guardian 16-Inch Bike

The Guardian 16-Inch Bike is designed with safety and quality in mind for young riders. This bike offers a sturdy frame and reliable components to ensure a smooth and secure riding experience. With its 16-inch wheels, this bike is perfect for children learning to ride or looking to upgrade to a more advanced model. The innovative design focuses on providing a comfortable and enjoyable ride while prioritizing safety features like sturdy brakes and stable handling. Overall, the Guardian 16-Inch Bike is a great choice for parents looking to invest in a high-quality bike for their child’s biking adventures.

Why We Recommend It

This bike comes in six lively color combinations and is perfect for children transitioning from a balance bike to a regular one. Beginners can start by practicing balancing without pedals before attaching them, making the learning process easier. Assembly is simple, and adjustments are hassle-free, ensuring a comfortable and ergonomic ride for young riders.

The kid-sized hand brake is easy for new riders to use, as mentioned by one parent tester who found it intuitive for their child. This feature provides added safety, giving both kids and parents peace of mind during rides.

Parental Feedback

“In my opinion, this bicycle offers great value for its price due to its excellent craftsmanship, easy assembly, and impressive performance. I believe it is built to last, ensuring it can be passed down to multiple children even after my son has grown out of it. Additionally, its adjustable features make it suitable for long-term use.” —Testimonial from Jessica, a mother of a 4-year-old

But Keep in Mind

If you decide to utilize training wheels, you will need to buy them separately.

Top Choice for Beginners

Radio Flyer 16-Inch Kids’ Bike

The Radio Flyer 16-Inch Kids’ Bike is a popular choice for children who are learning to ride. This bike features a sturdy frame and 16-inch wheels, making it stable and safe for young riders. The adjustable seat and handlebars ensure a comfortable fit as kids grow. Additionally, the bike comes with training wheels that can be easily removed once the child gains confidence in riding. Overall, the Radio Flyer 16-Inch Kids’ Bike is a reliable and fun option for young cyclists.

Why We Recommend It

After extensive testing lasting over a year, this bicycle has proved to be stable, strong, and highly responsive. Our young tester demonstrated excellent control over the bike, easily stopping and making sharp turns. The bike performs admirably even on challenging terrains, maintaining its high performance. Additionally, when using training wheels, they remained stable without any wobbling or loosening, ensuring a smooth ride for the child.

The assembly process is quick, taking our testers around 10 minutes to complete. Adjusting the bike for optimal comfort was straightforward as well. The bike can be assembled and adjusted with just an Allen wrench, which is provided with the bike in case you don’t have one handy from assembling furniture like Ikea.

Parent Testimonial

One parent shared, “My family enjoys biking in the evenings as part of our bedtime routine, and it warms my heart to watch my child confidently riding this bike. It has endured his adventurous stunts, like trying out tricks on two wheels, standing up while riding, and pedaling as fast as his little legs can manage.” —Katrina, mother of a 5-year-old

But Keep in Mind

Throughout that one-year period, the front wheel required replacement. However, it is important to note that the family biked five times a week, leading to extensive tire usage.

Further Information:

Top Pick for Portability

Priority Bicycles 16 Inch Bike Review

Why We Recommend It

With a weight of just under 16 pounds, this bicycle is light enough for children to carry on their own. According to Jacob Rheuban, the founder of Prevelo Bikes in Westlake Village, California, and a father of two, lightweight bikes are ideal for kids to manage and learn to ride. Additionally, children who are new to cycling are likely to find a lightweight bike less intimidating. Constructed from aluminum, this bike is durable, rust-resistant, and easy to lift.

The bike’s lightweight design also contributes to better control for young riders, increasing overall stability. Our tester child felt more confident due to the bike frame’s lower center of gravity and responsive hand brakes. Even in slippery conditions, the bike maintains good handling and effective braking capabilities.

Parental Feedback

“My son’s biking adventure has been enhanced in multiple ways by this bicycle. Its modern design gives him a sense of advancement, resembling a grown-up bike with advanced features like dual hand brakes and plush leather seating. Moreover, the lightweight construction instills confidence in him, reducing the fear of toppling over as he can swiftly stabilize himself.” —Henry, father of a 7-year-old and 5-year-old

However, Keep in Mind

The handlebars are not adjustable, and additional components are required to accommodate shorter children. The parent testing the product found the lack of adjustability disappointing considering the price, as it necessitated purchasing extra accessories.

Top Choice for 16-Inch Bicycles with Gears

Woom 3 Automagic 16 Inch Children’s Bike

The Woom 3 Automagic 16 Inch Children’s Bike is a fantastic choice for young riders. This bike is designed with high-quality materials and special features that make learning to ride easy and fun for kids. The Automagic system ensures smooth and safe shifting, allowing children to focus on enjoying their ride. With a lightweight frame and child-friendly design, the Woom 3 is perfect for kids who are ready to explore the world on two wheels.

Why We Recommend It

Understanding gears can be complex, but this particular model simplifies the process with its automatic gear shift feature. When your child exceeds 7 mph, the bike smoothly shifts gears without any manual intervention. Even though it only offers two gears, this functionality is especially beneficial for navigating various terrains such as hills. By removing the need to manually adjust gears, children can fully enjoy the ride without distractions. Our testing family did not experience any issues with gear slippage, indicating the effectiveness of the automatic system.

Beyond the innovative gear shift, this bike boasts several other impressive qualities that we admire. It handles uneven surfaces adeptly, and the seat provides a comfortable riding experience. Testers also appreciated the bike’s adjustable nature, although adjusting the handlebars might require specific tools.

Parental Feedback

One parent, Kelly, highlighted the appealing color choices of the bike and appreciated the auto-gear changing feature. She also noted the convenience of the easily adjustable seat, which can be changed on the go and as the child ages.

However, Keep in Mind

This bicycle does not support training wheels, so it may not be ideal for novice riders. Moreover, our test child was towards the younger side of the recommended age range and faced difficulties while riding uphill, leading to some ankle discomfort. Nonetheless, the Woom 3 Automagic would be more suitable for older or seasoned riders.

Top Choice for BMX Bikes

Mongoose Legion Kids Freestyle BMX Bike

The Mongoose Legion Kids Freestyle BMX Bike is designed for young riders who want to experience the thrill of freestyle biking. This bike offers durability and performance, making it ideal for beginners and intermediate riders alike. With its sturdy frame and components, the Mongoose Legion provides a smooth and comfortable ride while allowing riders to perform tricks and stunts with ease. Whether riding at the park or on the streets, this BMX bike is a great choice for young enthusiasts looking to hone their skills and have fun.

Why We Recommend It

Kids who enjoy excitement will love the Mongoose Legion series. Our preference lies with the L20 model, which is ideal for larger kids ranging from 4 feet 8 inches to 5 feet 4 inches tall. However, there are options in the series suitable for heights between 3 feet 6 inches and 6 feet. This bike is perfect for young thrill-seekers as it delivers excellent speed, handles various terrains smoothly, and boasts responsive brakes. Our tester emphasized the bike’s smooth ride, noting exceptional shock absorption on uneven surfaces, making it ideal for tricks like bunnyhops and wheelies.

This bike serves as a fantastic entry point into the world of BMX for experienced riders looking to master tricks, attain higher speeds, and possibly enter competitions. Its steel frame ensures durability, even when attempting challenging maneuvers. Additionally, the frame is backed by a five-year warranty, with individual parts covered by a one-year warranty.

Parental Feedback

“The durability of this bicycle is impressive. It is designed for rugged terrains and is of excellent quality.” —Review by Mike, a relative of a 5-year-old

But Take Note

When choosing a BMX bike for your child, it is best to consider their height or weight rather than their age. Children grow at different rates, so age may not be the most accurate measure. Since BMX bikes are designed for tricks and more aggressive riding, precise sizing is crucial. Additionally, ensure safety by closely supervising your child during races or trick attempts. It is important to provide them with properly fitting safety gear such as helmets, elbow pads, knee pads, and gloves.

Top Choice for Comfort: 20-Inch

Schwinn Koen & Elm BMX Style Kids Bike 20-Inch

The Schwinn Koen & Elm BMX Style Kids Bike is designed for children aged 6 years and older. With a 20-inch wheel size, this bike provides a comfortable and stylish ride for young riders. It features a durable steel frame and fork, ensuring stability and safety while biking. Additionally, the bike comes with front and rear caliper brakes for reliable stopping power. The Schwinn Koen & Elm BMX Style Kids Bike is a great choice for kids looking to have fun and stay active outdoors.

Why We Recommend It

This bike is ideal for older novice riders due to its mature design and user-friendly features. The smooth ride offered great shock absorption, ensuring our tester felt secure while learning. Additionally, the well-padded seat cushion and handlebar grips enhanced the overall comfort of the bike.

Adjusting the bike to the rider’s preference is a breeze. Our tester’s parent found it effortless to customize the seat and handlebar height without the need for any tools, making it convenient for beginner riders to make necessary adjustments easily.

Parent Feedback

According to Drea, a mother of a 10-year-old, the bike is highly durable and stable, providing a secure riding experience for children. She appreciates the design, which strikes a balance between a mature look suitable for her child’s age and features that cater to novice riders.

But Keep in Mind

During our examinations, we encountered challenges when trying to attach the front brakes while assembling the bike. Ultimately, our parent tester had to seek assistance from a bike shop. Although this issue could be attributed to user error, the assembly process is not without its complexities.

Top Choice for 20-Inch Mountain Bikes

REI Co-op Cycles REV 20 6-Speed Plus Kids’ Mountain Bike

The REI Co-op Cycles REV 20 6-Speed Plus is a children’s mountain bike designed for young riders who want a versatile and reliable bike for off-road adventures.

Why We Recommend It

For experienced cyclists seeking a new thrill, offroading could be the perfect challenge. While mountain biking demands more effort, the durable construction, excellent shock absorption, and smooth gear shifts of this bike make it a worthy choice, especially if your child enjoys outdoor activities or needs a gentle push to spend more time outside.

The exceptional shock absorption system of this bike is ideal for rugged terrain, thanks to features like extra thick tires and a well-cushioned seat. Though additional suspension would be beneficial, these attributes cater well to young riders venturing into trail biking.

Parental Feedback

One father, Jeff, shared his thoughts on the bike, praising its secure feel and durable frame. He noted that the handlebar is sturdier than traditional bikes, offering increased stability, especially on rough terrain. Jeff highlighted the bike’s natural performance and smooth movement, even when transitioning across different surfaces like hills. His child experienced a boost in confidence when tackling hills, which was previously a concern for them.

But Take Note

Mountain bikes are designed with larger and heavier components to handle challenging terrains, making them more demanding to ride, especially for children. Our young tester experienced some discomfort due to the bike’s weight but still enjoyed the ride. We advise against using these bikes for casual rides on smooth surfaces or for inexperienced riders who may struggle with the added weight.

Best 24-Inch Mountain Bike

Trek Wahoo 24 Trail Bike

The Trek Wahoo 24 Trail Bike is a top-notch choice for young riders looking to explore off-road trails with confidence and control. This bike is specifically designed to provide a smooth and enjoyable riding experience, making it perfect for adventurous kids who want to challenge themselves on the trails. With its durable construction and reliable components, the Trek Wahoo 24 Trail Bike ensures a safe and exciting ride every time.

Why We Recommend It

Despite the common heaviness and awkwardness of many mountain bikes, this particular model stands out for its lightweight design, making it easy for our tween tester to maneuver. The responsive and reliable steering and braking systems added to the sense of security for our tester, encouraging him to push his limits and take on more challenging terrains. According to the tester’s parent, the carbon fork’s lightweight nature helped absorb the bumps, enhancing the overall riding experience and comfort, especially during jumps and rough rides.

Another standout feature is the user-friendly gear shift, appropriately sized for smaller hands and offering nine adjustable speeds at the thumb’s reach. These gear options proved invaluable for our young tester to tackle inclines efficiently, maximizing pedaling efforts. The pedals with grippy spikes ensured stability without discomfort, while the non-slip handlebar grip provided a secure hold even when hands were sweaty.

Parent Testimonial

One parent shared, “My child has a newfound sense of confidence when riding this bike! Not only does he use it for everyday travel to school and in the neighborhood, but he has also explored more adventurous activities like jumps and dirt bike courses. The bike’s stability is impressive, handling various terrains effortlessly, from uneven sidewalks to challenging mountain bike trails.” – Sarah, mother of an 11-year-old

But Take Note

The seat of this model was found to be uncomfortable on rough roads, and a gear protector disc became loose during testing. Although this issue was easily resolved, it raises concerns about the bike’s quality considering its price.

Ideal Choice for Children with Height Above Average

Cannondale Trail 26 Kids’ Mountain Bike

The Cannondale Trail 26 Kids’ Mountain Bike is designed specifically for young riders who want to hit the trails with confidence and style. This bike offers a durable frame and components, making it reliable and safe for young riders to explore different terrains. With 26-inch wheels, this bike provides stability and control, allowing kids to ride comfortably and enjoy the outdoors. The Cannondale Trail 26 Kids’ Mountain Bike is a great choice for young adventurers looking to have fun and build their skills on the trails.

Why We Like It

Tall kids often struggle with ill-fitting clothes and bikes, but the Cannondale Kids Trail 26 is a perfect match for future basketball stars. Designed for kids between 4-foot-8 and 5 feet tall, this bike features 26-inch wheels, making it the largest on the list and suitable for children not yet ready for an adult bike. Our tester parent was impressed by the bike’s size and suitability for a child, noting, “I was worried that though my 9-year-old fit the size requirements, the frame would be too big. I didn’t realize there was a 26-inch kid frame. Brilliant!”

Beyond its size, the bike impressed us with its stability on various terrains. Whether racing around the neighborhood or tackling new challenges, the Cannondale Kids Trail 26 remained steady without wobbling or losing traction. Additionally, the comfortable and shock-absorbing bike seat makes it ideal for off-road adventures.

Parent Testimonial

One parent, Ashley, expressed her satisfaction with the bike, highlighting its excellent stability, reliable brakes, sturdy frame, good maneuverability, and versatile performance on different terrains. According to her, the bike has operated flawlessly without any issues, meeting all expectations.

But Keep in Mind

The bike is equipped with eight gears, which might pose a challenge for children who are new to bikes with multiple speeds. Our young tester eventually managed to grasp the concept, but parents should be prepared to help their child as they adapt to this more intricate feature.

Other Top Children’s Bicycles

Our Evaluation Method

Our team tested 17 bicycles for children extensively for a month. The kids rode these bikes on various surfaces like grass, pavement, gravel, and trails, three to four times a week. Our parents who acted as testers closely monitored their children and considered the following factors:

Our Experts

During our quest to find top-quality children’s bicycles, we consulted with various professionals from the healthcare and cycling sectors.

How to Safely Ride Kids’ Bikes

We have gathered safety tips from reputable sources such as the AAP, CDC, and NHTSA to provide comprehensive guidelines for using kids’ bikes safely. Here are the key points to keep in mind:

Things to Think About When Purchasing Children’s Bicycles

Balance Bike vs. Training Wheels

Teaching kids to ride a bike can be approached in various ways, with two popular methods being starting with a balance bike or using training wheels. Rheuban chose not to use training wheels when teaching his children to ride due to their limitation in teaching the crucial skill of balance. He explains that the technique children develop to maintain stability with training wheels contradicts what is needed for riding on two wheels. As a result, children who rely on training wheels may struggle when transitioning to riding without them, having to unlearn habits taught by the training wheels, leading to potential frustration and fear during the transition.

At What Age Can You Teach a Kid to Ride a Bike?

The age at which children can learn to ride a bike varies. Typically, kids can begin with a balance bike at around 18 months old, as suggested by Bushbaker. Some children may transition to a pedal bike as early as 30 months old, but Rheuban believes that for most kids, the ideal age to start pedaling is 4 years old. A general guideline is that once a child is confident with a balance bike, they can progress to a pedal bike.

Signs Your Child Needs a Larger Bike

Two key indicators signal the need for a bigger bike, as per Rheuban. First, assess the seat height – if it’s already at its maximum, it’s time for an upgrade. Secondly, observe how your child reaches the handlebars. A proper riding position involves a slight forward lean, without overextending arms or hunching. Additionally, ensure their knees do not hit the handlebars for a comfortable fit.