Balance Bike Size Guide

Note: The sizing information below is approximate. For best results, measure your child's inseam and then choose a bike with a minimum seat height that is at least 1" lower than the inseam measurement. Kids should be able to stand with both feet flat on the ground when sitting on their bike. Call us at 1-888-264-9199 if you have questions our use our Live Chat.

Choosing the Bike that's Right for Your Child

Wondering which balance bike is right for your child or grandchild?  We recommend the Strider bike, Mini Glider from Glide Bikes or Kinderbike Laufrad Mini for our very youngest riders. These bikes are extremely lightweight and can be manuevered by 2-year-olds.  These three bikes have seats that lower to 12" or lower.  

For big kids learning to ride for the first time, we recommend the Go Glider from Glide Bikes.  The Go Glider features 16" wheels and is designed for kids ages 5-10.  

The other balance bikes in our store should be just fine for all the riders in between. The wood bikes are solidly constructed and will stand up to repeated riding, so it's all a matter of personal taste. If you're having trouble deciding which bike is right for your son or daughter, give one of our sizing experts a call at 1-888-264-9199 or use our live chat.

You've come to the right place to purchase your balance bike, so let make sure we get your purchase right. There are a number of factors to consider when making a decision about which balance bike is right for your child. The most important being getting the size of the bike right. Not all balance bikes are the same size, so make sure you're considering the following when making your selection.

Saddle (Seat) Height:

Getting the size right is the most important aspect of your balance bike purchase. Some models like the Strider preBike and the Mini Glider are best for the very youngest of riders because of their low seat height. Other balance bikes like the KaZam model are the perfect fit for kids who are in a 4T or have an inseam of around 14". The KaZam seat raises up to 17.5" and supports a child weighing up to 65 lbs giving significant room for a child to grow with the bike.

Kids need to be able to place their feet flat on the ground to effectively control their balance bike and propel themselves.

Be sure to measure your son or daughter's inseam and select a seat height that is at least 1" lower than their inseam measurement, giving a little room to get on and off the bike and providing a more secure feeling. If your child has to tiptoe to touch the ground, the seat is too high.

Metal or Wood Frame:

Balance bikes come in either wood or metal. The bikes made from wood are more popular in Europe than the U.S. and are perceived by kids as "toys." That can be good as it encourages experimentation and reduces fear for some children. For durability, the metal bikes are a better option. The bikes are manufactured using either steel or aluminum alloys and vary in weight.

Steel frame bikes tend to be heavier and sturdier and will support more weight. The aluminum bikes are lightweight, but generally won't support children weighing more than 60 lbs. For very young riders in the 18 month to two-year range, the lighter the bike the better (Strider preBike, Mini Glider). For older children, consider the weight limit of the bike when making your decision.

Tires:

The two most common types of tires on a balance bike are conventional air or made of foam. Foam tires offer durability and convenience, but lack grip on the road. Standard air tires offer a comfortable ride with good traction, but often go flat. You will find foam tires on most of the bikes designed for the youngest riders. Bikes for older riders tend to use air tires because of the additional traction. Both are suitable materials for a child's bike, they just offer different benefits.

Brakes:

Some balance bikes include hand brakes. These are not likely to be the means by which your child stops their bike, but they do train the child to grip and ride while holding the brake which makes the adjustment to a pedal bike with hand brakes smoother. Your child will be stopping the bike with their feet. Take that into consideration when deciding which shoes they get to wear while riding their bike!

Turning Limiters:

This is a mini-controversy within balance bike community. Those who favor limiters believe it makes the bike safer by preventing any sharp turns and "jackknifing" where the child goes over the handle bars. Detractors state that limiters limit a full range of steering that a child should experience. The truth is that their effect is relatively minor. Our experience with our own children suggests that overly sharp turns generally occur at slow speeds, not fast, and we are comfortable teaching on bikes without limiters.

Footrest:

A few models of balance bikes come with a footrest. The KaZam bike has a central foot rest built into the frame. Strider bikes have a spot for kid's feet on the frame behind the seat. The Mini Glider from Glide bike sports foot pegs. Some kids may find the footrest more of a nuisance than a feature as they can get in the way. Definitely not a must for a balance bike, but riders who can coast downhill might find it a convenient feature.

Keep all these things in mind as you shop, but the two most critical factors in your purchase decision should be the height and weight of the bike. Choose a balance bike that your child can comfortably straddle with their feet flat on the ground.

We strongly encourage you to measure their inseam to make sure you get the fit right. If your child is under three, select one of the lighter bikes as they will struggle with a heavier bicycle. If your child is school age, look at the maximum seat height to make sure they will have some room to grow and consider the maximum allowable weight for the bike.