Best Toddler Bikes {2022 Update}
Have a little one who is ready to start riding a bike? There are so many different bikes for kids on the market that it can be confusing to choose the best one for your child. Read on for some of the best toddler bike options available for younger toddlers age 2 to 4 years old (2022 review).
Learning to ride a bike is a right of passage for many of us. I still remember learning to ride my own! It might surprise you, but toddlers aren’t too young to learn to ride.
Choosing the perfect bike for your toddler can be confusing, especially if this is your first time trying to pick one! You want a bike that will be easy for your child to learn on, that is durable enough to stand up to the abuse toddlers give to everything, and lightweight enough that your child can easily maneuver it.
Read on for some of the best toddler bikes that are specifically made for younger toddlers (about age 2 to age 4). These are usually 12 inch and 14 inch bicycles that are just the right size for them!
The bikes selected for this list were chosen with the intent that your child will be able to ride them for a few years. Whether you’re looking for your toddler’s first bike or an upgrade, there’s a suitable one for everyone, and we’ll help you find the best toddler bike.
Note: Some links may be affiliate links. That means I may make a commission if you use my links to purchase, at no extra added cost to you! I only recommend products that I personally love and believe in. Full disclaimer here.
How to Choose the Best Bike for your Toddler
So what even makes a great bike? When it comes to kids bikes, there are a few different factors to consider when it comes to how to choose the best toddler bike for your own child. When you buy a high-quality bike, it will last through several years (and even several children)!
While it might be tempting to purchase a cheap bike from a big box store, the odds are that it will be too heavy for your child to enjoy and fall apart quickly.
The bikes on this list are all well-made and a great investment for your family.
Measure Your Child’s Height First
Every child is different, and each child has different needs when it comes to picking the best bike for them. The easiest place to start is to measure your child before buying a bike.
My oldest son is very small for his age, so the bike that his friend is riding probably isn’t going to work for him because they have more than six inches in height difference. What may fit a 2 year old might not fit older toddlers.
The recommendation is that your child’s inseam be at least as long as the minimum seat height. Toddlers are just learning how to ride a bike, so it’s best if they can put their feet flat on the ground. Choose a bike that’s the right size for where your child’s height is NOW, with a little to room to grow.
Consider The Weight of Each Bike
After making sure the bike is the right height, you next want to see how heavy it is. It can make a huge difference for your child’s enjoyment level if it’s not too heavy for them to easily maneuver. The weight of the bike really matters!
Try to find a bicycle that is no more than 30% of your child’s weight. This might be tough depending on the size of your young toddler, but there are options of all different weights out there.
Look for Bigger Wheels
Wheel size is something else to consider when shopping for bikes for young children. For most younger toddlers, you want to look for a bike with 14-inch wheels. Larger wheels make it easier to roll over obstacles.
However, if your child already has a good amount of experience with a balance bike, they might be able to easily use a bike with 12-inch wheels.
The Best Toddler Bikes
Read on for our breakdown of the best toddler bicycles. These are broken into two sections:
- Best toddler bikes
- Best Toddler Balance Bikes
Best Toddler Bikes
Read on for a few of the best toddler bikes currently available.
Woom 2
The Woom 2 is considered by many to be the best toddler bike on the market right now. While it’s pricey, it has a cult following among parents due to its super lightweight, color-coded brake levers and more.
It makes a great first bike for young kids, and is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a bike that you can pass down to future children, too.
Get More Details Here>>> Woom 2
Cleary Gecko
The Cleary Gecko’s smaller frame makes it a great option for a first pedal bike for little riders. It’s big tires also makes it a great option for off-roading or navigating uneven surfaces.
Get More Details Here>>> Clearly Gecko
RoyalBaby Kids Bike
We love the bright colors available for this stylish and charming toddler bike. It’s also available in more size options, with 12, 14, 16, 18 and 20 inch bikes available.
Plus, the bike can be put together very quickly and easily as it comes with 95% of the bike already assembled!
Get More Details Here>>> RoyalBaby Kids Bike
Prevelo Alpha One
The Prevelo Alpha One is a bike that is recommended often for brand new riders due to its great sizing.
Get More Details Here>>> Prevelo Alpha One
Frog 40 14″ Kids Pedal Bike
Frog set about re-designing kids’ bikes, creating a light but strong aluminum frame, and hand-picking quality components that offer a high performance without compromising the weight.
The Frog 40 is new but receiving great reviews. It’s super well-made, durable and light weight. Plus, it comes in a bunch of fun colors!
Get More Details Here>>> Frog 40 14″ Bike
Schwinn Elm 12″ Bike
The Schwinn Elm Bike with 12-inch wheels is specifically designed for children 2 – 4 years old or 28 – 38 inches tall.
Designed with young riders in mind, this bike includes rear coaster brakes (reverse the pedals to stop) and a front caliper brake (hand brake), as well as a lighter frame, narrower pedals and smaller grips and seat.
Get More Details Here>>> Schwinn Elm 12″ Bike
Best Toddler Balance Bikes
Balance bikes are becoming more and more popular! Balance bikes help your child learn to ride and balance on two wheels without training wheels or pedals. They can also accommodate a wide range of ages from 18 months to 5 years old depending on the size of the bike.
When it comes to balance bikes, you want to be sure your child’s feet are flat on the ground when they are seated in an upright position for a comfortable ride and better sense of balance.
Read on for some of the best balance bikes for toddlers.
Strider 12 Sport Balance Bike
The Strider Sport Balance Bike is a mega popular balance bike brand, and for good reason. With a patented steel frame, its puncture-proof tires need no maintenance. It’s very lightweight, with the lowest seat height setting able to accommodate very young riders.
It also has unique, built-in footrests for smooth, easy gliding and trick riding. It makes a great first balance bike.
Get More Details Here>>> Strider 12 Sport Balance Bike
TheCroco Balance Bike 12”
TheCroco Balance Bike 12” is the lightest balance bike on the market at only 4 lbs.! This makes it super easy for even small kids to handle the bike and begin riding.
The seat and handlebar can be easily adjusted in seconds thanks to the Quick-Release clamp. This is super important, as you’ll be adjusting the height while your child learns to ride and grows. It also can accommodate even the youngest riders.
TheCroco also uses foam tires that are 5 times lighter than regular rubber tires and last for years.
Get More Details Here>>> TheCroco Balance Bike 12″
Banana LT Balance Bike
Between the Original Banana-shaped bicycle frame design, low center of gravity and an easy step-through lightweight frame design, the Banana Bike LT is the ideal training bike.
With its easy quick release mechanism, the seat height can be adjusted on the go from just 12.2” up to 15.7”, a great range that will see most kids from their first biking experience through to their transition onto their first proper pedal bike.
Get More Details Here>>> Banana LT Balance Bike
Bicycoo Mg Toddler Training Balance Bike
Made by kids gear company Joovy, the Bicycoo MG is a one-piece magnesium frame. Not only is magnesium lightweight, durable, and stronger than aluminum, but it also absorbs 16 times more shock and vibrations.
With easy grip rubber handles, adjustable seat height and handlebar height, as well as white wall 12” rubber tires with no-flat technology and great suspension, the lowest seat height allows even the smallest riders to start learning. This is a very lightweight balance bike.
Get More Details Here>>> Bicycoo MG Toddler Training Balance Bike
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Final Thoughts on the Best Toddler Bikes
This article covered just a few of the best bikes for toddlers on the market. A bike is not only a great investment for your toddler, but is also a fun way to learn new skills and get some exercise too. Whether you chose a kids balance bike or a traditional one with removable training wheels, the choice is up to you.
With how many options out there for bikes these days, how do you choose the best one for your own child?
The most important factor to keep in mind is weight and height of the bike. Remember that for toddlers their feet should always be able to easily fully rest on the ground when they are seated on the bicycle.
The good news is that there are a huge range of sizes available out there, and I hope this list helped you on your own search. Which one is your favorite??
