Back in the day, our parents would put us on a bike with training wheels at around age 5 and hope for the best. But if you're nervous about giving your sweet little angel a set of wheels, try a balance bike first!
Unlike training wheels, which are given to kids after they've developed their gross motor skills, like body awareness, reaction speed, balance, and strength [1], balance bikes are for toddlers during the development stage, usually starting at 18 months old. These bikes are low to the ground and have no pedals, making them a safe and fun way to build motor skills [2] and confidence — keep reading to see the best 30 balance bikes on the market.
Allobebe Baby Balance Bike
Three-wheel balance bikes like this Allobebe Baby Balance Bike [4] ($57, originally $64) can be used earlier than the usual 18-month-old suggestion. You can start with this bike at just 12 months, and its adjustable seat will make it usable for at least two years.
XJD Baby Balance Bike
While it looks like a three-wheel bike, with four wheels and an extra low seat, this XJD Baby Balance Bike [5] ($58) is suitable for kids ages 10 to 24 months.
HAPTOO Sport Balance Bike
HAPTOO Sport Balance Bikes [6] ($36) come in different sizes, all with adjustable heights, and has a much higher weight limit than most balance bikes. With very limited steering, footrest, and air-free tires, these bikes are great for kids starting at just 10 months old.
Strider 12 Sport Balance Bike
One of the most popular options is the Strider 12 Sport Balance Bike [7] ($110, originally $120), because it's able to adjust to accommodate kids from 18 months to 5 years old. These bikes are durable, with puncture-proof tires, while staying lightweight.
Yvolution Y Velo Junior Toddler Bike
The Yvolution Y Velo Junior Toddler Bike [8] ($54, originally $60) is great for kids ages 18 months to 4 years old, and has a dual rear wheel for added stability that, as your child gets more confident, you can take one off, making it a true two-wheeler.
JOYSTAR Kids Balance Bike
Like many others, this JOYSTAR Balance Bike [9] ($53 and up) is fully adjustable, made with airless tires, and can be used up until age 5, but its wide footrest and tires make it a durable all-terrain option.
TheCroco Balance Bike
TheCroco Balance Bike [10] ($75) released a new Premium Model that's light, rust-resistant, and assembled without tools, while still maintaining a reasonable price tag.
GOMO Balance Bike
Coming in lots of colours, the GOMO Balance Bike [11] ($70) is made with added safety features built-in, and can be used until kids are 5 years old.
Extreme Light Balance Bike
At just four pounds, the Extreme Light Balance Bike [12] ($70) from Bixie is one of the lightest balance bikes on the market, making it easy to handle.
Banana LT Balance Bike
The newest version of the Banana LT Balance Bike [13] ($60) is said to be one of the most comfortable options, plus its seat and handlebars are fully adjustable.
KaZAM v2e Balance Bike
As seen on Shark Tank, the KaZAM v2e [14] ($65) has foam wheels, is fully adjustable, and has a wide built-in footrest to practice coasting while moving.
Retrospec Cub Kids Balance Bike
The Retrospec Cub Kids Balance Bike [15] ($70) is a fan-favourite for its "step-thru" design. FYI, it's advertised to only fit children starting at 20 months, rather than the standard 18 months.
Joovy Bicyoo BMX
This Joovy Bicycoo BMX Balance Bike [16] ($120) is stylish, adjustable, and has braking capabilities, unlike a lot of its competitors.
Goplus Balance Bike
If you're looking for a bike with accessories, and most importantly brakes, which few balance bikes have, the Goplus Balance Bike [17] ($60, originally $100) the best option for you.
Goplus Balance Bike Classic
The Goplus Balance Bike Classic [18] ($48, originally $70) has the classic plastic tires and a sleek design.
Hauck Aluminium Rider
The Hauck Aluminium Rider Balance Bike [19] ($60, originally $100) has a unique ergonomic handlebar and comfortable seating.
Radio Flyer Glide & Go
The Radio Flyer Glide & Go Balance Bike [20] ($40, originally $60) is not only an adjustable option from a classic brand, but it comes with a cute bell.
Zycom My 1st Balance Bike
If you need a smaller option, the Zycom My 1st Balance Bike [21] ($30) is good for kids 18 to 36 months, and comes with a matching helmet!
Baishs Balance Bike
The Baishs Balance Bike [22] ($49, originally $122) has great ratings, and a curved seat and handlebars.
Schwinn Skip Toddler Balance Bike
The Schwinn Skip Toddler Balance Bike [23] ($77, originally $85) has an adjustable seat, and air-filled tires to provide a smooth ride. Plus, it has a lifetime warranty.
Swagtron K3 Balance Bike
The Swagtron K3 [24] ($60) has a long wheelbase, making it more stable, and is one of few balance bikes with air tires.
Ripple Balance Bike
Ripple Balance Bikes [25] ($198) are a higher-end option, but they're super popular. These bikes come in different sizes, have a lifetime warranty, and a rear handbrake.
Vitus Smoothly Balance Bike
The Vitus Smoothly Balance Bike [26] ($100) is known to roll easily on hard and soft ground, so your kid glides.
Early Rider Lite Run Bike
While it's made of birch wood and faux leather, the Early Rider Lite Run Bike [27] ($160) is water and weather-proof, and has restricted and unrestricted steering.
Wishbone Design Studio Original 2-in-1
Made from sustainably-harvested birch and eucalyptus wood and non-toxic glues and finishes, the Wishbone Design Studio Original 2-in-1 [28] ($200) is an award-winning bike for a reason. It's easily adjustable, but unlike other balance bikes, the frame itself inverts to become a larger bike, giving your child more room to grow.
Freewheel Balance Bike
Saracen's Freewheel Balance Bike [29] ($200) has won world-class competitions and is made according to real bicycle industry safety standards, making it much more than a toy. Balance bikes usually hold kids who are 60-to-100 pounds, but this one has no weight limit.
ByK E-200L Balance Bike
The ByK E-200L Balance Bike [30] ($150) is one of the safest options on the list. With internal braking, and a bell and flag for added visibility, it's a great option for busy neighbourhoods.
The GLO Balance Bike
Recommended for kids ages 2 to 4, the GLO Balance Bike [31] ($160) by MUNA is full adjustable, has a rear handbrake, and is lightweight.
Woom 1
This company is known for balance bikes for a good reason — their bikes have the feel of a standard bicycle in its layout and air-filled tires, but are perfect for young toddlers. The Woom 1 [32] ($200) has a minimum seat height that's lower than a lot of its competitors and has hand brakes, making it safe and comfy for shorter kids.
Woom 1 Plus
While the Woom 1 is great for smaller, younger kids, the Woom 1 Plus [33] ($270) is ideal for kids 3-to-5 years old. If your child is tall or is a little late to the balance bike game, the Woom 1 Plus has all the safety of the original model with some added fun: the "SURFBOARD footrest."