Balance bikes are an amazing way to teach your little one how to ride a bike. Forget stabilizers, learning on the balance bike is both safer and more fun. Plus it makes for an easy transition into pedal power unassisted once they’re ready.
Introducing your child to cycling is a great way of getting them excited about the sport and keeping their safety in mind. For beginners, it’s best that you get them onto something called a balance bike which will help with stability as well as teach how to push off from one foot or both.
As a parent, you want your kids to have all the advantages that they can get. One way of doing this is by getting them into cycling early and often! Balance bikes are great because they allow children as young as two years old to scoot along safely on these low-maintenance vehicles while learning how to balance themselves upright without assistance from their parents or caretakers – something which will prove valuable later down the line when we start adding pedals onto our bikes.
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Table of Contents
How to choose the best balance bike for your kid
What size bike should you buy?
The perfect size of a balance bike depends on your child’s age. Small frames with 10-inch wheels are best for babies, starting at around 18 months old; 12″ and 14″ bikes work well between two to six years old’s as they grow taller in these stages of development.
The frame and wheels materials
You’ll need to consider more than just weight when purchasing your new toy. What kind of material will it be made out of, how impressive do you want performance-wise that is and what’s going on under those tyres? It can seem like an overwhelming task but we are here with some helpful tips about these very topics.
The frame material of a balance bike mostly impacts overall weight. Steel is heaviest while aluminium tends to be lighter but it also costs more than steel and can make the ride less stable because there’s not as much metal under your feet when cornering or stopping on an uneven surface like dirt roads for example.
Tyre type similarly affects performance: harder plastic ones will give you better handling with bumpy surfaces, but they’re prone over time due to skidding; softer EVA foam types tend to have smoother rides without any risk. The pneumatic (air-filled) tires offer good grip yet still provide comfort and the best grip.
How much do Balance Bikes cost you?
If you are looking for the best balance bikes, don’t just go with a cheap ride-on toy. Spend more and they will come in proper bearings rather than bushings which makes them feel less like their own child’s bike as well as lasting longer before needing another purchase from your wallet.
It’s worth investing at least $150 in these cycles if wanting something durable enough not only help develop gross motor skills but also to have fun getting around town on foot while learning about different terrain features along each journey.
The Best Balance Bikes NZ
1. Charged Balance E-Bike
This is a great balance bike for your little ones. It has a powerful motor to help them ride smoothly and enjoy the fun. The black colour and stylish design will make it look great on the streets.
It comes with a 120W brush motor to provide you with a smooth riding experience. It is made from high-quality material, which makes it durable and long-lasting.
2. Tilo Balance Bike
The Tilo Balance Bike is a great choice for toddlers who are ready to take their first steps towards learning how to ride a bike. The lightweight polyethene frame and soft rubber handle grip make it easy for your little one to manoeuvre on the balance bike, while the steel frame adds durability. It is designed for children 3 to 5 years of age.
3. Kinderfeets Tiny Tot Tricycle
A 2-in-1 wooden trike that easily converts into a balance bike. It is suitable for ages 12 to 24 months, seat height adjusts from 23 cm to 28 cm. This Tiny Tot Tricycle is made from eco-friendly rubberwood and finished with non-toxic water-based stains and varnish.
4. Mini Hornit AIRO Kids Balance Bike
This Mini Hornit AIRO Kids Balance Bike is a stylishly lightweight and durable alloy frame balance bike for ages 18 months to 5 years. It has a comfortable saddle and a rubber grip on the handle. It also features an adjustable seat post that can be raised or lowered as your child grows.
5. Kinder Kroozer Balance Bike
Kinderkroozer Balance Bike is a fun and safe way to help your child learn how to ride a bike. This lightweight aluminium frame makes it lightweight. It’s not adjustable, but an ideal option for 3-6 years.
6. Hape Balance Bike Wonder
Hape Balance Bike Wonder is a wooden bike with an adjustable seat. It’s suitable for children aged 3-5 years and can be used by both boys and girls. The frame of the Hape Balance Bike is made of solid wood, which makes it strong, sturdy and durable. It has rubber tires that they roll smoothly on most surfaces without making too much noise.
7. Cruzee Balance Bike Blue
This unique balance bike is made of aluminium alloys that are lightweight and durable. It has a low seat design that makes it easy for your child to reach the ground with both feet so they can stop easily. The handlebars are adjustable so your child can easily adjust as their skills improve. It does not need tools to make adjustments.
8. MGP MADD Gear Rush Runner Bike
The MGP Madd Gear Rush Runner is a kids’ bike with 12″ pneumatic tyres and sealed bearings for a smooth ride. It features an adjustable seat and handlebars, and comfortable grips. This bike is suitable for 2-5 years.
9. Pop Bike Yellow – Eva Tyre
The POP BIKE is a simple, lightweight and easy-to-use bike seat. It’s made of durable plastic and very lightweight, with no-tool seat adjustment. The size is suitable for heights 85-135cm. With the POP BIKE, you can easily adjust your seat to fit your kid’s body type.
10. SmarTrike Folding Balance Bike
This Folding Balance Bike is designed to help your toddler develop the balance and coordination needed to ride a two-wheeler. The lightweight aluminium frame makes it easy for your child to manoeuvre, while the adjustable seat height allows you to adjust the bike as your kid grows.