Since balance bikes have been trending recently, many parents are interested in buying one for their kids. However, they have many doubts about this product. Are they efficient? Do they help the kids? After all, are balance bikes good for toddlers? Or do they only work with older kids? Don’t worry; let’s understand more about this bike type.
Before learning if they are good for toddlers, you need to know what a balance bike is. They are bikes without pedals with all the other parts, such as wheels, frame, fork, handlebars, etc. Kids move it like Fred Flintstone move his car: by pushing off the ground with their feet. Since they have their feet on the floor, their balance is improved, as well as their confidence.
Which Age is Best for a Balance Bike?
Balance bikes are recommended for kids from 2 to 7 years old. Commonly, kids that can walk can use a balance bike. They help children to gain independence and improve their balance. Since they are lower to the ground, kids feel more secure.
Of course, you can use bikes with stabilizers (training wheels), but they are higher and harder to understand depending on your kid’s age. If they get used to balance bikes, they usually feel the transition to normal bikes easier.
Tips for Learning to Ride
Bikes with stabilizers sometimes don’t help since they give the kid a false impression of security. What is essential to learning to ride a bike is stability and balance, which kids usually don’t learn using training wheels, but learn with balance bikes.
And yes, balance bikes are great for toddlers. First of all, they are safe. Since they are so low to the ground, it is hard that your kid gets hurt. However, don’t forget to put the helmet on them, and only take them to ride the bike in safe places.
They help toddlers improve their coordination and motor skills while giving them independence and freedom to explore the world around them, something essential for toddlers to do. Also, they are very natural for young kids, so they will probably learn how to use them alone, which will give them more confidence.
Let’s Talk About Brakes
About brakes, some balance bikes have it, and some don’t. Typically, bikes for toddlers don’t have it since they don’t know how to use it, and most handbrakes are too big for their hands. Besides, young kids are used to stopping the bike with their feet. Yet, some companies make bikes for toddlers with brakes.
It is essential to have brakes in bikes for older kids, though, since they like to run and can use the handbrakes.
Finding good balance bikes for toddlers is not an easy task since many things are to consider. Luckily, X Change Sports produce some of the best bikes worldwide, with high-quality materials and designs. The Cruzee balance bike is a lovely example since it is recommended for kids 2 to 5 years old. Check the company’s website and find the best bike for you and your kids.
