A Balance Bike is a beautifully simple type of bike designed to teach very young children how to balance and steer. The main differences between balance bikes and regular children's pedal bikes are:
- Balance bikes have no pedals - children propel themselves along by pushing the ground with their feet. No pedals mean no greasy chain to contend with.
- Balance bikes have no stabilisers - the child's feet can always touch the ground and they learn to balance by dabbing a foot to the floor when the bike leans over.
- Kiddimoto balance bikes have no brakes - this allows the child to concentrate on the most important skills of balance and steering, without any distractions.
Balance bikes are often called walking bikes or running bikes because that's what the child is doing - walking or running while sitting on their balance bike. It's a great concept.
When can a child start riding a balance bike?
From a very young age - Kiddimoto balance bikes are designed for age 2 years upwards (age 3 for the Kurve). If your child can put their feet flat on the ground while sitting on the saddle, they can ride the balance bike.
At first, they ride with at least one foot firmly on the ground. As confidence develops, they'll begin to lift both feet, scooting forward and balancing and adjusting instinctively when the balance bike leans over. Soon they'll be balancing, learning and playing all at once. Just what they need to develop strength, coordination, balance and confidence. And watch them smile as they do it!
Where can a Balance Bike be used?
Indoors or outdoors, over smooth or rough terrain. Our wooden balance bikes are made to a high standard and are of very robust design. They can be ridden on pavements, on the grass, on skate parks and BMX tracks. You can even take them for a bit of off-road riding in the forest.
Children can travel along quite quickly on their balance bikes, making those trips out to the shops or for the school run much easier and more fun for everyone. The bikes are easy to carry and easy to sling in the boot of the car (no greasy parts either). Don't forget to protect your child with a Kiddimoto bike helmet.
Moving on to a Pedal Bike
A child will probably be ready to move on to a pedal bike from about the age of 5 or 6. Having mastered balancing and steering on their balance bike, the transition to a pedal bike is usually easy. They won't need stabilisers - these simply prevent them from developing a proper sense of balance. Their experience with a balance bike means they will have confidence in their own ability and won't be worried about falling.
When they move on to a pedal bike, set the saddle low initially so they can still walk the bike along the ground. Let them get the hang of pedalling and of using the handbrake. Then once that is mastered, raise the saddle to the correct height.
Benefits of a Balance Bike
- Can be used from age 2 onwards
- Makes balance and steering second nature
- Develops confidence and coordination
- Makes those trips out and about fun for everyone
- Gives a natural transition to a pedal bike
- Promotes healthy fun exercise
- Can be used indoors and out
- Easy to carry, easy to pop in the boot
