Balance Bikes Make Teaching Toddlers to Ride a Breeze

View PDF | Print View
by: kellogvanderhague
Total views: 1
Word Count: 744
Date: Mon, 14 Feb 2011 Time: 3:39 AM
0 comments

Considering a bicycle for your child ages 2-4? Many parents feel the urge to get their child started on a bicycle at an early age, but there can be some pitfalls. Most 12" bikes found in department stores are too heavy for kids this young and the seat height is too high. As an example, the Spiderman 12" bike found at major retailers weighs in at 21 lbs. Can you imagine trying to learn to ride bike for the first time on a bike that weighed half as much as you do? You'd need Spidey strength to be able to ride it. There is an alternative. Balance bikes are designed specifically to teach younger children how to ride in a way that's safe, fun and accelerates the learning process, but there are some things to consider before purchasing.

The most important consideration when selecting the right bike for your child. A bike that's too tall and requires a child to stand on their tiptoes to control will frustrate a child and puts him or her at risk of injury. To find the right size bike for your child, measure their inseam. The right bike will have a minimum seat height at least one inch lower than the child's inseam measurement. This allows them to sit on the seat with their feet flat on the ground. Important, since the balance bike has no pedals, chains or sprockets. Kids push them with their feet.

Balance bikes come in either wood or metal. The bikes made from wood are more popular in Europe than the U.S. and are perceived by kids as "toys." That can be good as it encourages experimentation and reduces fear for some children. For durability, the metal bikes are a better option. The bikes are manufactured using either steel or aluminum alloys and vary in weight. Steel frame bikes tend to be heavier and sturdier and will support more weight. The aluminum bikes are lightweight, but generally won't support children weighing more than 65 lbs. For very young riders in the 18 month to 2-year range, the lighter the bike the better. For older children, consider the weight limit.

The two most common types of tires on a balance bike are conventional air or made of foam. Foam tires offer durability and convenience, but lack grip on the road. Standard air tires offer a comfortable ride with good traction, but often go flat. You will find foam tires on most of the bikes designed for the youngest riders. Bikes for older riders tend to use air tires because of the additional traction.

Brakes might seem like an important feature on a bike, but when it comes to balance bikes most kids will be using their feet to stop. The handbrakes fitted on these bikes are more for show than anything else though they do get kids used to the idea of riding while holding the brake. While the handbrakes do work, we find that most kids don't have the hand strength to operate them.

A bit of controversy surrounds turn limiters, a feature designed to reduce the steering range on the bike. Those that like them believe the limiters can prevent accidents by keeping kids from making overly sharp turns. Others believe the limiters can prevent a child's ability to fully maneuver the bike and may do more harm than good. Valid points from both sides. In our experience, the limiters don't have a dramatic effect and shouldn't be factored much into a parent's buying decision.

Some bikes feature a place for kids to put their feet when they are coasting. It could be in the center of the frame like the KaZam balance bike or on towards the rear of the bike which is the case with the Strider preBike. The Glide Bike Mini Glider has foot pegs for kid's to rest their feet. Bikes without footrests are equally effective in teaching a child to balance and steer.

These are the features of a balance bike that parents should be considering as they shop, but the two most critical factors are height and weight. Choose a bike that your child can comfortably straddle with their feet flat on the ground. If your child is under three, select one of the lighter bikes. If your child is school age, look at the maximum seat height and maximum allowable weight to make your decision.

About the Author

Prepare to be amazed. The balance bike is a revolutionary tool that teaches kids the most important element of learning to ride a bike...balance. The Mini Glider or strider preBike are great starter bikes for toddlers.