How to choose a children's bike

Sitting on a bike and becoming a member of the movement, the child learns to think about the consequences of his actions, becomes more responsible, his self-esteem increases. In order for the experience of a young cyclist to be positive, parents should take a responsible approach to choosing a bike for their child.

Types of children's bikes

Children's bicycles come in different types, but all have the same elements: handlebars, wheels, frame, seat.

By the number of wheels, bicycles are divided into:

Tricycles. This bike is stable in any situation. It is designed for children from 1 to 4 years old. You should not buy a model with three wheels for an older child - he will not be interested, moreover, most children quickly “grow out” of such bicycles, and further riding on them brings not only discomfort, but also harm to posture.

Tricycle

Balance bikes. This model does not have pedals. The child sits on the seat and rolls, pushing off the ground with his feet. It is important that the baby, while in the seat, can rest his feet well on the ground. A balance bike is good for kids aged 2-4 who can't or don't want to pedal. The child will strengthen the muscles of the legs, learn to keep balance, prepare for riding a two-wheeled bicycle. It is difficult to fall off a balance bike, because you can always quickly put your feet on the ground.

balance bike

Two-wheeled. A children's bicycle with two wheels is similar in structure to an adult model, but has a smaller size, a more interesting design, and additional elements. A four-year-old kid can also transfer to a two-wheeled device if he has learned to keep his balance well. The main criterion for choosing a model is compliance with growth.

Two-wheeled bicycles

IMPORTANT! The side wheels will help the child feel more confident on a two-wheeled bicycle, reduce the risk of injury.

Choosing a bike by age

For each age period, appropriate bicycle models are produced. Conditionally, the age groups look like this:

From 1 year to 3 years. For the little ones, bicycles with only three wheels are intended. Models act as a stroller: they have a parent handle and a platform for the baby's feet: if the child does not know how to pedal or gets tired quickly, he puts his feet on the stand, and the parent rolls him holding the handle.
From 2 to 4 years. For children in this group, tricycles and balance bikes are suitable, but at 4 years old a child is able to sit on a two-wheeled device, especially with an additional pair of wheels. For children at this age, it is no longer necessary to buy models - “carriages”, since they are able to cope with the pedals and controls on their own.
From 3 to 6 years. Children at this age can safely buy two-wheeled bicycles with side wheels. Then, a little later, when the child learns to keep balance, they can be removed.
From 5 to 8 years. For this age, you should buy only two-wheeled bicycles, but take into account the diameter of the wheels so that the model is suitable for growth.

Tricycles

Wheel diameter

Children, depending on age, have different indicators of height and weight, the level of physical development, so experts recommend choosing a bike according to the diameter of the wheels. Correspondences for indicators of age, height and diameter of bicycle wheels in inches have been developed:

up to 3 years (height 90 - 98 cm) - the wheel should be 10 - 12 inches in diameter;
3 - 6 years (height up to 125 cm) - 14", 16", 18";
5 - 9 years (height up to 130 cm) - 18", 20";
7 - 12 years old (height 130 - 155 cm) - 20", 24";
13 years and older - 26" wheel.

It should be taken into account that the last two points already belong to the category of teenage bikes.

Wheel diameter selection

IMPORTANT! When buying a bike, you need to put the child on the seat. In this position, the extended leg should be free to stand on the pedal when it is in the lower position.

When buying a bicycle in accordance with the age and height of the child, it is worth paying attention to the distance between the frame and the baby's crotch. It should be at least 10 - 12 cm. This will allow the young cyclist to get on the vehicle and jump off it without injuries and difficulties.

Balance bikes

IMPORTANT! Buy a bike with a height adjustable seat and handlebar. So the technique will “grow” with the baby, saving the family from unnecessary expenses.

The main components of the bicycle design: how to choose

frame material

When choosing a children's bike, you should pay attention to the material from which the frame is made. It can be made of plastic, wood, aluminium or steel.

The plastic frame is light, cheap, but not strong. This option is only allowed in tricycles for the smallest.
The wood is relatively light, pleasant to the touch, but also not very durable. Wooden frame is good for balance bikes.
Aluminium is light, strong, does not rust, but soft and expensive. Children still do not know how to handle a bicycle, avoid falls and other mechanical influences, so the frame can bend, lose its aesthetic appearance. But the aluminium frame is light, and this is a plus: it is easier for a child to carry the bike in his arms.
The steel frame is strong, inexpensive, impact resistant, but susceptible to corrosion. All types of bicycles can be made from steel. For children's bikes, a steel frame is the best solution. If you take care of the vehicle, do not leave it outdoors in wet weather or rain, then it will serve the child without problems throughout childhood.

Balance bike with wooden frame

wheels

Wheels are solid or inflatable. The inflatable wheel is made of rubber and consists of a tyre and a tube to be inflated. Solid wheels are made of rubber, plastic, polyurethane and do not need to be inflated. For toddlers who ride a tricycle, it is better to choose models with solid wheels, as they are resistant to damage. For children who have switched to a two-wheeled vehicle, it is better to choose a tyre with a tube, because such wheels are softer to ride even on a “problem” road, they absorb better.

Additional elements

Depending on the age group, bicycles can be equipped with additional elements that increase the convenience of their operation. The older the child, the fewer accessories his bike will have.

So, for example, bicycles for babies are equipped with visors, baskets for various items, a trunk, and parental handles. Many models also have a play panel for the entertainment of the baby. A protective bumper and seat belts will save the young biker from falling.

Children's bikes with fenders

Two-wheeled models for children from 4 years old may have fenders that protect against gravel, splinters and other small debris flying from under the wheels. Also, older models are sometimes equipped with a trunk (boys will like it), or a front basket (common in girls' bikes).

When choosing a bike with additional accessories, you should pay attention to the quality of their workmanship and performance. Bicycle accessories make the bike heavier, therefore, buying a model with them and not using them for their intended purpose is not recommended.

Children's bike with additional accessories

Having an idea about the types of bicycles and their features, it is not difficult to choose a vehicle that will delight the child and make a positive contribution to his development and upbringing.