Modelled after the ‘dandy horse, which was invented in the early 19th century as the adult “running machine,” balance bicycles have become the new learning vehicle to get kids enjoying the riding experience early.  Just like the original velocipede, kids balance bikes are pedal-less, two wheel bikes that kids as young as about 20 months can ride.

After a brief learning period, toddlers and kids are able to ride and coast on their balance bikes without help from their parents. Balance bikes can replace tricycles and training wheels for children of the same age and have the added benefit of teaching riders how to balance while moving from the onset.  Some people even argue that tricycle and training wheels cause kids to acquire skills that have to be un-learned once they try to ride and balance at the same time.  Tricycles and training wheels teach kids how to ride while un-balanced and are often less efficient and fun to ride.

With the skills learned from a balance bike, riders as young a 3 years old can transition straight to a regular kids bike without training wheels and with little help from parents. Especially in Europe, where cycling culture is a huge part of life, getting kids learning to glide along while maintaining their own balance early helps them learn to ride regular pedal bikes even faster.

Who are balance bikes for and how are they ridden?

Usually for ages 18-22 months, balance bikes are suitable for any child who’s inside leg length is approximately 1-2cm taller than the seat height of a balance bike.  Because the seat height is adjustable, balance bikes can be ridden by children up to 5 years old.  To ride and keep balance, children just place both feet on the ground at any given time. Their feet operate as both the gas and the brakes. “Running” with the bike generates the momentum needed for kids to begin experimenting with balance, and if a child ever feels uncomfortable or about to fall they simply need to place their feet on the ground to avoid falling over.  Super fun!!