While a balance bike can easily train your kids about how to make balance and give them a playful outlook, there are various things which you surely keep in mind before buying one.
We have tested and analyzed more than 40 different balance bikes and came up with important factors to consider before making a purchase. All these factors are mentioned below with detail description.
Table of Contents
1. Size
Size the foremost factor to consider while purchasing a balance bike. Usually, these bikes are marketed as one-size fits all. However, it is not true completely. Because same bike doesn’t fit to 18month old and 6year old. Tire size and seat height determine the exact size of the balance bike.
source: BXT
- Wheel Size
Most of the balance bikes come in 12inch or 14inch sizes. 12 inches are by far the most common option. Balance bikes with 14inches option are suitable for older kids and preschoolers. Few models are available with 16inches and 20inches wheels but they are suitable for kids and teens.
- Seat Height
Though wheel size is a good reference point, size of seat also plays and important role to determine which one works best. Balance bikes come in a vast range of height ranges. In order to ride the bicycle properly, your kid’s feet should touch the ground which sitting comfortably on the bike. To choose a balance bike that fits perfectly into the height requirements, the seat has to be at least 1inch to 1.5inch less than kid’s inseam – which is the measurement from crotch to the floor including shoes). The range and 1 and 1.5inch range is usually considered for slight bend in knee.
source: havefunbiking.com
As kids grow pretty quickly, it is better to consider a balance bike with 2 inches more than your child’s current inseam. The extra inches allow the balance bike suitable for your kids at least 2 or 3 years more.
For example – If your child’s inseam is 16inches, then seat height for the balance bike has be over 14 inches.
Below is a table representing the guidelines of a Balance Bike
Tips to Measure the Child’s Inseam Height
The easy way to measure a kid’s inseam is to do with a hardbound book. Let your kid remove the shoes and stand against the wall. Now, squeeze a book between the legs and gently move the book up until it touches his crotch. Now, level the book to the floor and measure the area between the top and bottom of the book.
2. Weight
Thumb rule to consider when considering this factor is – balance bike should not weigh more than 30% of kid’s weight. For a 2-year old, 10-pound balance can be difficult to move but it can easy for a 3.5year old who weight 35lb.
Simple calculation to determine the right weight is mentioned below…
(child’s weight) x (0.3) = (max bike weight in lbs)
Let’s consider your child’s weight is 25. If you multiply it with 0.3, then the result is the weight you should look for in a balance bike.
So, 25lbs x 0.3 = 7.5lbs.
Main weight of a balance bike usually depends on the frame and wheels. When compared to air tires, foam tires are much easier. High quality yet light weight bikes contain good handbrakes, air tires, true headset and others. This usually increases the cost of the balance bike.
3. Geometry
Usually, geometry of a balance bike usually has a great impact on how it performs. Ideal balance bikes have good geometry which helps your kid to balance or move the bike easily. If the you purchase a balance bike with poor geometry then, it can work against them.
In order to determine whether the balance bike you choose has good geometry or not, you have to consider certain factors like
- Wheelbase – Wheelbase is usually considered as the area between the two wheels where they touch the ground. Balance bikes with longer wheelbases are generally easier to balance and stable as well.
- Cockpit – It is the area between the handlebars and seat. A good balance bike has enough cockpit space to lean onto the handlebars while running the bike. If the cockpit area is short, then your kid may not be able to properly lean on the bike. Swept-back handlebars have limited cockpit space. Flat and raised handlebars are also not that great but slightly raised one are the best.
- Fork Angle – Angle of the fork also plays a major role in moving a balance bike. Upright fork decreases the bike’s wheelbase which forces most of the child’s weight to fall on the front wheel. If more weight is falling over front wheel, then it will be hard to steer or balance, especially on uneven surfaces.
- Seat Position – An ideal balance bike usually has less space between the