The Secret to Early Cycling: The Surprising Benefits of Balance Bikes for Toddlers
The Joy of Watching Your Child Ride Solo
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Innovation appears in unexpected places. I didn’t realize how inefficiently I had learned to ride a bike until I saw a kid, no older than 4, effortlessly zooming by on our sidewalk.
At the time, my son had just turned 2 and was starting to ride his first Radio Flyer Trike. I had no idea that kids just a year or two older could already be riding on two wheels. Was I witnessing the next Lance Armstrong? No, the secret was a balance bike.
A Brief History of Balance Bikes
Rolf Mertens, a German designer, introduced the modern balance bike in 1997. By the 2010s, these bikes had crossed the Atlantic, becoming a popular tool for teaching kids how to ride.
The concept of a balance bike is simple: lower the bike’s seat so that your child can touch the ground, and remove the pedals. That’s it! No training wheels necessary!
The Importance of Proper Sizing
When my son was two, Grandpa tried to get him his first balance bike for Christmas. Unfortunately, that bike, like most balance bikes, was still a bit too big for a 2-year-old.
It is essential your child can stand very comfortably on the bike. If the bike wobbles or they have to stand on their tiptoes, they won’t get very far.
The Hunt for the Perfect Balance Bike
I visited several bike stores with my son but couldn’t find the right fit. Eventually, I stumbled upon Guardian Bikes on Instagram. I was skeptical since I hadn’t had much luck with Instagram purchases before, but these bikes seemed to be the right size. They were also the only ones I found that came with removable pedals, a hand brake, and even training wheels if needed.
Grandpa made a another attempt and ordered one for each of my kids (the 3-5 for my son and 1.5-4 for my daughter). This time, my son’s bike fit perfectly! My daughter’s not the tallest 2-year-old you’ll ever meet, so initially she had trouble reaching the ground. But she can stand and walk with it now.
After two months of pushing himself around the neighborhood, my son tried riding with pedals earlier this week, and he did it!
The Best Bike for Kids under 3
I would be remiss if I didn’t recommend the Radio Flyer Trike I mentioned earlier. We’ve been using it several times a week for the past three years, and both my son and daughter love it. It’s especially great for long walks because you can disable the pedals and use it as a stroller when your child gets tired.
But be careful when you’re purchasing it because there are about 12 variations of that trike. The one we have is the 3-in-1 Stroll ‘N Trike. Some of the others don’t let you disable the pedals, aren’t as adjustable, etc…