Are you looking for the best kids' bike for your child and struggling to choose the right one? Don’t worry, as we have compiled a simple guide to help you make a wise choice.
Positive early experiences significantly impact a child’s life. Given that cycling is a fun, eco-friendly activity that keeps kids fit and allows for social interaction, encouraging kids to cycle is brilliant.
Having the right bike can greatly enhance a child's early cycling experiences, ultimately helping them enjoy the sport we love.
From finding the right size bike to recommending options for different age groups, our buyer’s guide to the best kids' bikes at the bottom of the page covers everything you need.
Once you've found the perfect bike, check out our guide to cycling with kids to get started. Soon, the whole family will be enjoying life on two wheels. We offer plenty of other information on kids' bikes, from advice on cycling to school to reviews of kids' bikes tested by young riders.
Below are our recommendations for the best kids' bikes by age group. Scroll further for buying advice on how to choose the best kids' bikes and information on selecting helmets, balance bikes versus stabilizer wheels, and more. The first step is to determine the size bike your child needs.
What Size Bike Does My Child Need?
Ages 4 to 6
For children aged four to six, generally measuring around 105cm to 115cm (3ft 5in to 3ft 9in), look for a bike with 14in to 16in wheels. Most of these bikes are straightforward, equipped with pedals and brakes, and many come with a small range of gears.
Ages 7 to 10
For kids aged seven to ten (height 115cm to 135cm / 3ft 9in to 4ft 5in), select a bike with 18in to 20in wheels. At this stage, you’ll notice an increased variety of gears, and some bikes may have front suspension suitable for rough terrain.
Ages 10 to 13
Children aged 10 to 13 (height 135cm to 150cm / 4ft 5in to 5ft) typically transition to a bike with 24in wheels. At this point, the bikes resemble smaller versions of adult bikes.
You will also see diverse types of bikes, from junior-sized road bikes and mountain bikes to hybrid/leisure bikes. Choose a bike type that fits the majority of your child’s riding style; for example, if they will mostly ride off-road, wider tires with grippy treads are advisable.
Teenagers
For teenagers, you will be looking at smaller sizes of adult bikes. Smaller wheel options are available for junior road bikes, such as 650b, but most bikes will have 26in, 27.5in, or 700c wheels.
Keep in mind that these sizes are merely guidelines. If your teenager is taller or shorter than average or has varying confidence levels, they may prefer a different size. When in doubt, consult your local bike shop.
Best Bikes and Balance Bikes for Ages 1 to 4
If your child has just started walking and you aim to make their transition from a child's bike seat to a bike as natural as possible, consider a balance bike.
Weight is an essential factor here as well. While your child isn't ready for airtime or hill climbs yet, a lightweight bike can significantly impact their experience, making it easier to handle and, therefore, more enjoyable.
Though some basic balance bikes may not include brakes, it’s wise to choose one with braking capabilities. This allows your child to learn essential braking skills before advancing to a pedal bike, especially if your local playground or park has hills.
Balance bikes are widely regarded as the best method for teaching young children to ride.
Look for balance bikes with easily adjustable seat posts to accommodate your growing child. Finally, consider balance bikes made for durability, as they will likely endure the rigors of heavy use. Alloy bikes generally last longer than wooden balance bikes.
There are also pedal-powered options for two- to four-year-olds, many of which will come with brakes, including lever-operated or coaster brakes.
If you need more options, we have a dedicated guide for the best balance bikes.
Woom 1
- £199 / $199
- Lightweight
- Includes a rear brake
The Woom 1 balance bike is available in two sizes for children aged 1.5 to 4.5 years. Weighing 2.95kg, this lightweight aluminum frame rolls on 12in wheels and features a rear brake, allowing your child to become familiar with braking and steering from the start.
Every component is thoughtfully designed with beginner riders in mind, from narrow grips to an ergonomic saddle. The bike is available in five fun, bright colors.
Strider 12 Sport Balance Bike
- £129.99 / $156 / AU$233
- Adjustable for a broad age range
- Includes footrests
The Strider Sport balance bike fits children from 18 months to four or five years old. It features an adjustable seat post that can be fully lowered or raised to accommodate your child’s height. The durable steel frame can withstand rough treatment, and the tires are puncture-proof.
The built-in footrests allow your child to rest their feet when they master gliding. This bike also features an easy, tool-free height adjustment for both the saddle and handlebars.
Islabikes Rothan
- £199.99
- Specially shaped saddle for scooting
- Rear brake
The Islabikes Rothan is an outstanding balance bike from a company dedicated to creating high-quality bikes designed to inspire a passion for cycling in children. Great care is taken to ensure bikes fit well, ride smoothly, and aren’t too heavy for young riders.
Available in bright colors, the Rothan features a lightweight aluminum frame, chunky tires for optimal grip, and a brake designed for smaller hands.
Frog 40
- £355 / $490
- Front and rear brakes
- Child-size crankset
For children who have mastered gliding and are ready to advance to pedals, the Frog 40 is an excellent choice. With an aluminum frame and fork, high-quality Tektro brakes provide substantial stopping power. Additionally, bespoke cranks ensure ease of pedaling for little kids.
The 14x1.5in Kenda tires perform well on a variety of surfaces, and a five-year warranty on the frame and forks offers peace of mind.
Frog also offers a popular line of balance bikes and models for older children.
Black Mountain Bikes Pinto
- £399 / $478.95
- Designed to adapt as they grow
- Belt drive for low maintenance
The Pinto from Black Mountain Bikes starts off as a balance bike. Designed to grow with your child, the bike lasts longer and fits better as they grow. The brand claims their bikes function as "three bikes in one."
The Pinto can initially be used as a balance bike, then convert to a pedal bike on the 14in wheel option. The lightweight frame (reportedly 6kg) is easy for smaller children to handle, featuring a low-maintenance belt drive and short-reach brake levers designed for small hands.
Furthermore, the gearing can be adjusted as your child grows due to a removable sprocket “jacket.” The bike is available in four colors: orange, neon green, purple, and sky blue.
Cube Cubie 120 Walk
- £199 / $220
- Steering angle limiter to prevent overturning the handlebars
- Includes two seat post lengths
This lightweight alloy bike weighs 3.8kg, making it an excellent option for starting your child’s biking journey. Cube has integrated a special handlebar setup to limit the turning radius, preventing accidents often caused by over-enthusiastic steering.
The bike rolls on 12in wheels with Kenda Team Cube tires, features a low standover height, and comes with two different-length seat posts to allow for growth.
Specialized Hotwalk
- £149 / $225
- Step-through frame option
- Includes a foot platform
The Specialized Hotwalk includes foot platforms, perfect for when kids have mastered balancing before transitioning to pedals. It comes with an option for a step-through or top-tube frame, plus adjustable handlebar height for growing children.
Equipped with Specialized's airless Rhythm Lite Sport tires, this bike performs well on both dirt and tarmac and won’t suffer punctures.
Best Bikes for Ages 4 to 6
By now, your child should have mastered the balance bike. They’re likely zipping around confidently, using their legs for speed and negotiating corners effectively. This is the perfect time to think about introducing pedals.
Transitioning from a balance bike to a pedal bike is an essential step, and sizing is crucial. Ensure your child can comfortably touch the ground with their feet while seated and can reach both the handlebars and brake levers.
To simplify things, your child's first pedal bike might only have one or two gears to start with. Once they’ve mastered pedaling, they can progress to bikes with more gears as they grow and upgrade to larger sizes.
As with balance bikes, having a lightweight option is helpful, as younger children are generally smaller. An upright riding position will assist them in focusing on their surroundings as they learn to pedal.
Typically, these bikes come with 14in or 16in wheels. If the bike previously came with stabilizers, make sure to remove them once your child is confident riding without.
Most bikes in this price range will allow you to adjust the brake lever reach. Many also feature coaster brakes instead of lever-operated brakes, which can be engaged by backpedaling.
Early Rider Belter 16in
- £439 / $439
- Low-maintenance Gates belt drive
- Big tires for versatile riding
Weighing in at 5.9kg, the Early Rider Belter 16 is an excellent choice for a child's first pedal bike. Early Rider has opted for a Gates rubber belt instead of a traditional chain, eliminating the need for oiling and keeping it clean.
The eye-catching aluminum frame is lightweight and has been built with meticulous attention to detail. The 16in Vee mountain bike tires are 2in wide, perfect for traversing muddy slopes, rolling over roots, or zooming across gravel. Tektro v-brakes provide powerful stopping capabilities with short-reach levers designed for small hands.
Orange Pop 16
- £450 / $600
- Miniature mountain bike design with wide tires
- Single speed for ease of use
A fantastic choice for a child transitioning from striding to pedaling, the Orange Pop 16 is a miniature mountain bike suited for young adventurers. The frame maintains the same long, low, slack mantra found in larger Orange models.
This singlespeed bike alleviates any complications from gears, while the 2.15in Kenda tires enhance stability and control. The frame is available in vibrant orange or blue.
Ridgeback MX16
- £219.99
- Single speed simplicity
- Front and back V-brakes
The Ridgeback MX16 is designed for young off-road enthusiasts featuring 16in wheels wrapped in grippy Vee VRB tires. The alloy crossbar frame paired with a steel fork is intended for riders between 110cm and 120cm tall, with a claimed weight of 9.4kg.
This single-speed bike incorporates a 16t cog and 32T crank, making it easily manageable for smaller riders, removing the complexity of changing gears. Tektro brake levers operate the Ridgeback’s Promax V-brakes.
Black Mountain Bikes Skøg
- £399 / $461.95
- Another Black Mountain model that adapts as your child grows
- Lightweight frame
Like its sibling, the Pinto, the Skøg functions as "three bikes in one" without pedals. It serves as a balance bike without pedals and belt drive and converts to a traditional pedal bike while allowing for adjustments to fit the rider.
The design emphasizes lightweight convenience for small riders, featuring high-quality brakes with appropriately sized levers for small hands. It's available in four bright colors: purple, neon green, sky blue, and orange.
Best Bikes for Ages 6 to 10
Your child's second pedal bike may not only increase in size but also features. The larger wheels (18-20in) will come with wider tires, complemented by a more oversized frame, slightly wider handlebars, and longer cranks.
At this size, expect more gears as your child learns to navigate longer rides with challenging inclines and descents. You may also see the emergence of suspension (usually suspension forks only).
Note: Cheaper suspension bikes can be heavier than non-suspension options. If your child will be riding off-road, prioritize selecting good-quality, wide, puncture-resistant tires.
Specialized Riprock 20
- £629 / $650 / AU$925
- Mountain bike styling
- Hydraulic disc braking
Replacing the popular Hotrock, the Specialized Riprock 20 resembles an adult mountain bike in miniature (minus the suspension). It’s a smart strategy to gain proficiency without the added weight of suspension.
Available in two sizes (20in-wheel model or a larger 24in model for taller kids), the Riprock is well-suited for trails, urban rides, or pump tracks.
The Riprock comes in an exciting range of colors.
Scott Scale/Contessa 20
- £389 / $600 / AU$650
- 7-speed gears
- 40mm-travel suspension fork
The Scale and girls' Contessa 20 are scaled-down versions of Scott's hardtail mountain bikes. They feature a Suntour suspension fork offering 40mm of travel for grip and comfort while riding.
Chunky 2.2in Kenda Booster tires tackle mud easily, and Shimano 7-speed gearing features grip-shift operation. The bike boasts child-specific v-brakes along with handlebars, saddle, and pedals tailored for junior riders.
Trek Roscoe 20
- £515 / $500
- 8-speed drivetrain
- Mechanical disc brakes
The Trek Roscoe 20 is built to inspire confidence with its large 2.8in tires, suitable for both trails and streets. It has a rigid fork which helps in keeping costs and weight down while utilizing features from Trek’s adult bikes.
The durable aluminum frame with kid-specific geometry, coupled with the fuss-free 1x8 Shimano drivetrain, makes this bike perfect for developing young riding skills.
Best Bikes for Ages 10 to 13
Bigger bikes come with more features, essentially resembling smaller adult bikes. As the wheel size increases to 24in, expect an even broader variety of style and function.
Available options range from drop-bar road bikes, hardtail and full-suspension mountain bikes with disc brakes, to hybrid bikes that serve multiple purposes.
Quality models tend to feature lightweight alloy frames, and their specifications should mirror those of adult bikes in a similar price range.
Woom Off 6
- Off 6: £899 / $899
- Off Air 6: £999 / $1,049
- Rigid or suspension fork options
- Hydraulic disc brakes
The largest option available from Woom, the Off 6, caters to riders from 140cm to 165cm (approximately 10 years and over). This model features a rigid carbon fiber fork but can also be opted with the Woom Off Air 6 which includes 90mm of air suspension up front.
Both options incorporate a high-quality aluminum alloy frame with 26in wheels, featuring nine gears and hydraulic disc brakes.
Transition Ripcord
- £1,699 / $1,899
- Front and rear suspension
- Wide gear range with 11 speeds
The Ripcord is designed for junior riders who like to take on various terrains. It features 100mm of front and rear suspension, allowing for control across different surfaces.
With a low standover height, progressive geometry, RockShox Judy fork, and Monarch R shock, this bike is equipped for confidence-building adventure.
Kona Honzo 24
- £698.99 / $860 / AU$1,262
- Hardtail, suspension fork
- Hydraulic disc brakes
Featuring 80mm of front travel and 2.6in Vee tires, the Kona Honzo 24 is the perfect trail bike for younger riders. The 24in wheels and 1x 7-speed drivetrain ensure suitability for pre-teens starting to master shifting.
Frog 69 and Frog 73
- Frog 69: £455 / $700
- Frog 73: £465 / $720
- Simple mechanics for ease of use
- Wide age range covered
Frog is dedicated to crafting lightweight bikes for children and provides options like road bikes, mountain bikes, and hybrids.
The 69 and 73 are flat-bar hybrid bikes intended for versatile use, suitable for commuting and adventures alike. The model numbers indicate frame size; the 69 is for ages 10 to 12, while the 73 suits ages 12 to 14 (depending on height).
Triban 500
- £399.99
- Shimano Claris gears
- Alloy frame and fork
The Triban 500 is a cost-effective first road bike suitable for children aged 9 to 12 and 135cm to 150cm tall. This alloy bike has a sub-10kg weight, 650b wheels, and an 8-speed Shimano Claris drivetrain.
The double chainring and wide-range cassette provide ample options for aspiring climbers.
Vitus 24
- £329.99 / $406 / AU$596
- Available in purple, silver, and blue
- Off-road capabilities
The Vitus 24 features components designed specifically for children, including an adjustable brake lever. This mountain bike is suitable for young riders with a height range of 127cm to 142cm.
Equipped with Kenda tires, Tektro brakes, and an 8-speed Shimano Acera drivetrain, the bike stands ready for various terrains.
Best Bikes for Teenagers
For teenagers, a broader selection of bikes is available, including smaller versions of adult bikes. Junior road bikes may feature slightly smaller wheels (like 650b compared to standard 700c) or mountain bikes with sizes around 26in instead of 27.5in or even 29in.
You might find it beneficial to discreetly consult your teenager about their preferences regarding the bike model, brand, and color.
If your teenager is genuinely engaged in cycling, there are numerous high-quality race-ready road and mountain bikes designed to enhance their competitive edge.
Islabikes Creig
- £799.99 - £1,099.99
- Four wheel size options
- Suspension fork adjustable to the rider's weight
The Islabikes Creig is designed for both younger and older riders with progressive geometry and high-quality components. The adjustable RockShox 30 Gold air fork can be tuned to individual weight and riding conditions.
Four wheel sizes accommodate riders aged eight and up, making this bike versatile and practical.
Islabikes Luath
- £799.99 - £899.99
- Set up for road, cyclocross, or gravel riding
- Mechanical disc brakes
The Islabikes Luath is a versatile bike that can be tailored for different riding styles. It possesses a lightweight aluminum frame alongside a carbon fork, complete with Tektro cable disc brakes and a single-chainring that simplifies operation.
Four size options cater to riders from eight years old to mid-teens.
Canyon Grand Canyon Young Hero
- £699
- 11-speed Shimano gears
- Shimano hydraulic disc brakes
The Canyon Grand Canyon Young Hero is inspired by the adult Grand Canyon range, designed as a competent introduction to off-road riding. With an aluminum frame featuring 100mm of SR Suntour XCR suspension, it provides comfort and control.
The bike is equipped with a sturdy Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brake system, ensuring young riders can easily stop, as well as an 11-speed transmission to support their skills.
Frog Bikes 70
- £620
- Multi-surface drop bar bike
- 9.3kg claimed weight
The Frog Bikes 70 targets early teenagers who enjoy both on-road and off-road riding. The stock Kenda tires provide road slicks, but the frame offers clearance for wider knobby tires if needed.
Tektro Oryx cantilever brakes provide stopping power, while auxiliary brake levers on the handlebars enhance security.
For added versatility, the Frog Road 70 carries a 10-speed drivetrain with a well-sized 36T single chainring and an 11-34t cassette.
Buyer's Guide to Choosing Kids' Bikes
When selecting a bike for your child, the most critical factors include height and ability. The weight of the bike also influences its handling, as the lightest bikes tend to provide better performance and control.
Why It’s Important to Get the Right Size
Children grow remarkably fast, and as a parent, you know this all too well! It might be tempting to purchase a larger bike for your child to "grow into," but this can actually impede the learning process and make it more difficult for them.
A bike that is too big can hinder maneuverability and stability, leaving your child frustrated rather than enjoying their cycling experience. To ensure positive first memories of cycling, find a bike that perfectly fits their current size.
How Bikes Differ in Size
Kids' bikes vary primarily in wheel and frame size. These two elements increase in size together as children grow, but unlike adult bikes, kids' bikes are typically sized according to wheel diameter.
The smallest wheels generally measure 12 inches on balance bikes, increasing progressively up to 26 inches for bikes intended for teenagers. Sizes usually increase in 2-inch increments, with frames shaped to accommodate growing riders.
Smaller frames have diminished components, including adjustable-reach brake levers and shorter cranks.
Check out our guide to kids' bike wheel sizes for more assistance in choosing the right size bike.
How to Choose the Right Size Bike
Most bike brands provide comprehensive guides to assist you in finding the right size for your child, disregarding age as a primary factor. Instead, focus on height and inseam length.
Most brands, such as Woom and Islabikes, provide size charts to guide you. Ensure your child can place both feet on the ground while seated on the saddle to maintain a proper pedaling position and ensure they can stop easily.
The reach is also vital; your child should comfortably reach the handlebars and brake levers. Check if the bike comes with adjustable-reach brake levers for better fit.
What If Your Child Is In Between Sizes?
Although you might be tempted to size up like you would for clothing or shoes, it’s generally advisable to opt for the smaller size. A larger bike can prove difficult to steer and control, especially if your child needs to stand on their tiptoes to reach the ground.
A larger bike can feel intimidating and less comfortable, hindering confidence in young riders. Since control and comfort are vital for an enjoyable experience, selecting the appropriate size is key.
However, if the child is very close to the larger size, it might be wise to consider that option, as they could enjoy it for longer and achieve a more efficient pedal stroke.
How Long Until a Child Outgrows Their Bike?
Each child grows at their own rate, but brands suggest that bikes are typically outgrown within two years if purchased when the child fits the lower sizing bracket. While two years may seem short, many quality children's bikes retain excellent resale value and some brands even offer trade-in programs for larger bikes.
How a Child's Cycling Skill Can Affect Size
Interestingly, a child's cycling skill level can also play a role in what size bike is appropriate. Less confident or skilled children might benefit from a smaller, lighter bike since it can be easier to control and maneuver.
Ultimately, ensure the fit is suitable for their physical size rather than age-based sizing alone.
How to Teach a Child to Ride a Bike
If you need to teach your child how to ride, we have a separate guide that details teaching a child to ride in just 30 minutes. You can also watch the introductory video tutorial below.
Additionally, we have a guide for teaching a child to ride a balance bike.
What Type of Bike Should I Buy?
Balance Bike vs. Pedal Bike
Considering a bike for your child but unsure where to begin? Let us assist you! When it comes to kids' bikes, you might think it’s just a smaller adult bike, but there’s much more to consider. Primarily, there are two main options: balance bikes and pedal bikes.
Balance bikes have become increasingly popular in recent years as a child's first bike, and for good reason. Alternatively, small pedal bikes fitted with removable stabilizer wheels are also a traditional option.
Children's bikes typically feature flat handlebars instead of the drop bars found on road bikes, especially for younger riders. As children grow, you will discover a broader selection, including rigid and suspension bikes, hybrids, and hardtails.
The initial stages of teaching a child to ride are crucial, and balance bikes have proven invaluable for many eager parents, not to mention the kids.
These simple bikes do not have pedals, and some may be without brakes. The purpose of a balance bike is to develop fundamental balancing skills that are often lost when using a pedal bike with stabilizers.
The technique required to corner effectively on bikes with stabilizers differs greatly. Stabilizers can turn the bike into essentially a tricycle, complicating rather than assisting the learning process.
By using a balance bike, kids can master their balance, steering, and eventually braking before transitioning to a pedal bike and the additional challenge of pedaling.
Balance bikes are ideal for children once they can walk up until about four years old, although the timing of switching to a pedal bike should align with each child’s individual capabilities.
Types of Bikes with Pedals
As your child grows, you'll encounter a variety of bike styles. During the early stages, kids' bikes typically consist of rigid, flat-bar designs, from balance bikes up to initial pedal cycles. Later on, off-road bikes with wider tires and possibly suspension forks come into play, as do drop-bar road bikes.
It's essential to focus on mastering fundamental skills during the early stages rather than specializing prematurely.
Should You Buy a Bike with Suspension?
In most cases, it's best to avoid suspension on smaller bikes. If you're considering a bike with suspension for your aspiring cyclist, it’s generally advised to steer clear. For small children, tires inflated correctly provide adequate suspension.
For smaller riders, suspension forks can make bikes heavier and trickier to control. Such bikes are also typically pricier, so opting for rigid bikes with good brakes and wider tires is a better choice until they've grown and mastered basic skills.
Weight
We've already mentioned bike weight, but it’s worth emphasizing. Thanks to their lighter stature, children’s bikes' comparative weight plays a vital role in ease of riding and handling.
Choosing the lightest bike you can afford within your budget—while ensuring it’s the right size—should enhance your child's riding experience and boost their enjoyment.
Gears and Brakes
The larger the bike gets, the more gears it typically features. It's common not to find many gears on the kids' bikes you're assessing; this doesn’t reflect poor value. Typically, the simpler mechanisms are reserved for smaller bikes for younger children; fewer gears mean they can focus on learning without being overwhelmed.
Most initial pedal bikes come as singlespeed or with just a couple of gears. As kids grow, they encounter more gears such as 8-speed cassettes and single chainrings.
Most bikes will feature rim or disc brakes, with levers on the handlebars. Some might even include a pedal brake or coaster brake, which is a legal requirement for kids' bikes with a maximum seat height of 25in sold in the US.
Many believe coaster brakes are safer for younger riders; while they may cause fewer incidents due to harsh braking, they offer less control compared to rim or disc brakes, especially off-road.
Typically, the brakes are smaller than adult bikes, featuring adjustable brake levers to help you reduce the reach for smaller hands. Gear shifting often employs a grip shifter that necessitates less strength to operate.
Protection
As you shop for your child’s first bike, don't overlook the importance of protection. A properly fitted helmet is crucial for safety. Ensure it stays securely in place during use, as that’s essential for effectiveness.
For those starting to learn, investing in knee and elbow pads is advantageous too, as they can help mitigate the scrapes and bumps that often accompany learning to ride.
Lastly, many children’s bikes come with a chainguard, which is helpful for keeping little hands clean and safe.
Over to You
There you have it! Essential information for purchasing a kids' bike.
Choosing the right bike for your child involves considerable thought, but the key factors to prioritize are achieving the correct size and ensuring your young cyclist feels secure and confident in the saddle.
A fun, enjoyable learning experience will help foster a lifelong hobby, ensuring your investment is worthwhile rather than collecting dust in the shed.
If you're contemplating cycling to school or preschool, we have plenty of guidance for commuting with kids.
Are you interested in more information about City Bikes? Contact us today for expert consultation!
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