The Best And Safest Toddler Bikes

Finding the right toddler bike for your child can be a daunting task if you’re not at all familiar with what bikes are suitable for what age group, or simply not familiar with bikes in general. Like most things in life, you will typically want to start small and slow instead of jumping straight to a pedal bike off the hop. If your child is between the ages of 1 and 2, then the best toddler bike to start with will be a tricycle.

Tricycles for kids are a great stepping stone, to begin with, because they help teach the fundamentals of balance, how to pedal correctly, and how to steer. Once your child reaches around 18 months and has begun to master the tricycle toddler bike, moving on to a balance bike is the next ideal step. A Toddler balance bike will help take their coordination and overall confidence to the next level. A toddler balance bike will not only give them a feel for what it’s like to be on two wheels, but it will also provide them with a feeling of a little more autonomy. 

Looking for the perfect toddler balance bike is essential in ensuring that your kid will have the best and most valuable experience that will prepare them for the next step. As a child begins to outgrow and outlearn the balance bike toddler, the next and final step is to introduce them to their first pedal toddler bike. This step typically occurs between the ages of 4 and 6. Purchasing the right toddler bicycle is important for the safety and learning experience of the child.

Pedal bikes come in a variety of different sizes ranging from 12-inch, 14-inch, 18-inch, and 20-inch. Because children tend to outgrow the smaller size bikes very quickly, it is recommended to keep that in mind when making your purchase. In addition, you will want to make sure that you also pick up a decent toddler bike helmet once they get started. The Joovy Noodle Helmet is a fantastic option that contains multiple air vents, an extended visor, and complies with all applicable safety standards. Taking a look at various Amazon bikes is a fantastic way to start finding cheap toddler bikes, a tricycle for a toddler, a toddler girl bike, or a balance bike for toddlers.

Tricycles

When you finally get the feeling that your child is old enough for their first toddler bike, a toddler tricycle is a great first choice to start with. A tricycle bike is a stepping stone for most toddlers, and they are also a great way for them to ride around with their friends. You will know that your toddler is ready for a tricycle when they’re able to reach their feet to the pedals. When you pick up a kids tricycle and want to start teaching them, you should focus on one small task at a time, starting with safely climbing on and off of it.

Tricycles for toddlers are an efficient way of giving them the feeling of moving forward in motion. When you are finally in the market for a tricycle for toddlers, then there are a few key aspects you want to keep in mind. A toddler bike will most likely be put through some wear and tear during the learning process. Because of that, you will want to find one that is durable and crafted from quality materials. Tricycles with handles are ideal because of the extra support. 

Schwinn Roadster Kids Tricycle (Amazon Best Seller, $$)

Schwinn was established well over a century ago, so you can be sure that you are getting a good product from a company that is backed up with experience and professionalism. The Schwinn Roadster Kids Tricycle comes equipped with a 12-inch wheel and is crafted with a steel frame that will ensure it’ll be able to withstand some damage during the learning process. It weighs in at 20 lbs and has a low center of gravity, and this makes it a super easy tricycle to learn on.

It also contributes to the overall safety of the tricycle. The seat is adjustable and can move forwards and backward. This feature makes it great for kids that are growing fast or if you have multiple children around the same age that want to use it. The Schwinn tricycle comes with a lifetime warranty and is recommended for children between the ages of 2 and 4. The rear deck is crafted with wood, and kids will love the look of the chrome fenders tassels. 

Pros

  • Adjustable and comfortable seat
  • Solid and well built
  • Very hard for kids to tip over
  • Easy assembly

Cons

  • Some kids will find the pedals are hard to push
  • Height restriction of 38 inches
  • Tires might get worn out after time

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Radio Flyer Classic Red Dual Deck Tricycle (The Classic, $$)

The Radio Flyer Classic Red Dual Deck Tricycle is a great toddler bike that will provide fun, safety, and will even remind you of when you rode one of your first toddler bike tricycles as a kid. Radio Flyer is a well-respected company that has been providing kids with toddler bike fun for over 100 years. They are built with a solid steel frame and have rubber wheels with spokes in them for increased durability.

The adjustable seat will ensure that your child won’t outgrow it in the near future. With the controlled turning radius, your child will have a very hard time tipping the tricycle. The Radio Flyer tricycle has chrome handlebars, a chrome bell that rings, and streamers on it. The front wheel is 12-inches, and the recommended age for the Radio Flyer trike is between 2 1/2 and 5 years. The Radio Flyer trike weighs in at 16.53 lbs and has a weight capacity of 49 lbs. The Radio Flyer ready 2 rides is a classic that will be around forever.

Pros

  • Solid metal construction
  • Simple assembly
  • Nostalgia from your first toddler bike

Cons

  • Kids under age 2 might not reach the pedals
  • Maintenance required to keep it rust-free

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XJD 3 in 1 Kids Tricycles for 1-3 Years Old Kids Trike (A Great All-Around Tricycle, $$)

The XJD 3 in 1 Kids Tricycle is an excellent toddler bike for children between the ages of 1 and 3. This toddler bike is known to be exceptionally easy to assemble, and most people will have their kid scooting around on it within minutes of setting it up. One thing to note about this toddler bike is that the handlebars can be adjusted. If your baby grows within a year of purchasing it, then you can also increase the seat height from 11.8 inches up to 14.2 inches.

This smart trike comes equipped with a carbon steel frame and very durable wheels. Kids will enjoy the added comfort that the soft handle grips on this toddler bike provide. Because of the wheels being fully enclosed, this toddler bike has no chance of clamping on the child’s feet. Parents will also love the quiet ride that the wheels on the 3 in 1 have. This toddler bike only weighs a total of 6 lbs. The max load can go up to 110 lbs. 

Pros

  • Certified design
  • 3 in 1 riding capability – pedaling, sliding, cycling
  • Good price point

Cons

  • No backrest
  • No footrest

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Radio Flyer Deluxe EZ Fold 4-in-1 Stroll ‘N Trike (An All-Around Value-Packed Trike, $$$)

The Radio Flyer 4 in 1 trike, or as some might call it the Radio Flyer big wheel, is an excellent toddler bike for those that don’t want to purchase another tricycle if their child grows out of the current one. There are four different ways to ride this toddler bike. For kids that are aged 9 to 18 months, it can be used as an infant trike. Once the child reaches 18 months of age, it can then transition into a steering trike until the child reaches up to 2 years old.

After that, it can then become a learn-to-ride trike between the ages of 2 and 3. Once a child reaches between 3 and 5 years of age, it can then operate as the classic trike. Although the initial upfront cost of this toddler bike might be a little higher than the others, it is a great investment for the future. Some appealing features of the Radio Flyer 4 in 1 are the parent pouch, which can hold a water bottle or other accessories, the comfort seat pad, which provides added padding for the child, and a storage basket. The tricycle weighs 19.8 lbs and has a weight capacity of 49 lbs. 

Pros

  • Very easy toddler bike to maneuver
  • Includes a UV blocking sunshade
  • Quiet tires provide a smooth ride
  • Ability to fold in one step

Cons

  • Assembly can be somewhat time-consuming

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Balance Bikes

Once a child displays mastery or simply outgrows a tricycle toddler bike, the next toddler bike up would be a balance bike toddler or pushbike. Finding the best balance bike toddler is essential in ensuring that they develop their balance skills and coordination to the degree that will enable them to move on to a pedal bike with relative ease. Some children as young as even 18 months old may be able to practice on a balance bike toddler. When looking for a proper balance bike toddler, there are a number of things to keep in mind:

  • The toddler bike needs to be crafted anatomically accurately for kids
  • A long wheelbase will add stability
  • Proper distance between the bike handlebars and the seat
  • 7-8 inch step-in height so the child can step in comfortably
  • The toddler bike shouldn’t weigh more than 30 percent of the child’s weight
  • The balance bike toddler should be adjustable as the child grows in age
  • You’ll want a balance bike toddler that isn’t complicated to assemble
  • The wheel size should typically be of a 12-inch diameter
  • The tires should be air-filled and made of rubber

Strider – 12 Sport Balance Bike (Top Pick, $$$)

The Strider is the balance bike toddler that initially gave children the opportunity to ride bikes without needing training wheels. This toddler bicycle has an adjustable seat and handlebars, which means that kids between 18 months and 5 years old will be able to make use of it. Those that don’t have a bunch of tools around the house will be glad to know that these adjustments don’t require any. The 12 Sport only weighs 6.7 lbs, which is a perfect weight for children to handle. There are small grips on the handlebars that give added control and handling. The steel frame on this balance bike toddler has a steel frame and tires that are puncture-proof. 

Pros

  • It is the lightest balance bike toddler on the market
  • Children will lose their fear of bikes faster with a balance bike
  • The seat can go down to 11 inches, which gives more children the opportunity to ride
  • Very easy assembly

Cons

  • While the lightweight of the bike can be good for some, it might be a hindrance for others
  • If a child is already 3 or 4 years old, sometimes the balance bike toddler can be too small
  • Because the wheels are made of plastic, riding on certain terrain will be more difficult

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Schwinn Skip Toddler Balance Bike (Runner-Up, $$)

The Schwinn Skip Toddler balance bike has 12-inch wheels and is perfect for kids between the ages of 2 and 4 or between 28″ and 38″ in height. It is made of lightweight steel, and kids will have an easy time learning to ride it. The design of the handlebar makes it extremely easy and natural to steer and has a limiter for added control. This light, balanced bike toddler comes with air-filled tires that makes riding a lot smoother than plastic ones.

The seat is adjustable without tools, and it is a very comfortable fit for kids. The Schwinn balance bike toddler is a great choice for kids to learn the ropes. There are a variety of cheaper options on the market, but a lot of the time, they are flimsier and don’t last as long.

Pros

  • Lifetime warranty
  • The attractive price point at under $100
  • Comfortable padded seat
  • Plastic bolt covers
  • Easy to assemble
  • Kids will love the variety of different colors
  • Inflatable tires offer a smooth ride

Cons

  • The height range for the seat isn’t too high
  • Steering can be a little choppy at times
  • At around 11 lbs, it can be a little heavy for toddlers
  • Susceptible to rust if the bike is left outside
  • The handlebar feels a little thin and flimsy

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Retrospec Cub Kids Balance Bike No Pedal Bicycle (Budget Friendly, $)

Finding the best toddler bike means researching many different options. The Retrospec Cub Kids balance bike toddler is built with a remarkably safe design that will lower the risk of injury that can sometimes happen on other balance bikes. It requires little maintenance, little assembly, and comes with 12-inch air-free foam tires that you will never have to worry about filling. It is CPSC compliant, and this further ensures the safety of your child. The recommended ages for this balance bike toddler are between 20 months and 5 years of age. Adjustable handlebars and seat posts make it ideal if you don’t want your child to grow out of the balance bike toddler in the near future.

The seat height can adjust between 12.5″ and 16″, and the bike weighs in at 9.2 lbs. The Retrospec Cub is on the heavier side for balance bikes. A child’s bike should typically weigh nothing higher than 30% of their body weight. This makes the balance bike toddler better for kids that weigh at or over 30 lbs. Despite the positive features of this toddler bike, there are a few drawbacks. The footrest on this balanced bike toddler is not designed very well, and this can sometimes inhibit the performance. 

Pros

  • Comes at an affordable price point
  • Puncture-proof tires

Cons

  • Foam tires don’t provide much cushioning
  • The footrest can get in the way

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Pedal Bikes

Once your child begins to reach between 4 and 6 years of age, you will most likely be hearing them asking you when they can get a real pedal toddler bike. Pedal bikes are available in a variety of different sizes, ranging from 12-inches to 20-inches in wheel diameter. It makes sense to focus on a happy medium so that the child doesn’t grow out of the bike too quickly. When teaching a toddler how to ride a bike, many people think that training wheels are the best way to go. And while training wheels are a useful approach, they don’t provide the child with the opportunity to learn how to balance by themselves, and this is one of the most significant components of learning how to ride a bicycle.

Training wheels can also sometimes be dangerous because they don’t accurately teach a child to lean into turns. So when the training wheels are removed, the child will still have to learn how to balance by themselves. Using a push bar attachment on a pedal bike is a great tool to help your child safely learn the dynamics biking because if they manage to get too much speed and lose control, then you can simply use the handle to control them. The Exinnos push bar is a great choice with a non-slip safety grip, and it doesn’t interfere with the operation of the bike at all. 

Schwinn Koen Boys Bike for Toddlers and Kids (Top Choice, $$$)

The Schwinn Koen toddler bike is the #1 best seller on Amazon and is specifically designed to assist kids in developing their coordination and balance skills. This toddler bike is suitable for children between the ages of 2 and 4, or that are between 28″ and 38″ in height. This big wheel for kids has a steel frame and contains accurate, kid-based proportions that make handling a lot easier.

With a steering limiter and ball-bearing headset, the overall stability and ease in steering are drastically increased. Once the child begins to grow, you can easily adjust the seat height because of the quick release seat collar. The wheels are 12 inches and equipped with foam tires. Because of the rear wheel spacing on this toddler bike, children’s ankles are protected when driving around. The Schwinn Koen weighs in at 20 lbs

Pros

  • Very stable toddler bike
  • Fits children’s proportions very well
  • No wobbling when riding

Cons

  • Heavy for a toddler bike

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JOYSTAR Girls Bike (Runner Up, $$)

When you are in the market for a girl toddler bike, the Joystar comes in with strong reviews. Across 434 ratings, this toddler bike has been well received by customers with a 4.5 out of 5-star rating. It has a very sturdy frame that is made with 1.2 mm steel and contains a lifetime warranty on the steel, so you won’t have to fret or worry about any bumps ruining it. The age recommendation for the Joystar toddler bike is between 2 and 4 years or a height recommendation of between 33 and 41 inches.

It comes with a training wheel that can be simply installed for the eager and early rider and can be detached once some balance is learned. The quick-release seat makes for easy height adjustment once your child gets a bit older. The coaster brake on this toddler bike is useful for those that don’t have enough strength to use a hand brake. There is an enclosed chain guard on this toddler bike that will add safety when your child is biking around. 85% of this bike is pre-assembled when you receive it, and it comes with all of the assembly tools required.

Pros

  • Ease of assembly
  • Basic design
  • Very durable and solid
  • Easy to use brake system

Cons

  • A kickstand would be nice
  • A bit on the heavy side, sitting in at 19.8 lbs

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Duzy Customs 12” (Worth Mentioning, $$)

The Duzy Customs 12″ toddler bike has thick 2.4″ big wheels for kids that will add increased stability and balance to the overall riding experience for your child. This toddler bike also has a comfortable padded comfort saddle and comes equipped with a parent handle. It is a quick assembly and comes with alloy training wheels. In addition to the rear coaster brake on this toddler bike, there is also a front caliper brake. The no exposure chain guard provides an added measure of safety. There is a lifetime warranty on the Duzy frame and a 2-year warranty on component parts. As always, using protective gear is recommended when a child is learning to ride a toddler bike. OMID knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards provide excellent protection for the sometimes nasty wipeouts that can occur. 

Pros

  • Quick assembly
  • Solid and stable

Cons

  • No kickstand
  • Heavy

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Conclusion

Teaching your child to ride a toddler bike can be an exciting and memorable time in both yours and your child’s life. The majority of people remember the first time they learned how to ride their own toddler bike. If your child is interested in adding some police lights and sound to their balance bike toddler, you can purchase a Oumers kids bike horn and LED light off Amazon for around $10. You can also get some Kortes bells for around the same price if your child is into that. Just like a lot of things in life, you get what you pay for when it comes to bikes. If you purchase a cheap balance bike toddler or cheap tricycle, then the chances are that it won’t be crafted with the best quality. Paying attention to customer reviews, doing your due diligence by researching what is currently on the market, and keeping an open mind will go a long way in assisting you in finding the best bike out there.

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