Best first bikes for kids: from balance bikes to pedal bikes

A childhood rite of passage, they say you never forget how to ride a bike, however when it comes to considering balance bikes and pedal bikes, safety gear and stabilisers; selecting your child’s first bike can feel like a bit of a minefield. 

Whether your child’s already mastered their balance on two wheels or is tentatively attempting to pedal around the block, choosing the best first bike for your child can help improve their confidence and get some exercise as you head out on fun new adventures as a family.

But which brands do Mumsnet users recommend? To bring you our pick of the best first bikes for kids, we tapped into the tried and tested recommendations of parents in the Mumsnet community, learning more about the bikes they love, and rate and would happily recommend to others. 

After extensively researching wider consumer feedback, award-winning products and the views of cycling experts, including specialist retailers like Evans Cycles, we’re confident we’ve bought you the best first bikes to suit every family and budget. From Frog to Pinnacle, Strider and Bobbin, here are the best first bikes you can buy in 2024.

Related: Trike vs balance bike: Which one is right for your toddler?

What to consider when buying a child’s first bike

Here are some things you may want to consider when choosing your child’s first bike

• Has your child already used a balance bike? - If your child has already used a balance bike, they are likely to find the transition to pedals somewhat easier, having gained confidence with balance and stability. On the flip side, if your child is completely new to cycling, you may want to opt for a balance bike first or choose a bike with stabilisers to provide comfort and reassurance in those early experiences. 

• Are stabilisers included? - Some bikes come with stabilisers included most of which can be easily removed when your child has grown in confidence. Others assume that your child has already learned to ride, so carefully consider your child’s abilities before making your choice. 

• Does the bike grow with your child? - Children grow incredibly quickly, so while it's important to choose the right-sized bikes, it can be disheartening when they outgrow them quickly, particularly when you’ve made a costly investment, Some bikes come with adjustable features such as extending frames and height-adjustable handlebars, which can really help prolong the lifespan with your child. 

• How heavy is the bike? - Not only are lightweight frames easier to carry when your child gets tired, but they are generally easier for children to pedal too, providing less resistance and effort to propel forwards. Many Mumsnetters found that swapping for lighter more portable brands made a real difference to how easily their child mastered their cycling technique. 

• How much does it cost? - How much are you willing to spend and does this offer good value for money when you consider the overall lifespan of the bike? 

How much should I spend on a child’s first bike?

The cost of the first bikes varies considerably but ranges from around £100 to £300+. Whilst brands such as Frog are more expensive, they hold their value well and can often be sold for a decent price second-hand once your child has outgrown them.

While some designs are costly upfront, adjustable or converting bikes offer excellent value for money when you consider their overall lifespan. Cheaper bikes also tend to be a little on the heavier side, which can make them more challenging for children to master. 

How do I know what size bike my child needs?

It’s important to choose the correct size bike for your child. While it may be tempting to get a bigger bike to prolong its lifespan, a bike that’s too big may be uncomfortable and harder to peddle, or at its worst, harder to stop safely in the event of an emergency,

To help determine the right size bike for your child, you should measure your child’s height and inseam measurement (the distance from the floor to their crotch). Most manufacturers have sizing charts which can be a useful guide, along with wheel measurements (ranging from around 12 to 24 inches). 

Where possible, test-driving the bike with your child can help ensure you’re making the right choice. Your child should just be able to touch the ground with their feet, without being entirely flat-footed. Opting for a bike with a seat height that extends can be a great way to ensure comfort and safety as your child grows.

How do you tell if a child has outgrown their bike?

There will be a number of noticeable signs if your child starts to outgrow their bike. 

Firstly, as your child’s legs grow, their knees may start to get closer to the handlebars, which can not only be uncomfortable but also increase the risk of accidents. 

When riding becomes uncomfortable for your child, they may also become more reluctant to use it - a sign perhaps that it's time to upgrade to a larger model.

When is a child ready for a bike with gears?

As your child becomes more confident riding their bike, they may want to progress to more challenging terrains, exploring more ‘off-road’ riding such as rural settings and cycle tracks.

At this point, introducing your child to a bike with gears can help them have a more comfortable riding experience over varied terrain, adjusting the grip and resistance depending on the altitude. Children can switch to a lower gear when going uphill to make it easier to pedal before switching to a higher gear when gliding downhill. 

How we chose our recommendations

Recommendations from real parents

We started our research by trawling the Mumsnet forums to find out which balance bikes and first pedal bikes Mumsnetters themselves were recommending, looking at how easy they were to ride, how well they lasted over time and to what extent they retained their value after use.

Our forums have over 7 million users each month so we know that each product they suggest has already been tried and tested and will withstand the needs of a family, whilst also catering for a range of different needs, budgets and lifestyles.

Expert advice

To help us find the best first bikes for kids on the market, we also consulted expert advice from the likes of Which? as well as bike retailers such as Evans Cycles on safety, durability and what to look for in a kids’ bike. We then applied those criteria to our shortlist to help us come up with a list of bikes for every age and stage.

Reviews

We looked at in-depth reviews of children’s bikes online, particularly in the cycling press, to see which brands were impressing the experts most.

We also checked online consumer reviews on websites such as Amazon and Decathalon, making a note of both positive and negative feedback, to help us pick products.

Celebrated best products

Finally, during our research, we made sure to look at products that have received industry awards. This, combined with real parent recommendations, reviews and expert advice, helped us recommend a variety of first bikes in a range of prices and styles.

About the author 

Lucy Cotterill is a mum of two and a Content Writer at Mumsnet, specialising in baby/child and lifestyle product reviews and round-ups. Having written product reviews on her own blog Real Mum Reviews since 2012, Lucy loves to research and explore the pros and cons of products, scrutinising reviews and consumer feedback to help people make confident purchases.  

While it took a while to master pedalling with her youngest daughter, Lucy loves heading out on the bikes and exploring local trails with her family. 

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