The 10 best balance bikes to buy in the UK
Looking to find the best balance bike for your child? Unsure of what a balance bike even is and what the benefits are? Then look no further than this handy balance bike buying guide: Below you will find all the useful info you need to know and how to choose the best balance bikes for your young burgeoning cyclist.
What are balance bikes?
A balance bike is a type of training bicycle designed to help young children learn how to properly balance and steer, usually for children between 18 months and 2 years old. There are no pedals, gears, or chain on a balance bike, as it is solely designed to help improve balance and steering. The best balance bikes are designed to accommodate the smaller hands and bodies of young children and can be made from various materials, with metal and wood being the most popular.
Why should you buy a good balance bike?
One of the main reasons to buy a good balance bike is to help your child learn how to quickly ride a bike. Unlike using a bike with stabilisers, a balance bike teaches the child how to properly balance and counter-steer before learning how to pedal. This method is believed to help the child learn to ride quicker and rely less on training wheels, which many children often become dependent, slowing their learning rate considerably.
How to choose the right balance bike in 2024?
Here are some things to consider when looking to buy the best balance bike:
- Size: While balance bikes are typically marketed as one size fits all, in truth, there are various size options available and it’s important to get a bike that best fits your child. For instance, an 18 months old learning to ride would need a much smaller model than a 3 or 4-year old, so it’s a good idea to measure your child’s inseam and compare this to the seat height for a suitable size.
- Seat Height: The seat height is an important consideration to make, as you need to match this against their height to ensure a proper fit. For a balance bike to work, the child’s feet need to reach the floor and be able to push off from a seating position, so look for a bike that is a little bit lower than their inseam. Seats are typically adjustable, too, so consider the maximum seat height, as they are going to grow out of it very fast! Look for a maximum seat height a little bit higher than their inseam, as this gives room for them to grow for a few years.
- Wheel Size: The larger the wheels on a balance the bike the easier it is to use, so if your child is a bit older than smaller wheels may be suitable, while younger kids will benefit from larger wheels. 12” being the most common size and are great for most children, although 16” and 20” options are available and a great choice for those that lack confidence or have difficulties learning to ride.
What is the best kind of balance bike in the UK?
There are a few types of balance bike, including:
- Wooden Balance Bikes: Balance bikes made from wood are cheap and eco-friendly. They a great option for most children, although they aren’t the most durable unless made from premium wood materials.
- Metal Balance Bikes: Most balance bikes are made from metals like steel or aluminium, with each one being strong, lightweight and durable. Steel is often prone to rust while aluminium is usually more expensive.
Top 10 list of balance bikes in the UK (2024)
The bestseller list compares brands and their balance bikes. Which balance bike is the best?
- BETTER EARLY DEVELOPMENT: Your toddler will quickly grasp the concept of walking…
- EVA TIRES - The Balance Bike comes with flat-free EVA polymer tires, no need to ever…
- LIGHTWEIGHT AND PROTECTIVE: The toddler bike is made of carbon steel, weights only…
- Nice gift choice - All materials are non-toxic and eco-friendly. We are committed…
- Grow with Your KidsBirtech balance bike features in growing. Within the safety line…
- Easy to Carry: Weighing in only 2.8kg, can be lifted by one hand, which is easy for…
- BEST GIFT CHOICE - All materials are eco-friendly and non-toxic, approved by SGS.…
- RUBBER PNEUMATIC TIRE - Two 12-inch tyres with good shock absorption and wear-resistant…
- HANDLEBAR AND SEAT - Racing level non-slip handlebars for safe and comfortable ride.…
- GROW WITH YOUR KIDS – We know kids grow fast and we would like them to enjoy…
- EXTRA-THICK ALL-TERRAIN TIRES – We want kids to feel strong and stable when…
- ENHANCED SAFETY – Along with a soft, rubber grip handlebars, a soft PU seat,…
- EVO RANGE - The EVO Range from HTI is the perfect scooter, ride-on & skateboard…
- PRODUCT SPECIFICATION - Includes 1x EVO Balance Bike. Handle Height - 49cm. Adjustable…
- ENCOURAGING EARLY DEVELOPMENT GROWTH - This EVO Balance Bike is perfect for helping…
- CHILD-PROOF HANDLEBAR - The LT Banana Bike is designed for safety, with a child-proof…
- EASY TO ASSEMBLE - This lightweight (6.4Lbs) Banana Bike is easy to put together…
- BUILDS CONFIDENCE - Riding the LT Banana Bike helps your little one build confidence…
- CUSTOM MOULDED SEAT: Designed with your child's comfort in mind, Chillafish's…
- INTEGRATED CARRY HANDLE: Take this bike everywhere with ease, thanks to its integrated…
- PUNCTURE-PROOF 10-INCH WHEELS: Equipped with puncture-proof 10-inch wheels to ensure…
- GROW WITH YOUR KIDS – We know kids grow fast and we would like them to enjoy…
- EXTRA-THICK ALL-TERRAIN TIRES – We want kids to feel strong and stable when…
- QUICK BALANCE - TRAINING FOOTREST – Our toddler balance bike is also designed…
- DURABLE: this toddler balance bike is made of robust steel, which ensures durability…
- ERGONOMIC: the low frame allows even smaller children to use the balance baby bike.…
- SAFE: this balance bike has a limited handlebar turning that prevents uncontrolled,…
- MORE ATTENTION TO SAFETY: We have always considered the importance of safety for…
- INDOOR AND OUTDOOR USE: LOL-FUN baby balance bike built-in ball bearings creates…
- EASY TO ASSEMBLE AND CARRY: LOL-FUN baby balance bike for 1 year old has a modular…
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