The Unlimited Guide: Everything You Need To Know About Kids’ Bike

Just two wheels can bring your kid immense joy and excitement. A bike is more than just a toy for kids; It is a huge gate for a world of dreams and adventures they wait to explore. We’ll discuss some exciting adventures and provide a comprehensive guide to help you choose the perfect bike for your child. Let’s get started!

What Size Bike Does My Child Need? :

Have you decided to buy a kids bike?

Well, I’ll give you the secrets for buying. The right bike size depends on two essential things:

- The Kid’s Age.
- The kid's Height.

In general, when you buy a bike for your kids you should focus on the suitable one that makes them feel comfortable and is a lot easier for them to maneuver so they can pick up skills fast. Don’t buy a bike that’s too big for your child because it slows down their learning and affects their confidence.

Here are some tips that can help you:

Kids’ bikes are measured by wheel size instead of frame size:

Children bike is measured by wheel diameter.

Sizes range from 12” to 26”, for the smallest children to the tallest.

Age and height help determine a size bracket:

Your child’s age and height will help guide you to the right wheel size. Follow these steps:

Measure your child.

Check out the sizing guidelines below to find their potential wheel sizes.

Knowing their inseam helps find the best fit:

Once you have an idea of wheel size, consider measuring your child’s inseam.

Knowing this will help you find a bike that is comfortable for them to stand over and hop on and off.

Kids’ Bike Size Chart

Size brackets are wide and tend to overlap, plus all bikes fit differently (even if they’re the same wheel size). Visit the nearest wheels shop with your child for some fun test rides. Here are the guidelines:

Bikes for 2 and 3 year olds

Height: 3’ 0” - 3’ 3”
Inseam: 15” - 18”
Wheel/bike size: 12”
(balance bike or training wheel bike)

Bikes for 4, 5, and 6 year olds

Height: 3’ 5” - 4’ 0”
Inseam: 16” - 22”
Wheel/bike size: 16”

Bikes for 5, 6, 7, and 8 year olds

Height: 3’ 9” - 4’ 6”
Inseam: 19” - 25”
Wheel/bike size: 20”

Bikes for 8, 9, 10, and 11 year olds

Height: 4’ 1” - 4’ 11”
Inseam: 23” - 28”
Wheel/bike size: 24”

Bikes for 10, 11, and 12 year olds

Height: 4’ 8” and up
Inseam: 25” and up
Wheel/bike size: 26”

Adult bikes for older kids

If your child is older than 12 and/or taller than 4’ 8” you can start looking at adult bikes. A lot of older, taller kids can fit on the smallest adult bikes. When you go looking for an adult bike, remember that they are sold by frame size and not wheel size.

How should a kids' bike fit?

We understand that your child needs a bike for fun and excitement. To help you choose the right fit, here are some visual cues to determine if a bike suits your child properly. Be sure to check these cues not only during test rides at the shop but also as your child grows and develops their skills. There are:

Seat height

It’s important to have your child’s seat set at the right height. You’ll continue to adjust it as they gain skills and confidence. There are tips for in general:

For Balance Bikes and Their First Non-Training Wheel Bike:

Your child’s feet should be flat on the ground while they’re seated.

For Training Wheel Bikes and For Riders Comfortable on Pedal Bikes: Only their toes should be able to touch the ground.

Knee position

Knee position is directly related to seat height. "You can raise the seat to allow full leg extension for better pedaling." When children are just starting to learn, their knees should be more bent so they can easily:

Place their feet on the ground.

Build more confidence while riding.

Enhance their overall comfort.

Standover height

Make sure that your child can easily stand over the bike:

With their feet on the ground.

With an inch or two between them.

The top tube of the bike.

This helps them feel confident stopping and getting on and off the bike.

Foot position

When kids are starting to learn on a balance bike, their feet need to touch the ground so they can propel the bike.

For training wheel bikes or pedal bikes, your child will be most comfortable with the ball of their foot resting flat on the pedal.

What’s the best kids’ bike to get my child?

It seems hard for you because there are lots of kids’ bikes to choose from. To make it simple choose the bike that ensures the purpose and features of the bike match your child’s skill. A tip for you, girls’ bikes and boys’ bikes are essentially the same, they just might have different colors or graphics. Let’s know them deeply:

Kids’ hybrid bikes

Kids’ hybrid bikes are for all-around riding. They are:

Designed for comfort and confidence on every ride, whether on roads, light gravel paths, or even detours through the lawn.

Equipped with tires designed for traction on a variety of surfaces.

Kids’ mountain bikes

Some kids’ bikes have rugged styling but are still meant to be ridden on pavement.

True youth mountain bikes are designed specifically for off-road riding. They have parts designed to handle bumps, rocks, and dirt—like knobby tires and, on some models, suspension forks.

If your child has the advanced handling, shifting, and braking skills necessary to properly use a complicated bike, and shows an interest in hitting the trail, it might be time for a kids’ mountain bike.

What is a kids’ balance bike?

Balance is more important than peddling! Yes, balance is the first step to teaching your kids how to ride the bike. Balance bikes, which are like a cross between a scooter and a bicycle, allow small children to push themselves along using their feet and practice balancing their weight over the bike.

They’re the best bikes for toddlers, and teaching kids to balance early on will make their transition to a bike with pedals much easier.

Benefits Of A Kids’ Balance Bike:

Start Learning Sooner:

Balance bikes allow children as young as 18 months old to start riding, making it easy for them to learn balance and how to ride a bike.

Gain Confidence and Control:

Balance bikes help boost children's confidence by allowing them to put their feet on the ground, which makes them feel more comfortable and less likely to fall. This helps them gain more confidence and control while easily learning to balance and steer.

Ride Easily on Any Terrain:

Kids can ride farther without getting tired and easily navigate any terrain because balance bikes let kids sit and use their feet to scoot along. They can ride on grass, pavement, and gravel, and they love having the freedom to go where they want.

Learn Proper Balance:

The biggest benefit balance bikes offer over training wheels is that kids learn proper balance. Because training wheels let kids tilt to one side, they have to re-learn balance once they hop on a pedal bike. Most kids who start on balance bikes can quickly transition to pedal bikes, and feel more confident on them, too.

What About Kids’ Bikes With Training Wheels?

Bikes with training wheels are the ideal choice for kids who are too big for a balanced bike or need a bit more time to gain more confidence. Also, Training wheels are a great way to get kids comfortable riding, and to get them hooked on the feeling of freedom that only a bike can provide.

Pro Tip: when teaching your child to ride, remember that the emphasis should be on balance, not pedaling. As soon as your child is comfortable with the thought of removing their training wheels, it’s time for them to go!

What's With These Different Kids’ Bike Brakes?

Kids’ bikes are available with more brake options, but as kids need to gain riding skills, you want to start with balance bike (as we mentioned above, balance is the main key to riding a bike) or a coaster brake (the kind of braking that engages when you pedal backward) because it’s intuitive to put your feet down or pedal backward to stop.

Once they are comfortable stopping themselves using these brakes and have more developed muscles in their hands, they can upgrade to hand brakes. Some kids’ bikes even have both a coaster brake and hand brake so kids can start getting comfortable with them sooner.

The Impact Of Cycling On Children's Health

Cycling offers numerous benefits for children's physical and mental health. If you want your child to build confidence, introduce them to cycling. Also, It helps strengthen muscles, and promotes healthy. There are some benefits:

Cycling improves cardiovascular health.

Enhanced strength and muscle power.

Boosts child’s confidence.

Improve Mental health.

Improved balance and coordination.

Help kids to sleep better.

Boosts immune system.

Enhanced cognitive function

Increased social interaction.

Increased Environmental Awareness.

The Best Bike Brands Available in The Gulf Area

If we talk about the best bike brands in the Gulf area, Wheels Bikes is surely the best. Wheels Bikes is the official distributor of Trek Bikes in Saudi Arabia. It provides all kinds of bikes for all ages, from the baby cycle to the adult cycle, and also, provides electric bike for kids. If you need to purchase a bicycle for kids ensure that Wheels Bikes is your destination.

What are The Common Children Bicycle Problems and How To Deal With Them?

There are many challenges parents face when buying cycle for kids for their little ones. Here are the most common problems and how to solve them:

Issues with Bolts, Brakes, and Tires:

Always ensure that all bolts are tightened before riding. Check that the brakes are functioning properly and that the tires are sufficiently inflated to maintain the child’s safety.

Improper Seat Height:

Make sure the seat height allows your child to reach the ground with both feet while sitting or touch the ground with their toes for more experienced riders. This helps them maintain balance.

Handlebar Too Close or Too Far:

If the handlebar is too close, causing your child’s knees to nearly touch it, they may find it hard to control the bike. There should be a slight bend in their elbows when holding the handlebar for optimal control.

Unsuitable Bike Size:

If your child cannot touch the ground even with their toes when the seat is at its lowest height, the bike is too large. On the other hand, if their knees bend excessively while pedaling, the bike is too small. Make sure to choose the appropriate size for your child.

Improperly Secured Helmet:

Ensure that there is a small gap (enough for one or two fingers) between the child’s eyebrows and the helmet's edge. The chin strap should be snug but not overly tight.

Restrictive or Loose Clothing:

Ensure your child’s clothing is comfortable and does not hinder their movement. Avoid overly loose garments like skirts or wide pants that could get caught in the wheels, and watch out for long laces or unbound hair.

Purchase Kids’ Bikes Online Or Offline?

Buying online or from a store both have their advantages.

When buying online: It offers convenience, variety, and ease of price comparison, but it lacks the ability to test the bike or receive direct advice. It often requires assembly, and handling returns can be challenging. Buying from a store: Allows you to test the bike, get expert recommendations, and receive the bike ready for use. However, it can be time-consuming, with fewer options and higher prices.

Online shopping is ideal for convenience and variety, while in-store purchases are perfect for ensuring the bike fits well and is ready to use. A combined approach of researching online and testing in-store can help you make the best decision.

Sustainability and Maintenance of Children's Bikes

Bikes are one of the most sustainable modes of transportation as they require no fuel. Switching from a car to a bike saves 150g of CO2 per kilometer, and every 7 kilometers traveled by bike saves 1 kilogram of CO2 emissions compared to a car.

To make children's bikes even more sustainable, you can:

Purchase bikes made from eco-friendly materials.

Support brands that prioritize environmentally responsible production.

Reuse or donate old bikes to help reduce waste and support the concept of a circular economy.

By maintaining and recycling bikes, you contribute to a cleaner environment and ensure safe and enjoyable rides for kids.

Proper maintenance of children's bikes is essential to ensure their longevity and safe use. Maintenance includes:

- Checking tire pressure.

- Tightening the brakes.

- Lubricating the chain to keep the bike in good condition and prevent damage.

What Else Does My Child Need?

A helmet, Is important for your child’s safety while riding and teaches them that safety matters when riding. We also recommend installing front and rear lights on every ride to make them more visible on the road. You can also add fun accessories like baskets and handlebar bags. There are also many options available for enjoying family rides, whether your child is of riding age or not.

FAQS

What is the best age to buy my child’s first bike?

The best age to buy your child’s first bike depends on their physical skills and interests. Generally, children start learning to ride a bike around 3-4 years old using a balance bike. There are also bikes available for children as young as 2 years old.

How can I make sure the bike is safe for my child?

To ensure the bike is safe for your child, it should be appropriate for their size and weight. The seat and brakes should be in a comfortable and easily accessible position, the wheels should be securely tightened, the helmet should fit properly, the pedals should work smoothly, and there should be no sharp or worn-out parts that could cause injury.

Is it better to buy an electric bike for kids?

Electric bikes may be suitable for older kids with good riding skills, but it’s generally better for younger children to start with traditional bikes first. This helps them develop basic skills like balance, steering, and control.

How do I choose the right bike within my budget?

When choosing a bike for your child, make sure the budget aligns with the quality and essential features. Opt for a bike that is sturdy and made from durable materials, fits your child’s age and height, and includes essential features like good brakes and proper-sized wheels.

Kids' bike buyer’s guide