The 11 best bikes for your two-wheeling kiddo

Without a doubt, Woom is the gold standard of first pedal bikes. Not only are they the lightest on the market, but the kid-specific geometry makes learning to ride as easy a possible. The handlebars are nice and wide, offering confident control while low entry, low sitting position and a long wheelbase help them master balance. They also feature a detachable rubber ring steering limiter which can prevent accidents due to overcorrection and a chain guard to protect against cuts and pinches.

And since learning how to stop is as important as learning how to go, Woom bikes feature a sophisticated freewheel pedal system (which allows them to pedal backward to balance) & kid-sized double hand brakes instead of coaster brakes which can send them sailing just as they get the hang of it. (Note that the 14” woom 2 bikes does ship with coaster brakes installed as it is a requirement of USCPSC regulations. Swapping for the hand brake system is an easy at-home fix.) Prices start at $399 for pedal bikes.

The low maintenance rides from Priority are ideal for families who prefer a get-on-and-go approach to bike ownership. If fiddling with gears and chains is not within your realm of expertise, no sweat! Priority Bikes feature belt drives and internally geared hubs, eliminating the traditional greasy (and slippable) chain and derailleurs. For kids who are rough on their bikes (read ditch them on their side in the driveway like they’re on fire), internal hubs are a major plus since derailleurs can often get damaged. It comes equipped with a kickstand and full reflector kit and is available in 16, 20 and 24-inch sizes.

Prevelo’s high-quality Alpha series offers six different sizes to span from the balance bike stage all the way through elementary school, but for first time two-wheelers, check out the Alpha Two. It’s incredibly light (second only to the Woom style above), and proportionally smaller than most other 16″ bikes on the market. With that in mind, it makes an excellent ride for newbies and otherwise cautious kiddos as they have plenty of comfort and control. The seat height can range from 17-25″ and requires no tools to  adjust. It’s also equipped with hand brakes only (no coaster brakes here!) which are easy for small hands to grab. It comes in four great colors (silver, blue, pink, and red) each of which feature matte black forks which look super sharp in our opinion!

The minor assembly is a piece of cake and if you need more of a visual, they provide a super easy to follow video tutorial on their site as well. We’re also impressed with Prevelo’s Trade Up Club which gives you back 40% of the bike’s original price when you trade it in for the next size.

With a super-long wheelbase and low center of gravity, Cleary bikes allow new riders to feel confident and comfortable on all kinds of terrain. Their steel frames make them a bit heavier than the competition, but it also makes them super rugged and durable. (A plus for handing down or reselling!) And if you’ve got a budding Evel Knievel on your hands, this brand comes highly recommended for aggressive riders due to its slightly more forward riding position. They’re available in 12, 16, 20 and 24-inch sizes. Prices start at $370.

The quality and innovation of Decathlon Btwin bikes make them a stand out in this price range. Compared to others, they’re lighter and more durable (bonus points for the chain guard which keeps the derailleurs safe and pants clean) and are designed with similar proportions to the more expensive Woom and Priority. Most impressive, however, is the Stop Easy brake lever which is specifically designed for kid-sized hands, requiring 30% less effort than traditional levers. Available in pink and orange, the full package comes with some cool accessories as well: front and rear mudguards, finger-safe bike stand,  and bell.

When it comes to bikes, you generally get what you pay for. But if Retrospec is any indication, that doesn’t mean you have to spend a ton of money to get your kiddo a quality ride. Praised for their quality and performance by experts and families alike, the Retrospec Koda is a wallet-friendly model that can hold its own against bikes that easily cost twice as much.

Motherly’s Health & Wellness Director bought her two boys a Retrospec Koda bike (16”) when they each turned 4, after a couple of years’ training on a balance bike. “We all love it: The Koda is an ideal bike for learning how to ride on two wheels, as it comes with optional training wheels you can raise up or omit altogether, along with a smartly designed parent handle on the backseat for a little extra grip during those push-offs. The front hand brake helps our littles get used to big-kid riding (but there’s still a rear coaster brake included for good measure). It’s a great bike to grow with—my now-7-year-old still uses his!”

The award-winning rides from Guardian Bikes are a top pick for new and experienced riders given their totally kid-centered design. Most impressive is their patented SureStop braking system which leverages a single hand brake that’s perfectly placed for small hands (as opposed to pedal brakes which can stop them just as they get their balance) and prevents flipping, even if they brake fast and furiously.

Their 16, 20 and 24-inch bikes come in two models which have all the same features but one main difference. The more economical Ethos is made from lightweight steel, while the premium Airos is made from even lighter-weight aluminum. We also love how their size guide makes it easy to find the right bike for your kiddo by measuring their inseam. But best of all? It shows up on your doorstep nearly fully assembled with the tools to finish the job in five minutes. 🙌 Prices start at $149.

Schwinn’s been making bikes since 1895, but a lot has changed over the years—most notably with their line of SmartStart bikes. Like their more expensive counterparts, the geometry is designed to better match a child’s body type, as opposed to simply shrinking an adult bike. Available in a wide range of sizes, the Schwinn Elm is a solid budget option. It’s a bit on the heavier side and requires a fair amount of assembly, but is overall a great value for the price. (And it comes with a kickstand and basket!) Prices start at $154.

Like the Elm, the Koen offers a solid ride for a decent price. It’s also from the SmartStart line which means kid-friendly proportions make it easier for beginner riders to hop on and go. In particular, the lengthened wheelbase provides ample room for their knees while pedaling—a feature that greatly contributes to more comfortable riding. It’s available in a few different colors and 12, 14, 16, 18 and 20-inch sizes. Prices start at $149

This British brand is a favorite among experts and parents alike. Not only are they incredibly lightweight and built from top of the line components, but their exceptionally long wheelbase and reduced distance between pedals makes it easy to balance and maneuver while they’re still learning. Parents (and kids!) will also appreciate the safety steering lock which helps prevent oversteering and the crashes that occur when they nervously over-correct. What’s more, if they’re still nervous about the jump from balance bike to pedals, both Frog 40 and Frog 44 can operate as balance bikes by removing the pedals. Prices start at $465.

Their name may be synonymous with wagons, but Radio Flyer does an equally fantastic job in the two-wheels department as well.  Their Flyer bike is perfect for the kid that’s too big for a tricycle but not quite ready for a big kid’s bike. (And is sure to turn heads with its super cool matte paint job, too!)  The brakes are easy to control for little ones, the tires are nice and thick, and the overall ride is smooth. It’s outfit with training wheels to help hesitant riders, but they’re easily removed when they’re ready to graduate. Like the others on our list, it’s made with kid-specific geometry, including a long wheelbase and wide handle bars. It comes in five different colors for your kiddo to choose from. Radio Flyer also has 12″ bikes and balance bikes if your preschooler isn’t quite tall enough for the 16″ version (and even bigger kids’ bikes, too).

“My three-year-old is almost four and has totally outgrown her tricycle—this bike is perfect. There’s plenty of room for her legs (and room to grow), and she has no trouble pedaling on her own. She loves this bike!”

-Motherly Editor Cassandra Stone