The 9 best balance bikes for toddlers that make learning to ride a total breeze

From as early as 10 months, little ones can start to work their bike riding skills–even before they can stand or walk on their own! The sturdy Retrospec Cricket is a great style to start them on given its super compact size and double front and back wheel design. A limited steering radius keeps them from tipping too easily while the low-riding padded seat makes it easy to get the hang of pushing forward. It’s also equipped with slip-resistant, no-scratch wheels that make it suitable for indoor and outdoor riding.

Ages: 10 months-2 years

A name that’s synonymous with balance bikes, Strider bikes get top marks from parents, kids and experts alike. And while you really can’t go wrong with any style, the 12 Sport eeks out a win for our brand favorite. Not only does it fit an impressively wide range of sizes (kids from 30-44 inches tall!), it’s also lightweight (6.7 pounds), easy to assemble and adjustable without tools. (I mean, they really do grow overnight, right?) No-flat tires are always ready to ride and toddler-sized grips make it easy for them to take control. Yes, it’s a bit more expensive than the Strider Classic, but with a post that can extend 3 inches longer and the addition of the handlebar pad, we think it’s worth the extra cost. And, since these high-quality rides can easily last through multiple kids, it’s really just pennies on the dollar.😉

Seat height: 11-19 inches

Ages: 18 months-5 years

Bonus: If you want to get your little one in the saddle even earlier, Strider offers the 2-in-1 Rocking Sport Bike–a Strider Sport with a removable rocking base which can be used indoors and out from as young as six months.

A super sturdy ride that’s truly built to last, the Japanese-designed iimo Balance Bike offers the highest seat height of any model on our list. Besides making it a great option for tall riders, it also makes the eventual graduation to a pedal bike a little less jarring. Details like a durable aluminum alloy frame, cushy inflatable wheels, and a rear hand brake also contribute to that big kid bike feel. (And let’s also state the obvious–it just looks really cool.) The frame itself can support up to 88 pounds, so they’ve got lots of time to use it and get the hang of cruising! And as a bonus, it comes with a cute detachable pouch to store their most cherished essentials. (Chances are, that means rocks. Lots of rocks. Why? Only our toddlers know.)

Seat height: 13.8-18.7 inches

Ages: 2-6

Called “perfection from top to bottom” by experts and beloved by Motherly editors, the Woom 1 is designed specifically for the needs of toddlers with features that make riding effortless and intuitive. For one thing, it’s got a low and long step through for easy mounting. Additionally, the long wheelbase helps keep little bodies upright with their weight centered–a position that makes finding (and keeping!) their balance much easier. Another helpful feature? Longer than average handlebars. This helps little ones maintain better control without tiring their arms out too fast.

Compared to other balance bikes, the Woom is definitely spendy, which means it makes a great ask for a collective big birthday or holiday gift. The good news is that Woom has a great resale value on Facebook marketplace or Craigslist so if you do decide to invest, chances are you’ll recoup a lot of what you spent initially. (It’s also made to be passed down, so it’s great for families with multiple kiddos.)  Other perks include: handle breaks which start the idea of breaking with your hands early and air tires that provide a better cushion compared to rubber or foam tires.

Seat height: 10-14 inches

Ages: 3-5

Little ones with a penchant for adventure will love the sturdy ride of Prevelo’s Alpha Zero. Built with high end components like Tektro brakes, a threadless headset for more secure handlebar alignment, and a lightweight aluminum frame, it offers a supremely smooth ride whether they’re hitting the pavement or a wooded trail. The wheelbase is longer than most similar styles which not only helps ensure a more confident ride overall, but also provides more stability when they start tackling hills and jumps. And because learning how to safely stop is as important as learning how to go, there’s a single right hand brake attached to the rear tire.

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.

Seat height: 11.4-14.6 inches

Ages: 18 months+

Between the high-quality build and incredible customer service, Guardian balance bikes are all fun, no headaches. The kid-centered design offers a long step through, similar to the Woom 1 and 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). The air-filled tires make for a smooth ride on any surface and a turning limiter helps prevent them from losing control as they learn how to steer.

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 ten minutes.

Seat height: 12.5-16 inches

Ages: 1.5-4

Ok, we admit it’s the retro good looks that originally drew us to the super cool balance bikes from Retrospec. But it’s not just good looks that earned them a spot on our shortlist. In addition to the wide array of stylish colors, there’s a lot to love about this hand-built steel frame beauty. For one thing, the low, narrow step through makes it easy for little riders to hop on while adjustable handlebars help it grow right along with them. (Because of these features it’s great for really young or smaller riders as well!) As they find their balance, grippy foot holds next to the rear tires give their feet a place to rest. This particular model is fit with airless tires, but if you’ve got a budding daredevil who could benefit from something more rugged, check out the Cub Plus 2. It’s got all the same style with a few more features!

Seat height: 11-15

Ages: 1.5-5

For the budget-conscious parent, the Banana GT balance bike is unbeatable. The quality and design is far better than most other models in this price range with only minor concessions when compared to the more expensive options. (Most notably a lack of hand brake, a heavier frame and a bit more assembly.) It comes with air-filled tires that make for a smooth ride on every surface (indoor, pavement and even trails) and has a decent seat height range of 12.2″ – 17.3.″ We also love the super low step through and long wheelbase which makes finding their center of gravity as easy a possible.

Seat height: 12.5-17 inches

Ages: 2-4

The only style comparable to the Banana within the price range is the GOMO. GOMO (which stands for “get out more often”) originally hit our radar for their awesome scooters, but earns top marks for balance bikes as well! It’s similarly affordable, super sturdy and made from high-quality materials. (It’s also a smidge lighter.) The intuitive design features an extended wheel base with lots of room to maneuver and grow, while a turn-limiter allows them to keep control as they learn to steer. Though it has a seat height range of 12-17.5″ which makes it friendly to the youngest riders, it’s worth noting that the handles are a bit higher than other styles–a detail which make make it tricky to steer properly if they’re too small but great for extended use.

And even though it’s a budget-friendly style, it’s still made to last through multiple kiddos.

Seat height: 12-17.5 inches