• Delivery in France, Belgium, Spain, Italia & Germany
  • Free delivery from €40 purchase
Menu

-10% and 1 free game* from €59 of purchase 😍 Code: KDONOEL24 *conditions

Great ! Fast shipping of your orders in 24 hours 💙

Awesome ! Free shipping from €40 of purchase 🎁

Add to my wishlist

Vous devez avoir un compte pour pouvoir utiliser cette fonctionnalité.

Connexion Inscription

Purchase guide: choosing the right balance bike for children

Reading time: 30 minutes

Our guide to help you make the right choice:

The balance bike is simply a bike without a pedal. Often seen in schoolyards, the balance bike is devoid of pedals and brakes. Intended for young children, it prepares them to learn to cycle by developing all the necessary skills: balance, coordination, posture, apprehension of speed ... Available in different materials, we find  the wooden balance bike (robust and charming), the metal balance bike (light and sometimes larger) and also plastic. On his balance bike, the child gains self-confidence and will follow the older ones on a walk independently!

Whether it's a gift for a 3-year-old child or to please a little ace of the wheel, the questions are the same for each of us: which model of balance bike to choose for a child? Why choose a balance bike rather than a tricycle ? What are the best rated balance bikes? If your goal is to find a pedal-free bike at the best price, and which meets your expectations and the tastes of your toddler, follow our purchase guide to make the right choice.

A balance bike for what age?

It is essential to keep in mind that the balance bike is called a "balance bike" for a reason : your child must already know how to stand and walk with enough ease to make the most of his balance bike. If your child does not work yet and you are looking for a baby balance bike, you will have to wait a little. You can opt for a carrier if your child is under 18 months old.

Some young children walk earlier than others, so buying your first balance bike will depend on this important and decisive skill. An evolutionary balance bike can allow you to adapt the balance bike to the age and progress of your child from 18 months.

A balance bike for a child from 18 months to 2 years old

Balance bike or tricycle : which one to choose? If you hesitate, it is important to note the differences between the balance bike and the tricycle: the tricycle is more difficult to maneuver than the balance bike and the child must focus on pedaling and steering at the same time. A tricycle is also more bulky to carry. On the other hand, for young children who are still looking for their balance, the tricycle is stable and reassuring thanks to its 2 wheels at the rear. The balance bike, meanwhile, has many advantages: the child is secure, learning balance is quick and easy, the child is autonomous and gains confidence quickly, falls are less frequent, the child switches to the bike with pedals more easily, and especially the balance bike is light and easy to carry! A significant advantage for parents.

3-wheel balance bike is a good compromise for a toddler: often evolving, you go from 3 to 2 wheels depending on the progress of your child and use the balance bike longer. The presence of 3 wheels is the most important common point to the tricycle, there are no pedals, which makes it an ideal compromise.

The wooden balance bike is a guarantee of style and resistance. A wooden balance bike offers a multitude of unique styles, it also has an ecological side! An FSC® wooden balance bike is a wooden balance bike from responsibly managed forests. The adjustment possibilities are more limited with a wooden balance bike, which is why they are recommended for children from 2 to 5 years old. It is important to note that the maintenance of a wooden balance bike is very simple but it must be adapted: the contact of wood with water needs to be limited to prevent the wood from swelling or cracking. However, a simple wipe with a cloth is enough to make it shine. The wooden balance bike is also very well used indoors! Stored in a dry place and with little temperature variation, your wooden balance bike will pass from generation to generation without problem.


A balance bike for a child from 3 to 4 years old

A child from 3 to 4 years old masters walking, and even running. However, this is also an age when he grows quickly and it becomes difficult to find the bike he will use long enough. An evolutionary balance bike is ideal to always adapt to the size and abilities of the child. With an adjustable wooden balance bike, the child goes from 3 to 2 wheels when he feels ready and progresses at his own pace. He takes advantage of his wooden balance bike for a long time, to the delight of parents!

When looking for a balance bike for a 3-year-old child, it is expected that he will grow a few centimeters in a very short time: an adjustable balance bike is therefore preferred. The height of the saddle is then adjusted according to the height of the child's legs, so that his position is always the best suited: he must have his feet on the ground and his knees slightly bent.

For children who are starting to assert their personality, the scooter balance bike will make everyone happy! A vintage scooter style that will make them want to get on their bike for long rides. And as for the purchase of a balance bike at 4 years old, it is still the parents who decide, the scooter balance bike will please everyone!

A balance bike for a child from 5 to 6 years old

A 5-year-old has his own tastes. Colors, style, material: even if the parents guide his choices, it is the child who will have the last word! For a little girl or a little boy, there are models for everyone to find the balance bike that will accompany them everywhere. A vintage balance bike with a classic look, a motorcycle balance bike with a flamboyant style, a sparkling pink balance bike or a vitaminized red balance bike : each one has its own personality!

If you are looking for a balance bike for a 6-year-old, you probably have a large balance bike in mind. It is quite possible that at 6 years old, the child is not comfortable enough to start learning how to ride a bike: do not panic, mastering the balance bike will allow him to use small wheels on his bike very little time, or even to do without them completely! At 6 years old, the child masters more his trajectory and speed on a balance bike. He is less afraid of falling because he has more confidence in himself, and it is easier to steer the bike because his arms are bigger and his reflexes faster.

Able to support up to 25-30 kilos, the metal balance bike seems the most suitable for a 6-year-old child. With a metal balance bike, it is easier to adapt the height of the saddle with more room for adjustments. Very popular, the metal balance bike has many other advantages: lightweight, with a greater amplitude to turn the handlebars, you can easily add accessories to your balance bike (bell, basket, ...). It is nevertheless important to note that the metal balance bike is vulnerable to corrosion.

For toddlers: the ride-ons

Do you have an energetic toddler at home or a baby who loves rides on 4 wheels? If you are looking for a baby balance bike or a balance bike for a 12-month-old child, it is best to head for a carrier or walker. Balance bikes are recommended, tested and suitable for older children. Mastering walking and balance on two feet is an essential skill for the use of a balance bike.

Often supplemented by a multitude of activities, the wooden carrier allows baby from 1 year to progress at his own pace. With a ride-on or an activity cart, baby will start learning to walk and discover his environment while having fun from his 12 months.

How to choose a balance bike?

◦ The measurement of the child's crotch is essential: take a tape measure to get an accurate figure and measure the height of the child's legs standing, from the feet to the crotch. When the child uses the balance bike, his feet should touch the ground and his knees should be slightly bent.

◦ Check the total height of the balance bike (from the ground to the handles, the highest point), but especially the height of the saddle and how well it adjusts (if it is adjustable).

◦ The recommended age is obviously to be taken into account, but it is important to keep in mind that each child grows at a different speed: the measurement of the crotch is therefore the most essential criterion for the child to enjoy his balance bike in a comfortable position.

All that remains is to discover which model will make the whole family fall in love!

Comparison: our selection of children's balance bikes

Each balance bike has its own personality: to find the model that meets all your criteria and corresponds to your child (and his tastes), follow the guide and make your choice from our collection!

  • Inflatable tires
  • Height-adjustable seat
  • Wooden
  • From 18 months to 3 years
  • Swap from 3 to 2 wheels
  • Inflatable tires
  • Height-adjustable seat
  • Wooden
  • From 2 to 5 years
  • Vintage scooter style
  • Inflatable tires
  • Height-adjustable seat
  • Wooden
  • From 2 to 5 years
  • Removable bag at the back
  • Non-inflating tires
  • Height-adjustable seat
  • Made of FSC® certified wood
  • From 2 to 5 years
  • Retro motorcycle style
  • Inflatable tires
  • Height-adjustable seat
  • Wooden
  • From 2 to 4 years
  • Bright colors
  • Inflatable tires
  • Height-adjustable seat
  • Metal
  • From 3 to 6 years
  • Imitation wicker basket included
  • Inflatable tires
  • Height-adjustable seat
  • Metal
  • From 3 to 6 years
  • Imitation leather bag included
  • Non-inflating tires
  • Fixed seat
  • Wooden
  • 1 to 3 years
  • With backrest, on 3 wheels
  • Non-inflating tires
  • Fixed seat
  • Made of FSC® certified wood
  • 1 to 3 years
  • Scalable: from tricycle to rocker

Important criteria before purchase

To be preferred so that the balance bike is always well adapted to the child and he can then use it for a long time.

Unlike bicycles, not all balance bikes have inflatable tires. Some models are more suitable for indoor adventures, especially for the little ones. On the other hand, for outdoor walks, inflatable tires are preferred: they allow better grip, and therefore enhanced safety.

Balance bikes for children under 3 years old have a particularity in terms of tires: you will not find valve caps as on a conventional bike. Since this cap is considered a small part with a risk of ingestion, age-related standards apply here. This does not interfere with the inflation of the tires of the balance bike, but it may surprise some experienced cyclists!

Walks are more pleasant when you are well settled! Silicone or foam handles are preferred for the comfort of small hands. This allows a better grip, and therefore more safety for the child. Silicone handles are also easy to maintain and will be less likely to be damaged when falling on the ground. They also prevent the balance bike from slipping and falling when it is leaning upright against a wall, for example.

Depending on the materials used, not all balance bikes support the same weight. Just like height, a child's weight can vary enormously depending on their age.

Whether you opt for a wooden balance bike or a metal balance bike, it is important to look for the maximum weight that the balance bike can support: and of course, only one child at a time on the balance bike!

After a few meters, your little adventurer prefers to walk or climb ... What to do with his balance bike in this case? Carrying it is the only option for parents who are often already well loaded.

Important criterion, especially for parents, the weight of the balance bike is to be taken into account so that family walks do not turn into nightmares. Also, the heavier the balance bike, the more difficult it will be for the child to handle it. This is a criterion that will help you choose between a metal balance bike, a wooden balance bike or a plastic balance bike. 

If you are looking for a balance bike with brake, know that it is not something found on balance bikes in general.

Indeed, the child will rather use his feet to slow down when he uses his balance bike. This is precisely to help him control his speed and trajectory, among other things. The presence of brakes would hinder these learnings: on a balance bike, the child learns to control all the parameters himself and just like the propulsion, stopping is one of the skills he will learn to master.

Learning the principle of braking and its use will rather be done when switching to the bike.

What is the point of using a balance bike for a child?

The balance bike will allow the child to develop a host of skills, all useful for learning to cycle but also beneficial for his psychomotor development:

On his balance bike, the child is reassured. Because of his position, feet on the ground and hands on the handlebars, he is less afraid of falling and progresses at his own pace.

While measuring the risks he takes, the child develops his reflexes gently. Control of body movement, speed and trajectory, among others.

With his balance bike, the child is autonomous! He does not need to be helped by pushing him and he can easily lift and manipulate his balance bike alone.

The child will immediately enjoy riding with his balance bike independently. Very quickly reassured, he will exceed his limits without noticing it and will gain confidence.

On a balance bike ride, the child learns to find his way in space and becomes aware of himself and other users. This is a great way to start learning some safety rules.

On his balance bike, the posture of the child is natural. He adopts a position respectful of his physiology.

On his balance bike, the child is reassured. Because of his position, feet on the ground and hands on the handlebars, he is less afraid of falling and progresses at his own pace.

While measuring the risks he takes, the child develops his reflexes gently. Control of body movement, speed and trajectory, among others.

With his balance bike, the child is autonomous! He does not need to be helped by pushing him and he can easily lift and manipulate his balance bike alone.

On a balance bike ride, the child learns to find his way in space and becomes aware of himself and other users. This is a great way to start learning some safety rules.

The child will immediately enjoy riding with his balance bike independently. Very quickly reassured, he will exceed his limits without noticing it and will gain confidence.

On his balance bike, the posture of the child is natural. He adopts a position respectful of his physiology.

Our wooden and metal balance bikes in action

On balance bikes, family rides have a taste of adventure! To illustrate all their benefits and how much fun it is for children, nothing like a video in real situations! So, choose your ride!

Do you need a helmet to ride a balance bike?

Helmets are mandatory for all road users. Also children under 12 years old, whether they are cycling, scootering or riding a balance bike. The practice of a balance bike must be done with safety equipment: the helmet protects, but also reassures children and parents.

As wearing a helmet is mandatory when riding on two wheels, getting the child used to wearing it from an early age is essential. He will have more confidence in himself and will be less afraid of falling. Learning to ride a balance bike is also an opportunity to raise children's awareness of road safety, especially when walking among other users: there are precautions to take when you are a pedestrian, but not only!

The helmets for balance bikes will please children with their colors full of joy, some are even customizable with stickers to proudly display their tastes! With his helmet on his head, it will be easy to always keep an eye on your child when he rides in the park for example. An adjustable and comfortable helmet is the assurance of being well protected for safe walks.

Wearing a yellow vest and/or with reflective strips is not mandatory, but recommended if the brightness is not optimal or the road is very busy.

Finally, balance bike rides are never on the road and always in the presence of an adult!

How to assemble a balance bike?

The assembly of a balance bike is relatively easy and requires little time, it is often pre-assembled by the manufacturer. However, it is essential to follow the instructions provided with your new balance bike. You will find all the important points to make the most of your mount:

If you have opted for a balance bike with inflatable tires, be sure to respect the pressure indicated on the instructions. Too much tire pressure would cause the inner tube to rupture and even crack the tire.

If the seat of your balance bike is adjustable in height, follow the instructions provided to adapt the height of it. Be sure to keep any screws or accessories provided for this purpose.

It is advisable to check the tire pressure regularly, balance bikes tires inflate with a conventional bicycle pump. It is also recommended to store the balance bike in a dry place and away from light, so that it keeps all its splendor! As for maintenance, a slightly damp cloth without detergent is recommended, so as not to weaken or discolor the materials used in the composition of the balance bike.

If you follow all these assembly and maintenance tips, your child will have a good time with his balance bike and enjoy it for a long time!

Our balance bikes and accessories:

Learn more about Janod and our toys: