What we’re all trying to achieve is to teach our kids to ride a standard bike. That’s why the “Balance Bike or Training Wheels” question is essential because one of these two options help them more than the other. Of course, both have pros and cons, but I think the most important three are safety, learning curve, and convenience.
Contents
- 1 Share this Balance Bike or Training Wheels Infographic On Your Site:
- 2 Are balance bikes better than training wheels?
- 3 How old does my child have to be to ride a balance bike?
- 4 There are no pedals on balance bikes… How can my kid make it go? How can he/she stop?
- 5 Are balance bikes safer than bikes with training wheels?
- 6 What should I do if my kid is old enough to ride a standard bike, but he/she still wants to use a balance bike or bike with training wheels?
Are balance bikes better than training wheels?
Training wheels were an N#1 choice for parents until the new kid came in (youngster)town. Balance bikes are better than training wheels, and every toddler should have one. As the balance needs to be controlled by your child and not by training wheels, your child gets to focus more on the muscle control that helps maintain that balance. And once kids are ready to take the next step, which is a standard bike, they’ll quickly conquer it as they already mastered the most critical part of riding a bike – balance.
How old does my child have to be to ride a balance bike?
Brands that make balance bikes suggest these bikes for 2+ years old. Basically, if your kid can reach the ground with his/her feet when he/she seat on a bike, then he/she can use it.
There are no pedals on balance bikes… How can my kid make it go? How can he/she stop?
If Fred Flinstone had a bike, he would have a balance bike for adults. Legs have the strongest muscles, and with balance bikes, they’re fully used. Kids don’t need any special training when they get their first balance bike, because it feels natural when they seat on one. Stopping is just as easy as riding. They simply put their feet down. Some balance bikes even have a handlebar brake.
Are balance bikes safer than bikes with training wheels?
Yes! A lot! Balance bikes are like running or walking. A fall will only cause minimal or no injuries at all since kids are being lower to the ground. Balance bikes are also a lot lighter than bikes with training wheels, so even if a bike falls on your kid, he/she won’t be hurt. Helmets and knee pads are also a must-have.
What should I do if my kid is old enough to ride a standard bike, but he/she still wants to use a balance bike or bike with training wheels?
Don’t push them and don’t feel like he/she is getting behind. Kids’ fuel is having fun, and once they see that standard bikes allow them to have more adventures and more fun, they’ll want to do the transition in a no time. But until them, encourage them to have fun on whichever bike they choose.
Feel free to share this “Balance Bike or Training Wheels” infographic on your website or social media!
A quick recap – Balance Bike or Training Wheels
| Balance bike | Training wheels | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $50-$200 | $40-$200 |
| Popular Brands | Woom, Strider, Chico, Banana bike, Radio flyer, Schwinn, Critical cycles, Kazam | Royalbaby, Dynacraft, Schwinn, Joystar, Huffy |
| Safety | Safer than training wheels, because they're lighter and kids sit closer to the ground. | Kids sit higher, and in case they fall, the experience is much more painful. |
| Convenience | Kids can ride them almost everyhwere (pump tracks, graverl, grass, etc). | Bikes with training wheels are complicated to maneuver on uneven and inclined grounds, mainly because they're heavier than balance bikes. |
| Learning curve | Balance bikes help kids develop balance and coordination which are essential for kids to learn to pedal with a standard bike. | Kids don't develop to balance, they just learn to pedal. Once they want to ride a bike without training wheels, they need to learn to balance which can be tough. |
| Fun factor | Ability to drive this bike almost everywhere beat training wheels. | Still fun for kids, but they're limited compared to kids using a balance bike. |
| Helmet required? | Yes | Yes |
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