Tricycles have long been a staple in every child’s learning journey to bike riding. With their three-wheel design — two at the back and one at the front — and pedals, they help kids hone their motor skills. But what happens when we take out one wheel and the pedals? Enter balance bikes. And they might just surpass tricycles as the ideal beginner bike for kids in their adapting phase.

Read on to learn the differences between these options and see why a balance bike may be the best choice for your little rider.

Tricycles for Kids

(Image Credit: Pxhere)

Tricycles are three-wheeled bicycles that offer more stability and support compared to regular kids bikes. Riding one gives a lower centre of gravity, which can help a child maintain their balance and feel more secure than they would feel on a bike that’s easier to tip over.

Moreover, a tricycle stays steady even at slow speeds, making rides on hill climbs like a walk in the park. This allows tricycle riders to go slower up hills than bicycle riders. Their 'lower the ground' frame also makes it easier for little ones to hop on and off.

Tip: Attaching flags and extra reflectors to the trike helps increase road visibility. This enables drivers to notice the child when driving on highways or out of busy parking lots.

While all these features are promising, tricycles may hinder a child’s balance development. To explain why, it’s because of the high level of stability they provide. This means children don’t need to balance themselves actively, which can delay honing their coordination skills.

As a result, children might become reliant on the three-wheel design and find it challenging to transition to regular two-wheeled bikes later on. For this reason, balance bikes are often preferred as a better alternative.

Balance Bikes for Kids

 

Balance bikes look similar to traditional bikes with two wheels, except they’re pedal-free. While this might make them seem ‘incomplete,’ it actually makes them effective for children. This bicycle is propelled by the rider pushing their feet on the ground — a method that enables a child to learn to balance and steer on their own.

Here’s how it works: Your child uses their feet to push off the ground and move the bike forward. As they gain momentum, they lift their feet and the bicycle glides. They then learn to steer to maintain balance and control while gliding.

With their feet touching the ground, it gives them more control over their balance bike. This minimises the risk of tipping and maximising their safety. Tip: Make sure to equip your young rider with a bike helmet for added protection.

Be patient on their progress and give them your full support. Remember, every child is different. Some may adapt to the balance bike quickly, while others may take more time. However, as they become more adept at balancing, they will transition to a pedal bike with greater ease. Hence, most children who start with balance bikes can skip the need for training wheels or stabilisers — and any additional wheels that provide extra support.

Overall, this makes balance bikes a better choice than tricycles. Allowing your child to start their cycling journey with this bicycle can give them a sense of independence while learning. Their transition to a regular bike is also easier and more natural when the time comes.

Refer to our guide, ‘4 Ways to Teach Your Child How to Ride a Balance Bike,’ for tips and ideas, and get started!