The Best Beginner Kids Bikes for Children Learning to Cycle

For children starting their cycling adventure, choosing the right two wheels is essential. This calls for bike shopping, but where to begin?

Looking for the best kids bikes is as serious a matter as picking out the best road bikes for adults, if not more so. And a good knowledge when selecting one can make a difference in their riding experience.

To help you decide which bicycle is best suited for your budding cyclist, we’ve selected the top ones! Each bike reviewed here meets industry safety standards designed specifically for young riders. You can rest assured knowing your child’s safety comes first.

Bikes For Ages 2-4

Balance bikes are a joyful introduction to children learning to cycle. In fact, even 18-month toddlers may already start theirs with these non-pedal wheels.

A balance bike features an efficient frame design without pedals. It comes with a rigid fork, handlebars and wheels but no drivetrain. There are no bike stabilisers or training wheels attached, as well. 

To move forward, a kid has to push off the ground with their feet. Doing so helps develop their sense of balance and coordination. Read our blog here about how to ride a balance bike. Click here to buy a balance bike toddlers.

Finding the right balance bike for your child:

• Choose the correct size bike. Determine what size bike your little one needs. It should come up just above their mid-thigh when they stand over it. Plus, their toes should be able to touch the ground easily.
• Consider the weight. Something that’s too heavy for your child as it will be difficult for them to control. Too light could cause an accident while they are mastering their balancing skills. The ideal weight is between 7-10lb.
• Check the bicycle frame. Bike frames come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Pick one with good stability, which isn’t too big or cumbersome. Smaller frames are easier to control. Larger ones provide more stability which makes them better suited for older children.
• Wheels and tires. Twelve-inch wheels are most common among 2-4-year-olds as they are lightweight and offer good grip. This allows them to manoeuvre with more ease than those with larger sizes of wheels.

If you’re on the hunt for the best balance bike from the best brands, check out our fantastic offers below:

Gingersnap Balance

£109

The Gingersnap balance bike is a great way to get children aged 2-4 started on their own adventures. Available in five beautiful colours and includes wonderful features such as: 

• Immaculate gloss paint finish
• Classic, brown soft-touch grips
• Fresh and stylish, solid cream tyres
• Vegan leather embossed Bobbin saddle
• Handmade wicker basket with iconic Bobbin head badge

Specifications:

• Wheels: Alloy 12”
• Tyres: 12.5 x 2 ¼”
• Weight: Approx 5kg
• Inside leg size: 30 - 40 cm

Moonbug Balance

£109

The Moonbug balance bike offers the same features as the Gingersnap model. What makes it a little special is the bold colour options: bright Red, pea Green, and preppy Navy Blue.

Specifications:

• Wheels: Alloy 12”
• Tyres: 12.5 x 2 1/4"
• Weight: Approx 5kg
• Inside leg size: 33 - 43 cm

Bikes For Ages 4-6

When they’re confident enough, they can progress from a balance bike to a pedal bike with stabilisers! Pedal bikes can encourage your child to step up on their paddling game. As they spend more time on two wheels, they’ll become more confident. Eventually, they can hit the road without any support.

Selecting a pedal bike best suited for your kid:

• Frame weight and size. This will depend on the age and height of your child. Something heavier might be too difficult to manage over time. This is especially true (and worth noting) if they’re just getting started into biking.
• Types of brakes. Pedal bikes come with different brake options, and all serve different purposes. Rim brakes, for instance, are either v-shaped or U-shaped. Hydraulic disc brakes usually appear as metal discs attached to each wheel hub. The latter tends to provide better stopping power in wet weather conditions.
• Gears. The gears of bikes vary. Multi-geared bikes usually have higher speeds but require more skills from children. But single-speed bikes may be enough, although they offer less road adaptability.
• Suspension system. A suspension system is essential for their comfort level. It helps absorb shock from bumpy surfaces providing smooth glide during rides.
• Wheel size. A 24-inch wheel size works best as standard sizes but could also go down to 16 inches based on your child’s age and size. A bigger wheel size, e.g. more than 20, would fit an 8-year-old with a height of 4 feet and 10 inches tall.

Browse through our little collection of pedal bikes below:

Moonbug 16” Wheel

£199

The Moonbug 16″ bike is a classic unisex bike designed for ages 4-6. It comes with incredible features, including: 

• Shiny silver bike bell
• Immaculate gloss paint finish
• Fresh and stylish, solid cream tyres
• Vegan leather embossed Bobbin saddle
• Colour-matched mudguards and chaincase
• Matching stabilisers (training wheels) included
• Easy-reach brake levers with classic, brown soft-touch grips
• Ultra-cool dark handmade wicker basket with iconic Bobbin head badge

What’s more, it’s also available in a 12” Wheel Kids Bike suitable for ages 2-4. Specifications:

• Wheels: Alloy 16”
• Tyres: 16x1.75”
• Weight: approx 9kg (including all components but not the stabilisers)
• Inside leg size: 33 - 43cm

Brownie Junior 16” Wheel

£280

Bobbin has partnered with Smallable and came up with this Brownie Junior. This limited edition bike is designed in the image of our wonderful Brownie 7 Adult Bike. Ideal for children aged 4-6 and is available in two unique colours: Olive and Caramel.

Featuring a beautiful vintage design, this Dutch bike comes with features such as:

• Shiny silver ding-dong bell
• Immaculate gloss paint finish
• Vegan leather embossed saddle
• Lightweight premium alloy frame
• Colour-matched mudguards, chaincase and stabilisers
• Handmade wicker basket with iconic Bobbin head badge
• Easy-reach brake levers with classic, brown soft-touch grips
• Also available in 20” Wheel bike suitable for ages 5-8

Specifications:

• Tyres: 16x1.75”
• Bike Weight: 10.7kg (including stabilisers)
• Inside leg size: 40 - 54cm

Bikes For Ages 5-8

Stabilisers are the perfect solution for introducing kids to cycling. However, they can’t rely on these bike supports forever. When the time comes, they have to sit on the bike and get beyond the wobbling stage.

Generally, most children are able to learn how to ride a bike without any help by the age of five. Although some may not get the hang of it until they’re eight or nine.

But balancing bikes can be tricky, even if your kid has several years of practising behind them. But with the right pedal bike that suits their age range, they should be okay.

Finding a quality bike without stabilisers for kids ages 5-8? There are some key features that you should look out for:

• Choose the right size bike. Kids ages 5-8 need bikes that suit their proportions. They should easily reach the ground with both feet while seated. Plus, they must have enough room at the handlebars and bike seat posts to grow with them. Top tip: Bring your child along when purchasing their non-stabilised bicycle.
• Focus on quality parts. Focus not only on the frame but also on quality components like rims, pedals, and wheels. Wider tyres offer better balance while riding off-raid terrain than slimmer options. The thicker 20” wheel size also provides extra stability compared to the narrower 16”.

Finally, offer your child a chance to try various models from different brands first-hand. Seek advice from family members who ride themselves on which styles may be suitable for kids. Or head down to your local bike shop and see if they can point you in the right direction too!

You might want to check our classic kids bikes suitable for ages 5-8 below:

Gingersnap 20" Wheel

The Gingersnap 20” is a classic vintage children’s bike designed for children aged 5-8 years. It’s the perfect bike for growing kids! It comes with the same incredible features as the first Bobbin bikes above! The Gingersnap bike is also available in three vibrant colours: Pink, Blue, and Yellow.

Specifications:

• Wheels: Alloy 20”
• Tyres: 20x1.5”
• Weight: approx 11.5kg
• Inside leg size: 52 - 64cm

Hornet 20” Wheel bike

Supercharge their next adventure with the exclusive Hornet bike! The ultimate, retro ride that’s perfect for non-stop explorers aged 5-8 who are ready and raring to go!

Hand-made in small batches to include: 

• Smooth silver cable housing
• Super lightweight frame made of alloy
• Cool grey BMX-style pedals for excellent grip
• Powerful Promax V-brakes for responsive braking
• Precise 7-speed gearing to get you up and down the hills
• Satin brushed cranks with colour-matched chain guard for chain retention
• Also available in 24” wheel bike suitable for ages 7-11

Specifications:

• Wheels: Alloy 20”
• Tyres: 20x1.5”
• Weight: 9.80kg
• Inside leg size: 52 - 64cm

Bikes For Ages 7-11

For the ultimate adventure, kids ages 7 to 11-year-old need something a bit bigger. It should be the correct size while still being lightweight and easy to manage.

Additionally, it should have great brakes and top-notch durability. You may even want features like an adjustable kickstand so your child’s ride can grow with them. Finally, look for bright colours and fun designs that kids will love - bikes should be a source of joy and pride!

Our Bobbin Gingersnap and Hornet models make an excellent example. To suit the ideal age, these units are also available in 24” wheels.

The Gingersnap 24” Wheel (£300) has the same features and colour options as the 20” version. Except, of course, its specifications:

• Wheels: Alloy 24”
• Tyres: 24x1.75”
• Weight: approx 14.5kg
• Inside leg size: 60 - 73 cm

Note: Also available in 26" Wheel bikes ideal for kids ages 11+.

The Hornet 24” Wheel displays the bigger version of the Hornet 20”. This means it’s a bit larger in size and heavier. Its specifications include the following:

• Wheels: Alloy 24”
• Tyres: 24x1.75
• Weight: 10.90kg
• Inside leg size: 60 - 73 cm

And there you have it! We’ve categorised your options based on age. Each includes the features to look for and considerations, and the best brands and models. Ready to buy? Shop our bikes for kids. 

Shop our bike accessories next! Browse our range of toddler & kids bike helmets. Click here to buy a toddler balance bike.