Get a balance bike and you'll have a tiny bike rider in no time. Teaching balance and steering (the two hardest and arguably most important components of bike riding), a balance bike will give your kiddo a clearer understanding of the mechanics of bike riding prior to introducing pedals and breaks. Layering on the concepts in this fashion may allow for more confident and competent riders overall. With a balance-bike-obsessed child of my own, I've done my fair share of research into the best balance bikes on the market today. Turns out, there are quite a few high-quality choices out there. Here are a few child-tested and parent-approved favorites. Strider 12 Pro Sport Balance Bike Strike a BalanceIdeal for teaching your youngster the art of balance, this sweet balance bike is lightweight, durable, and easy to ride and glide.Best OverallFind on Amazon The balance bike of the times, Strider has created an exceptional piece of equipment for your adventure-loving kiddo. Teaching balance, mobility, steering, coordination, and just plain ol’ fun, this bike from Strider has all the best features you’d want from a balance bike. With an aluminum alloy frame, this is a lightweight balance bike that’s tough. It can easily handle trail riding as well as spills, tumbles, and falls. The seat post is comfortable and padded, ideal for 18-36-month-olds. However, included with this Strider is the extra-large seat post, an option for extending the use of this bike for those up to 5 years old, or under 60 pounds. Pros: 2-year factory warranty. Weighs just 5.3 pounds. Appropriate for 18 months and up. Vibrant color choices. Dual suspension. Cons: The included tires are plastic, with the option of upgrading. Yvolution Y Velo Junior Toddler Bike Baby StepsWith dual wheels that offer a bit more stability at first, you can remove a wheel once they've mastered the first mode, turning it into a traditional 2-wheel balance bike.Best for ToddlersFind on Amazon There’s nothing more empowering for toddlers than a sense of independence. That’s why this bike from Yvolution is such a hit. Starting from 18 months, toddlers can begin mastering their coordination and sense of balance. By doing so, this increases their self-confidence, allowing them to continue to build upon their skills until they’ve mastered a traditional 2-wheeler. So what makes this such a fantastic choice for wobbly toddlers? The dual rear wheel design. Allowing for a bit more stability than a typical two-wheel balance bike, your youngster can easily switch from a double-width wheel to a single wheel as their confidence and skills increase. Other key components include an adjustable seat and handlebar height, and large wheels for extra safety and clearance. Pros: Vibrant color choices. Adjustable seat and handlebar that grow right along with your child. Double back wheel for extra stability. Cons: Although the seat is adjustable, it could stand to go a bit taller than it does. Ancaixin Baby Balance Bikes Even Babies Love to BikeWith all the safety features needed to ensure your baby can safely ride, this balance bike is the perfect introductory balance bike for babies.Best for BabiesFind on Amazon Even babies love to bike. A mix between a 4-wheeler and a balance bike, this beginner’s bike has four wheels close together for a manageable introduction to bike riding. Ideal for babies 10-24 months old, this is the pre-balance-bike bike. Made with a carbon steel frame, this baby balance bike can withstand far more weight than is necessary, but that overkill makes us parents feel totally confident in its construction. Further safety features include a 135-degree steering wheel, limited thusly because it allows your baby to stay put on the bike. By the time your baby is ready to move on up to a two-wheel balance bike, they’ll already have the confidence to do so with ease. Pros: Fun color choices and patterns. Maximum weight capacity of 100 pounds. Easy 3-step assembly. Soft seat, wide tires. Cons: The seat height is not adjustable. Aceger Balance Bike for Kids with Basket Tall in the SaddleDesigned for children 2.5-5 years old, this introductory bike is safe, comfortable, and has adorable add-ons that your child will absolutely love.Best with BasketFind on Amazon I know that looks don’t matter, but it is pretty hard to ignore how pretty this little balance bike is. With soft faux leather handles, an adorable basket, a bell, and a wide, comfortable seat, this bike almost has a vintage feel. It’s not all about beauty, however, because this bike has a few specs that make it a fantastic option for kids who are serious about biking. Made with a lightweight frame for manageability as well as maneuverability, this bike has a sturdy, durable build that’ll withstand years of use. Durable tires round out this package, making it an ideal choice for children who are eager to hit the road. Pros: Quick-release seat post. Fully adjustable height. Sturdy bike basket for front handlebars. Reflectors and bell for safety are included. Cons: Runs a bit on the tall side. Yvolution Y Velo Flippa 4-in-1 Toddler Trike to Balance Bike Bike of All TradesFrom push trike through to pedal bike, this 4-in-1 balance bike hits all of the intro-to-biking stages. Best Convertible Find on Amazon Had I known about this bike when I first was researching one for my daughter, I probably would have gone for this one. A bit more on the cautious side, she likes to feel fully confident before trying something new, and getting her on a balance bike took quite a bit of time and quite a bit of encouragement. If your youngster is anything like mine, this bike will be the perfect solution. Why? Well, for starters, it is a 4-in-1 balance bike. The first mode is a push trike mode that allows for your little one to feel in control while you help them along. Simply remove the bar and it becomes a sturdy tricycle. When they’re ready to switch to two wheels, you can add the bar back on and subtract a wheel, so that it becomes a pushbike with a parent steering behind. Next, remove the bar and it becomes an independent balance bike. But that’s still not all. The final step? This bike comes with pedals you can attach so that once they master the balance bike, they can begin working on a full-on pedal bike. Pros: Ideal for more hesitant children. Adjustable seat and handlebars. With the press of a button, the two rear wheels flip inward to convert to a balance bike. Two color choices. Cons: The pedals are a bit far out of reach for a smaller tot. Frequently Asked Questions Why get a balance bike? The hardest part of riding a bike is figuring out how to balance on two wheels. Balance bikes work to teach a child how to balance first before adding in the pedal component. In this way, when they have the balance portion down, they can move on to traditional pedal bikes with confidence and competence. At what age should I introduce a balance bike? Traditional balance bikes are enjoyable for most children from 18 months on up to 5 years old. Are balance bikes safe? Out of all of the bikes out there, from tricycles to training wheels, balance bikes are the safest. Teaching balance first, and then pedaling, balance bikes allow your child to focus on one component at a time. In this way, it teaches your child to be a more competent, safer rider. And of course, your little bike rider should always wear a helmet, whether they’re on a trike or a two-wheeler. Related posts:Powered by SearchIQ The Best Robot Dogs For Kids Read more The Best Hamster Wheels Read more The Best Frisbees Read more