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The Best Kids Bikes For Your Child In 2023

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Last Updated: 21 March 2023
kid bikes with training wheels

Riding a bike is like swimming ā€“ initially tough to learn. But once you master it, you remember it for life. Like swimming, riding a bike is a life skill, and every child must be taught how to. Discount all the wobbling in the beginning and the falling off and getting scraped part, and with time your child is going to love biking more than any other outdoor activities. Get them a kids bicycle.

President J F Kennedy once said, ā€œNothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike rideā€. Regular cycling, as part of outdoor activity, can help improve the childā€™s physical health tremendously. There is hardcore evidence that there is also emotional, mental, and psychological benefit out of this simple and fun activity.

Research links one hour of physical activity with a heightened focus on studies of children. Besides, it is an activity that cuts across the ages, and therefore indulging in it with family and friends gives more scope for social connections and increased happiness.

Finally, teaching them and encouraging them to bike means they have the means to get around without using fuel driven modes of transport. And that is good news for our environment! Less carbon emission means greener communities.

TOP 10 Best Kids Bike: Comparison Chart

#1 Best Seller
Royal Baby
GH Tested
Huffy
Joystar
Retrospec
Joystar
RoyalBaby Kids Bike Boys Girls Freestyle BMX Bicycle with Training Wheels Gifts for Children Bikes 12 Inch Blue
Huffy 12 inch Spider-Man Kid Bike, Handlebar Plaque, Quick Connect, Red, 12 inch
JOYSTAR 12 Inch Pluto Kids Bike with Training Wheels for Ages 2 3 4 Year Old Boys Girls Toddler Children BMX Bicycle Red
Retrospec Cub Kids Balance Bike No Pedal Bicycle, Kelly Green, OSFM
JOYSTAR 12 inch Kids Bike for 2 3 4 Years Girls, Child Bicycle with Training Wheels & Basket & Streamer, Pink Toddler Cycle
$129.99
$187.77
$88.79
$59.99
$119.99
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Size
12 inch
-
12 Inch
-
12"
Frame Material
Steel
-
Carbon Steel
Steel
Steel
Tires
2.4ā€ pneumatic tires
-
Resistance Rubber Tires
Air-Free Tires
-
Height Range
-
-
33"-41"
20 months to 5 years old
33-41 inch
Features
Water bottle
-
1-Speed
Doesn't require brakes, Pedal-Free
FULL CHAIN GUARD
Item Weight
34.75 Pounds
-
21.25 Pounds
9 Pounds
-
#1 Best Seller
Royal Baby
RoyalBaby Kids Bike Boys Girls Freestyle BMX Bicycle with Training Wheels Gifts for Children Bikes 12 Inch Blue
$129.99
-
-
Size
12 inch
Frame Material
Steel
Tires
2.4ā€ pneumatic tires
Height Range
-
Features
Water bottle
Item Weight
34.75 Pounds
GH Tested
Huffy
Huffy 12 inch Spider-Man Kid Bike, Handlebar Plaque, Quick Connect, Red, 12 inch
$187.77
-
-
Size
-
Frame Material
-
Tires
-
Height Range
-
Features
-
Item Weight
-
Joystar
JOYSTAR 12 Inch Pluto Kids Bike with Training Wheels for Ages 2 3 4 Year Old Boys Girls Toddler Children BMX Bicycle Red
$88.79
-
-
Size
12 Inch
Frame Material
Carbon Steel
Tires
Resistance Rubber Tires
Height Range
33"-41"
Features
1-Speed
Item Weight
21.25 Pounds
Retrospec
Retrospec Cub Kids Balance Bike No Pedal Bicycle, Kelly Green, OSFM
$59.99
-
-
Size
-
Frame Material
Steel
Tires
Air-Free Tires
Height Range
20 months to 5 years old
Features
Doesn't require brakes, Pedal-Free
Item Weight
9 Pounds
Joystar
JOYSTAR 12 inch Kids Bike for 2 3 4 Years Girls, Child Bicycle with Training Wheels & Basket & Streamer, Pink Toddler Cycle
$119.99
-
-
Size
12"
Frame Material
Steel
Tires
-
Height Range
33-41 inch
Features
FULL CHAIN GUARD
Item Weight
-
Schwinn
Glide Bikes
Raleigh
Huffy
Schwinn
Schwinn Elm Girls Bike for Toddlers and Kids, 20-Inch Wheels, Purple
Glide Bikes Kid's Go Glider Balance Bike, Pink, 16-Inch
Raleigh Bikes Rowdy 16 Kids Bike for Boys Youth 3-6 Years Old, Green
Huffy 12 inch Spider-Man Kid Bike, Handlebar Plaque, Quick Connect, Red, 12 inch
Schwinn Koen Boys Bike for Toddlers and Kids, 20-Inch Wheels, Black
$149.96
$131.32
$260.00
$187.77
$169.99
-
-
-
-
5,847 Reviews
-
-
-
-
Size
20 Inches
16 Inch
-
-
20 Inches
Frame Material
Steel
Steel
-
-
Steel
Tires
-
-
-
-
-
Height Range
4 to 5 feet
-
-
-
48 - 60 inches
Features
-
-
-
-
-
Item Weight
-
11 Pounds
-
-
34.35 Pounds
Schwinn
Schwinn Elm Girls Bike for Toddlers and Kids, 20-Inch Wheels, Purple
$149.96
5,847 Reviews
Size
20 Inches
Frame Material
Steel
Tires
-
Height Range
4 to 5 feet
Features
-
Item Weight
-
Glide Bikes
Glide Bikes Kid's Go Glider Balance Bike, Pink, 16-Inch
$131.32
-
-
Size
16 Inch
Frame Material
Steel
Tires
-
Height Range
-
Features
-
Item Weight
11 Pounds
Raleigh
Raleigh Bikes Rowdy 16 Kids Bike for Boys Youth 3-6 Years Old, Green
$260.00
-
-
Size
-
Frame Material
-
Tires
-
Height Range
-
Features
-
Item Weight
-
Huffy
Huffy 12 inch Spider-Man Kid Bike, Handlebar Plaque, Quick Connect, Red, 12 inch
$187.77
-
-
Size
-
Frame Material
-
Tires
-
Height Range
-
Features
-
Item Weight
-
Schwinn
Schwinn Koen Boys Bike for Toddlers and Kids, 20-Inch Wheels, Black
$169.99
-
-
Size
20 Inches
Frame Material
Steel
Tires
-
Height Range
48 - 60 inches
Features
-
Item Weight
34.35 Pounds
Best Overall ā€“ RoyalBaby Review

Here is a nice bike for baby girl if you do not want to give her bikes that are all shades of pink alone. The sporty bike comes with a bell and a water bottle holder that is conveniently placed under the saddle. Now you can be assured that your little one is always hydrated. The royal baby bike comes 95% assembled. All you need to do is to fix the saddle, the training wheels, and/or the pedal. It is a steal for the price it is retailing.

If you are looking at something in the range of $150 ā€“ 200, then this is one of the best ones to pick up from our kids bike reviews. Got it!

Why We Like It

  • Sturdy
  • High back saddle
  • Bottle holder
GH Tested ā€“ Huffy Spider-Man Kid Bike Review

A lot of customers will agree today that the Huffy is indeed one of the best bike brands for kids today making best baby bikes since 1892. Manufactured in two different sizes - 12 and 16 inches, each of the multiple colored child bikes are suitable for both girls and boys. The frame is made of lightweight steel that gives the kids a lot of stability and control.

The bike is perfect for beginning riders and ideal for ages 3-5. The assembly is only a 4-step job.

Why We Like It

  • Great design
  • Lightweight steel frame
  • Easy to assemble
Sale
The Best Kid Bikes With Training Wheels ā€“ Joystar Review

If your little angel is only beginning to learn the ropes of biking, we highly recommend this brand. There are two variations; 12, 14, and 16 inches come along with a set of stable training wheels and 18 inches bike alone comes with a kickstand. There are 6 vibrant colors to choose from. Each child bicycle also comes along with a DIY decal with which your little one can decorate the frame and the chain guard! He could customize it by writing his name too!

The cycle comes 85% pre-assembled and may not take more than a quarter of an hour for even a first-timer to assemble it! All tools are included.

Why We Like It

  • The seat can be released quickly for height increase
  • Saddle comes with a holder for learning
  • Foot brake suitable for very young riders also
Best Kids Balance Bike ā€“ Retrospec Review

There is nothing quite like giving your child enough confidence so that it grows up to like biking and actually enjoying it. These balance bikes are the ideal first baby boy bicycles that you should begin your riding lessons with. The design is extremely safe, and the colors are adorably cute.

A lot of children lose their confidence on the road after they have a traumatic fall from tricycles or training wheels. This cool boy bike is most recommended to enable the transition to a pedaled bike.

This pedal-less cycle is suitable for kids from 20 months to 5 years. Also, this top boys' bike has a feature - the handlebar and the seat can be easily adjusted for height.

Pros

  • Maintenance-free
  • No need to feel the air in the tires at all
  • Complies with CPSC safety standards

Cons

  • Can be too small for tall babies
The Cute Girls Bikes With Basket - Joystar Review

One look at this colorful kids bike, and you will be drooling over its cutesy design and oh so cute basket that comes pinned to the handlebar in the front. The sturdy frame is made from a premium quality of steel and is extremely durable. It provides awesome impact resistance on bumpy terrain.

This girls bike with baby seat has coaster brakes that get applied when the kid pushes the pedal backward. The seat is bigger and plusher than normal. If you are looking to surprise your little doll this holiday, you know now what to get her!

The cute basket attached to the handlebar is a great draw. We have seen the product fly off the shelves as soon as it is stocked! Sigh.

Pros

  • Extremely cute design for your baby girl bike
  • Suitable for 2 to 7 years kids (depending on bike size)
  • Comes 85% assembled

Cons

  • It comes only in one pink design
Sale
Top rated kids bikes ā€“ Schwinn Review
5,847 Reviews
Top rated kids bikes ā€“ Schwinn Review

A lot of parents make this mistake that they do not buy a cycle for their kids for fear that they would grow out of it easily. If you are one of them, here is a Protip. You must go for Schwinn bikes that have a sleek seat tube angle that is easy to tweak as and when your child is growing. Your bike is actually growing with the bike, and that means that no more expenses for a very long time! It comes in 6 different sizes in three vibrant colors.

The Schwinn kid bike is suitable for children 6 years and older. It comes with a limited lifetime warranty on frame.

Pros

  • Durable steel frame
  • Easy to pedal
  • Fully covered chain gauge

Cons

  • Basket is not durable and cracks in a short time
The Best Preschool Bike ā€“ Glide Review

Have you stopped yourself short from investing in a balance bike because you know that the kiddo will grow up in no time, and then you may have to trash the bike because storage is a problem! Rejoice!! This balance bike has enough leeway to adjust seat and handlebar to become the best bike for 5 years old, and after that, once your baby learns the rope to biking, you could simply attach a pair of the pedal to it seamlessly! Voila.

The bike comes with a kickstand. Five attractive colors are going to make it tough for you to take a pick!

Pros

  • Comes with hand brake
  • Composite mag wheels
  • Good for any terrain

Cons

  • Price is slightly on the higher side
The Best Street Bike For Kids ā€“ Raleigh Review

So your little rowdy is celebrating his birthday next week, and you are still not decided what he should open his sparkly eyes too! Worry not now. We have the recommendation of the best-rated kids' bikes to buy.

This aluminum frame lightweight cycle is something that is going to excite him no end. Watch him bike the neighborhood the entire year. It features Shimano 6, which is a speed twist shifter that will give them enough practice to graduate to gears already. Leave this in his room and hear him squeal with joy in the morning!

The frame is covered with a lifetime warranty for the original purchaser of the bike. Awesome one!

Pros

  • Features alloy V brakes
  • Easy to stop and control
  • Suitable for 4 through 9 years

Cons

  • Nothing really to complain
Best Boys Bike ā€“ Huffy Review

Say bye-bye to all the cheap kids' bikes and say hello to Huffyā€™s Spiderman bike that features official marvel graphics! Will not your little one jump up and down in glee!!

This lovely bike for little boys between 3 and 5 years is going to be a breeze for you to assemble because it needs literally no hardware. It has a quick connect system that you need to place correctly and insert until it clicks in the correct place. The seat is padded and extra comfortable.

The bike has a combination of coaster and handbrakes. The covered chain guard prevents skin and clothes from getting into the chain.

Pros

  • A perfect bike for beginners
  • Durable steel frame
  • Completely covered chain guard

Cons

  • Does not include a kickstand
The top selling kids racing bikes ā€“ Schwinn Review

The company is a hot favorite with parents because its seat and handlebar are so well adjustable that there is no need for any further purchase on the pretext that the kid has outgrown the bike.

The bike comes with two types of brakes, coaster as well as calliper and it majorly helps the kid to transition to geared and hand brakes. The covered chain guard is another plus for parents whose kids keep fidgeting with the chain, often injuring little fingers of hands and toes.

Six-year-olds and more will have a great time with this one. The number plate that comes with it will make them excited.

Pros

  • SmartStart frame
  • Comes in 3 vibrant colors
  • Slack seat tube

Cons

  • The bike has slower speed compared to other models

Buyerā€™s Guide: All You Need to Know About the best kids bike

Benefits Of Using Best Kids Bike

Research categorically proves that kids riding bikes has the following health benefits

what size bike for kids
  • Improves cardiovascular health
  • Improves strength and muscle flexibility
  • Helps in improving posture
  • Strengthens bones
  • Reduces deposited fats in the body
  • Improves immunity
  • Reduces anxiety and dissipates depressive mind set

What Size Bike For Kids to Buy?

Bicycles for kids are sized by diameters of their wheels than the size of their frames. The smallest bike, according to the wheels of the bike, is 12 inches. The other sizes are 16 inch bike, 18 inch bike, and 24 inch bike. A 26 inch bike is counted as adult size. However, some companies still manufacture 26 inches for juniors.

How to Choose The Best Kids Bike

Seat height

Most manufacturers make kids bike seat to make the child sit in an upright posture. They should be able to sit comfortably on the seat and be able to see his surroundings at 270 degrees angle easily and clearly. While reaching the pedal, his legs should be seen slightly bent near the pedestal.

Gearing

Not all children start learning to bike at the same age. Parents must be careful in choosing a bike with gears for kids. If you think your child can handle kids road bike with gears, then, by all means, go for it. Industry-standard pegs age at between 6 and 9 years to introduce geared bike for kids.

Weight

Childrenā€™s bikes ideally should be about 40% of their body weight. Parents must choose the lightest bicycle that they can find for their childā€™s requirements.

Wheels&Brakes

Wheels & Brakes

Bike manufacturers around the world use one of the most common indicators. They use the size of the wheel of the bike to categorize them as the bikeā€™s size. For example, if the bike that you choose for your child has a wheel diameter of 12 inches, then most likely, the cycle will be called 12 inch bikes. The standard sizes based on the wheels are 12, 14, 16, 20, and 24 inches for junior bikes. The thumb rule is that the taller the child is, the bigger his cycle size will be.

Traction

Two things. First, whether the kid is going to ride his bike on a biking trail or just around the neighborhood streets. If the child will be riding it on trails or dust paths, then it is important that his cycle tires are suitable for it. The knobby tires are the best bet. We have collated a separate list for the best toddler bike.

The second is whether the child is going to be under your or any other adultā€™s supervision while biking, or is it going to be his time alone sans family. The good news is that kids learn really fast and once you feel that the tires are not suitable to replace them to get better traction.

Shape of the frame

The shape of the frame has a direct bearing on the ability of the child to ride well. A badly designed bike frame will mean that the child trips off the cycle more often, losing control over it.

If the childā€™s position on the bike is not optimum or the center of gravity is too high, he is going to get out of gear and fall more often.

Bikes with shorter wheelbase will make the kid lose his balance easily. The ideal frame is one where there is a longer wheelbase.

There are two kinds of brakes on bicycles. They are:

  1. Coastal brakes
  2. Hand brakes

Coastal brakes are also called back-pedal brakes. They are economical and maintenance-free. A hand brake, on the other hand requires a lot of maintenance. They need to be frequently oiled and replaced.

Best Kids Bike Types

Road

Kids road bikes have large skinny tires that glide through roads with minimum effort. Designed for long rides without burning the rider out, they have a strong frame and usually downturned handlebar that encourage aerodynamic posture for efficiency and speed.

best kids mountain bikes

Mountain

The best kids mountain bikes feature wide knobby tires and have versatility at its core. The wheels can ride over loose dirt and has an excellent suspension that eliminates bumps on rugged terrains. The frame is sturdy with a flat handlebar most of the time. Read our special feature on a fitness tracker for kids.

With gears

By the time kids are about 6 or 7 years, you could introduce kids bike with gears. They will not understand their work, but they will quickly learn how to use it.

Without pedals

Kids bike without pedals is also called as balance bikes. Children around 2 years can be allowed to balance on the cycle where they only use their feet to propel themselves forward and to brake. Best balance bike could be the first step in building their confidence on the roads.

Safety Tips When Using Kids Bikes

  • Ensure that they are wearing fitted helmets. Read our guide on the best toddler helmet.
  • Encourage them to use the sidewalk while riding and as much as possible to ride in the direction of the traffic
  • Teach them hand signals and traffic signal rules
  • They must be asked to go in a straight path and not swerve at all
  • Let them wear bright colors when they are biking
  • Bikes must have light and reflector stickers on them
  • It is a good idea to stick with them or trail them until you are confident that they can ride well.
  • Keep them hydrated throughout their biking routine. Check out the latest water bottle for kids here.

FAQs

What Size Bike For A 4 Year Old?

nice girl bike

All the best kids bike 2023 are sized according to the diameter of their wheels. An average 4 year old based on his height and inseam measurements probably use a 14 inches bike confidently. The best way to judge is to make sure that the childā€™s feet touch the ground when they are comfortably on the seat. This will help them to stop the bike with their feet if there is a need. Read here how to choose the best toddler scooter.

What Is The Best Age To Teach A Child To Ride A Bike?

Keeping developmental milestones in mind, a kid is generally ready between the ages of 4 and 8 years. The average can safely be pegged at 5 years. There is no hard and fast rule about age for teaching the child, but the childā€™s interest and his environment can have a direct bearing on his learning early or late.

How To Size A Kids Bike?

A lot of websites have very helpful charts of how to size your kids bike according to their height, inseam, and age. To determine the childā€™s statistics, stand the kid without his shoes with his back to the wall. Now measure his height in inches. Also, measure his inseam, which the distance between the floor and the crotch. This will give you the correct picture of your childā€™s feet will reach the floor when he is sitting.

Do Kidsā€™ Bikes Need Suspension Forks And Lots Of Gears?

Air spring forks are generally preferred over coil forks because they are lighter and easy to adjust when the kid is growing up. Alternatively, rigid forks are also found in the kids bikes. A lot of bike manufacturers do not prefer coil forks because kids do not have sufficient mass and body weight to move the sticky force on difficult terrains.

Verdict and Our Recommendation for 2023

Our choice for the best bikes for girl or boy kids is Royal Baby. The lightweight frame and sturdy construction make it one of the most recommended bikes on all fora. 95% of the bike comes assembled, it is stylish and colorful. The bikes are known in royal baby bike review for their easier start, and eye candy looks. Clearly, every little boy or girlā€™s favorite bike!

Did you like the best kids bike 2023 journal? Would you like to tell us if we missed any great bikes? Write into Parenthoodroutine.com and win some exciting goodies!

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PRODUCTS TESTED BY Parenthoodroutine.com
How We Tested

Last six months, we have spent 500 hours testing 50 quality bicycles to arrive at this best kidā€™s bike list. The kids' bike reviews included interviewing young bikers as well as professional bike testers. The result is here for you all to see in the form of this compilation of best kid's bike. Weā€™ve tested single speed bikes to hybrid to top-rated ones and also everything in between. There are bikes for big kids too!

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