Best Balance Bikes for Older Kids 4 to 7 Years Old Posted in: Bikes, Product Reviews, Ride-ons – Tags: balance bike for older kids, best balance bike for big kids, bikes main

The thing about children (and a rather frustrating thing!) is that they quickly outgrow their toys! However, one exception to this rule is a bike; not only do they present hours of fun and entertainment and opportunity to explore the neighborhood, but bikes also aid in developing critical skills such as balance, motor skills and overall coordination.

Of course, if you have a little one at home, you’ve probably been accosted by puppy dog eyes every time you pass a bicycle store and endless letters to Santa come Christmas, pleading for a bike! If you’ve been thinking of giving in to these demands (and there’s every reason you should!), here’s a guide to our top balance bikes for kids between the ages of 4 to 7; we’ve also included a buyer’s guide so that you know what goes into a good bicycle.

Let’s get on with it!

 

Best Balance Bikes

RoyalBaby – Best Convertible Balance Bike

Fits Kids: 3-7 years

Minimum/Maximum Handlebar Height: 26.3-27.9

Features: Easy set up, front braking, smooth ride, lots of color choices, comfortable seat

One of the best things about this bike is how easy it is to put together. It comes almost completely assembled which means there is a lot less work to do before trying it out for the first time! There are a lot of built in features for added safety and stability for young riders.

The construction of the bike and wheel is very sturdy. It has a comfortable seat and added stability for new riders. Putting together this bike is a breeze which is what parents will love most. Children will enjoy how easy it is to learn to ride this bike with the training wheels. You also get a kickstand with the purchase.

Pros:

• Comes 95% assembled
• Front braking
• Added stability
• High quality tires
• Add decals
• Lots of size options
• Reinforced steel frame

Cons:

• A little heavy
• Pedals make a clicking noise

Buy it here!

 

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Schwinn Elm Girls Bike – Best Balance Bike for 7 Year Old

Fits Kids: 3-7 years

Minimum/Maximum Handlebar Height: N/A

Features: Lightweight frame, easy to adjust, hand brakes, completely adjustable

This bike was made with young and beginner riders in mind. It is very lightweight while also easily staying upright. The brakes are high-quality and work to smoothly stop the bike. There is a hand brake in addition to a rear brake.

Most kids bikes do not have a hand brake so this is a great addition. It is a good bike for beginners because it is easy to balance and brake. This bike is made for girls so it comes in feminine colors like pink and turquoise. It has training wheels on the back which make it easier for kids to learn how to ride. The handles are smaller and reinforced with grips which makes the bike easier to control.

Pros:

• Super lightweight
• Adjustable to match all children’s body types
• Easy pedalling
• Comfortable seat
• Made for younger kids

Cons:

• Seat could be more comfortable
• Tricky to put together

Buy it here!

 

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JOYSTAR 16″ – Best Balance Bike for 5 Year Old

Fits Kids: 5-9 years

Minimum/Maximum Handlebar Height: N/A

Features: 18-22 inches

This bike is very affordable which makes it a perfect choice for beginner riders. It teaches coordination and it stays upright very easily. The lightweight construction of the bike is easy for children to manage. There are four different color options including blue and pink which children will love.

It comes with a lifetime warranty and they will replace any parts that are defective. Although the bike is lightweight, it is still very sturdy as it is made out of durable carbon steel. For safety it has a handbrake and a back brake. The handlebar is adjustable.

Pros:

• Very lightweight
• Built for young kids
• Easy to balance
• Comes with a lifetime warranty
• Helps teach coordination

Cons:

• Needs better instructions for assembly
• Wheels could be better

Buy it here!

 

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Bixe 16-Inch Pro Balance Bike — Best Overall Pick

Fits Kids: 5 to 9-year-olds (accommodates a maximum weight of 150 pounds)

Maximum/Minimum Handlebar Height: 15 to 22 inches from the ground

Features: Weight of 11 pounds, 100% guarantee, and partially assembled

Safe, fun and extremely efficient, the Bixe 16-Inch Pro Balance Bike is designed for every kind of rider, right from beginners to experienced riders who want to push themselves to kids with special needs/challenges.

This bike is one of the safest in the market, with tamper-proof clamps, wheels equipped with safety washers and a frame that can take more than the advertised weight capacity (this doesn’t mean that you test the bike’s limits by pushing the weight boundaries, though; this will impact its durability).

Additionally, the bike comes partially assembled, making life much easier for you — all you have to do is slide the handlebar and seat into place, tighten the screws and inflate the wheels!

Pros

• Super simple to assemble
• Good value for money
• 100% guarantee and 100% buy-back guarantee
• Extremely safe with a range of safety-enhancing features
• A durable frame that’s engineered to withstand more than the limit advertised
• Great for a range of different riders
• Air-filled tires guarantee a smooth ride, especially compared to plastic tires

Cons

• Though the air-filled tires result in a smoother ride, they’re more prone to punctures.
• Some users found the seat uncomfortable.

Buy it here!

 

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Glide Bikes Kid’s Go Glider Balance Bike — Best Features

Fits Kids: 18 months to 4 years

Minimum/Maximum Handlebar Height: 16 inches

Features: Adjustable seat and handlebar, steel alloy frame, composite mag wheels, removable foot pegs, kickstand, 2-in-1 convertible bike

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The Glide Bikes Kid’s Go Glider Balance Bike comes packed with a ton of great features, which is why, naturally, this is our pick for the “best features”. The bike comes with adjustable handlebars and seat, a hand brake for better control and preparation for advanced bikes, air tires, a kickstand, and a durable yet lightweight frame.

One of the bike’s major selling points is the patented slow speed geometry, which allows your little tyke to balance at a speed slower than 2 miles per hour, compared to the standard 5 that most other bikes manage. Additionally, the “flip-flop” system lets you move the handlebars closer to the seat for the younger riders.

Pros

• The patented technology for better balancing
• Removable footpegs that convert the balance bike to a pedal bike and let the kids rest their feet comfortably
• Lightweight yet durable frame
• The Composite Mag wheels with air tires can make short work of any terrain.
• Low-maintenance tires (EVA foam)
• Hand-brake for better controlling and learning how to stop safely
• Great for all ages

Cons

• Hard to assemble due to vague instructions
• Air tires are more puncture-prone
• Metal screws and bolts against soft plastic, leading the plastic to get damaged when you forcefully tighten the screws and bolts

Buy it here!

 

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Strider — 12 Sport Balance Bike — Most Popular Product

Fits Kids: 18 months to 5 years

Minimum/Maximum Handlebar Height: 18 to 22 inches from the floor

Features: Adjustable handlebar heights (12-20 inches inseam), weighs 6.7 pounds, durable steel frame, puncture-proof tires and equipped with mini-grip for easier gripping

 A great pick for kids from the tender age of 18 months all the way up to 5 years, this Strider bike will give your kids the thrill of riding, even before they’ve graduated from diapers to normal pants! The bicycle comes with an adjustable height for the seat and handlebar, ensuring that your child doesn’t outgrow this bike any time soon.

The bike is even compatible with upgrades, such as heavy-duty tires and foot brakes that you can install as your little one becomes not-so-little anymore. Additionally, the bike is extremely durable, able to withstand all the, um, exposure that your child puts it through!

Pros

• Adjustable seat and handlebars to ensure a long usage
• Efficient grip system for better control
• Lightweight yet sturdy and durable
• Puncture-proof wheels that don’t need to be inflated; thus, lesser work!
• A great learning tool that’s cost-efficient

Cons

• No instruction manual included; you’ll have to give the company your email ID to get a manual via mail!
• Though the wheels are durable, they’re made of plastic and hence, don’t grip as well as rubber tires.

Buy it here!

 

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GOMO Balance Bike — Best Budget Bike

Fits Kids: 18 months to 5 years old

Minimum/Maximum Handlebar Height: 14.6 inches

Features: Turn limiter, custom footrest, Through-Wheel Axles, padded seats, lightweight steel frame, adjustable ride height

Light enough to lug around yet strong enough to withstand all your little one’s adventures, the GOMO Balance Bike comes packed with a range of features that you wouldn’t guess at when you look at the incredibly cheap price tag!

The bike comes equipped with a ton of safety features such as a turn limiter, a custom footrest and durable heavy-duty puncture-proof wheels, as well as an adjustable seat that sees them through their journey from 18 months to 5 years! To further sweeten the deal, the bike comes with a 2-year warranty against manufacturing defects.

Pros

• Cheap; amazing value for money!
• Super-safe; the turn limiter ensures better control and quicker mastery of steering, whereas the custom footrest allows your child to safely place his or her feet
• The Through-Wheel Axles make riding over bumps easier and non-jarring.
• Durable yet light steel frame
• At 6.4 pounds, this bike is super lightweight, making it easy to lift and drag
• Special grips on the handlebar for better control
• ABS plastic finish for better durability and resistance to scratches

Cons

• The plastic construction isn’t as durable as metal; there have been reports of the latch that adjusts the handlebar breaking off easily, as it’s made of plastic.
• Durability issues with the ball bearings on the front wheel

Buy it here!

 

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Strider 14X 2-in-1 — Premium Pick

Fits Kids: Kids aged 3 to 7 years

Minimum/Maximum Handlebar Height: 16 to 23 inches (inseam)

Features: Adjustable seat and handlebars, lightweight frame (12 pounds), footrests, padded seat and soft handlebar grips

Some kids sprout faster than others, in which case, the Strider 14X is a great option! This bike will have your child go from riding a balance bike to becoming a Louis-Armstrong-in-the-making within no time — this is the only bicycle that comes with a step-by-step guide for parents to help their kids learn how to cycle like a pro!

The adjustable seat and handlebar ensure that the bike grows with your child, while the lightweight frame ensures that the bike is easy to handle and transport; however, despite being lightweight, there’s no compromise on the frame’s durability.

Pros

• Lightweight yet extremely durable frame
• A step-by-step guide that helps parents teach their kids how to go quickly and efficiently from footrest to pedal
• A chainguard that prevents cuts and scrapes and keeps the chain free of mud
• The footrests help your child place their feet safely as well as learn how to balance.
• A padded seat and soft handlebar grips for extra comfort; the handlebar also makes it easier to control the bike

Cons

• Expensive, especially compared to other options on the list
• There have complaints from customers that some parts of the bike were misaligned, and therefore, hard to assemble.

Buy it here!

 

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Buying a Balance Bike — Factors to Consider

Buying a balance bike may seem like a really easy thing to do, and it is! You can walk into any bike store, say you want a balance bike and walk out with one. However, the task is a little more challenging if you’re looking for the best balance bike for your little tyke.

The bike you choose will define your child’s riding experience, as different bikes come in different sizes, with different qualities and features, all of which play a role in shaping the riding experience.

Here are a few factors to consider when buying a balance bike:

 

Size

One of the most important factors to consider while buying a balance bike is the size. One size doesn’t fit all, even when they’re marketed as being so. The tire size and the height of the seat (related to inseam) should be considering when picking out a bike for your little one.

As mentioned, the wheel size matters. 12-inch wheels are the most common for balance bikes; 14 inches are for older and/or taller kids and the few 16 and 20-inch bikes are for grade school kids who aren’t confident enough to try a pedal bike yet, or for kids with special needs.

Additionally, balance bikes come with a range of seat heights; a seat from which your child can comfortably touch the ground with their feet and push off is the most comfortable kind of seat. This means that the bike’s seat should be 1-1.5 inches lesser than the child’s inseam; this measurement also accommodates a slight knee bend.

To ensure your child doesn’t outgrow the bike in months, get a bike with a maximum seat height that is at least 2 inches above the current inseam measurement of your child; this allows at least 2-3 more years of usage.

 

Weight

The next important factor is weight, as your child will probably drag/lug/transport the bike, in addition to maneuvering it. As a rule of thumb, get a bike that doesn’t weigh more than 30% of your child’s weight. The frame and wheels make up the major part of a bike’s weight, so keep an eye on those.

Generally, when a bike is advertised as being lightweight, the makers are referring to the tires. Actual lightweight bikes of high-quality require special parts to weigh them down, which makes them more expensive.

 

Tires

The kind of tires a bike has defines the riding experience. There are two types of tires — air and foam tires. The latter is more common and hence, cheaper. It’s also more lightweight and immune to punctures. However, air tires are the better option for a more real experience. They have better traction and cushioning; going over bumpy terrain with hardly a jolt is easy with air tires.

Both types of tires come with their own pros and cons, so it’s up to you to figure out what you want!

 

Brakes

Since a balance bike requires feet to stop it, hand brakes are optional. However, a bike with a hand brake is a better option as it prepares your kid for more advanced bikes, prevents injuries and saves their shoes! By the age of 2, kids have developed sufficient coordination to be able to use a hand brake, along with their feet, to stop the bike.

The brakes on all bikes are not equal, so test the brakes before you buy the bike to know whether your child can handle them.

In addition to these factors, keeping in mind the bike’s geometry, the presence of turning limiters and footrests, the kind of bearings used, the materials used in the frame, the kind of grip the handlebar has, and the kind of front and rear axle bolts the bike has will also go a long way in helping you pick out the best bike for your child.

 

In Summary

With that, we come to an end of our review/buying guide on the best balance bikes for 4 to 7-year-olds. Remember, this isn’t an exhaustive list and neither is there a standard/default bike to buy for your child; their needs and capabilities also come into play, so pick a bike that your child is most comfortable with as opposed to, say, the most popular bike in the market.

Also, remember that no bike is perfect; though we’ve mentioned a range of different factors to consider, not every bike will score 100 out of 100 in every factor or even have all the factors mentioned. Prioritize what is important to you and work accordingly. Hopefully, these tips made the process of getting your little one a balance bike a little less overwhelming and your little one’s riding journey a little more exciting!