To make learning easier and ensure safe rides with family or friends, choosing the right size bike for a child is essential! However, as every parent knows, this choice is far from easy because every child is unique. For example, children with shorter legs need bikes with a lower center of gravity because they tend to fall forward. It’s therefore important to consider factors such as the weight your child can carry and the speed they can maintain at a steady pace, as these will determine the most suitable bike size! Here’s some information to help you choose the right size bike for your child!
A bike for every age and size!
Children’s cycling trends highlight that the choice of a bicycle is based on three essential criteria: the child’s age, height, and intended use of the bicycle.
Don’t panic when making a choice; it can be made easier thanks to, for example, OOGarden’s selection of bicycles. This online store, specializing in outdoor living and decoration, offers a wide selection of accessories and furniture for your garden, pool, patio, outdoor kitchen, pets, and especially outdoor games for children, such as bicycles.
Baby carriers and balance bikes for toddlers
The selection of ride-on toys and balance bikes allows you to find the perfect one for each child. Playful and fun, the baby ride-on toy is specially designed to help children from 12 months old learn to walk. With four wheels, no pedals, and available in car or animal shapes and various colors depending on the model, it helps children discover the joys of walking independently. From age 2, once they have mastered walking, they can then move on to a balance bike. This two-wheeled, pedal-free child’s bike allows them to learn balance while developing their reflexes and hand-eye coordination.
There are also three-wheeled balance bikes on which children can learn to ride from 18 months old, or convertible tricycles that can be used from 10 months old. Be careful when choosing a tricycle, as some have been subject to a product recall.
Children’s bikes for every body type
From the age of 3, when the child has acquired balance, particularly through the use of a balance bike, choosing a first two-wheeled children’s bike of 12 or 14 inches, with or without removable training wheels, allows them to learn to pedal.
From age 5, a bike without training wheels is perfect for a child who has already learned to pedal. There are children’s bikes, mountain bikes, and BMX bikes available in sizes to suit every child. This size is measured in inches and corresponds to the wheel diameter. Children’s bike wheel sizes range from 14 inches to 24 inches.
Once you’ve chosen your bike, it’s time for family outings, selecting the most suitable route using Mappy’s route planner.
However, the pleasure of cycling shouldn’t come at the expense of safety; helmets are mandatory for children under 12. And just like with bikes, helmets should be chosen according to the child’s size and intended use.
Beware of the temptation to buy a child’s bike that’s slightly larger than their size. This seemingly good idea can, at best, lead to discomfort and fatigue, and at worst, discouragement during their learning process or a lack of safety. Indeed, bicycle ergonomics are designed for each age and body type, hence the importance of choosing the right size for your child.