Its unique design includes a (removable) double rear wheel to aid toddlers as young as 18 months in learning to balance and ride a bike. It also has a low minimum seat height, reasonable low weight, and safety features that we like for teeny tiny riders. Balance bikes transcend the bike industry and traditional local bike shops. Walk into any toy, catalogue, or outdoor store, and you’re likely to find some form of balance bike. Likewise, many big brand names in the cycling industry feature at least one balance bike offering in their range.

The bike is suited with puncture-proof EVA wheels. These are lightweight and textured to provide superb traction. Your toddler can ride over various surfaces without affecting the steering.Other updated details on the Banana Bike are the cushioned handlebars. They offer a secure grip that is comfortable for your toddler’s long rides. The handles are slightly textured, helping your little one hold on better.

It’s also important to understand the fit of the balance bike you’re purchasing. If purchasing online, be sure to measure the balance bike rider to ensure proper fit.

GROWS WITH YOUR CHILD - The seat height and handlebar height can be adjusted to ‘evolve’ with your child ensuring a best fit for children from 18 months - 4 years old, or up to 45 lbs. The adjustable seat allows for a ride height 11” – 14.17”. It’s the first bike that grows with kids and their confidence. Kids will ultimately grow out of whichever balance bike they get. As such it is easy to fall into the disposable balance bike trap. Again, regardless of the frame material you choose, target well-made and durable bikes that can be kept for the next child or sold/donated to another family. Leasing Chunky and knobbly tread patterns are great for off-road loose and dirt surfaces, while smoother tyres will roll easier on hard, paved surfaces. Where possible, consider where your child will ride most and match the tread pattern to that surface. I can see how it might work, and my daughter was initially a fan of the bike, but I question how much the added stability detracts from balance development. The dual rear wheels significantly increase the bike’s stability (the bike can stand upright unaided) and as such requires much less balance. Certainly, as a first step, I can see the merits. But for our daughter who was long past those complicated first steps, the Y Velo’s dual wheels perhaps offered a lazier option. While a balance bike is suitable for most children learning to ride, an adapted pedal bike might provide a more suitable longer-term option for older children. From the age of five, a balance bike will likely only play a very short part in the process of learning to ride a normal bike.

The last thing of note on the wheels is the first thing you will notice if you need to remove a wheel: the axle bolts. While easy to overlook when considering a bike, large or exposed axle bolts can create a safety hazard for both your child and your flooring. Sharp edges on exposed bolts can cause injury in the event of a fall or even just if your child catches a leg on them. Some manufacturers equip balance bikes with plastic covers for exposed bolts, or they have rounded bolts, or, best of all, recessed bolts that sit flush with the frame and fork for a safe, smooth finish. Serviceability In better news, the Y Velo does offer narrower grips for those smaller hands. Measuring in with a circumference of 22 mm the grips are not quite as small as the 20 mm on the HWC but still much smaller than the 25-30 mm grips typically found on other bikes.Similar options: Strider 14x Sport (drivetrain attachment sold separately), SmarTrike Xtend (drivetrain attachment included). Specialized Hotwalk SAFETY DESIGN - Higher ground clearance is designed for safer play and easier riding on uneven surfaces. With rigorous testing with larger children we are proud of the durability of our balance bikes and their rubber puncture-proof wheels. Some children may feel intimidated if it’s their first-ever introduction to a bicycle. If that’s the case, take them to a place where the ground is even and paved. So what is too heavy? From experience, I would suggest any bike in the 3-4 kg (6.6-8.8 pound) range will be a good weight for most children. In percentage terms aim for a bike somewhere between 20-25% of your child’s weight. The lighter the better, but less than 3 kg (6.6 lbs) usually comes with an increased price or decreased spec level. More on this later. This design is awesome as it teaches kids to balance (which they don’t get on a trike), but still provides plenty of stability. In fact, the bike will roll and balance on its own for a few moments before toppling over.

Test Subject A had one clear favourite bike – more on that in a moment – but she also helped us understand what is important to a growing child.We measured all bike weight and saddle height ranges on test for the most accurate results. IT'S MORE THAN JUST A BIKE - Toddlers have so much fun with their Buddy they don’t realise they are learning the fundamental skills needed for cycling. Balance, speed, stability, strength, and most of all confidence.

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Take material into consideration, too, as it determines how much the balance bike will weigh. Heavier bikes can be difficult for young children to maneuver, which can be a serious safety issue. Aluminum bikes are lighter than steel models. The footrests on the Hotwalk are pretty big and sit exactly where a kid is likely to find their legs mid stride. The Hotwalk Carbon saddle nose tilts down while most other balance bikes’ tilt up. It also has a neat handle built into the underside of the saddle for when the adult is left carrying the bike. One issue I didn’t foresee was my daughter’s insistence the Y-Velo was broken when we removed the extra rear wheel. Having seen the bike with two rear wheels, and then finding the spare wheel, she refused to ride the bike with just one rear wheel. ULTRALIGHT BALANCE BIKE - Reinforced nylon frame, lightweight construction, only 6.4 lbs.! This makes it super easy for kids to handle the bike and learning to ride is a breeze.