10 Best Balance Bikes UK 2024 | Zinc, Strider and More

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Choosing the right-sized balance bike is one of the most important steps in ensuring that your child is comfortable and safe. Since toddlers range so drastically in height, there are many different-sized bikes on the market and lots of them will include adjustable seats and handlebars so you can adapt the bike as your child grows. 

Most bikes will be advertised with the wheel size as the main point of reference, with specifications such as 12" or 10" often appearing in product titles. Wheel sizes tend to range from 6-12 inches, but because the frame size also varies drastically from bike to bike, the wheel diameter is not the best indication of overall size or suitability. 

For a more accurate size indicator, look for the seat height and compare this with the inseam of your child's leg while wearing shoes. The seat should be 0.5″ to 1″ shorter than the inseam measurement. For example, a child with a 12" inseam should have a seat that's 11-11.5" tall. If it is an adjustable seat, it would ideally range from 11" upwards so that the child has room to grow. 

Try a baby walker to improve your toddler's balance before they're ready for a bike.

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Since your child will be pushing the bike on their own, you don't want to purchase one that's too heavy. A bike that's too heavy will be difficult to manoeuvre and may even cause accidents if your child is not able to handle it safely.

As a general rule, the ideal bike will weigh less than 30% of your child's weight. So, if your child weighs 10 kg, their bike should weigh no more than 3 kg. However, you should also be aware that bikes often come with a maximum weight load so you'll need to ensure that your child isn't too heavy as they may damage the bike itself.

Invest in a bike helmet for extra protection while your little one rides.

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The materials used for the frame and tyres will be the main contributors to the overall weight of the bike. The frame will normally be composed of steel, aluminium or other metal alloys, but more traditional designs use wood. A wooden frame is more environmentally friendly and has an attractive retro look, but it will be less adjustable and more prone to damage. 

If you choose a metal frame, aluminium is the best option. It's lightweight but sturdy so it usually has a larger load capacity. Steel is also strong and robust but tends to be a little heavier than aluminium and can be prone to rust if not cared for correctly. 

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Brake levers on a balance bike can be a great first step in teaching your child road safety, but most models don't feature brakes and instead require your child to control all movement with their legs. 

However, alternative safety measures like handlebars with a steering limit will ensure that your child stays on a relatively straight course and prevent the bike from toppling sideways if they lose their balance. 

Other additional features such as bells, baskets and lights can make the bike much more exciting for your child. Bells even provide the chance for your toddler to train their hand-eye coordination and improve their multitasking skills, so they'll be ready for a gear-changing mountain bike in no time!

For longer journeys, we recommend a child bike seat.