What Is The Best Balance Bike For a 2 Year Old?
A balance bike is definitely the best bike for 2 year olds. My son had a balance bike when he just turned 2 and it has been the best toy he's ever been given. He absolutely loves it and rides it every single day.
Balance bikes have no pedals or gears. 2 year olds can ride them very easily because they don't need to learn how to pedal first. They work by kids scooting along on them and using their feet to push themselves. As they get better they can take their feet of the ground and glide. 2 year olds can put their feet down at any time to stop.
They are great for teaching balance, co-ordination and steering, so in fact they make great training bikes. Once kids have mastered these skills they can move onto a pedal bike much more easily.
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Balance bikes have no pedals or gears. 2 year olds can ride them very easily because they don't need to learn how to pedal first. They work by kids scooting along on them and using their feet to push themselves. As they get better they can take their feet of the ground and glide. 2 year olds can put their feet down at any time to stop.
They are great for teaching balance, co-ordination and steering, so in fact they make great training bikes. Once kids have mastered these skills they can move onto a pedal bike much more easily.
*Please note as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. This means we may get a small commission for purchases made through Amazon links in this article.*
Strider Bike
  
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This is a balance bike for children aged from 18 months so it should be perfect for a 2 year old.It's a great first bike .
Sizing information - It has an adjustable handlebar and seat height to fit riders with a 12 to 20 inch inseam. The saddle height adjusts from 11 inch (which is low so great for younger kids) to 19 inches from ground so its good for smaller children and it can grow with your child. Easy to control - It weighs 6.4 pound so is very lightweight. Lightweight bikes are easy for younger children to maneuver, handle and control. They are also great if you need to pick up the bike when you're out and about and perhaps carry it back to the car or the house. |
Tyres - It has EVA polymer tires so you don't need to worry about pumping the tires up or punctures. Great if you're into low maintenance like myself.
Longevity - this bikes is designed to grow with your child. It comes with a mini sized toddler seat which is perfect for kids aged 18 to 3 years and then an extra seat post accommodates kids up to 5 years. The seat and handlebars are both height adjustable so you can set if for exactly the right height for your child.
Longevity - this bikes is designed to grow with your child. It comes with a mini sized toddler seat which is perfect for kids aged 18 to 3 years and then an extra seat post accommodates kids up to 5 years. The seat and handlebars are both height adjustable so you can set if for exactly the right height for your child.
But Can 2 Year Olds Really Ride A Balance Bike?
I was doubtful but then my own son received a balance bike for his 2nd birthday. At first he just sat on it, and then he started to move around slowly. Now he just goes round and round on it, extremely fast (he's currently 2 years and 4 months). He loves it and wants to use it everyday.
Top Tip - Make Sure the Seat Height Is Low Enough
The most important factor when buying a balance bike is that you can make it small enough for your 2 year old. We got the seat adjustment wrong for a little while (it was a bit too high) and he got really frustrated but as soon as we adjusted it to the lowest possible setting he loved it.
Balance bikes have a huge range of seat heights depending on the bike you get. The lowest seat heights are 11 inches but they go right up to 24 inches. If you buy a bike with a seat height which is too high, 2 year olds will struggle to ride it.
To make sure you are buying the right size bike, measure your child's inseam (from their ankle to just below the crotch). It should be at least equal to the seat height of the bike you want to get or ideally an inch shorter (this will give them room to get on and off the bike).
Balance bikes have a huge range of seat heights depending on the bike you get. The lowest seat heights are 11 inches but they go right up to 24 inches. If you buy a bike with a seat height which is too high, 2 year olds will struggle to ride it.
To make sure you are buying the right size bike, measure your child's inseam (from their ankle to just below the crotch). It should be at least equal to the seat height of the bike you want to get or ideally an inch shorter (this will give them room to get on and off the bike).
My 2 Year Old's Balance Bike
My 2 year old son's bike is called the tiny bike (featured in the picture above) Unfortunately they only seem to sell them in the UK, but if you're from the UK you can buy the Tiny Balance Bike here.
I can really recommend it, it's the perfect height and he's enjoyed it so far. But there are some fantastic balance bikes that rival the tiny bike and are potentially better that are available in lots of different countries.
One of the best selling balance bikes in the world for young children is the Stride bike below and is definitely worth considering. .
I can really recommend it, it's the perfect height and he's enjoyed it so far. But there are some fantastic balance bikes that rival the tiny bike and are potentially better that are available in lots of different countries.
One of the best selling balance bikes in the world for young children is the Stride bike below and is definitely worth considering. .
More Factors To Consider When Buying a Balance Bike for a 2 Year Old
As well as the seat height there are lots of other important considerations when purchasing a balance bike for a young child. Here are some more factors to consider:
Weight of the bike - when buying for a young child, it's important to look for a lightweight bike. This is because lighter bikes are easier for young children to control and use. They are also easier for adults to pick up and carry when kids have had enough!
Tyres - Generally most balance bikes for kids have foam or rubber tyres. These are normally perfect for most toddler use of balance bikes. It also means you don't have to worry about punctures. However, they are best for smoother and flatter surfaces such as the sidewalk, paths in the park or for use indoors.
If you're little one is likely to be using a balance bike on rougher terrain it may be worth considering one which has pneumatic tyres. They will need more maintenance if there is a puncture etc but they are better for off road use. They do tend to be slightly more expensive that rubbber or foam tyres.
Weight of the bike - when buying for a young child, it's important to look for a lightweight bike. This is because lighter bikes are easier for young children to control and use. They are also easier for adults to pick up and carry when kids have had enough!
Tyres - Generally most balance bikes for kids have foam or rubber tyres. These are normally perfect for most toddler use of balance bikes. It also means you don't have to worry about punctures. However, they are best for smoother and flatter surfaces such as the sidewalk, paths in the park or for use indoors.
If you're little one is likely to be using a balance bike on rougher terrain it may be worth considering one which has pneumatic tyres. They will need more maintenance if there is a puncture etc but they are better for off road use. They do tend to be slightly more expensive that rubbber or foam tyres.
