8 best bikes for kids, according to experts

Teaching your child to ride a bike is one thing, but helping them find the right bike can be an entirely other challenge. Whether your child is just learning how to catch their balance or simply itching to take a joy ride around the neighborhood, investing in a good quality bike that fits their age and height can be worthwhile — and since kids bikes are often sized differently from those for adults, there's a lot to consider when shopping for the right one.

SKIP AHEAD Kids bikes to consider | What are the different types of kids bikes?

To help you get started, we spoke to cycling experts about how to find the right bike for your child and what to consider when it comes to identifying the correct size, weight and type of bike. We also compiled a list of highly rated and expert-recommended options that are in line with their shopping guidance.

How to shop for a kids bike

When shopping for a kids bike, you want to make sure you’re getting a bike that will actually fit your child. Similar to adult bikes, the wheel size will indicate how big the frame is, explained Alison Dewey, education director with bicycling advocacy organization League of American Bicyclists. Typical wheel sizes for kids' bikes range between 12 and 24 inches, and the bigger (and often older) your child is, the bigger their bike’s wheels should be.

Another way to measure bike size is by your child’s inseam, which is the length from the floor to your child’s seat. Most bikes will offer multiple sizes, and bike maker Schwinn even offers estimates as to which size to buy, depending on your child’s age:

• 1 to 4 years old: 12-inch wheels
• 3 to 4 years old: 14-inch wheels
• 3 to 7 years old: 16-inch wheels
• 5 to 9 years old: 18-inch wheels
• 7 to 13 years old: 20-inch wheels
• 10 to 15 years old: 24-inch wheels

Of course, since children vary widely in sizes and body types, the numbers above will also likely vary. When determining the right size bike for your child, you should start by looking at the top tube — the bar at the top of the bike closest to the seat — and whether your child touches it when they’re in a normal standing position, according to Lor Song, education programs manager at the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia.

“Make sure that when the child straddles over the bike in a normal pedestrian stance, the top tube doesn't hit their lower area — that's usually a good indication that the height is right for the child,” Song said. Dewey added that you also want there to be a little bit of space there, “so that it’s not a danger if they stop suddenly.”

Considering how quickly kids grow at younger ages, an adjustable seat post can help tailor the fit of the bike to your child and extend its usage. Dewey noted that the child’s toes should be touching the ground when they’re seated, but they shouldn’t be flat-footed since that indicates the seat is too low. She also warned that most bike manufacturers will include an etched line on the post that signifies a “danger zone” — if you raise the seat past that line, you run the risk of the seat snapping off or the frame breaking. Typically, you can raise the seat post about 4 to 5 inches before hitting that line.

Both Dewey and Song suggested paying attention to the weight of the bike, too. A bike that’s too heavy for your child will make it difficult for them to navigate and exhausting to ride long distances. Our experts recommended finding a bike with a frame weighing no more than 50% of your child’s weight, as lighter bikes are easier for them to maneuver. Safety is also worth mentioning: On top of considerations like traffic, other riders and the amount of time you’re riding, make sure your child is wearing a helmet and other protective gear.

Kids bikes to consider

To help your child have fun and stay safe while on the road, here are a few highly rated and expert-recommended bike options that are in line with guidance we received from our cycling experts. We listed different types of bikes for kids of varying ages and sizes based on our experts’ advice (we go into detail on the types of kids bikes below). We also noted the wheel size, suggested ages and weight of each one based on the bike manufacturers' recommendations.

Top tricycle for kids: Radio Flyer

• Recommended ages: 2-5 years old
• Wheel size: 10-inch front wheels and 7-inch back wheels
• Bike weight: 14.6 pounds

A tricycle can be a great way to introduce your child to biking — this model is made of plastic and steel, and it comes with a handle on the back for parents to help their child steer (and avoid crashes). This tricycle comes with an adjustable seat, a storage compartment in the back and a petal lock in case you want to push your child via the handle. This tricycle weighs around 14 pounds and has a weight capacity of 49 pounds. It’s also highly rated, boasting a 4.7-star average rating from more than 6,200 reviews on Amazon.

Top balance bike for kids: Strider

• Recommended ages: 2-3 years old
• Wheel size: 12 inches
• Bike weight: 6.7 pounds

Dewey recommended Strider’s balance bike as an ideal option for beginner riders, specifically for children aged 18 months to three years old. This model comes with thick tires for balance and has a weight capacity of up to 60 pounds, according to the brand. It also comes with an adjustable seat and handlebar height to help you fit it to your child, and it weighs under seven pounds, which makes it easy for your toddler to maneuver, according to the brand. It has a 4.8-star average rating from over 4,200 reviews on Amazon and comes in four different colors: blue, green, red and pink.

Top kids bike with training wheels: RoyalBaby

• Recommended ages: 4-7 years old
• Wheel size: 16 inches
• Bike weight: 25 pounds

This bike is designed for kids who have outgrown a tricycle but aren’t quite ready to be on two wheels yet — this highly-rated model has built-in training wheels and comes mostly assembled, so your kid can be riding within minutes of opening the box. This bike comes in seven colors, including red, green, pink and orange. It’s available in a variety of size options, too, ranging from 12-inch wheels (with built-in training wheels) to 20-inch wheels (with no training wheels). This bike also boasts a 4.6-star average rating from over 16,000 reviews on Amazon.

Top lightweight bike for kids: Woom

• Recommended ages: 6-8 years old
• Wheel size: 20 inches
• Bike weight: 17 pounds

Made from lightweight aluminum, the Woom 4 bike weighs under 20 pounds, making this the lightest option on this list for kids above 6 years old. Woom says the bike’s seat is ergonomically designed for a more comfortable fit, and it features a highly adjustable seat post with a secure aluminum clamp that helps eliminate risk of the seat turning or twisting, according to the brand.

“The Woom bike is a good [option] because it's easy to assemble, provides hand breaks so kids can learn how to use them, has a bell and a bike pump,” Song said. The bike also has a 155-pound weight limit, comes with seven gears that can be manually adjusted using a twist shifter and includes ergonomic handlebars with screw-in grips to ensure comfort and safety, the brand says. It’s available in five colors, including red, blue, green, yellow and purple.

Top bike for older kids: Cannondale

• Recommended ages: 10 years and older
• Wheel size: 24 inches
• Bike weight: 20 pounds

Song recommended Cannondale as a good high-end brand to consider that offers a variety of kids options. The Cannondale Quick bike has 24-inch wheels and seven gears, which can be great for older kids and more advanced riders. The brand says the frame is made of aluminum and is extremely lightweight, weighing in at only 20 pounds. This bike is designed less like a mountain bike and more like a road bike, with thinner tires and a lighter frame, according to Cannondale.

Top durable bike for kids: Dynacraft

• Recommended ages: 4-8 years old
• Wheel size: 16 inches
• Bike weight: 24 pounds

This bike from Dynacraft was designed specifically for wear and tear, with a steel frame and colorful design. This model can hold up to 81 pounds, has 16-inch wheels (and removable training wheels) and weighs under 25 pounds, Dynacraft says. The bike — which earned a 4.5-star average rating from more than 2,700 reviews on Amazon — also has pedal breaks and a handlebar pad for more comfortable grip, according to the brand. This bike is also available in a 12-inch and 20-inch wheel size version.

Top high-end bike for kids: Fuji

• Recommended ages: 8-11 years old
• Wheel size: 24 inches
• Bike weight: 29 pounds

The Dynamite 24 Pro Disc from Fuji Bikes — which Song called out as a good quality brand if you’re looking for a more generic bike — has a 24-inch wheel size, weighs under 30 pounds and is designed for young kids looking to explore trails, parks and other outdoor terrain, according to the brand. It features a durable and lightweight alloy frame and high-grip tires to handle dirt roads and off-road cycling, Fuji Bikes says.

Top mountain bike for kids: Co-op Cycles

• Recommended ages: 7-13 years old
• Wheel size: 20 inches
• Bike weight: 23 pounds

If you’re looking for a durable mountain bike for your child, this option from Co-op Cycles is designed with extra-wide, all-terrain tires for smooth and stable riding along trails, according to the brand. It has six gears to help customize their pedaling, which can be easily adjusted using a twist shifter, according to the brand. It has a weight limit of 80 pounds and has a 4.5-star average rating from more than 100 reviews at REI. Co-op Cycles also offers a 24-inch version of this mountain bike for older kids and teens.

What are the different types of kids bikes?

Dewey and Song noted there are several different types of kids bikes to consider depending on your child’s age and size. Toddlers and young children who are just learning to ride a bike will likely benefit from tricycles and balance bikes, while bigger kids who are more comfortable with balance and riding should lean more toward two-wheeled cruisers or mountain bikes.

The type of bike you get can also depend on a few different factors, including what type of riding the child is doing. “Kids that are going to be riding off-road trails can benefit from a BMX-style or mountain bike — if they’re riding on trails, you might consider getting a smaller bike that has bigger tires,” Song said. He added that different types of bikes can also fit different budgets: “Parents should consider how much they really want to spend since kids are still growing.”

Our experts listed the most common types of kids bikes to consider below, including tricycles, balance bikes and two-wheeled bikes.

• Tricycles are made for the youngest riders and are measured by wheel height and weight capacity.
• Balance bikes, also known as “push bikes,” are designed without pedals to help your child get accustomed to balancing on a bike and steering.
• Cruiser bikes are similar to typical two-wheeled commuter bikes for adults designed for low-intensity riding. Cruiser bikes for kids come with smaller frames and wheel sizes than those for adults, and most kids versions will come with coaster or foot brakes that stop when the rider pushes back on the pedals. If your child is new to biking, you can attach removable training wheels to help stabilize them. However, Dewey noted that training wheels don’t necessarily help your child become as comfortable with balancing on a bike as a balance bike would.
• Mountain bikes and BMX bikes are two-wheeled bikes that are usually crafted for bigger kids who are riding on rougher, off-road trails. These types of bikes are typically more expensive, prioritize durability and come with thicker wheels to handle uneven terrain.

When shopping around for a bike, Dewey and Song recommended going to a local bike shop rather than a big-box retailer if you can. “Bike shops have better quality bikes that are going to be assembled better, and they have staff that can help with the fit of the bike,” Dewey said. She added that a lot of bike shops will also allow you to trade in a bike and go up a size at a lower cost or at the same price point as the bike, which can be beneficial for kids who are growing quickly.

Meet our experts

At Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

• Alison Dewey is the education director with bicycling advocacy organization League of American Bicyclists. She leads the League's Smart Cycling program and the annual National Bike Summit.
• Lor Song, also known as Lao, is the education programs manager at the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia who educates local communities about cycling safety, sustainability and healthier lifestyles.

Catch up on Select's in-depth coverage of personal finance, tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date.

Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we may earn a commission from our partners’ links. This content is created independently from TIME’s editorial staff. Learn more .

Learning to ride a bike can be a right of passage for children when they move from babyhood to childhood, tricycle to bicycle, and the world stretches before them, one sidewalk at a time. Unfortunately, the road can be bumpy (literally and figuratively) so to ward off potential scrapes, bumps and breaks, it’s important to consider the best bike for your kid. 

“It is very important that a bike fit the child riding it. Ensure proper bike fit by bringing the child along when shopping for a bike,” shares Ann Schroeppel, of Safe Kids Worldwide. “Select one that is the right size for the child, not one they will grow into.”

Of course, figuring out the best fit for your kid may feel overwhelming because so many types and brands are on the market. To help, we’ve rounded up some of the best kids’ bikes for multiple terrains and purposes, so they can safely travel from the mountains to the playground, and everywhere in between. 

How to choose the best kids’ bike (i.e., what to consider)

How old is your child?

Your child’s age, height and experience are some things to consider when bike shopping. For example, your two-year-old will need a much different bike than your 12-year-old. “Some kids don't understand the pedaling motion until they're 4 or 5 years old,” says Libby McComb of Bicycle Habitat in NYC and Brooklyn, NY.   

What safety features do I need for my child?

Your child’s bike should have a sturdy frame, a reliable braking system, plus reflectors and lights for visibility at night. Depending on your child’s abilities and/or the type of bike they’re riding, they may want knee and elbow pads and even riding gloves. No matter the rider’s age, a protective helmet is always necessary when riding a bike.

Should my kid get fitted for a helmet?

Properly-fitted helmets can reduce the risk of head injuries by at least 45%, per Schroeppel, yet less than half of children 14 and under usually wear a bike helmet. It’s the best way to prevent head injuries and death, according to research by SafeKids.org, so make sure your child has the right size helmet and wears it whenever riding. “Your child’s helmet should meet the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission standards,” says Schroeppel. “When it is time to buy a new helmet, let your children pick out their own because they will be more likely to wear them for every ride.”

Should I go to a local bike shop for expert advice?

Even if you don’t buy your bike locally, visiting your local bike shop for advice is worth it. And, if you can, shopping locally can be a great way to ensure you can easily go back with questions about fitting for a bike.

How much does my child weigh and how tall are they? 

How a bike fits your child is essential for safety. A bike that is too large or too small for your child will impact their ability to safely handle it. If a child’s feet are straining to reach the pedals, they can’t ride the bike. Likewise, if your child’s feet are dragging below them, on the ground. 

Does my child know how to ride a bike? 

Your child’s ability and, in some cases, agility are two factors to consider when purchasing a bicycle. “Once they get the hang of balancing, adding pedals into the mix is easy,” shares McComb. 

Should my kid test-ride a bike before I buy it? 

Yes. Like any vehicle, it’s always wise to have your child try out a bike before you buy it. “It's important to think about fit, but also about what kind of riding they're going to be doing and their confidence level,” says McComb. “If your child is already comfortable on a bike, you can go with something they’re just on the cusp of being big enough to fit on, size-wise, but if they're just learning, a slightly smaller bike is easier to manage.” 

Are electric bikes safe for kids? 

It depends on who you ask, but most electric bikes are not designed for kids. “We would not recommend electric bikes for most kids. Most have manufacturer warnings about being intended for adult use only,” says McComb. “They are often heavy and can be operated at higher speeds some riders are not ready for.”

Does the bike come with a warranty and can I return it? 

Ask your seller about their return policy on bikes, as well as whether they offer a warranty period. 

Should I ask other parents about their experiences? 

Absolutely. Ask your friends and colleagues about the bikes that worked for their kids and ask why they chose a particular make and model. Go a step further, and ask if your children can try out the bikes, too. 

Ask your kid, ‘Why do they want a bike?’

Ask your kids why they want one and how they will use it, suggests McComb. “Do they love biking? Do they want to go mountain biking? Do they want to do a bike tour? Ride to school? Think about how long they might have this bike for and how their use might change in that time,” she suggests. A kid who wants to spend weekends on the bike path but also wants to ride to school will need a hybrid model versus a mountain bike, for example. 

Our top kids’ bikes picks

Best bikes for ages 18 months to 5 years

Balance bike: 12 Sport Balance Bike

The OG of balance bikes, Strider balance bikes remain popular for parents and kids. No training wheels here, just simple geometrics that allow your child to balance themselves and practice being comfortable on two wheels. The Strider Sport can accommodate a wide range of sizes and ages (from 18 months up to four years). 

Adjustable height handlebars, seating (11″ to 19″ on a Strider Sport model), and a lightweight frame make this no-pedal bike a great option for conquering balance before making the leap to a full-on pedal bike. 

Key specs:

• Recommended ages: 18 months to 4 years
• Tires: Foam 
• Bike weight: 6.7 pounds
• Seat height: 11- to 19-inches
• Price: Varies; $139.99 at Strider

Strider - 12 Sport Balance Bike Ages 18 Months to 5 Years - Blue

Starter bike: Frog 40 Starter Bike

When your kid graduates from a balance bike, a good one to pick up next is a Frog 40 starter bike. This lightweight and colorful option has wide tires and a 15-inch inseam, making it a comfortable ride for a younger child (3 to 4 years) or a smaller 5- or 6-year-old. 

Key specs:

• Recommended ages: 3 to 4 years (but could fit a smaller, older child)
• Wheel size: 14 inch
• Bike weight: 14 pounds
• Brakes and gears: Tektro brakes and no gears
• Safety and comfort: Small saddle and brakes are easy to use
• Price: Varies depending on the retailer

Koda 2 16-inch Kids’ Bike

A 16-inch Koda bike – $119.99 from online retailer Retrospec – is another great starter set of wheels for those kids who need a step up from a balance bike. 

Key specs

• Recommended ages: 4-6 years
• Wheel size: Retrospec 16 inches x 1.75 inches, S/V valves - Air-Filled, 40psi
• Bike weight: Lightweight frame
• Brakes and gears: Rear coaster brakes
• Safety and comfort: High back saddle seat offers comfort while making it difficult to slide off
• Price: Varies. $119.99 at Retrospec

Best bikes for ages 6-10

Guardian makes a 20-inch Small Kids Bike for kids sized 43” to 51” tall. These lightweight frame bikes are easy to handle, with adjustable seats, easy-to-reach handle brakes (as opposed to coaster brakes on pedals) and a low crossbar so your child can get on and off their seat with no trouble. This bike has 541 reviews and 4.9 stars on Guardian’s site, with parents expressing great satisfaction, especially with the hand brakes, making it easy for the kids to stop. If your child loves this bike, Guardian sizes up to 14 years. 

Key specs

• Recommended ages: 5-8 years
• Wheel size: 20 inches
• Bike weight: 20.7 pounds
• Brakes and gears: Hand brakes
• Safety and comfort: A low crossbar offers more comfort for getting on and off the bike. Adjustable bike seat for a comfortable fit and compatible with training wheels.  
• Price: $289 (prices may vary) 

Guardian 20-inch Small Kids Bike

Best bikes for ages 8-12

Trek multi-terrain bikes are a great investment for kids who love to ride, being comfortable and lightweight hybrid bikes. The Wahoo 24 is a popular model for this age range and comes in various colors. 

Key specs

• Recommended ages: 8-12 years
• Wheel size: 24 inches x 1.95 inches
• Bike weight:  21.11 pounds
• Brakes and gears: Hand brakes and 1x8 drivetrain
• Safety and comfort: Easy for kids to control, plus a padded saddle
• Price: Trek bikes vary depending on the model. The Wahoo 24 is $499.99

Woom bikes like the Woom 6 are another great lightweight choice for this age range (among others) because of the eight-speed gear system, comfortable seat and child-specific geometry. 

• Recommended ages: 10-14 
• Wheel size: 26-inch and 2-inch thick tires
• Bike weight: 22.1 pounds
• Brakes and gears: Hand breaks and eight speeds
• Safety and comfort: Child-specific geometry for safety and comfort 
• Price: $699

Woom Original 6

Best budget kids’ bike

When shopping on a budget, visiting your local bike store is a great place to look for affordable trade-up programs and rehabbed bikes. While buying used bikes can be a crapshoot, you may find a good deal. Whenever buying a budget or used bike, McComb recommends bringing it to your local bike store for a check-over to make sure everything is working as it should.

Best kids’ mountain bike

Bike company Specialized Riprock 20 is among the best mountain bikes for kids who like to travel tough terrain. This mountain bike was upgraded in 2022, and users report a better overall shredding experience for their young riders around five to eight years of age. 

One parent we spoke to purchased a Rockhopper, not specifically designed for children, because the Riprock was too small. So if you like the Riprock, your child could continue to grow into other Specialized mountain bikes.  

• Recommended ages: 5 to 8 years
• Wheel size: 20 inches
• Bike weight: 22.6 pounds
• Brakes and gears: Front and rear brakes 
• Safety and comfort: Intermediate geometry designed for all-trail terrain
• Price: Varies, $599.99 at Specialized

Specialized Riprock 20

Best BMX bikes for kids

BMX bikes came of age in the 1960s and are great for racing and tricks. They are heavier than most 20” bikes and not usually great for long-distance cycling, but if your kid is a BMX fan, there are options out there. 

Another recommended BMX bike for older kids between five to six feet tall is the Sunday Primer, which weighs 25 lbs with 20” tires. Built specifically for BMX around a pro-level geometry, the bike has a high-quality build to provide safety to young BMX riders.

• Recommended ages: Various ages (Jr. Primer for younger kids and 20” to 24” for older ones)
• Wheel size: 20 inches
• Bike weight: 25 pounds
• Brakes and gears: Odyssey Springfield Brakes and Lever
• Safety and comfort: Built specifically for young BMX rides
• Price: Starting at $490

Sunday Primer BMX Bike

Mongoose Legion L18

With its durable frame, the Mongoose Legion L18 is a good choice for beginner BMX riders whose height is between 3’.8” and 4’8”. It’s heavy, weighing 28 lbs, according to its website, so make sure your child can handle the heft

.  Key Specs

• Recommended ages: 8-12
• Wheel size: 18 inches
• Bike weight: 28 pounds
• Brakes: Aluminum U-break
• Safety and comfort: N/A
• Price: Varies

Best hybrid kids’ bikes

Many bikes for kids are hybrid, meaning they have flat handlebars but no mountain bike-like suspension fork. Lightweight and easy to handle on both city streets and gravel bike paths, there are many options for kids in this area, including Trek's Precaliber 24-inch 8-Speed Bike for 8-to-12-year olds, with a 24” padded seat for comfort. 

Key specs

• Recommended ages: 8 to 12 years
• Wheel size:  24 inches
• Bike weight: 24.6 pounds
• Brakes and gears: Hand brakes; eight gears
• Safety and comfort: Comfortable seat 
• Price: $449.99

Trek Precaliber 24-inch 8-Speed Bike

Cleary bikes are another hybrid winner with parents, for selling an all purpose, high quality bike for kids. These bikes are lightweight and designed specially for children, from toddlers to preteens. Parents cited the Owl and Meerkat as particular favorites from Cleary. 

Key specs:

• Recommended ages: 6 to 8 years
• Wheel size: 20 inches
• Bike weight: 19 pounds
• Brakes and gears: Tektro junior v-brakes & brake levers; one speed
• Safety and comfort: Adjustable leather seat
• Price: Varies

Cleary Owl 20 Single Speed Bike

Best bikes for bigger kids

For bigger kids that are getting too tall for a standard kids’ bike, there are some great and affordable mountain bike options from Giant, like the ATX, that fit riders as small as 4'8. Some bikes for bigger kids are simply adult bikes in extra-small sizes. 

Key specs:

• Recommended ages: Depends on size of rider (XXS should fit sizes 5’0 to 5’2”) 
• Wheel size: 26-inch wheels 
• Bike weight: N/A
• Brakes and gears: All-weather brakes and integrated mounts
• Safety and comfort: Suspension fork with 100mm and a custom designed seat for comfort
• Price: Varies

Giant ATX 26 Mountain Bike

​​For kids that are going to be doing more on-road, or light bike path use, we love the Sirrus X 2.0, which also goes down to about 4'8 in an XXS, or the Trek FX1 XS or S which can fit riders as small as about 4'10 in an XS.

Key Specs:

• Recommended ages: Various; The XXS will fit riders who are 4’8” to 4’11” tall. 
• Wheel size: The wheel base is 1036mm
• Bike weight: N/A
• Brakes and gears: Hydraulic disc breaks; N/A
• Safety and comfort: Ergonomically engineered Shared Platform Body Geometry saddle, handgrips, and pedals.
• Price: Varies

Sirrus X 2.0 XXS

• Recommended ages: Various; The XS will fit riders who are 4’9” to 5’1”
• Wheel size: N/A 
• Bike weight: 27lbs (lightweight aluminum frame)
• Brakes and gears: Disc brakes and 16 speeds
• Safety and comfort: Tektro MD-U310 mechanical disc, flat mount, 160mm rotor
• Price: Varies

FX 1 Disc

Note: By the time your teen wants a new bike, chances are, they may need an extra small adult size, according to McComb. Some well-known bikes, like Trek, also sell extra small adult sizes, so your teen can see where they fit on the spectrum of inseam (how you measure for a kid’s bike) sizing. The bikes listed above would likely fit a smaller teen. 

How we made our selections

Picking a bike is usually a personal choice, based on factors like type, color, make, and model, plus the fit and age of your kid. Bikes are expensive, but safety is a major concern for most parents when choosing one. 

We spoke to kids and their parents, bike sellers, and safety experts to learn more about all the many bikes out there on the market. We focused on bikes that are known for safety features and comfort for children, and we narrowed down our focus to the under 13 years of age contingent. 

What are the different types of kids’ bikes?

Balance, dirt, mountain, hybrid, and BMX are just a few types of bikes that are  available for kids. 

Best place to buy kids’ bikes

There are many great companies making kids’ bikes, so buying one online has never been easier. Going to your local bike shop is a great one-stop shop where you can try out bikes and get advice tailored to your child before you buy one. 

Are electric bikes safe for kids?

Electric bikes for kids are a no, according to most bike experts. “I would say some pedal-assist (no throttle) class 1 e-bikes that are limited to less than 20mph are okay for older, adult-sized teens that are already very, very comfortable cyclists with excellent bike-handling skills, who can be trusted to operate them safely, but always wear a helmet and obey the rules of the road,” shares McComb. 

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

When do kids start riding bikes?

Every child is different, and the age they start riding bikes depends on their development, says McComb. “Some kids don't take to a balance bike right away and prefer a bike with training wheels,” she says. Balance bikes can be for 18-month-olds and there are mountain bikes designed for as young as five years. However, when it comes to safety issues, age does matter. 

“It can be hard for kids to judge speed and distance of cars until age 10, so limit riding to sidewalks (although be careful of vehicles in driveways), parks, or bike paths until age 10. No matter where you ride, teach your child to stay alert and watch for cars and trucks,” Schroeppel adds.  

How are kids’ bikes measured?

When measuring for kids’ bikes, you measure the child’s inseam. So, you need to consider the height (not the age) of the rider as well as the size of the wheels. For example, a 20” kid bike would usually suit a six or seven-year-old and a bike for an 11-year-old will usually have bigger, 26” wheels. 

Which bike is best for a five-year-old?

The best bike for a five-year-old will depend on the child. Some may still need a balance bike, and others will be ready for a bike with training wheels. In many cases, an experienced rider at five years can handle whatever bike fits them. 

What age should kids’ bikes have gears?

There isn’t a specific age for kids and gears, but most bikes designed for seven or eight-year olds offer some gear options.