How To Pick The Right Training Bike For Your Child
Learning to bike is an important childhood milestone. At around age 3 or 4, most children outgrow their tricycles and start asking mom or dad for a "big kid" bike. Buying a training bike is the first step to learning how to ride a bicycle. There are many training bikes available, and the decision can be confusing for parents.
There are several factors to consider when buying a training bike for your child, but the most important is safety. Most parents understand the importance of safety and purchase bike helmets for their children.
But many safety-conscious parents still choose pedaled bicycles with training wheels when purchasing a training bike. However, training wheels do not teach balance, and a bike with training wheels may even be dangerous since it can topple over if a child rides over uneven ground or turns a corner too quickly. A safer option is a balance bike or run bike.
Balance bikes enable children to learn to bike safely at their own pace. Children propel these training bikes using their feet, learning coordination and balance first before transitioning to a pedaled bike. Initially, children will want to keep at least one foot on the ground at all times. As they gain confidence, children will push the bike faster and faster and hold their feet off the ground for longer periods of time.
Learning to steer a bike can be a challenge for many children. A pedaled bike with training wheels may tip over if a child turns too quickly. If children using balance bikes lose their balance when making a fast turn, they can easily steady themselves by putting one or both feet down on the ground. Balance bikes are ideal training bikes because they teach both balance and proper steering while reducing the chance of a painful fall.
Comfort and design are important factors to consider when purchasing a balance bike. Some parents attempt to make their own training bike by removing the pedals, gears and chain from a regular bike. If you choose to "make-your-own" balance bike, check to ensure that there are no sharp metal edges left when you remove parts, and find a safe place to store all those screws and connecting parts so you can reassemble the bike when your child is ready.
A better choice is to purchase a high-quality balance bike that grows with a child. Many parents purchase training bikes for three year old children, yet some children may not be developmentally ready to ride a pedaled bike until they are five or even six years old. Some balance bike brands have adjustable handlebars and adjustable seats that enable children to use them for many years until they are ready to graduate to a pedaled bike.
If you would like to store your training bike outside, you should consider purchasing a metal balance bike rather than a wooden balance bike. A metal bike will stand up to abuse and the rugged play of an older child, and wooden balance bikes can warp or rot if left outside in the rain. Air-inflated tires are another recommended feature since they enable children to smoothly ride on multiple surfaces.
If you have more than one child, invest in a sturdy training bike in a gender neutral color rather than buying one decorated with a cartoon character that may not appeal to your second child. A high-quality training bike will retain much of its value, and it can be sold at a yard sale or on Craigslist when all the children in your family are done learning how to ride a bike.
About the Author:
When her son needed a training bike, Deborah Lillian purchased a KaZAM Balance Bike. The KaZAM is an award-winning balance bike for children ages 3 to 6 that makes learning to bike safe, easy and fun. KaZAM helps kids learn to bike without training wheels.
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