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The Best Balance Bike

Last updated on January 23, 2024

We looked at the top 15 Balance Bikes and dug through the reviews from 120 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Balance Bikes.

Best Balance Bike

Our Review Process

Don't Waste Your Money is focused on helping you make the best purchasing decision. Our team of experts spends hundreds of hours analyzing, testing, and researching products so you don't have to. Learn more.

Look for the DWYM seal for products that are the best in a category.

Learning to ride a bicycle is an essential part of childhood. Bike-riding helps kids learn motor skills that are crucial as they develop and eventually begin to play sports, drive vehicles or operate machinery. Plus, the activity allows youngsters to travel independently, visiting friends and neighbors as they please.

MORE: The Best Bike Helmets for Kids

Balance bikes are a positive alternative to training wheels that help kids learn how to ride before making the switch. Balance bikes eliminate the need for training wheels in the first place, allowing for a smooth transition to pedal bikes. Kids can begin using balance bikes at a remarkably young age, allowing time for them to get used to balancing, develop motor skills and train their muscles to ride properly. Without pedals, kids push their feet against the ground to propel themselves forward.

Experts say kids can learn how to ride a bicycle quickly by using a balance bike because they can concentrate on learning to balance and steer before adding pedaling to the mix. With training wheels, kids can acquire bad bicycle-riding habits by relying on them too much. Parents dedicated to seamlessly teaching their young children to ride should look into balance bikes.

When it comes to shopping for new products, price is always a top concern. Balance bikes range widely in price. Models that are great values often tend to lack components that more expensive bikes have. For example, some models come with a steering limiter to prevent oversteering and promote straight riding, while others do not.

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. 

Everyone knows how quickly kids grow. That’s why many balance bikes are adjustable. That means parents can simply adjust the bike each time their child undergoes a growth spurt (which, depending on age, can be quite often).

Most balance bikes come with adjustable seats, which can be raised as your child grows taller. Some also have adjustable handlebars. This allows for a significantly larger size range, meaning the bike can accommodate a growing child with ease. Some balance bikes come with adjustable seats and handlebars.

If your child learns quickly and will not need to rely on the balance bike for a long period of time, growth is not an issue. In that case, any balance bike should do well to suit your needs.

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.

On the other hand, heavier balance bikes are durable and can last many years — even generations — without requiring body repair or replacement. Steel models are a good choice if you’re planning to use balance bikes for a longer period of time. Make sure to check the weight of your balance bike before purchasing to confirm it will work for your child.

Our Picks For The Top Balance Bikes

View All Recommendations
Product Overview
Our Take
Pros
Cons
 Best Overall

Radio Flyer Toddler Air Ride Balance Bike

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

Radio Flyer

Toddle Air Ride Balance Bike

Kids as young as one and a half can use this balance bike to develop better coordination. The beautiful red bike has a lightweight frame that is extremely durable. Thanks to the grip tape, kids will find a firm place to plant their feet when feeling confident enough to glide.

Overall Take

Built-In BellThe seat on this balance bike adjusts, allowing the bike to be used until age 5.

Pros
" The Radio Flyer Glide and Go is made using a classic design that will likely match your kid's wagon. Its padded saddle seat and the soft-grip handles make it comfortable to ride for hours, plus there's a working bell attached..."
Cons
"Bike runs a little large, better for older or taller children."
 Makes A Great Gift

GOMO Steel No-Pedal Toddler Balance Bike

GOMO

Steel No-Pedal Toddler Balance Bike

Designed for kids 18 months to 5 years, this balance bike makes for an excellent birthday or Christmas gift. Safety while learning how to ride is of the utmost importance, which is why this bike features a built-in footrest and has a turn limiter for better control. The bike is also lightweight and easy for toddlers to handle on their own.

Overall Take

Multiple Color OptionsYou'll find this balance bike comes in eight different colors, including pink, light blue, gold and red.

 Upgrade Pick

Strider 12-Sport Steel Frame Balance Bike

Strider

12-Sport Steel Frame Balance Bike

This balance bike is a great choice, thanks to its high-quality build and durability. The adjustable seat and handlebars allow it to accommodate a range of sizes. We really like the foot rests on the bike frame.

Overall Take

Adjustable PartsThis is a durable balance bike with adjustable seat and handlebars.

Pros
" High-quality. Durable. Teaches kids to balance in just a few weeks. For ages 18 months to 5 years. Fits 12" to 20" inseam. Toddler-sized grips for better control. Built-in footrests allow better balance and glide. Padded seat and handlebar pad...."
Cons
"The seat of this bike is a bit hard."
 Also Consider

Bixe Aluminum No-Pedal Balance Bike

Bixe

Aluminum No-Pedal Balance Bike

Get your little ones ready for a big kid bike by introducing them to the concept of riding with this balance bike. It come in purple, pink, green and blue and is so light that even your child can carry it. Safety is also a top priority, which is why this bicycle uses tamper-proof clamps and wheels made with safety washers.

Overall Take

Excellent TractionThis balance bike has tires that provide good traction outside without leaving marks on your floors inside.

Pros
" It’s also a unique longer-term solution for special needs kids who may prefer to stay on a balance bike."
Cons
"Some reviewers feel rubber tires would provide a better grip"
Don't just take for granted what one reviewer says. Along with our own experts, DWYM analyzes the top expert reviews of the leading products and generates a score you can actually trust.
22

Products Considered

We identified the majority of the balance bikes available to purchase.
15

Products Analyzed

We then selected the leading and most popular products for our team to review.

View All Product Rankings

120

Expert Reviews Included

In addition to our expert reviews, we also incorporate feedback and analysis of some of the most respected sources including: Comparaboo, Wiki EZ Vid, Top Reviews, Offers.com, Born Cute.

22,252

User Opinions Analyzed

We also incorporate user reviews from the leading retailers including

Our experts reviewed the top 15 Balance Bikes and also dug through the reviews from 120 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Balance Bikes.

DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.

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Look for the DWYM seal for products that are the best in their category.

The Best Bang For Your Buck

Bixe Aluminum No-Pedal Balance Bike

Our Expert Score

8.5
7 expert reviews

User Summarized Score

9.2
630 user reviews

Our Take

Get your little ones ready for a big kid bike by introducing them to the concept of riding with this balance bike. It come in purple, pink, green and blue and is so light that even your child can carry it. Safety is also a top priority, which is why this bicycle uses tamper-proof clamps and wheels made with safety washers.

What other experts liked

It’s also a unique longer-term solution for special needs kids who may prefer to stay on a balance bike.
- Two Wheeling Tots
The bike has foam tires and an all-aluminum frame, making the product one of the lightest bikes available.
- Easy Get Product
Seat and handlebars are adjustable
- Born Cute
You get 30 day satisfaction guarantee with this bike. This means if you are not satisfied you can return it.
- Lil Bikers
They have incredible performance, and durable. The design is just correctly made to meet your kid’s needs and desires.
- AmaPerfect
The seat adjusts so that the child can grow with the bike and the handlebars also adjust to suit the size of the kid.
- The Beast Product
Each bike comes partially assembled. The wheels are safely attached and ready ride.
- Best Balance Bikes Review

What other experts didn't like

No hand brake
- Two Wheeling Tots
Some reviewers feel rubber tires would provide a better grip
- Born Cute
The quality of some of the components of the bike need improvement.
- Lil Bikers
The parts do not clamp tightly so easily detaches
- The Beast Product

What to Look For

  • Parents should never pressure their children to switch from a balance bike to a classic pedal bike. Sometimes, the transition can take years. The process should be fluid and natural in order for a child to consistently feel safe and in control while riding.
  • Anyone riding a bicycle should always be wearing a helmet on their head. This important piece of safety equipment is especially crucial for kids whose bodies are still developing. The fit of the helmet is perhaps the most important part — after all, it won’t be able to do its job if it doesn’t cover and protect your child’s head properly. Be sure to measure the circumference of your child’s head before purchasing and try it on before use.
  • Balance bikes are great for all ages, but the younger kids begin using them to practice their skills, the better. Most balance bikes will display what ages they’re suited for, so look there before purchasing. Typically, balance bikes are suitable for kids as young as 18 months. Get them started early!
  • The tires of balance bikes are typically not as durable as regular pedal bike tires. Usually, they’re made of foam or plastic to absorb bumps and shocks. For this reason, you should stick to low-impact surfaces, like grass and dirt, when using balance bikes.
  • Hydration should be your rider’s No. 1 priority. As we exercise, we radiate heat and sweat, sometimes leading to headaches and stomach pain from dehydration. Always keep a water bottle handy and encourage frequent water breaks.
  • Falls are inevitable, especially when your child is first learning on the balance bike. You should always keep a first aid kit nearby in case you need it. 

Balance Bike Rankings

1. Radio Flyer Toddler Air Ride Balance Bike

Overall Score: 9.9
Reviews Included: 9

2. GOMO Steel No-Pedal Toddler Balance Bike

Overall Score: 9.8
Reviews Included: 1

3. Strider 12-Sport Steel Frame Balance Bike

Overall Score: 9.6
Reviews Included: 20

4. Schwinn Elm Adjustable Seat Balance Bike

Overall Score: 9.5
Reviews Included: 5

5. Bixe Aluminum No-Pedal Balance Bike

Overall Score: 9.4
Reviews Included: 8

6. Retrospec Cub Zero Pedal Beginner Balance Bike

Overall Score: 9.3
Reviews Included: 13

7. Schwinn Beginner Balance Bike

Overall Score: 9.3
Reviews Included: 8

8. TheCroco Lightweight Kids Balance Bike

Overall Score: 9.2
Reviews Included: 10

9. Yvolution Y Velo Junior Toddler No-Pedal Balance Bike

Overall Score: 9.0
Reviews Included: 9

10. LAVA SPORT Kids Aluminum Balance Bike

Overall Score: 9.0
Reviews Included: 3

11. Banana Bike LT Lightweight Balance Bike for Kids

Overall Score: 8.9
Reviews Included: 12

12. Chicco Red Bullet Balance Training Bike

Overall Score: 8.9
Reviews Included: 23

13. Cruzee Ultralite Rust-Free Aluminum Balance Bike

Overall Score: 8.8
Reviews Included: 7

14. Radio Flyer Glide N Go Balance Bike with Air Tires

Overall Score: 8.4
Reviews Included: 9

15. Diggin Active Skuut Wooden Balance Bike

Overall Score: 8.2
Reviews Included: 9

More to Explore

Balance bike company Strider holds several balance bike-riding events for kids across the globe. They have both recreational and competitive events. The competitions are called the Strider Cup, and there’s even a Strider Cup World Championship. The company’s goal is to provide a fun and positive space for riders of all abilities while encouraging kids to keep improving their balancing skills while fostering their love of riding. From Ecuador to Japan to Texas, balance bike riders are eagerly participating in these interesting family-friendly events.

More to explore