The best baby bikes in the UK 2023

Is your baby ready for his or her first bike, but you're not sure which one to buy? Read our guide to the best baby bikes to help you: ride-on bike, balance bike, tricycle or baby bike with stabilizer, we explain everything. We also give you some tips on how to help your child learn.

Childhome - Vroom baby bike 3 wheels 1
8/10

Editor's Choice

Childhome - Vroom baby bike 3 wheels

The best baby bike in 2021

This baby bike is the perfect starting point for toddlers! The 2 front wheels will give your child extra stability, making it easy to switch from a baby bike to a regular bike.

61,60 £ on Berceaumagique

The Childhome Toddler Vroom baby bike is a cute ride-on bike for beginning cyclists. It is the perfect baby bike to introduce your baby to the joys of cycling. The 2 wheels in the front will give your child extra stability, making it easier for them to transition from a baby bike to a regular bike.

Compact, sturdy, light and easy to carry everywhere, you will be able to carry it perfectly during your travels: baby will be able to enjoy his bike even when you go on vacation. New adventures for your baby on his new bike! This baby bike will help your baby a lot to sharpen his sense of balance, and motor skills. It will also help him to sharpen his sense of judgment, to evaluate his environment to avoid bumping or falling, etc.

Chicco - Red Bullet Balance Bike 2
7/10

Best cheap

Chicco - Red Bullet Balance Bike

The best entry-level baby bike

Chicco's lightweight Red Bullet balance bike is perfect for when your child is learning to ride, helping them gain balance so they can ride with confidence when they're ready to transition to a pedal bike.

32,82 £ on Amazon

Help your little one practice their bike skills with the Chicco Red Bullet! Structured like a real bike with an ultra-lightweight metal frame, the Red Bullet will help develop the balance and confidence your child needs to travel the world on two wheels, making it the ideal first training bike.

The seat and handlebar height are adjustable, making it perfect for riding around the yard or park. It's perfect for kids ages 3 to 5 and the seat and handlebars are adjustable and the sturdy, lightweight metal frame is suitable for kids weighing up to 25 kg. It is a sturdy and comfortable balance bike with a padded seat for a cushioned ride and rubber handlebar grips for added comfort.

Italtrike - Coconut Balance Bike (Fruit collection) 3
8/10

Best high-end

Italtrike - Coconut Balance Bike (Fruit collection)

The best high-end baby bike

The Fruit Balance bike is a retro and elegantly styled balance bike designed in Italy with the utmost attention to detail, quality and value of craftsmanship.

191 £ on Berceaumagique

Italtrike's Fruit Collection Balance Bike offers your child a unique design for new adventures. With its painted aluminum frame, air-spoked wheels and rear brake on the left handlebar, it is truly the perfect bike for a little adventurer. It is the best approach to learn and improve children's balance on two wheels and how to bend with the right posture and coordination.

Kids start by riding the Balance Bike and then go on wild rides. Balance Bike Fruit stimulates children's self-perception of the outside world in a safe and conscious way. It will help encourage essential skills such as coordination, physical strength and mobility, while facilitating the direct transition to a pedal bike without the need for stabilizers. The recommended age range for this bike is 2-5 years old, with a maximum weight capacity of 35 kg. The seat height is adjustable so it can grow with your child.

Fascol - Baby bike with 3 in 1 stabilizer 4
8/10

Best alternative

Fascol - Baby bike with 3 in 1 stabilizer

The excellent alternative baby bike

This multifunctional baby bike can be used as a balance bike, bicycle or tricycle. Suitable for babies from 2 to 6 years old, this bike is perfect to accompany your child throughout his learning process.

62,79 £ on Amazon

Equipped with an environmentally friendly steel frame, strong and durable, and it weighs only 3.1kg, which is lighter than other bikes with stabilizers available in the market. This bike can support up to 30 kg and children can easily control it. It is equipped with lightweight and wear-resistant foam tires with strong shock-absorbing performance, which can prevent tire blowout and ensure riding comfort. It does not need to be inflated and helps provide a smooth ride.

It is specially designed for children measuring between 80 and 130 cm. The height of the seat can be adjusted according to the different height needs of the children. In addition, it is very easy to assemble and disassemble at the touch of a button, making it easily portable and transportable for comfortable parent-child travel.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best baby bike

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The best baby bike in 2021

The best entry-level baby bike

The best high-end baby bike

The excellent alternative baby bike

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Comparison table of the best baby bikes

THE BEST CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE THE BEST
Childhome - Vroom baby bike 3 wheels 5
8/10
Chicco - Red Bullet Balance Bike 6
7/10
Italtrike - Coconut Balance Bike (Fruit collection) 7
8/10
Fascol - Baby bike with 3 in 1 stabilizer 8
8/10
OUR SELECTION
Childhome - Vroom baby bike 3 wheels
Chicco - Red Bullet Balance Bike
Italtrike - Coconut Balance Bike (Fruit collection)
Fascol - Baby bike with 3 in 1 stabilizer
This baby bike is the perfect starting point for toddlers! The 2 front wheels will give your child extra stability, making it easy to switch from a baby bike to a regular bike.
Chicco's lightweight Red Bullet balance bike is perfect for when your child is learning to ride, helping them gain balance so they can ride with confidence when they're ready to transition to a pedal bike.
The Fruit Balance bike is a retro and elegantly styled balance bike designed in Italy with the utmost attention to detail, quality and value of craftsmanship.
This multifunctional baby bike can be used as a balance bike, bicycle or tricycle. Suitable for babies from 2 to 6 years old, this bike is perfect to accompany your child throughout his learning process.
Dimensions
49 x 20 x 35 cm
60 x 17.3 x 25.5 cm
47 x 63 x 88 cm
69.4 x 29.4 x 19.5 cm
Materials
Metal, polypropylene, EVA
Metal
Alu, rubber
steel + ABS plastic
Advised age
18-36 months
24 months - 5 years
2 to 5 years
24 months and up
Maximum weight
15 kg
25 kg
35 kg
30 kg
Easy assembly
-
-

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Buying guide - baby bike

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How to choose your baby bike

#1 - Baby bike for indoor use or for outdoor use?

When purchasing, consider where your child will play with his or her bike. Will he play with his bike in the nursery or in your living room? Or will he or she play with the bike on the patio or in the yard? For indoor use, look for ride-on toys and balance bikes with rubber or foam wheels. That way, you can be sure that the wheels won't mark your floors. Avoid plastic wheels that don't have rubber, as they are too slippery on indoor floors.

If your child is going to be biking outside, make sure you invest in a real bike that has air tires rather than foam or plastic ones. Plastic is almost never a good choice, foam tires may be fine for very gentle use in the driveway. On mixed terrain that includes dirt, gravel, or uneven pavement, a bike with air tires will provide better traction compared to plastic or foam tires.

#2 - Toy or bike?

The next thing to consider is whether you want to buy a "toy" or a real bike. Many toddler bikes are more like toys - and that's okay. But, if you want your child to develop real bike skills or go on an adventure outside your backyard, you need to get them a real bike. A "real" bike is a balance bike or pedal bike with (air) tires, an aluminum or stainless steel frame, and (maybe) even brakes.

#3 - The handlebars

Handlebars are essential for steering and control, so it's essential to choose a bike with handlebars that fit your baby's size. Look for ones that are neither too low nor too high. Low-profile handlebars can cause discomfort for your child, mainly in the shoulder and neck area. If they're too high, it can interfere with your baby's control over turns and maneuvers. Some baby bikes have adjustable handlebars, which is a useful feature for a growing child.

#4 - The brakes

Brakes are always necessary, but their importance increases as your baby begins to pedal faster. It's crucial to have appropriate, age-appropriate brakes. Most baby bikes include a hand brake, but your child may not be able to use it properly until he or she is four. This requires certain developmental skills that young children may not have mastered yet.

The other braking system is a pedal brake for the rear wheel. These are usually included with most 12- and 14-inch bikes. However, they may not be ideal for a baby who is still learning to pedal.

A pedal brake can confuse your baby and can also throw the rider off balance. Regardless of the type of brake, there is a learning curve that your child must assimilate.

#5 - The saddle

Look for a comfortable, slightly concave saddle to prevent your child from sliding forward. Adjust the height of the saddle so your child can put both feet flat on the ground, lifting it as he or she grows. A foot plate or support is helpful to keep the legs from wobbling as the baby begins to ride a long distance.

How do you know when your child is ready to start riding a bike?

Learning to ride a bike is an important step for children and their parents. When do children typically learn to ride a bike? Is it ever too early (or too late) for your child to start?

The short answer? It depends.

The average age for children to learn to ride a bike is between 3 and 7 - but that's just an average. Some children may be ready to start developing basic cycling skills earlier. Others may want to wait until later when a two-wheeler isn't so big and intimidating.

How long does it take for kids to learn to ride a regular bike?

For adults who have been riding bikes since childhood, it's easy to forget how many skills are involved. Think about it - riding a bike safely requires a complex combination of skills, including:

BalancingSteering/HandlingPedaling

(with enough strength and endurance to keep going)
Hand-eye
coordinationReaction timeBrakingSo

how quickly will your toddler put these skills together and learn to ride? That depends a lot on the child and the bike. Some children learn the basics almost immediately. (in less than 5 minutes)! For others, it may take a full afternoon of practice. Yet other children may spend a week (or more) trying, getting discouraged and trying again, before finally getting the hang of it.





There are also different ways to teach children the basics of cycling, which can impact how long it takes to build a child's confidence and momentum. In the past, most children have moved from a tricycle with training wheels to a standard two-wheeler. This method leaves the most difficult skill - balancing while standing and steering - until the very last step.

Recently, however, people have reversed the learning process. Balance bikes (bikes without pedals) allow children to learn the essential skill of balancing first, and by the time they start pedaling, they have mastered the difficult part. Many people find that this speeds up the learning process, especially with younger children. This process makes training wheels unnecessary and the transition to a standard bike much easier.

One thing is for sure: your young child's comfort plays a big part in their progress. They won't learn to ride a bike until they're ready, and pushing them beyond their comfort zone can actually slow down the process. Listen to what your baby is telling you and most importantly, make sure that biking continues to be fun!

The different types of baby bikes

Straddle bike

This type of bike is ideal for babies between 12 and 18 months. These are usually three or four-wheeled bikes without pedals that help babies begin to learn about a bike, but are not yet big enough for a balance bike. This toy will help your baby learn to push with their feet, and it will help prepare them for the next step: the balance bike.

With this type of bike, you'll need to watch baby and help him get on and off the bike when he wants to play on it: your baby will need your help until he develops the skills to move this bike on his own.

Balance bike

Balance bikes are non-pedal bikes designed for young children. As soon as children can walk and have decent motor skills (usually around 18 months), they can start using this type of baby bike.

The balance bike teaches children the art of balance at a very young age and prepares them for their future pedal bike. In fact, the majority of children who learn to ride a balance bike as toddlers will be able to completely jump the training wheels once they transition to a pedal bike. Balance bikes are also great for developing gross motor skills and building confidence.

Tricycle

The tricycle is another great type of baby bike. It is usually used in the backyard and teaches important skills, such as steering and pedaling, that lay the foundation for becoming a confident cyclist for older children.

This type of baby bike will work for a child from 12 to 18 months and up. The tricycle is a great option for teaching your child to ride a bike. Although balance bikes are more effective for quick learning.

Baby bike with stabilizer

Suitable for babies 3 years and older, the baby bike with stabilizer is a bike equipped with pedals as well as two small extra wheels in the back. The main purpose of these extra wheels is to help a toddler maintain balance while riding.

This type of baby bike is not always advisable, because when the stabilizers are finally removed, the child will not be able to balance independently, used to their support. This is like giving a child crutches while teaching them to walk and then removing them. It really doesn't make sense.

Baby bike or tricycle

Balance bike

The baby bike allows the child to work on his stamina as he gets used to pedaling. Some models are equipped with directional sticks to help him pedal easily or to substitute this action in case he does not pedal. This child's bike also has the advantage of being convertible to a hand cart by removing some parts such as the crankset.

The disadvantage with this type of bike is the difference between its weight and the child's motor strength. As a result, the child must make a lot of effort to pedal well. Also, if the child is already familiar with the stabilizer wheels, it will be very difficult for him to drive when you decide to remove them.

Tricycle

A tricycle, as the name implies, is simply a bicycle with three wheels. They come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, and children as young as 18 months can be seen riding one. Tricycles use three wheels to create a stable base before toddlers can balance. By reducing their need for balance, toddlers can focus on learning to pedal on three wheels.

Verdict

The choice between a balance bike and a tricycle for children depends on the age of the child and the parents' sensibilities. Choose the balance bike for its practicality. It is more adapted to the little ones who want to master the bike. Opt for a child's bike with stabilization wheels if you are patient and want to teach your child to ride a bike directly.

Why buy a baby bike?

Support for growth

The use of a baby bike allows the child to stay active and strengthen his body. By pedaling on two wheels, the child is better able to work his muscles. It is therefore a good exercise to help him in his growth.

To play freely

A baby bike allows any child to play freely and safely. Specially designed to build confidence and encourage independent play, the baby bike is all about your child playing and having fun while they learn.

A developmental tool

A baby bike is a great developmental tool for a child. It teaches him to better master his sense of coordination. The child is more attentive when riding a baby bike. It teaches them to visualize obstacles and to approach them better. Therefore, the draisienne is very useful for a child's personal development.

A source of autonomy

A baby bike teaches a child to be more independent. It gives him the freedom to explore the environment around him in a new way. All the manipulations he performs on it make him more autonomous. Thus, a draisienne is a very good way to make a child more responsible and independent.

The best brands of baby bikes

In our opinion, the best brands of baby bikes in 2022 are :

Childhome
Italtrike
Chicco
Fascol
Smartrike

Childhome is a Belgian family business that has been making life easier for (young) families since 1985. The brand offers safe, comfortable and innovative baby items that young parents can't miss. Their sturdy, practical and perfectly safe baby bikes are among the most appreciated on the market.

Since 1983, Italtrike tricycles have accompanied children in their play and in the most important moments of their growth. Today, the brand offers some of the best baby bikes (draisies, balance bikes, tricycle or bike with stabilizers) on the market. It's a reliable brand you can trust.

Chicco was founded in 1958 by an inventor and developer of pharmaceutical devices named Pietro Catelli. Since then, Chicco has grown into a global brand with a presence in 120 countries, offering everything from baby gear to nursing, toys, clothing, shoes and baby care products. The brand is also known for the quality of its baby bikes, which are as reliable as they are sturdy and stylish.

Fascol is a Germany-based company that designs and manufactures children's scooters, tricycles, and 3 in 1/4 in 1 toys. This brand offers baby bikes that are highly regarded in the market.

This brand specializes in the manufacture of baby tricycle. The quality of its products has allowed the brand to win several awards. The designs are all original. One of the most appreciated on the market is the tricycle with animals on the front.

What is the price for a baby bike

The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).

However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.

Entry-level
35 £ to 50 £
Mid-range
50 £ to 80 £
High-end
more than 80 £
Price range diagram

Tips

The sooner you buy your child a baby bike, the better

Teach your child to ride a bike as early as possible. Around 12 months is the ideal age for a balance bike or a small wheelchair. Even if the bike seems too big and high for his little legs, let him get used to it little by little. But never let him play on it alone; keep an eye on him and you can easily avoid accidents.

Praise your child

Encourage your child when he uses his bike. Praise him for every little progress he makes. It will only motivate them more.

Get them a helmet

Provide them with a well-fitting helmet right away and make sure they wear it every time.

Let them play with other kids

This way, they will progress much faster, stimulated by the presence of other children.

Be patient

Don't ask them for results too quickly, give them time. Consistency and time really make a difference. It's always better to take it slow and enjoy it than to scare your child.

FAQ

At what age can a baby ride a bike?

Your child is ready for a bike once you see that she is physically able to handle it. His feet should be able to touch the ground, his knees should be well bent when he's on the pedals, and your baby should be able to reach the handlebars. Some people recommend waiting until 18 or 24 months of age, because at that age your child will be able to learn to pedal. Others say that 3 years is the ideal age. By the age of 3, children have all the skills they need to ride a bike. There are also tricycles that can be used as early as 9 months. However, at that age, they are used as a stroller, not a tricycle.

What is the right size helmet for a child?

The smallest baby bike helmets are 44 to 52 cm in diameter. This is suitable for babies from about 6 months to 5 years. In any case, before buying a helmet for your child, it's best to measure his or her head circumference. That way, you'll be sure that the device won't move around once the child is moving on his or her little bike.

Can't I just convert a pedal bike to a balance bike?

Pedal bikes are usually much bigger and heavier than balance bikes. For toddlers and preschoolers, the smaller pedal bike is too big and often too heavy for them to use as a balance bike. The average 2 year old rides a balance bike with a minimum seat height of 30 cm. The average 30 cm pedal bike (the smallest pedal bike available on the market) has a minimum seat height of 43 cm.

How long does it take a child to learn to ride a bike?

Thisdepends on the age and stature of your child. Most children learn to sit and glide on a bike in a few months, while really athletic kids can do it in less than a week. For example, on a balance bike, before sitting and sliding, children first walk on the bike in a standing position, then eventually learn to sit and run on the bike.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. Tricycle draisienne, naitreetgrandir.com
  2. trottinette and bicycle, citycle.com
  3. Choose a child's bike: age size, twowheelingtots.com
  4. with or without pedals, rascalrides.com
  5. 10 Best Toddler Bikes for Your 1 and 2-year-old, babylist.com
  6. 5 Best Toddler Bikes For Your 12 or 3-Year-OldBest Balance Bikes, sustrans.org.uk
  7. How to choose your child's first bike and kit, healthlinkbc.ca
  8. Child Safety: Bicycles and Tricycles, momlovesbest.com
  9. Best Toddler Bikes of 2021Bike Safety, kidshealth.org
  10. The best 14″ starter bikes for children aged 3 and 4 years, cyclesprog.co.uk
  11. Children's bikes, tricycles, protection - JouéClub ..., joueclub.fr
  12. Tricycles, draisies and bikes - La Grande Récré, lagranderecre.fr
  13. Amazon.co.uk : Tricycle Bébé évolutif, amazon.co.uk
  14. Tricycle enfant / bébé pas cher à prix Auchan, auchan.fr
  15. Vélo Enfant 1 à 12 ans, casques textile et accessoires ..., decathlon.fr
  16. Vélo Enfant BTWIN de 1 à 12 ans, du 10 au 24 pouces ..., decathlon.fr
  17. Amazon.co.uk | Children's bikes, amazon.co.uk
  18. Child seat - from 9 months to 6 years old, lespetitsbaroudeurs.com
  19. At what age to transport a child in a bike trailer, cyclable.com
  20. Bicycling with a baby, our practical guide | VascoMag, vascomag.fr
  21. Safely cycling with a baby - Bike Carrier, porte-bebe-velo.com
  22. Wooden bike for babies | La Redoute, laredoute.fr
  23. Baby seat or bike trailer for children, transport tips ...., lecyclo.com
  24. How to choose a bike seat according to the age of the child, lecyclo.com
  25. How to transport your child by bike - Cyclable, cyclable.com
  26. Bringing your child by bike, what solutions to choose from, conseilsport.decathlon.fr
  27. Baby equipment (car seat, stroller ..., leboncoin.fr
  28. Baby seats and trailers | Bicycle accessories | Cycle ..., intersport.fr
  29. Which evolving baby tricycle to choose ... - Bicycle Trailers, ma-remorque-velo.fr
  30. Bicycling with baby: best practices for ..., kangouroukids.fr
  31. How to carry baby on daddy's bike ..., planetepapas.com
  32. Bicycle trailers | Thule | France, thule.com
See more

Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

See more
Our selection
Childhome - Vroom baby bike 3 wheels 9
Childhome - Vroom baby bike 3 wheels
Chicco - Red Bullet Balance Bike 10
Chicco - Red Bullet Balance Bike
Italtrike - Coconut Balance Bike (Fruit collection) 11
Italtrike - Coconut Balance Bike (Fruit collection)
Fascol - Baby bike with 3 in 1 stabilizer 12
Fascol - Baby bike with 3 in 1 stabilizer

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