Your child is growing by leaps and bounds, and his or her carrier is getting too small for outdoor play sessions. The purchase of a bicycle is necessary. But how do you find the right model for your child? Whether it's for a tricycle, a draisienne or a real bike, a few criteria must be taken into consideration. We bring you the answers to all your questions and help you make the best choice of bike for children through this guide.
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Our selection
"With its compact and sleek design, this 16" kids BMX is perfect for a first real bike. It seduces by its robustness and the small…"
"Intended for young children, this bike has been designed to resist all types of impact. It is a stylish bike without pedals to accompany toddlers…"
"The Rockrider ST 900 model is ideal for children who have total control of their bike. Robust and powerful, this kid's mountain bike adapts to…"
"This Puky 16" junior bike is surely the best alternative for children from 4 to 6 years old. With its high-end design, it is one…"
With its compact and sleek design, this 16" kids BMX is perfect for a first real bike. It seduces by its robustness and the small reflectors which act as lighting. A real little walking gem!
152 £ on AmazonBikestar didn't do things by halves when designing its BMX for children aged 4 to 5. The frame is made of tubular steel and is very solid. As for the saddle, it is adjustable at will so that your child can pedal comfortably. In terms of safety and ergonomics, this children's bike has all the necessary equipment such as anti-shock and anti-slip handles.
This 16-inch bike is easy to handle thanks to the height adjustable handlebars. It is equipped with a double braking system, the first one located on the rear wheel and the second one activated by back-pedaling. Its extra-large wheels guarantee a perfect stability to the child and effectively absorb all the shocks.
Intended for young children, this bike has been designed to resist all types of impact. It is a stylish bike without pedals to accompany toddlers throughout their learning process.
79,20 £ on AlltricksAnything is possible with a draisienne! This Biky City model from Berg is ideal for learning the essential basics of cycling. Far from the banal and unattractive draisiennes, this one is equipped with details such as 12″ rims, a perfectly soft seat to ensure the child's comfort, all mounted on a lightweight magnesium frame with a sporty design.
Cheap and quality, this draisienne is very safe for your little one. It offers two riding modes, Safe mode so your child can get used to his little toy and Skill mode once he has tamed the machine. It is ideal for a child from 3 to 5 years old.
The Rockrider ST 900 model is ideal for children who have total control of their bike. Robust and powerful, this kid's mountain bike adapts to all types of trails, even the hard-to-reach ones.
248 £ on DecathlonThis Rockrider mountain bike is designed for kids ages 9 to 12 to excel in extreme conditions. With its lightweight aluminum frame and Skinwall wheels with side cleats, this kids' mountain bike provides unmatched stability and comfort. Able to handle any obstacle, this kid's mountain bike features Quick Release technology.
To improve pedaling and get up to speed quickly, BTwin has equipped this bike with an aluminum crankset and an 8-speed derailleur with intuitive shifting. The sporty adjustable saddle ensures a comfortable and soft seat. Thanks to the powerful disc brake, your child can stop at any time.
This Puky 16" junior bike is surely the best alternative for children from 4 to 6 years old. With its high-end design, it is one of the most reliable children's bikes on the market.
239 £ on AlltricksAny specific needs?
The best bike for kids in 2021
The best entry-level bike for kids
The best high-end bike for kids
A lightweight, high-performance bike for kids
Your guide :
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| OUR SELECTION |
Bikestar BMX 16 inches
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Berg Biky City 12 inch scooter
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BTwin Rockrider ST 900 24 inches
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Puky S-PRO 16-1 Alu 16 pouces
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With its compact and sleek design, this 16" kids BMX is perfect for a first real bike. It seduces by its robustness and the small reflectors which act as lighting. A real little walking gem!
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Intended for young children, this bike has been designed to resist all types of impact. It is a stylish bike without pedals to accompany toddlers throughout their learning process.
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The Rockrider ST 900 model is ideal for children who have total control of their bike. Robust and powerful, this kid's mountain bike adapts to all types of trails, even the hard-to-reach ones.
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This Puky 16" junior bike is surely the best alternative for children from 4 to 6 years old. With its high-end design, it is one of the most reliable children's bikes on the market.
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Type
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BMX
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Draisienne
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ATV
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Junior Bike
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Frame
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Alloy steel
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Magnesium
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Aluminum
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Aluminum
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Wheel size
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16 inches
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12 inches
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24 inches
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16 inches
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Adjustable seat
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Yes
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Yes
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Yes
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Yes
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Brakes
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Retro-pedaling
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-
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Disc
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V-Brake front and rear
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The age and size of your child are very important when buying a baby carrier. These two criteria define the conformity of the model you will choose to the morphology of your little one. Indeed, each child develops at his own pace and two children of the same age are not necessarily the same size. From 1 to 6 years old, your child is still discovering. He is curious and touches everything he finds. Therefore, you should buy him a bike with the best possible protection. After the age of 7, your child will be able to control his bike. You can therefore buy him a sportier bike such as a 20-inch bike or a 24-inch mountain bike. If the bike is not adapted to your child's size and age, he will quickly turn away from his toy and move on to another one that seems more attractive.
Obviously, this criterion does not apply to young children, because they are just discovering and for them all toys look alike. Your child starts to know what type of bike is right for him at age 6. As soon as they find their balance, they will look for other ways to use the bike. That's why you should choose a child's bike based on your child's needs and expectations. A VTC for your little girl or a 20 inch mountain bike for your little boy so that he can accompany you during your rides? It's up to you to choose according to your child's habits and aspirations.
To ensure that your child's bike will last over time, you must absolutely check that it corresponds to the EN 71 standard. This is the safety standard that all toys, whatever they are, must comply with to be considered reliable and safe for children. It is also a guarantee of quality since a child's bike must be able to face all obstacles. Thus, favor the steel or aluminum frame and check that the fastening systems are strong enough.
The basic equipment and accessories that accompany the child's bike are very important, both for his safety and for the control of his little two-wheeler. Handlebar cover, wheel size, saddle and brake lever adjustment system... everything must be scrutinized so that your child feels comfortable on his bike. Also, choose a bike with a gearbox rather than one with an external derailleur to make pedaling easier.
The design is just as important as the other criteria mentioned above. Indeed, on this depends the motivation of your child to ride his bike. It is obvious that a vintage bike will not attract him that much! Instead, opt for a modern design bike for kids, in the spirit of the times. In addition, it is advisable to start with a unisex bike since this type of bike has a standard design.
A child's bike, although quite simple and has a basic system, needs good maintenance to optimize its life and to make it ride properly. It all starts with cleaning and checking the mechanisms such as brakes, wheels or transmission. You should also think about where you are going to store the bike when you are not using it. This is a good way to teach your children to take care of their toy.
So, you'll need a few tools for cleaning: a garden hose, a sponge, a dry cloth and some detergent or cleaner. Start by soaking the sponge in a bucket of soapy water. Then, gently wipe down any parts that may be wet, such as the frame, wheels and handlebars. Use the dry cloth to clean sensitive parts: the seat, handles, etc. Take the hose and rinse thoroughly to remove the soap solution and let it dry.
You should also check that the brakes are working properly and that there is no wear on the levers or the system itself. As for the transmission, you'll need to remove any worn grease from the chain with a degreaser. Once this is done, you will need to re-grease and test that the chain is making the derailleur work. Also, make sure that the assembly systems of the child's bike fit properly and that the bike is secure.
This first type of child's bike is designed for toddlers from 2 to 3 years old. It is the ideal first bike for learning balance. It has all the elements and parts usually found on a classic bike, except for the pedal. The child needs to push with his feet to be able to ride. The mechanism is very simple, so you don't have to worry about the various adjustments.
The draisienne is easy to ride and can be steered thanks to a handlebar that is very easy to handle. It makes the transition to a real bike easier without your child needing the two extra wheels.
The tricycle is suitable for children aged 3 to 5 and is essential if your child does not fit properly on a regular bike, even with the stabilizing wheels. Typically, a tricycle has three wheels, a pedal, and handlebars with no brake lever. It's a good way to teach your child coordination.
With one wheel in the front and two in the back, the tricycle has good handling and the child will have no trouble learning to pedal once on it. With its two rear wheels that shift a little from the frame, the safety and stability of the child are guaranteed. All that's left is to show him the way.
When your child has learned balance, orientation, and above all has developed his motor skills, it's now time to move on to the real bike. The junior bike often comes with two other small wheels mounted on the back if your child is not quite in control of his toy. They can start riding at age 5, and the stabilizer wheels should be removed as soon as they are able to balance on the bike.
Equipped with a powerful braking system, real handlebars, a derailleur or a gearbox, the junior bike can face all obstacles and support all types of terrain. It has the necessary safety features to ensure that your child can pedal with peace of mind.
The mountain bike is a more complex two-wheeler. It is designed for more intensive and athletic riding and features a stronger, thicker frame. The mountain bike also has two wide wheels with a more pronounced groove to provide excellent grip on all types of trails.
The children's mountain bike, unlike the adult mountain bike, is more equipped to provide comfort and safety during the ride: water bottle holder, mudguard, softer or stiffer shock absorber depending on the need, etc. You can also equip it with two small wheels if the child is not comfortable on his new bike.
A VTC is more practical for learning the basics of cycling. It allows you to pedal for a long time on urban roads and bike paths. Your child can use it for daily commuting; from home to school and back. It also offers your child optimal comfort, whether he or she decides to stay on normal trails or wants to tackle moderately accessible terrain.
But the VTC is less efficient and has difficulty adapting to rough trails. It remains a basic means of entertainment for occasional outings. It is certainly not adapted to slippery trails because of its smooth tires.
The kids' mountain bike is a great choice if your child likes to ride on hard-to-reach trails or wants to learn about sport biking. It is sturdy and offers good handling. It is also capable of absorbing shocks. Easy to handle, a child's mountain bike, provided you choose the right size, will accompany your child for many years.
However, a mountain bike is not recommended for flat trails. Not only is it heavy, but it can be difficult to pick up speed. The price is also a handicap, because a mid-range mountain bike costs twice as much as a classic child's bike.
Children's mountain bike or MTB? The choice depends mainly on the child's level and his practices. A VTC is the safest way to teach your child to master his two wheels while a mountain bike is for older children who want to try various sports. In any case, a child's bike must offer increased safety to your toddlers.
Bicycle riding helps children to develop their motor skills by helping them to balance, orient themselves, concentrate and use their strength to pedal. It is a way for your child to connect his physical and mental strength, to see how far he can go and how he will reach his goal.
Cycling is one of those sports that involves the whole body. Cycling helps regulate a child's heart rate and breathing. Pedaling also helps prevent many diseases such as obesity. Not only is it fun, but it also teaches your child to lead a healthy lifestyle. Of course, cycling regularly also helps improve sleep and reduce stress.
Riding a bike with friends is always fun! Indeed, cycling helps children to better integrate into society. They can create a group of friends. With his friends, they can challenge each other along the way, but also share their experiences.
Cycling is a relatively complete sport. The child will have to pedal to move forward, to face a big climb, to get around obstacles. He should work on his breathing to do this and concentrate his efforts on the difficult routes to negotiate. All of this will help your toddler strengthen his muscles and build up his stamina.
Bicycles are an ecological means of transportation and buying one for your child will help instill certain values in him or her, such as respect for the environment and protection of the planet. It is in a way to make him aware of the dangers that motor vehicles represent for our ecosystem.
In our opinion, the best brands of children's bicycles in 2022 are :
Founded in 2006, BTwin is a subsidiary of the Decathlon group. It specializes in the design of all types of bicycles and is very well known for its affordable and well-made children's bikes. It is also one of the most popular brands of children's mountain bikes.
This German brand is known for its design and quality children's bikes. In particular, it offers vehicles for toddlers namely draisiennes and tricycles. The junior bikes are also very popular because of their equipment and their very solid frame.
The Portuguese brand has quickly made a name for itself in the world of cycling, especially in the design of children's bikes, thanks to the quality and finesse of its products. Its bikes are highly appreciated for their comfort and practicality. It offers different types of bikes such as the draisienne and the road bike.
This German brand makes available various models of mid-range children's bikes, including two-wheelers for the smallest of the classic bikes and off-road bikes. It offers various models ranging from vintage style bikes to modern and sophisticated two-wheelers. But what characterizes it is the quality of its bikes that are made to last over time.
This German brand is very popular with parents who are looking for basic two-wheelers for children aged 1 to 3. Indeed, it provides high-quality children's draisiennes and carriers designed with durable materials. But Puky is also a reference in terms of designing complete city bikes for children.
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.
Rely on reliable safety equipment
It's clear! A child will need all the safety accessories available to ride safely. Also, his little bike must be equipped with the following elements: an efficient front and rear brake system, a yellow or white light, a red light and a small bell. It is imperative that he wears a helmet and appropriate clothing. In addition, protective gear such as elbow pads and knee pads are essential if he starts pedaling a bike without stabilizing wheels.
Opt for top brand bikes
Most of the best-known brands in cycling design their children's bikes according to the morphology and the type of route taken. There are bikes sold at low prices, sure, but they are unreliable and often malfunction. If your child's safety and well-being are your main concerns, the best thing to do is to turn to children's bikes from major brands.
Clean the bike regularly
If you want the children's bike to remain functional and perform well, you should clean it regularly after each use. This will also optimize its lifespan and you will be able to pass it on easily to a little cousin, brother or sister when the time comes since the bike is well maintained.
Install the bike in a dry place
Some parts of the child bike are very fragile and should never be exposed to moisture and weather. Therefore, you should never leave the bike outside and install it in a dry place when the little one is not using it. You can also invest in a bike rack with hooks that allows you to hang the bike so that the wheels don't touch the ground.
Customize your child's bike
With your child and when the weather allows you, you can have fun customizing his little bike with simple accessories like stickers, multicolored ribbons, a bike basket or LED lights. The goal is to motivate your toddler and this is undoubtedly the best method to get him to pedal frequently.
All children's bike dealers must provide their customers with a size guide for the bike that is suitable for each child. Obviously, the draisienne and the tricycle are suitable for toddlers and when he is old enough to ride a bike, that is to say at the age of 5 years, he can start with a bike of inches which corresponds to 90 to 105 cm. A 20-inch child's bike is suitable for a child between 6 and 9 years old, while a larger one that is 24 inches is for a child over 9 years old.
The main things to consider when choosing a child's bike are age, height, seat height and safety features. The brand and design of the bike also play an important role in choosing this type of bike. This should help you find the best model.
Maintaining a children's bike starts with a few checks. You need to check that all the mechanisms are in place and working properly. Remember to grease the chain and test the braking system. Tire pressure is also important, as it ensures performance and grip on the ground. If necessary, adjust the height of the seat and handlebars for your child's comfort. And finally, clean the bike regularly.
Wearing a helmet is essential to protect the child's head in case of a fall. Then there are the basic safety accessories like the chain cover to prevent his feet from getting mixed up with the chain. Also install a powerful and precise braking system, especially if your child likes to ride at high speeds.
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