Eight Reasons Why You Should Get a Bike for Your Toddler

There are many activities that children can do to stay active, and one of the most fun and beneficial is riding a bike. Even toddlers can get started with cycling as soon as they can stand! Read on for our reasons as to why you should get your toddler a bike. 

How to Measure Your Toddler for a Bike

First of all, it is vital that you get a bike that fits your child well. Measuring your toddler for a bike will ensure that they have a safe and comfortable riding experience. The best way is to measure your child's inseam.

To do this, stand your toddler against a wall and place a book between their legs as high as is comfortable. Then measure from the top of the book to the floor. You can then input this measurement on our bike finder page or our balance bike page to find the perfect bike for your little one. 

Types of Bikes Available for a Toddler

Toddler bikes range from balance bikes to first pedal bikes, and tricycles. When starting we recommend balance bikes, these are the ideal choice for learning to ride. Kids balance bikes come without pedals or stabilisers, with the focus on the child learning how to keep upright on the bike.

They are favoured over tricycles and bikes with stabilisers by many experts when it comes to learning balance and coordination.

As they grow bigger and more confident, they may be ready for a kid's first pedal bike. These are bigger bikes that will teach them how to pedal and are suitable for children aged 3 to 6 years old.

Toddler Balance Bikes

Balance bikes are the best option for starting toddlers on their cycling journey. You can refer to our best bikes for learners blog for more information. We have a range of good quality balance bikes for toddlers at Bike Club including:

Frog Tadpole Mini

• Inside Leg Measurement: 23cm - 31cm
• For 1 - 2 Years Old
• Weighs 3.46kg

Frog Tadpole

• Inside Leg Measurement: 31cm - 38cm 
• For 2 - 3 Years Old
• Weighs 4.17kg

First Pedal Bike

The next step up from a balance bike is a first pedal bike which will add pedalling into the mix. We have an even larger collection of first pedal bikes, such as:

Frog 40

• Inside Leg Measurement: 36cm - 43cm
• For 3 - 4 Years Old
• Weighs 6.3kg

Woom 2

• Inside Leg Measurement: 40cm - 49cm
• For 3 - 5 Years Old
• Weighs 5kg

Forme Cubley 14

• Inside Leg Measurement: 43cm - 48cm
• For 3 - 4 Years Old
• Weighs 6.12kg

Reasons to Get Your Toddler a Bike

1. They Learn How to Cycle

Being able to cycle is an invaluable life skill and giving them a bike at a young age will give them a great head start. Cycling has a range of physical and mental health benefits and is also lots of fun!

Starting a toddler on a balance bike will help them learn the balance and coordination needed to soon be riding a pedal bike with confidence.

2. It Builds Confidence

Learning to ride a bike can be a great confidence booster for toddlers. When children are first learning to ride, they may feel nervous and unsure. As they practise and improve cycling, they will gain confidence in their ability to learn new things. 

3. Developing Gross Motor Skills

Riding a bike requires gross motor skills such as balance, coordination, and agility. Learning these skills will help them as they grow and have to do more complicated things. Riding a bike can help them develop these skills while having fun and enjoying the outdoors.

4. Encouraging Exercise

Riding a bike is a great form of exercise, even for toddlers. It can help strengthen their muscles, and promote overall physical fitness. Plus, it's a fun way to get them moving and tire them out before bed!

5. Promoting Independence

Riding a bike can also help toddlers develop a sense of independence. They will feel a sense of freedom as they ride their bike, and they will learn to make their own decisions about controlling the bike. It will force them to learn how to manage speed and direction to get where they want to go. 

6. Cycling is a Great Family Activity

Riding bikes together can be a great bonding experience for families. It's a fun activity that everyone can enjoy together, and it provides an opportunity for quality time spent outdoors in the fresh air. Going on bike rides together can create memories that will last a lifetime and promote an active lifestyle.  

7. Encourage Outdoor Play

In today's digital age, it's important for children to have regular outside playtime and exercise. Riding a bike is a great way to do this and encourage exploration, which can help toddlers develop a love for nature and the outdoors. Riding can also be a fun way to get some fresh air and sunshine, which can have a positive impact on a toddler's physical and mental health.

8. It’s Fun

Perhaps the most important reason, riding a bike is simply a fun activity that kids love. Going on adventures in your local area and getting muddy can be a simple pleasure for you and your child. 

Witnessing your child's growth in confidence and progress in bike riding skills can be a source of great pride and accomplishment for you. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Toddler Bikes

At what age can a toddler pedal a bike?

The age at which a toddler can pedal a bike varies from child to child, but typically toddlers start to develop the coordination and strength needed to pedal a bike around 2-3 years of age. However, it's important to remember that every child develops at their own speed.

We advise starting with a balance bike. This will help your little one develop their balance and coordination before progressing to a pedal bike.

Should a 3-year-old be able to ride a bike?

This varies and depends on the child's experience. Many 3-year-olds will be able to ride balance bikes with enough practice and some may even be on pedal bikes.

It's important to keep in mind that some kids need more time to develop their coordination than others. There is no set age that a child should be riding by and anytime is a good time to learn. 

How do I teach my 2-year-old to pedal a bike?

Pedalling may be too complex for many two-year-olds but if you believe your child is ready then you can refer to our blog on teaching your child how to ride a bike. 

This handy guide will help teach your child everything about learning to ride a bike including the correct riding position, choosing a quality bike to ride on, pedalling and steering, and how to use the brake levers.

When should I move my toddler from a balance bike to a first pedal?

The ideal time to transition your toddler from a balance bike to a pedal bike is when they have developed good balance and steering control on their balance bike, and have shown an interest in riding a pedal bike.

Typically, children are ready to transition from a balance bike to a pedal bike between the ages of 3 and 6 years old.

Make the transition gradually and give your child plenty of practice time in a safe and controlled environment. Learning to pedal can be frustrating so make sure to give them help and encouragement. 

Is a balance bike worth it for a 2-year-old?

Yes, for all the reasons stated above! We highly recommend getting your little one a balance bike to help inspire a lifelong love of cycling. 

Get your Toddler a Bike with Bike Club

At Bike Club we offer a range of kid's bikes on an affordable subscription basis. With a range of styles and wheel sizes to choose from including mountain bikes and road bikes, you can find the perfect bike for your child. Join Bike Club today and have complete flexibility to exchange your child's bike when they grow out of it.