Is It Time For Your Child to Start Pedalling? Here are 5 Signs to Look Out For

Watching your child grow and reach new milestones is an incredibly rewarding experience for any parent. One that holds a special place is when they learn to ride a bike.

But as a parent, you may wonder, "How do I know when my child is ready to take those first pedals?" In this blog, we will delve into five telltale signs that indicate your child is ready to embark on pedalling.

Your Child is Comfortable Balancing on Their Bike 

The ability to balance on a bike is the foundation on which pedalling success is built. It's an essential skill that sets the stage for confident cycling. 

That's why we suggest starting them off with a balance bike instead of adding kids stabilisers or training wheels to their bikes. 

It's crucial they feel comfortable balancing on their bike without assistance before your child learns how to start pedalling. Take notice of how well they can maintain their balance while coasting or gliding on their balance bike or regular bike. 

Observe their movements closely. Do they exhibit a smooth and controlled balance, effortlessly steering without any signs of wobbling or falling? 

If you witness this kind of balance mastery, it's a promising sign that they may be ready to embrace pedalling. Remember every child develops at their own pace. Allow them the space and time to gain confidence in their balance before taking the next step. 

They've Developed Good Coordination and Motor Skills 

Pedalling isn't just about moving your legs up and down. It's a complex interplay of coordination and motor skills. Before they take on the challenge of pedalling, it's essential for them to have developed these abilities.  

Take a moment to observe their control over body movements during activities such as running and hopping. Do they display good coordination and fluidity in their motions?   

Additionally, consider their strength. Can they generate enough force to push the pedals in a smooth, circular motion? If they are not quite ready then keep them practicing on a balance bike.  

Your Child is Interested in Learning to Pedal 

A genuine interest and enthusiasm in learning to pedal is obviously a good sign that your child is ready. Children who are motivated to learn are more likely to be engaged and receptive. 

Notice if they show curiosity about how pedals work, asking questions or observing intently when they see others pedalling.  

So, if your child exhibits such enthusiasm, it's a strong indication that they are prepared to take on pedalling. However, some children may not be as keen on cycling for a number of reasons. If that's the case, you can check out our blog on handling a child's reluctance to ride a bike. 

They Can Stop and Start on Their Own 

The ability to stop and start the bike on their own is essential for safe cycling. It also indicates that they are ready to start pedalling. 

Can they do so with control and confidence? Also observe if they can move forward confidently, either by pushing with their feet or using the pedals if they are already attached. 

If your child demonstrates proficiency in these areas, it showcases their ability to maintain control and awareness while riding a bike. 

Encourage their independence and reinforce safe cycling practices as they transition into the world of pedalling. 

Your Child is the Right Size for a Pedal Bike 

Lastly, when determining your child's readiness for a first pedal bike, it's essential to consider their size. 

Ensuring a proper bike fit is key to their comfort, safety, and overall riding experience. Take note of their ability to straddle the bike with their feet flat on the ground while seated on the saddle.  

This position allows them to have optimal stability and control when starting, stopping, and manoeuvring the bike.  

Their feet should be able to comfortably touch the ground when on the saddle. This indicates that they have the right bike size for their current stage of development. If the bike is too large or too small, it can impede their ability to balance and control the bike effectively.  

This is why it's crucial to choose one that suits your child's height and inside leg measurement. For more info on measuring for a bike, take a look at our bike sizing guide.  

By ensuring your child has the right-sized bike, you're setting them up for a more enjoyable and successful pedalling experience. 

Tips for Teaching Your Child to Pedal a Bike 

If you’ve decided that your child is ready and raring to start pedalling, then these are our best tips: 

Start in a Flat Area 

When it comes to teaching your child to pedal a bike, selecting a safe and suitable practice area is paramount. Look for a spacious and flat location where your child can comfortably ride without any obstacles or hazards. 

An empty car park, a quiet cul-de-sac, or a smooth paved pathway are ideal choices.  

Choosing somewhere quiet will also allow your child to focus on their learning without unnecessary distractions. 

It's crucial to avoid areas with heavy traffic or challenging terrain during the initial stages of learning. Similarly, steep inclines or rough surfaces will pose unnecessary difficulties and hinder their progress. 

Lower the Seat and Consider Removing the Pedals 

To initiate the process of teaching your child to pedal, there are a couple of important steps to follow. First, adjust the seat height of your child's bike. 

Lower it to a level where their feet can comfortably touch the ground while they are seated on the saddle. This allows them to have proper stability and control, which is crucial during the early stages of learning to pedal. 

In addition to adjusting the seat height, you may also consider temporarily removing the pedals from the bike.  

By removing the pedals, your child can focus solely on mastering the art of balancing and manoeuvring the new bike. This step is particularly useful for children transitioning from balance bike to a pedal bike. 

This approach allows them to become more comfortable and proficient in maintaining their balance before progressing to pedalling. 

Remember, this is just an intermediate step in the learning process. Once your child has gained sufficient control with balancing, you can reattach the pedals. You can then guide them through the next phase of learning to pedal.  

Practice Balancing 

With the pedals removed, encourage your child to practice balancing on their bike by walking and gliding. This will help them develop a sense of balance and control, which are essential skills for successful pedalling.  

Encourage them to lift their feet off the ground and glide for short distances. Then gradually increase the time they spend with their feet off the ground. This will build their confidence and prepare them for the next step. 

Reattach the Pedals 

Once your child has gained confidence in balancing and steering, it's time to reattach the pedals to the bike. Make sure the pedals are securely tightened. 

Begin by demonstrating how to place one foot on a pedal at the starting position. Encourage your child to press the pedal down to move forward, while keeping their other foot on the ground for balance. Help them find a rhythm and gradually increase the distance they cover with each pedal stroke. 

Celebrate Their Progress 

Learning to pedal a bike can be challenging for children. So be sure to celebrate their achievements, no matter how small, and provide constructive feedback to help them improve.  

Remember to be patient and allow them to progress at their own pace. Each child is different, and some may require more time and practice than others. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Transitioning From Balance to Pedal Bikes 

What is a balance bike? 

A balance bike, also known as a run bike or push bike, is a two-wheeled bicycle without pedals. It is designed to help children learn balance and coordination before transitioning to a pedal bike.  

Balance bikes typically have a low seat height, allowing children to touch the ground easily with their feet whilst sat down. By using their feet to propel themselves forward and control their balance, they gradually develop the skills needed for cycling.  

At Bike Club we recommend balance bikes over using a bicycle with stabilisers. Check out our handy blog on comparing the differences when comparing balance bikes with stabilisers. 

At what age do kids learn to ride a bike? 

The age at which children learn to ride a bike can vary. Children can start on a balance bike from as young as 18 months. Children may start pedalling as early as 3 years old, while others may begin around 5 or 6 years old. 

It largely depends on their physical development, coordination, and interest in learning to ride. Keep in mind that every child is different. It's better to assess their readiness based on the signs mentioned above rather than strictly adhering to a specific age range. 

What age is a balance bike for? 

Balance bikes are suitable for children between the ages of 1 and 5 years old. They are an excellent introduction to cycling for toddlers and young children who are still developing their balance and coordination skills.  

The simplicity of a balance bike, allows children to focus on mastering the fundamentals of balance and steering.  

What size bike do I need for my child? 

Choosing the right size bike for your child is crucial for their comfort, safety, and overall enjoyment of cycling. The size of the bike depends on your child's height and inside leg measurement. Generally, you can use the following guidelines as a starting point: 

• For toddlers and young children (1 to 4 years old): 

Look for balance bikes or small pedal bikes with 10 or 12-inch wheels. These bikes are designed for smaller riders and provide a lower seat height for easy manoeuvring. 

• For older children (4 to 8 years old): 

Opt for first pedal bikes with 14 to 20-inch wheels, depending on their height and inseam measurement. Adjust the seat height to ensure your child can put their feet on the ground while seated. 

For more information, you can consult our bike sizing guide. 

Get Pedalling with Bike Club

For more on teaching your kid to ride, see our guide on how to teach a child to ride a bike. 

You can get a Bike Club subscription today. We carry popular kid's bike brands like Frog and Woom, offering a range of styles including mountain bikes and road bikes.   

From balance bikes for 2 year olds to hybrid bikes for 10-year-olds, we have the perfect bike for your child. You can use our interactive bike finder to help choose the best bike.