When should I remove the training wheels from my child's bike?

Every child is different and will have different abilities and comfort levels when it comes to riding a bike without training wheels. The Academy of American Pediatrics says that most children are able to ride a two-wheel bike when they are between 4 and 7 years old. Importantly, you should not push your child to ride a bike they are not able to ride safely.

What age should a child get their first bike?

There are bikes for children of all ages, even toddlers. Most children start to ride tricycles or balance bikes around 2 or 3 years old, and make the transition to a two-wheel bike between the ages of 4 and 7. It’s good to get your child used to bike riding as soon as they are interested and able. When choosing a bike for your young child, make sure it’s one where their feet are able to touch the ground while they are sitting on the seat. You shouldn’t pick a bike that is too big for them in the hopes that they will grow into it. To be safest, pick one that fits your child correctly now.

How can I make cycling fun for kids?

Bike riding is a wonderful way to get kids out of the house, off their screens, and into nature. It’s also a fantastic way to keep kids healthy and fit. Many kids are most excited to ride their bike when they can ride with others. Family bike rides are a great idea, and finding a few friends to ride with may motivate your child to get cycling. Just be aware that less experienced bike riders may need a parent to tag along more closely, walking alongside them as they bike.

The 9 Best Bikes for Kids of 2023

There’s nothing quite as fun for a kid as going outside and cruising around the neighborhood on their bike. Bike riding is fun, offers great exercise, helps develop gross motor skills, and promotes independence. Plus, it's an activity they’ll be able to enjoy into adulthood.

Reviewed & Approved

The Joystar Totem Kids Bike comes with training wheels for beginners, but can be taken off when ready, allowing kids to ride on just two wheels. For a budget-friendly option, we recommend the Huffy 18-Inch Rock It Boys Bike.

Keep in mind your child's size and abilities, like if they're able to ride a bike, and the different styles of bicycles, such as balance or mountain bikes, to help guide you when choosing the ideal two-wheeler. We carefully considered any age, height, and weight recommendations, design, ease of use, and wheel types when reviewing products.

Here are the best bikes for kids to cruise around in style on.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Joystar Totem Kids Bike at Amazon

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Best Budget:

Huffy 18-Inch Rock It Boys Bike at Masteroutletinc.com

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Best for New Riders:

smarTrike Breeze 3-in-1 Toddler Tricycle at Amazon

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Best Balance:

Strider 12 Sport Balance Bike at Amazon

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Best Mountain:

Hyper 20" Shocker Bike at Amazon

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Best Premium:

Segway Ninebot Kids’ Bike at Amazon

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Best Transitional:

Co-op Cycles REV 16 Kids' Bike at REI

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Best BMX:

Royalbaby Freestyle Kids’ Bike at Amazon

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Best Lightweight:

Woom 1 Bike at Woom.com

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In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Family

Amazon

Pros

Can be used for several years
85% of assembly already complete
Foot or hand brake

Cons

Heavier for smaller children
Costly

The Joystar Totem Kids Bike is our best overall pick because in addition to its cool design and multiple color options, this bike is great for children from ages 2 to 9 years old. It comes with training wheels for little ones who are learning how to ride a bike but can be taken off when ready, allowing kids to ride on just two wheels. Plus, the bike arrives with 85% of the assembly already complete.

It is equipped with a foot brake for younger kids but does come with a hand brake option for older children. The bike’s premium steel frame is specifically designed to survive any bumps for kids on the go. For children who are just beginning to ride a bike, parents can help out thanks to the seat’s holder-style design.

Price at time of publication: $140

Courtesy of Walmart

Pros

Budget-friendly
Durable
Hand grips

Cons

Not recommended for children under 4 years old
Coaster brake only

If you're looking for a kids' bike that’s easy on the wallet without sacrificing safety, this 18-inch Huffy bike has you covered. The single-speed bike comes with training wheels that can be removed to turn the bike into a two-wheeler, and a padded seat with adjustable height. Your child just needs to push the pedals back to stop while riding thanks to the coaster brakes.

It also features a bright yellow design and reflectors to make it easily visible, has durable rims to keep it looking nice, and has comfortable hand grips to avoid slipping. This bike is best for kids between 4 and 8 years old, or those between 42 to 49 inches tall.

Price at time of publication: $78

Amazon

Pros

3-in-1 option
Can be used for children as young as 15 months old

Cons

Low weight limit

Once your little one is tired of riding in a bike trailer or bike seat and is ready to start learning how to hit the open road themself, this 3-in-1 bike is a great introduction. Available in four colors, this bike can be configured into a ride-on bike with a parent handle and safety sides to avoid falls, a tricycle with a parent handle, or a traditional tricycle.

Kids as young as 15 months can be pushed around in the first stage configuration and the third stage can hold kiddos up to 37 pounds.

4.8

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Skips training wheels altogether
Padded seat

Cons

No brakes
Costly

Balance bikes are designed to teach young kids how to ride a bike, but instead of focusing on pedaling it focuses on balance, so your child can skip training wheels altogether.

This balance bike is designed for kids between 18 months and 5 years and is built with 12-inch wheels. It’s made with a durable lightweight steel frame and ergonomically padded seat. As for maintenance, the tires never go flat, and children can even rest their feet on the built-in footrests.

Price at time of publication: $100

Courtesy of Walmart

Pros

Kickstand included
Rear wheel suspension

Cons

Assembly required

For more advanced bike riders, this mountain bike has 20-inch wheels, hand brakes, and seven speeds, which can be changed using a hand-controlled grip twist. The rear wheel features suspension to make off-roading rides a little less bumpy and the seat height can be easily adjusted without the use of tools.

This bike is designed for kids between 4 feet 2 inches and 5 feet tall and 135 pounds or less.

Price at time of publication: $138

Amazon

Pros

Front-wheel suspension
Adjustable rim brakes

Cons

Expensive

If you’re looking for a top-quality bike, consider this one with 18-inch wheels, a kickstand, and both coaster and hand brakes. Additional safety features include adjustable rim brakes to fit your child’s hands and a fully enclosed chain to avoid pinches.

It’s also designed to give your kid a comfortable ride with an ergonomic seat with adjustable height, front-wheel suspension, and easy operation. Kids between 5 and 10 years old can safely ride this super sleek and stylish bike.

Price at time of publication: $280

Courtesy of Rei

Pros

Durable steel frame
Comes with stickers for customization

Cons

Expensive
No suspension

Kids 80 pounds or less can comfortably learn to ride on this single-speed bike with removable training wheels, rear coaster brake, and adjustable seat.

It has 16-inch wheels and a durable steel frame so the bike will last and look good while doing it. The bike also comes with a pack of stickers so your child can customize it to their liking.

Amazon

Pros

Attached water bottle
Seat and handlebars can be adjusted

Cons

Not recommended for children under 3 years old

Available in a variety of colors, this bike comes with five different wheel options, a kickstand, and an attached water bottle. It has both rear coaster and hand brakes so kids between 3 and 9 years old can use whichever system works best for them.

Both the seat and handlebar heights can be adjusted, there is a chain guard to avoid injuries, and the bike is made with a durable steel frame to help it last for years.

Price at time of publication: $180

4.2

Courtesy of Woom

Pros

Lightweight
Specially designed steering limiter

Cons

No kickstand

Coming in at 6.6 pounds, this bike is one of the lightest bikes on the market thanks to its light, aluminum material. It's designed with a seat low enough for young children to easily hop on and off whenever they like.

The tires are 12 inches, but Woom designs bikes for older kids as well. This particular bike is great for beginners because of its specially designed steering limiter, leaving behind oversteering, swerving, and less accidents.

Price at time of publication: $200

Final Verdict

There are a lot of factors that go into finding the right bike for your child, like age, skill level, and general interests. However, if you’re simply in the market for a bike that is durable and safe, go with the Joystar Totem Kids Bike (view at Amazon) or the Hyper Bicycles Shocker Kids Mountain Bike (view at Amazon) for advanced riders.

What to Look for in Bikes for Kids

Size

The most important factor when it comes to purchasing a bike for your child is size. All bike manufacturers include sizing guidelines, from height to weight, to ensure that you are choosing a bike that fits your child's body properly for a safe and comfy ride.

Keep in mind that kids' bikes are measured by the wheel instead of the frame like adult bikes. Wheels can come in any size, typically 12 inches to 26 inches. Smaller wheels are best for younger children, and a 26-inch bike would work for children over the age of 10.

Either way, you want to buy a bike your child feels comfortable on. Purchase a bike that works for your child now instead of one they will grow into (unless the bike has adjustability features). This ensures your child is comfortable, learning how to properly ride a bike, and is safe because the bike is the correct size.

Skill Level

Is your child a bike riding newbie or are they basically a pro? Keeping their abilities in mind will help guide you when choosing a bike. For new riders, a balance bike or one with training wheels will be the best option. More experienced riders may appreciate features like adjustable gears, hand brakes, and suspension in the seat for a faster, more comfortable ride.

Style

There are lots of bike styles out there for your little one. From colors to accessories, there are seemingly endless options. Consider the design that fits your child's personal style and skill level so that they are even more excited to ride it.

Balance bikes: These are a very simple style of bike as they don't have chains, brakes, kickstands, or any additional features. They are designed with handlebars, and a frame (and sometimes removable pedals), all in hopes of encouraging children to balance their way on the bike with no training wheels. This style of bike is perfect for toddlers who are just learning how to ride a bicycle.
Small/middle-wheel bikes: Think of your traditional bike for children just learning how to ride a bicycle and that's where you'll find this style. Perfect for younger children, these types of bikes are what's next after children outgrow their balance bikes (or if they are starting to learn a little bit older).
Mountain bikes: Sometimes designed with shocks, kids' mountain bikes typically have bigger and wider tires to allow riding on rougher terrain. They're perfect for off-roading, experienced riders, or big kids. There are mountain bikes available for toddlers, but be sure to look into the wheel size.
Road bikes: Opposite of a mountain bike, road bikes are designed for paved roads rather than rough terrain. Some kids' road bikes are made with a 20-inch wheel, but they typically start at 24 inches, making the age recommendation around 8 years old.
BMX bikes: BMX, or "bicycle moto cross," is all about off-roading and stunts. These bikes often have thicker tires, and are usually suitable for children above the age of 7.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I remove the training wheels from my child's bike?

Every child is different and will have different abilities and comfort levels when it comes to riding a bike without training wheels. The Academy of American Pediatrics says that most children are able to ride a two-wheel bike when they are between 4 and 7 years old. Importantly, you should not push your child to ride a bike they are not able to ride safely.
What age should a child get their first bike?

There are bikes for children of all ages, even toddlers. Most children start to ride tricycles or balance bikes around 2 or 3 years old, and make the transition to a two-wheel bike between the ages of 4 and 7. It’s good to get your child used to bike riding as soon as they are interested and able. When choosing a bike for your young child, make sure it’s one where their feet are able to touch the ground while they are sitting on the seat. You shouldn’t pick a bike that is too big for them in the hopes that they will grow into it. To be safest, pick one that fits your child correctly now.
How can I make cycling fun for kids?

Bike riding is a wonderful way to get kids out of the house, off their screens, and into nature. It’s also a fantastic way to keep kids healthy and fit. Many kids are most excited to ride their bike when they can ride with others. Family bike rides are a great idea, and finding a few friends to ride with may motivate your child to get cycling. Just be aware that less experienced bike riders may need a parent to tag along more closely, walking alongside them as they bike.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Ashley Ziegler is a staff and freelance writer who covers lifestyle, home, parenting, and commerce for a variety of platforms. She’s a mom to 1-year-old and 4-year-old daughters and an aunt to 3 nieces and 2 nephews ranging from 5 to 11 years old. In addition to regularly scouring the internet to find the best things for herself, Ashley spends multiple hours a week researching, comparing, and writing about products specifically for kids and families.