The best kids' bikes will help give your children a quality ride experience, that can foster a love of cycling and help them learn a valuable new lifelong skill.
There's always a temptation to buy large, but that's a mistake as they'll not enjoy a bike that is too large or too heavy for them. While balance bikes are all relatively similar, bikes designed for older children start to diversify into different categories with different end uses in mind.
Below, we've picked a range of quality children's bikes that will give them the best experience, however old they are and whether they want to ride on the road or take to the trails.
Keep in mind that most brands offer the same bike in a variety of sizes so if you like a particular bike but need a different size it's worth checking if it's available.
It's important to kit them out properly too, and that starts with one of the best kids' bike helmets - we all fell off at that age! If they're too young to ride far, we've also got a guide to the best bicycle trailers for kids, while our kids' bike deals page may help you to find a bargain.
Read on for our pick of the best kids' bikes or head lower down the page for our guide to how to choose a children's bike to give them the best ride experience.
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Balance bikes
The Strider 12 Sport is sturdy but weighs just 2.9kg
(Image credit: Courtesy)
The best kids' bike to start young at a great price
Average Amazon review:Wheel size:
12in
Weight:
2.9kg
Age range:
18 months - 5 years
View at AmazonView at TargetView at Walmart+
Budget-friendly
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Wide adjustability
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It looks a bit dull
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No brakes
If your child is between 18 months and five years old, you’ll likely want them to get on a balance bike, perfect for them to get used to steering and balancing on a bike before moving on to actual pedals. The Strider 12 Sport is an affordable option for getting your child on a balance bike. Helped by heaps of adjustability, it is perfect for taking your kid from baby steps to zooming around, without having to even get a toolkit out. In fact, the saddle can be dropped as far down as an industry-low 28 cm and be raised to 48 cm, whilst the handlebars are also adjustable.
Whilst it has a sturdy feel to it, the bike comes in at just 2.9 kg. It also comes with wide, knobbly EVA foam tyres that will never go flat, but give your child lots of control on the bike. When your kids get up some speed on something like a small descent, the bike has handy footrests to allow them to get in a safe position and coast. It has no brake however so this is a bike for slow speeds and flat paths and trails.
Prevelo Alpha Zero bike
(Image credit: Courtesy)
The best kids' bike to get started with hand brakes early
Wheel size:
12in
Weight:
3.8kg
Age range:
18 months +
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Stylish looking
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Custom name tags are available
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Trade in scheme available
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Lacking in adjustability compared to the others here
The Alpha Zero is the entry point to Prevelo’s range of balance bikes. That doesn’t mean they’ve skimped on the specification though. It comes with a lightweight aluminium frame and forks and a chromoly steerer. An easy-to-reach brake lever is attached to a powerful Tektro V-brake for easy, safe stopping. You can customise your ride with coloured grips, and for $20 you can add the rider’s name on the frame; just like the pros.
The bike is finished with great touches like rounded hex bolts so should your kid’s legs hit them they don’t get scratched. Another novel addition is the option to join Prevelo’s trade-up club for $69 a year. If you do, then when your kid grows out of their bike you can trade it in for the next model up with 40% off the original purchase price.
A carbon frame keeps the Hotwalk's weight low
(Image credit: Specialized)
The best kids' balance bike if you want carbon fibre
Wheel size:
12in
Weight:
2.1kg
Age range:
18 months +
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A light, carbon-fibre frame
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Carbon-fibre wheels
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Ergonomic touchpoints
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High retail price
The Hotwalk Carbon's frame is made from the brand's high-end Fact 9R carbon fibre and also rolls on tiny 12-inch carbon wheels. The result is an expensive, 2.1kg bike that, according to Specialized, will give your toddler enormous riding confidence thanks to the low weight and increased agility of the lightweight bike.
Another impressive design feature is Hotwalk’s composite cockpit. It features a carbon-fibre handlebar and special grips, which are 38% thinner in diameter than you’d find on a conventional flat bar.
With its slimmer handlebar, tiny hands can find a more secure grip, boosting steering confidence and control when rolling along. And with those lightweight Specialized Rhythm Lite tyres and carbon rims, this new Hotwalk will roll faster than any other balance bike you can imagine.
The LittleBig converts to a larger balance bike, then a pedal bike as they grow
(Image credit: Courtesy)
The best kids' bike for upgrading as they grow
Wheel size:
14in
Weight:
5.1kg - 6.6kg
Age range:
1 - 5 years
Visit Site+
Massive adjustability
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Two brakes
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A little on the heavy side
The LittleBig begins as a balance bike, suitable for kids as young as 2 to practice getting their coordination on a bike and give them that first bit of freedom to explore. That’s not all the bike is capable of though; simply flipping the rear end of the frame upside down converts the LittleBig into a larger balance bike with a higher saddle and a longer arm reach. This makes it perfect for any child who is still getting used to balancing but has outgrown the smaller balance bike.
Once they’ve mastered balancing the bike can be converted into their first pedal bike with a simple attachment. The lightweight frame comes with air-filled tyres and a set of high-performing v-brakes for safety. If you’re in the market for a more sustainable approach to getting your child into cycling, then this bike could be perfect for you.
12 and 14-inch bikes
The Gecko allows smaller riders to advance to pedalling
(Image credit: Courtesy)
The best kids' bike designed for skills enhancement
Wheel size:
12in
Weight:
N/A
Size range:
14in - 18in inseam
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Simple and maintenance friendly
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Riding position is a little aggressive
The Gecko is small enough for the very smallest of riders and great for those who have mastered their balance bike and want their first pedal bike. The small 12-inch wheels and stretched-out geometry make it incredibly stable and easy for toddlers to put their feet on the ground when they are starting and stopping. There is a rear freewheel, and front and rear brakes so they can focus on learning to ride in the style of an adult bike from the start.
The lightweight frame, easy gearing and 2 1/8-inch Kenda tyres mean this bike will excel from standing starts when heading uphill, and on the pump track. Compared to some others, it does have a fairly aggressive riding position, and whilst any kid should quickly master any riding position, if your child is a little on the cautious side, you may want to look elsewhere.
Frog supplies two sets of tyres, so its bikes can be set up for smoother surfaces or off-road use
(Image credit: Courtesy)
The best kids' bike that's lightweight and durable
Wheel size:
14in
Weight:
6.46kg
Size range:
3-4 years / 40cm inseam
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Frog brand service
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Uses 'proper' components
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Strong second-hand market
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Higher retail price
Frog bikes have gained a reputation for quality, and the 43 is a perfect example of why. The Frog 43 is part of their “First Pedal” range, designed specifically to be a child’s first pedal bike. As you’d want for your young child, it’s a lightweight machine, meaning there should be no issues for newly-pedalling cyclists. The bike also comes with a simple single-speed gear with an easy-to-push gear ratio.
The aluminium wheels are both lightweight and strong enough to take a bit of a battering from your child. One brilliant addition is the two sets of tyres the bike comes with. The hybrid-style tyres are perfect for roads and smooth paths, whilst the knobbly set can be installed when your kid gets confident enough to take it on some muddier trails and paths. Powerful Tektro mini v-brakes finish off the bike and will give your child confidence with braking.
16 and 20-inch bikes
A carbon belt drive keeps things safe and clean
(Image credit: Priority)
The best kids' bike if you want a belt drive option
Wheel size:
16
Weight:
7.2kg
Size range:
Seat height of 21" - 25.1"
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Hand brake and freewheel
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Gates carbon belt drive
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kickstand included
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Only available in the US
Kids who start on a balance bike can sometimes have a really difficult time transitioning to a coaster brake on a larger bike. The Priority Start 16" uses a hand brake that's much easier to understand while also trying to learn how to stay upright. That's not even the best feature of the Priority Start though.
Instead, the best feature is the Gates carbon belt drive. While most kids of this size use shields for the chain, that only adds weight and complexity. Why not do away with all of it and go to a completely clean belt system? It requires no maintenance and if it gets left outside it will never rust. It's also much safer for curious little fingers.
Islabikes uses bespoke components sized for smaller riders
(Image credit: Isla Bikes)
The best kids' bike for those who really want to dial in the perfect fit
Wheel size:
16
Weight:
5.6kg
Size range:
Age 4+ minimum 42cm inseam
Check Amazon+
Components are sized for small hands
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Lots of available bike sizes
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lightweight frame
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Only available in Europe
While Priority Bikes is US-only, Islabikes is a European-only option. It wasn't always like that though. For years after the brand left the US market there were bidding wars on used examples. The reason for their demand is all about sizing.
Professional cyclist and triple British cyclo-cross champion Isla Rowntree spent her racing career dealing with sizing issues in her bikes. She understood the importance of proper fit and when she started answering questions from friends about their kids' bikes, she realised the challenges were the same. The most obvious answer to this from Islabikes is the sheer number of sizes available but it actually goes way beyond that.
Yes, there are a variety of size options but every single size of every bike they sell fits the riders it's for. Many kids' bikes make use of off-the-shelf components that are too large for small hands or too wide for small hips. Islabikes custom specs everything to fit the rider's need. If you care about exact sizing, Islabikes is the place to look.
The Yama Jama has a junior MTB spec
(Image credit: Courtesy)
The best kids' bike to start mountain biking
Wheel size:
20
Weight:
21.5lbs
Size range:
Age 5 years +
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SRAM GC 1x groupset
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Carbon fork lowers
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High retail price
The Spawn Yama Jama is a serious bit of kit. A sturdy aluminium frame, aggressive off-road tyres, and high-quality parts make this bike ready to take anything your kid can throw at it. The hand-laid carbon fibre fork, with lockout, 15mm thru-axle and 80mm of travel should give you an idea of how Spawn expects your little one to use this bike.
130mm cranks offer up suitable crank lengths for your youngsters, but the SRAM pattern direct-mount chainring interface means chainrings can be swapped in and out, and the sealed external bottom bracket keeps things spinning smoothly. The groupset is SRAM's 10-speed GX, pairing a 30T chainring with a 10-36T cassette. Tektro's Auriga hydraulic discs provide the stopping power.
As expected, there’s plenty of saddle and handlebar height adjustment as well, so the bike can grow with your child.
The Trek Wahoo 20 can be used on-road and off
(Image credit: Trek)
The best kids' bike for kids who want to go anywhere
Wheel size:
20in
Weight:
8.89 kg / 19.59 lb
Size range:
Ages 6–8, between 114–132 cm (45-52˝) tall
Check Amazon+
Budget-friendly
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Eight gears
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Rim brake action isn't quite as light as a disc brake for small hands
While adult bikes have become increasingly all-road capable, kids' bikes are lagging behind the trend. There are excellent on-road bikes and excellent off-road bikes, but should kids have to choose? The Trek Wahoo 20 is an option that lets your kids go anywhere. It's not the most serious off-road bike but it's versatile enough that it's not going to hold kids back.
Beyond that, it's also a quality-built bike. The frame is a lightweight aluminium and it's specced with a Shimano 1x8 drivetrain. Part of making sure it works on all surfaces is gearing and that means here you've got easier gears than most road bikes. For small legs that aren't as used to climbing, those gears will be welcome no matter the surface.
24 and 26-inch bikes
The Riprock 24 has serious off-road capability
(Image credit: Courtesy)
The best kids' bike for kids who want to shred
Wheel size:
24in
Weight:
10.2kg/22.5lbs
Size range:
Age 8 years +
View at Jenson USAView at Specialized Bikes USView at Competitive Cyclist US+
Great value
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Gearing is excellent for small kids
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Disc brakes are mechanical and will need more adjustment
This is a serious piece of kit for any aspiring mountain biker. The huge 2.8-inch tyres, sturdy aluminium frame and 70mm Suntour suspension fork make it perfect for some tough love as a first off-road bike. The eight-speed Shimano gears mean your kid will be fine going uphill and the Tektro disc brakes will take care of them heading downhill.
The dropped-frame design means there’s plenty of room to grow with this bike, so long as they can push the weight of what is a sturdy bike. This is an ideal bike for a child who is growing more confident with riding and is looking to push their skills to the next level off-road or on the trails with their parents.
The ARX 24 is designed to be light and zippy
(Image credit: Courtesy)
The best kids' bike for those who like classic road bike design
Wheel size:
24in
Weight:
7kg
Size range:
Age 8 years +
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Lightweight aluminium frame
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Tyres are good for both on and some off-road riding
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Keeps a 1:1 gearing ratio even on a road bike
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Rim brakes are a little harder to pull
Giant claims that the aluminium frame at the centre of this bike is the lightest in its category, meaning it should zip up climbs with ease. They can’t see why lightweight bikes need to be the preserve of the MAMIL, so have designed the ARX to be lighter, quicker and therefore more fun for younger riders.
The frame features a low centre of gravity to help with handling and stability, to which they’ve fitted ever-reliable Shimano shifters. The 1.5-inch tyres will allow your kids to ride with speed and confidence on road, gravel and even some dirt. The bike has an adjustable saddle and handlebar positions to allow the bike to grow alongside your child.
Frog Bikes has a reputation for quality kids' bikes
(Image credit: Frog Bikes)
A kids' bike with proper, serviceable components
Wheel size:
26in
Weight:
9.75kg
Size range:
Age 12-14, 73cm inseam
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5-year warranty on frame and forks
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Reflectors, mudguard and bell included
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Short lever travel for shifter
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Rim brakes may be harder to pull
Frog has a great reputation for making great value do-it-all bikes for good reason, and the Frog 73 is a prime example of what it has to offer. The Frog 73 is built from lightweight aluminium, and the whole bike comes in at an impressive 10kg. The bike is kitted out with 8-speed Shimano gears and powerful Tektro bikes.
As your child begins to crave more independence, they’ll want a bike that can do it all and the 1.5-inch hybrid tyres are ideal for mixed riding both on and off-road, allowing them to go almost wherever they want when exploring.
Electric bikes
The Woom Up 6 has a removeable Fazua motor system
(Image credit: Woom)
The best kids' bike for kids who sometimes want assistance
Wheel size:
26in
Weight:
37.3lbs
Size range:
Age 10-14
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Available in both 24- and 26-inch sizes
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Thru-axles
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Hydraulic brakes
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Removable battery
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Not available in the UK
The idea of an electric kids' bike might sound radical but it's happening. And may be useful if you live in hilly or challenging terrain. Woom already makes some of the best kids' bikes on the market. The Woom Up range starts with the Woom Up 5. The Up 6 is the next size up and a mountain bike with some of the best components available to kids. Things like thru-axles, and hydraulic disc brakes, that you just don't find elsewhere - then they add a Fazua electric motor to the mix.
The Fazua system is well-known in adult electric bikes. In this case, it's updated to make it work even better for kids. Its removability has always been its strength. The battery and motor are one unit. Remove them and the bike is useable without assistance. For the Woom Up 6, the system has a lower assisted top speed but it's still got the power to help kids keep up with the rest of the family.
A Bosch motor system provides uphill assistance
(Image credit: Cube)
The best kids' bike for kids who sometimes want assistance
Wheel size:
24in
Weight:
19.1kg
Size range:
Height: 124 - 141 cm | Inside leg: 57 - 66 cm
Check AmazonVisit Site+
180mm front brake
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Hydraulic brakes
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Removable battery
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Not available in the US
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Quick release axles
UK electric bike laws mean that a 24-inch wheeled bike probably means off-road use only given the age range associated with the sizing. With that in mind many of the, already limited, brands offering electric bikes don't make them available in the UK at all. For those in the UK that leaves the Cube Acid 240 Hybrid Rookie Pro as one of the only options available.
The Cube Acid 240 Hybrid Rookie Pro might be pretty much all that's available right now but it's a solid choice. The electric system builds off a Bosch mid-drive system. It's often considered the best electric bike system on the market and in this case while power output scales for a smaller bike, the power to weight should be similar to adult bikes.
If you like the idea of riding with your kid, they will have the same power to shred trails as you. If they have to push it there's a walk mode that will help with the added weight of the bike also.
How to choose
There's a lot to think about when choosing the best kids' bike for your child. That starts with sizing, but where they'll ride, weight and adjustability as they grow are all important considerations.
Here's our guide to how to choose the best kids' bikes for your children.
Getting the correct size kids' bike is vital to your child's enjoyment, with the obvious caveat being children grow rapidly. Obviously, if you buy a bike that is far too big then they might not be able to reach the pedals or bars, but the size of the bike also affects its handling, and the wrong size could be difficult to control.
Most brands will have their own sizing charts to help you decide which size you should be buying. However, here is a quick guide to help you out based on the size of the bike’s wheels:
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Wheel sizeAgeBalance Bikes18 months - 5 years12-inchUnder 414-inch3+16-inch4+20-inch5+24-inch8+26-inch10+The geometry of kids’ bikes is also changing. Just like adult bikes, those with shorter wheelbases will be more responsive, even feeling slightly twitchy. With younger or more inexperienced children especially, you should consider bikes with more relaxed, longer wheelbases relative to their size. This will make the bike feel more settled, helping your kid to learn how to balance their bike and develop their skills.
Obsessing over the weight of bikes might be the preserve of road cyclists, but it surely matters even more for children. Given their size, a small difference in the weight of the bike could make a huge difference in how it feels and therefore to their enjoyment. Steel bikes might be cheaper, but aluminium ones will be much lighter, and perhaps more enjoyable.
Tyre width is also important. Wider tyres with more tread will offer more grip. That's useful for off-road riding but also adds rolling resistance. Wider tyres will also be heavier and bikes with wider tyres are typically built more robust, which is again heavier.
It's also worth considering how many gears they need, as again this can add weight. Children may not be heavy enough for suspension forks to work effectively and again they're a feature that adds extra weight.
The only thing more important than having fun on a bike is making sure you’re doing so safely.
In the US, kids’ bikes are required to come with coaster brakes at a minimum. For good reason, too; they’re virtually maintenance-free and intuitive for a child to use. You might want to look out for bikes which also have regular rim brakes though. Learning this action as a toddler will get them used to handling a bike in the same way they’ll need to as they grow up and start using larger bikes. They do require a certain amount of simple maintenance, but if you’re not comfortable with doing this it’ll only cost a small amount to have a shop do it for you.
Training wheels or stabilisers are still available, but much less popular than they were. In the short term, they might stop your child from toppling over, but they do little to teach them how to balance on a bike; that’s where the wonderful balance bikes do their magic. They allow kids to develop their balance and control on a bike whilst they still have the safety net of their feet on the ground before they move up to bikes with pedals.
To allow your child to get as much use of the bike as possible, look out for bikes that can be adjusted as they grow older. In particular, you’ll want a saddle that can be moved up or down and slide back and forth on rails, and handlebars that can be raised as needed.
The gearing on most children’s bikes is simple with the use of single-speed systems. However, there might be small variations in gearing that is used, with some bikes being more suited to the flat than hilly terrain. If you want a bike that can be used off-road or to go uphill, keep an eye out for easier gear ratios. Some of the larger kids' bikes will come with 6 or 8-speed gearing systems, and these should have the range of gears that your child needs to get them everywhere they want to go.
Most children’s bikes will come with tyres much wider than those you’ll find on a road bike. This will have the benefit of being more comfortable, offering more balance, and being grippier. Some bikes will come with solid tyres and whilst these will offer full puncture resistance, if you can, get air-filled tyres which will allow you to adjust the pressure in them depending on the kind of ground your child is riding on.
There's a temptation to economise on children's bikes, as they'll grow out of them so quickly.
But there are benefits to buying a quality kids' bike, even if it costs more. A more expensive model may be lighter and more robust and it may have components sized for use by smaller hands and shorter legs. Kids' body proportions are different from adults too, so a quality kids' bike will have a geometry designed to reflect that.
Although a quality kids' bike may look expensive, there's a ready market for used bikes and a quality brand may command a higher resale price. Many brands have a trade-up deal and there are kids' bike clubs that let you lease a bike for a monthly fee and trade up when they're ready for a larger bike.
For more information Custom Kids Bike, please get in touch with us!