Balance bikes are becoming more and more popular among children nowadays. Many parents believe that these balance bikes provide better results than conventional training wheels.
However, your child won’t get the most benefit out of the balance bike unless it’s a quality one. In this post, we’ll show you the best balance bikes you can get as gifts for 2-year-olds.
9 Best Balance Bikes
At a Glance:
- Bixe Balance Bike (Best Overall)
- Eilsorrn 3 in 1 Toddler Balance Bike (Great Versatility)
- KRIDDO Toddler Balance Bike (Highly Resistant Wheels)
- Maydolly Baby Balance Bike (Best for Young Kids)
- SIMEIQI Lightweight Sport Balance Bike (Highly Adjustable)
- Little Tikes My First Balance-to-Pedal Bike (Great for Pedalling Practice)
- Strider – 12 Sport Kids Balance Bike (Great Safety and Upgradability)
- Radio Flyer Air Ride Balance Bike (Budget Bike)
- Hiboy BK1 Electric Bike (Effortless Balance bike)
Getting a balance bike for your toddler will help exercise their motor skills and physical strength.
Now let’s take you to see the best balance bikes in the market today.
- Bixe Balance Bike (Best Overall)
Our Take
All in all, the Bixe balance bike is a solid choice with only the best features suited for toddlers.
| Best For | Overall |
| Price | Click to Reveal |
We start off our list with one of the better-built balance bikes in the market: the Bixe balance bike.
Product Specs
- Weight: 4 pounds
- Wheel Size: 12 inches
- Frame Material: Lightweight aluminum frame
Product Description
Balance bikes aren’t meant to stay around for a long time, which is why you might run into multiple poorly built ones. Fortunately, the Bixe balance bike isn’t among them.
This easy-to-control, lightweight frame bike provides an easy experience for young riders starting from 24 months old. The two wheels, both sized 12 inches, provide great traction on the ground, which is essential for keeping balance over slippery surfaces.
Bixe also comes with an adjustable seat that you can tweak from 11–17 inches and an adjustable handlebar to suit every taste.
All in all, the Bixe balance bike is a solid choice with only the best features suited for toddlers.
Pros
- High-quality build that ensures durability
- Large wheels for high traction
Cons
- Some users reported some squeaky wheel sounds
- Eilsorrn 3 in 1 Toddler Balance Bike (Great Versatility)
Our Take
The one minor inconvenience of this balance bike is how heavy it is for a child. With a weight of almost 10 pounds, handling it can be a handful for your toddler.
| Best For | Great Versatility |
| Price | Click to Reveal |
Are you looking for a highly versatile bike that can run with training wheels and pedals if needed? The Eilsorrn toddler balance bike can be a great choice.
Product Specs
- Weight: 9.3 pounds
- Wheel Size: 10.6 inches
- Frame Material: Lightweight alloy steel
Product Description
Balance bikes are great starter bikes, but some kids might still find it difficult to keep themselves balanced, even with those thick balance bike tires.
That’s where training wheels can be helpful, especially if they can be attached and detached as needed. If your child is having trouble, the Eilsorrn comes with two training wheels that you can install for them to practice with. Then, whenever you see progress, you may remove them again.
You can hasten the process by installing the pedals which can help your toddler transition from a balance bike to a regular bike.
The one minor inconvenience of this balance bike is how heavy it is for a child. With a weight of almost 10 pounds, handling it can be a handful for your toddler.
Pros
- A highly versatile balance bike that can even be modified into a pedal bike
- Comes with two training wheels
Cons
- A little heavy for a child
- KRIDDO Toddler Balance Bike (Highly Resistant Wheels)
Our Take
The grips are made of rubber to protect against sweaty hand slipping, and the steering limiter prevents oversteering to protect your child from falling.
| Best For | Highly Resistant Wheels |
| Price | Click to Reveal |
Do your kids often run their bikes over objects or toys at home? Puncture-resistant balance bikes, like the KRIDDO bike, could be the solution.
Product Specs
- Weight: 8.18 pounds
- Wheel Size: 12 inches
- Frame Material: Carbon steel
Product Description
Air tires are often a problem for indoor riding where many toys and objects could be lying around. However, that’s no longer a problem with KRIDDO’s extra-thick all-terrain tires. These tires will withstand your child’s weight and allow him to use the bike outdoors as well.
This balance bike also comes with a footrest where your child can rest his feet to learn how to balance, making the KRIDDO one of the best balance bikes to transit into regular bike riding.
The grips are made of rubber to protect against sweaty hand slipping, and the steering limiter prevents oversteering to protect your child from falling.
Keep in mind that the large wheels combined with the steering limiter can be bothersome for children who like to make tight maneuvers.
Pros
- Puncture-resistant tires to enhance the longevity of the balance bike
- It comes with a footrest for the child’s legs to rest on
Cons
- The limited steering can be annoying for some kids
- Maydolly Baby Balance Bike (Best for Young Kids)
Our Take
The bike itself is designed to look like a colored pencil, which is an intriguing appearance for your baby’s curiosity.
| Best For | Young Kids |
| Price | Click to Reveal |
If you want your child to start the cycling journey as young as possible, the Maydolly is the best balance bike for the job.
Product Specs
- Weight: 4.6 pounds
- Wheel Size: N/A
- Frame Material: Aluminum frame
Product Description
The Maydolly Baby is a toddler bike that can do wonders in boosting your baby’s balance, self-confidence, and leg strength. This bike can be used for toddlers as young as 10 months old.
It comes with four wheels and a limited 135° steering to prevent accidents. Moreover, the seat is covered with leather to provide a good grip and maximum riding comfort.
The bike itself is designed to look like a colored pencil, which is an intriguing appearance for your baby’s curiosity.
Keep in mind that, despite its safety, you still need to be around your child whenever they are using the bike.
It’s also worth noting that your baby will outgrow this balance bike a lot sooner than other balance bikes, making some wonder if it’s worth the price.
Pros
- Can be used for young toddlers down to 10 months old
- Designed with limited steering, four wheels, and a grippy seat for maximum safety
Cons
- Your child will outgrow it fast
- SIMEIQI Lightweight Sport Balance Bike (Highly Adjustable)
Our Take
Easy to assemble with puncture-proof polymer tires.
| Best For | Highly Adjustable |
| Price | Click to Reveal |
If you want a balance bike that’s easy to assemble and adjust to fit most toddlers, the SIMEIQI can be a great choice.
Product Specs
- Weight: 6.3 pounds
- Wheel Size: 12 inches
- Frame Material: Carbon steel frame
Product Description
The SIMEIQI is a great balance bike that can adjust to your toddler as he grows up and can be modified to suit multiple riders.
As a start, it’s one of the easier balance bikes on our list to assemble. The instructions in the manual are clear, and putting the whole thing together shouldn’t take you more than 15 minutes.
It features an adjustable seat post to suit various heights, and the handlebar can also be vertically adjusted for maximum comfort.
The frame is made from carbon steel which is both lightweight and durable. You can also say goodbye to those air tires as the SIMEIQI is made from EVA high-quality polymer tires that basically don’t puncture.
The one issue that some people might dislike with this bike is its height, which settles at 6.4 inches. The chair and handlebar adjustment should be enough to fix this, but extra tall kids may not find this balance bike suitable.
Pros
- Easy to assemble with puncture-proof polymer tires
- Adjustable seat and handle for different heights and sizes
Cons
- It can feel too short to taller kids
- Little Tikes My First Balance-to-Pedal Bike (Great for Pedalling Practice)
The My First Balance-to-Pedal balance bike is a fantastic option if you want to teach your child how to pedal without having to install the pedals yourself.
Product Specs
- Weight: 9.97 Pounds
- Wheel Size: 12 Inches
- Frame Material: Alloy Steel Frame
Product Description
Most people use balance bikes to give young toddlers confidence in being on a bike, easing the learning process of using pedal bikes later. However, most balance bikes come without pedals, and those that do require manual installation and removal of those pedals whenever needed.
My First Balance-to-Pedal facilitates the whole process by providing your toddler with retractable pedals. Whenever you feel that your child is ready to try pedaling, just stick them out and allow them to start practicing.
If the process doesn’t go so well, you can instantly fold in those pedals until your child is ready to try again.
Additionally, you get foam tires made from EVA that won’t go flat. Those foam tires excel in resisting those small toys the kids sometimes run over, making the bike excellent for home use.
Much like the SIMEIQI, you can adjust both the seat post and the handlebar to suit your child. However, the adjustment doesn’t go as high as the SIMEIQI, which makes this bike a poor choice for tall kids.
Pros
- It can be used as a pedal bike or a balance bike as needed
- It features puncture-proof tires
Cons
- The height adjustability isn’t enough for taller kids
- Strider – 12 Sport Kids Balance Bike (Great Safety and Upgradability)
It’s hard to compose a list of balance bikes without including Strider bikes. Our pick for this list is the 12 Sport Kids Balance Bike.
Product Specs
- Weight: 6.7 pounds
- Wheel Size: 12 inches
- Frame Material: Alloy steel frame
Product Description
This Strider balance bike somewhat bridges the design gap between balance bikes for 2-year-olds and pedal bikes. It may rely on coaster brakes and lack pedals, but it has the safety features and design aesthetics of an actual bike.
For example, the mini grips have safety pads to protect the hands from collisions. The handlebar itself is covered with a large safety pad to minimize the damage from those accidental head bumps.
Both the handlebars and the seats are adjustable to various heights. You can also customize the bike with bigger wheels to accommodate your child growing up, which gives the bike a longer duration than most bikes on this list. However, this is purely a balance bike. No pedal kits will fit this one.
With everything mentioned above, you should expect a more expensive price tag. This Strider bike is almost double the weight of any balance bike we’ve mentioned so far.
Pros
- Enhanced safety features to provide a stress-free ride
- Highly customizable and the assembly is tool-free
Cons
- It’s not compatible with any pedal kit
- Radio Flyer Air Ride Balance Bike (Budget Bike)
Are you getting tired of those hefty price tags? The Radio Flyer is a budget balance bike that can meet your needs without breaking the bank.
Product Specs
- Weight: 8.16 pounds
- Wheel Size: 12 inches
- Frame Material: Alloy steel frame
Product Description
The Radio Flyer is one of the cheapest balance bikes on the market. It provides your child with just about anything he’ll need from a balance bike without compromising quality.
As a start, you get a highly-durable steel frame that’s just as good as the more expensive balance bikes. There’s also an adjustable seat post to accommodate kids of different sizes.
Also, the handlebar comes with a cute little bell to add to the child’s excitement.
Radio Flyer comes with 12-inch air tires that can take the bike to any terrain, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. However, care should be taken to avoid sharp objects as they can puncture the tires.
The one thing we didn’t like about this bike was the handlebar. The non-adjustable handlebar can make it tough for some kids to navigate with it correctly.
Pros
- A budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on quality.
- The air tires make the bike lightweight and easy to use.
Cons
- The non-adjustable handlebar can make steering a bit difficult
- Hiboy BK1 Electric Bike (Effortless Balance bike)
The Hiboy BK1 is a unique balance bike powered by an electric motor.
Product Specs
- Weight: 17.6 pounds
- Wheel Size: 12 inches
- Frame Material: Aluminum frame
Product Description
The Hiboy BK1 is an electric bike that can cruise your child around for a speed of up to 9 miles per hour. This bike is the most expensive of the balance bikes on this list, but it takes striding out of the equation so your child can focus on balance.
The starting mechanism is simple; the child just needs to push the bike forward, and it’ll start accelerating on its own. The rider can then put his feet flat on the rest and cruise around.
The handlebar comes with a push start button, acting as a power switch. It stops the motor from starting accidentally whenever the bike is pushed forward. This makes it suitable for indoor use, as your kid can just play with it without the motor.
Hiboy also features a front V brake and an e-brake in the rear wheel, allowing the rider to decelerate quickly even at top speed.
The Hiboy is an overall great electric bike, but it’s one of the larger balance bikes out there, which can make storage a little bit of a hassle. It’s also nowhere near a lightweight balance bike, as it weighs a hefty 17.6 pounds.
Pros
- High-quality design with an electric motor for hours of fun
- A safety push start option to stop the motor from starting by accident
Cons
- A bulky, heavy bike that can be hard to transport and store
What Should You Look For in Balance Bikes
Here’s what to keep in mind before visiting your local bike shop:
Durability
It’s true that balance bikes won’t stick around for long years, but that doesn’t mean you should settle for a low-quality build.
A durable balance bike that doesn’t break easily ensures your child’s safety and can save you a decent amount of money if you have another child on the way.
Aim for aluminum or steel alloy bikes, as they provide the best longevity.
Adjustability
A versatile bike that offers adjustable handlebars and seats provide maximum comfort while writing.
Not all balance bikes allow adjustment for both the seat and the handlebar, but they should at least allow you to adjust the seat.
If the bike doesn’t allow you to adjust either, it may not be the best choice for your child.
Customization Options
A balance bike has fewer customization options than a regular pedal bike, but it should nevertheless provide some versatility.
For example, some balance bikes allow you to install supporting wheels and/or pedals. If you manage to land one of those, you’ll provide more options to your child.
Tires
The tires in balance bikes aren’t extreme. Most of them are standardized around 12 inches, but they often differ in the filling materials. Some of them are air tires, while others are foam tires.
Air tires are lightweight and are easier to push around. Meanwhile, foam tires can be more durable, but they’re generally heavy and harder to push around.
The Bottom Line
The best balance bike suitable for your child is hard to pinpoint, but we hope our list of the nine best balance bikes available on the market right now will help you decide.
If you don’t want a hassle, go for the Bixe if you want a bike that ticks most of the checkboxes. The Eilsorrn, SIMEIQI, and Strider Sport can give all the customization options and tools necessary for your child to learn how to balance quickly.
If your child is younger than 12 months, the Maydolly four-wheel bike is a great choice. Also, don’t forget about the Radio Flyer, the best budget bike on our list.
Last but not least, if your child wants some speed, go for the Hiboy BK1 electric bike.
