Perhaps you’re looking at the market for bicycles for your toddlers or older kids. We’re going to introduce the best kids’ bikes in a ranking format, and you can even see the advantages and price of each kids' bicycle. We’re also going to tell you how to choose a children’s bike with our helpful buying guide—with comments and tips from pediatrician Dr. Joanna Cuayo-Estanislao.
Quick List - Top Kids' Bicycles
Dr. Joanna Pamela Cuayo-Estanislao is a pediatrician and child health specialist based in Metro Manila. Doc Joey is passionate about health education and empowering families to become informed advocates of their children's health and wellness. She uses social media to educate and raise awareness about important issues and topics in the field of pediatrics and child care.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
Aside from that, you should also consider the height of the child. Even if the kid is already at the right age, they might not have the right height. Choose a bike that allows the rider to plant their feet firmly on the ground when needed. The child should also find it easy to kick their feet off the ground to move the bike forward.
Most children, developmentally, learn how to ride a tricycle at three years old and how to ride a bike between 4 and 7 years old. Parents should choose a bike that allows the child to be able to touch both feet on the ground while seated. When standing, there should only be a few inches between the top center bar of the bike and the child’s inner groin or crotch area.
Kids' bikes are sized diffferently from adult bikes. Adult bikes are sized based on frame size while kids' bikes are sized based on wheel size. Your child's age and height should correlate with the bike size. Measuring your child's inseam is the best way to fit a bike for them.
You might be tempted to buy a bicycle that is one size bigger, so your child can use it longer, but it can be dangerous and frustrating to them if you do this. Take a look at these different sizes of kids' bikes that can fit your child's needs.
A bike with 14" wheels is recommended for kids aged 3-4. If your child's inseam is around 16" to 20" and has a height between 3"1' to 3"7', this one is ideal. It usually comes with training wheels, making it easier for your child to start learning how to ride a bike. You child can learn how to use the pedals and ride on their own using this bike.
Kids of this age are usually safer and can more appropriately use three-wheeled bikes or bicycles with training wheels. Do not push your child to ride a 2-wheeled bike until they are ready, at about age 5.
As your child gets bigger, his or her bike may not be the appropriate size anymore, or maybe your child is just starting to learn but is bigger than the other kids. You can get your child a bike with 16" wheels if this is the case. This is good for children aged 4 to 5 and is 3"7' to 4" tall. If your child's inseam is between 18"-22", you can buy this for him or her.
A bike with 20" wheels is a good choice for children aged 5 to 8. The seat height can be adjusted, so your child can ride it comfortably. It is important to measure your child's inseam to make sure that it is not too small or too big for them. You child's inseam should be between 22"-25", and their height should be 4"0' to 4"5'.
For your older kids, it is best to buy a bike with 24" wheels. This is ideal for children aged 7 to 12 and are 4"5' to 4"9' tall. Your child can use this for a long time, so you should buy one that has good quality and will last for years. This kind of bike has more complicated features since you can choose to buy specialized bikes, such as mountain bikes, road bikes, and BMX.
If your child is just learning how to ride a bike, it is important to consider which kind of bike is easy for them to practice their balance. Your child needs to be comfortable balancing his or her bike to avoid getting frustrated. It is not easy to learn how to balance, so choose an appropriate bike for your child.
The training wheels keep the bike balanced, so your child can learn how to pedal first. Bikes with training wheels can help children develop their leg muscles for pedaling. You can also put training wheels on your child's bike if they are not yet used to balancing. If your child is confident to ride, you can remove the training wheels.
A bike with training wheels can be used longer than a balance bike. However, since the training wheels keep the bike upright, your child may have a hard time learning how to balance. That is why a bike with training wheels is suitable for kids who have already learned to keep their balance.
Training wheels can help get your child get used to the feeling of pedaling their bike, but they may not be very helpful in teaching your child how to balance on the bike. You can have your child try bikes with training wheels to teach them how to pedal and also how to stop the bike.
Balance bikes have no pedals, so your child can first learn how to balance and steer. Your kids will not be scared of balancing using this bike because their feet are close to the ground, so they can avoid falling on the ground. Your child has to push off the ground using his or her feet to move forward.
You still need to consider the correct size of the balance bike for your child. Kids can easily outgrow their balance bikes after they learn how to balance and steer, so it is not for long term use. If you want your child to skip the use of training wheels, this bike is worth your money.
A balance bike allows a child to sit on their bike and scoot it along with their feet. As the child becomes increasingly comfortable with the feel of the bike, they tend to try to go faster and naturally begin to raise up their feet to allow some coasting. Balance bikes allow the child to feel the sensation of balancing a bike without the need to coordinate pedaling yet.
Also, many brakes require a reasonable amount of force for it to properly operate. It can become difficult for children between the ages of 2 to 4 years old to supply the necessary amount of force to operate the brake. It’s in this regard that there’s some merit to choosing a children’s bike without a brake.
Still, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t consider choosing a bicycle with a brake. There are some children’s bicycles that already have a similar structure to a standard bike. If you choose a model with a design close to the traditional bicycle, then consider purchasing a model with a brake found on the handle.
An appropriate size is still the most important feature of your child's bike. Younger children may not have the proper skills or coordination yet to safely use brakes (whether hand brakes or coaster brakes), and their safest means of stopping would be to place their feet firmly down on the ground.
Children’s bicycles that aren’t heavy making it easy for the child to put it back up in the event of a fall. As a result, it minimizes worry from parents, and it also lowers the risk of the kid getting badly hurt in the process.
Going for materials that are lightweight and durable is best for your kids. Lighter, more durable materials (ex. carbon, aluminum) allow your child to better maneuver the bike while also being able to withstand impacts and forces.
If your chosen bicycle doesn’t have a stand and want it to install one, you can get the stand as a separate purchase. Keep in mind there are different models of bicycle stands on the market like the rear kickstand and stationary stand.
Always choose parts that are appropriate for the bike, both in material and size. As much as possible, get parts from the same manufacturer. Ensure all movable and added parts are securely fastened, and routinely check for their snugness/fit.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Strider 14X Sport Bike | ![]() | A Balance Bike That You Can Convert to Pedal Bike | |
2 | RoyalBaby Freestyle Kids Bike 16" | ![]() | A Durable Bike for Your Beginner Biker | |
3 | Kiddimoto Balance Bike Super Junior Max | ![]() | A Kids’ Bicycle With Puncture Resistant Tires | |
4 | RoyalBaby Freestyle 18" Kids Bike | ![]() | A Beginner Bike With All the Features Your Child Needs | |
5 | RoyalBaby Flying Bear Full Suspension Kids Bike | ![]() | A Go-To Bike for Your Adventurous Kid | |
6 | Chicco Red Bullet First Bike | ![]() | A Bike That Helps Your Child Balance on Two Wheels | |
7 | RoyalBaby Freestyle Kids Bike | ![]() | BMX Style Bike for Your Older Kid | |
8 | Fushida W-Cool 20" Shimano 7-Speed Kids Mountain Bike with Disc Brake | ![]() | A Specialized Bike for Your Child Who Likes the Outdoors | |
9 | Strider Strider 12 Sport Balance Bike | ![]() | Durable in More Ways Than One | |
10 | RoyalBaby Little Swan Kids Bike | ![]() | A Bicycle With a Swan-Like Body Frame Perfect for Your Child |
If your child is learning how to ride a bike for the first time, this 2-in-1 bike suits your child's needs. This starts as a balance bike that can help your child with balancing and steering, which are the first things that should be learned first. Then, if your child has mastered these two skills, he or she can practice pedaling by attaching its Easy-Ride Pedal Conversion Kit.
This bike is recommended for kids aged 3-7 years. Its handlebars and seat are adjustable, so you can adjust them based on your child's height. It has 14 in. wheels with a steel frame and fork, so you can be sure that it is sturdy. With this bike, your child will have confidence and will develop their riding skills fast.
This beginner bike has everything your child needs to ride a bike. It is 95% assembled, and the remaining parts won't take much time to attach. It has a durable steel frame, so it can handle any ride from the road to the trail. Also, its two-brake system offers double safety, so you can have fewer worries when your child is riding this bike.
This is recommended for children 4-7 years old, and it has an adjustable seat that you can adjust to fit your child's height. If your child is confident of riding without training wheels, you can easily remove them. If you are looking for a bike that your child can use for years, this is a good choice.
This balance bike can help your child learn balancing and steering skills, which are important in learning how to ride a bike. Most children start learning from ages 3-5, so this bike is suitable for them before moving to the pedal bike. It is made of steel and has a padded seat for your child's comfort.
It has pneumatic tires, which make them puncture resistant. You do not have to worry about the tires getting flat, and your child can use it on different surfaces. The rear drum brake also helps your child practice how to stop while riding the bike.
This bicycle with a classic steel frame is durable enough to let your child ride it on any surface. It has a nice brake lever, which has the shortest grip length to fit the child's strength, so they can stop easily. If your child is between 6-9 years old, this is the recommended size to use.
Its seat also has a quick release, so you can adjust its height based on your child's height. The 2.4" wide pneumatic tires add more stability to the bike. An added feature that kids may like is its bottle holder, so they can place their water holder there. Everything your child needs is in this bike, so this is a good buy for you.
If your child is an adventurous one, this bike is the most suitable. It has front and rear suspensions to absorb shock and keep the tires on the ground for better control. If the road is uphill, downhill, or bumpy, the suspension will be of great help for your child. It also features aluminum rims with 2.4" wide knobby tires, so it is ideal for rough terrains and trails.
This bike has a chain guard that protects the bike chain, and at the same time, it prevents something from getting caught in the chain, leading to accidents. If your child is ready to ride without the training wheels, you can easily remove them. With all the features this bike has, your child will surely enjoy riding this one.
For your young one who is just starting to learn to ride a bike, this balance bike is recommended because of its ultralight metal, so your child will not struggle due to its weight. This can help your child learn how to balance and steer, which are necessary for him or her to ride two wheels.
This will also help your child transition smoothly to a bike with pedals. This bike is suitable for children aged 3-5 years and weighing up to 25 kgs. The seat is also adjustable, so your child can ride it comfortably. You can be sure of its quality because it is from a trusted brand for toddlers.
This bike is for your older child aged 8-12 years who is confident of riding a bicycle without the training wheels. The frame and handle are made of classic steel, making it sturdy and can be used on different surfaces. It also has a mudguard that can protect the rider from water or mud.
It also has bicycle accessories that your child will like, such as a bell, water bottle, and reflectors to keep him or her safe when riding. The kickstand keeps the bike upright, which is useful when you need to get off your bike to take a break. This does not include training wheels, but they can be bought separately.
If your child prefers off-road cycling, it is better to buy him or her a specialized bike like this mountain bike to suit your child's needs. This 20-inch mountain bike is ideal for your child with an active lifestyle. It is equipped with Shimano gear shifters and a rear derailleur, so you can be sure the quality is good.
The frame is made of hi-tensile steel, and the fork is made of suspension steel, which can absorb shock when the bike is used in trails, terrains, and dirt. This is 90% assembled, so all you need to do is attach the handlebar, front wheel, saddle, and pedals. Then, your child is good to go.
For your little girl who wants a bike with a fancy design, this is a good choice. It has a swan-like body frame and a feminine basket, which will be attractive for your child. This 12-inch bike is recommended for children aged 2-4 years. You always have to consider your kid's height, so you can be sure that you buy the correct bike size.
It also has pneumatic tires that are puncture resistant and add stability. The chain guard included can prevent things from getting stuck in the chain, so you do not have to worry about freak accidents. It also has a RoyalBaby exclusive brake lever that allows your child to brake efficiently.
Here are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by Dr. Joey Cuayo-Estanislao.
The most important part of cycling safely and properly is not the act of pedaling but learning how to balance and steer their bike. Training wheels do not help in learning to balance the bike. If balance bikes are available to you, I would recommend trying those instead so that your child can learn how to balance on the bike right away before moving on to the easier skills of pedaling and steering.
However, if balance bikes are not available, you can opt for bikes with training wheels for your child to first learn how to pedal, stop, and steer. Once they are comfortable with these skills, remove the training wheels so they can learn to balance on the bike.
Most kids are developmentally ready to learn how to ride a tricycle by 3 years of age and then are able to try bicycles by 4-5 years. Before graduating to a bicycle, first check if your child already has the skills, coordination, and balance to pedal. It's also important for your child to be able to follow instructions well. Biking is definitely a more complicated skill that requires not only good motor development but also good comprehension and critical thinking skills.
Be sure to teach your child to wear helmets whenever they ride scooters or tricycles, or even if they are a passenger on an adult's bike. If they learn to wear helmets whenever they ride something with wheels, it becomes a habit for a lifetime. Be sure to purchase bike helmets that are appropriately sized for your child. Just like with buying their bikes, it's best that your child is present when you buy their helmet so you can find one that best fits them.
Never allow your child to ride their bikes without their helmet on, whether it's for a short ride or a long ride, and whether you are just biking in your backyard or on the street. Younger children should also never bike at night; biking at night requires different skills than biking during the daytime and may pose several dangers and risks to younger children.
Your child should never ride against traffic; they should always ride on the same side as traffic if they are biking by the road. Riding against traffic confuses or surprises drivers, with around one-fourth of bicycle-car collisions resulting from bicyclists riding against traffic.
Riding a bike is a great and fun activity for your children, especially if done safely. It's important for your child to know and follow the following basic bike safety rules once they are old enough and are starting to learn how to ride their bike:
To have a better experience riding a bike, it is nice to have some riding gear for you and your child. Aside from looking cool with your riding gear, you can be safe when riding a bike. Take a look at these accessories that you can use when going on a ride.
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Strider|14X Sport Bike
No. 2: RoyalBaby|Freestyle Kids Bike 16"
No. 3: Kiddimoto|Balance Bike Super Junior Max
No. 4: RoyalBaby|Freestyle 18" Kids Bike
No. 5: RoyalBaby|Flying Bear Full Suspension Kids Bike
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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