Make sure their feet are side by side, with both feet firmly on the floor and their heels touching the wall. Allow your child to keep their shoes on, as they will be wearing them when they ride the bike.
Keep in mind that kid’s bikes are measured by the size of the wheels, not the frame height. Bikes for toddlers usually range from 12 and 16 inches. In general, 12-inch wheels are designed for children 36-40 inches tall, 16-inch wheels are for children 41-49 inches tall, and 20-inch wheels are for children 50-56 inches tall.
You can easily determine your child’s inseam measurement if they try the bike before you purchase it. But if you are buying a bike without your toddler, you will need to measure their inseam.
Keep in mind that toddlers with an inseam up to 18 inches and a height up to 40 inches need a bicycle with 12-inch wheels. Toddlers who have an inseam up to 18 inches and are taller than 40 inches need 16-inch wheels.
If you are purchasing a used bike, use a yardstick or measuring tape to measure the diameter of the tire. Start on the outside of the tire and pull the measuring tape straight across until you get to the other side of the tire–the number on your measuring tape with be the tire’s diameter. Use your child’s height and inseam measurements to find the right diameter size for the wheels. You can also access a size chart online[1] X Research source to determine the right wheel diameter for your child, based on their age.
If your child is older, but short for their age, choose a bicycle with 16-inch wheels. Older children have longer legs and arms, so a smaller bike will be awkward for them to use.
When the pedals are in the up position, your child’s thighs should be horizontal and not stick out.
Your child should be able to sit upright and be close to the handlebars but their knees should not hit the handlebars when they pedal. [2] X Research source Your child should also be able to comfortably place both hands on the grip pads and have enough movement to turn easily. [3] X Research source
Some bikes come with quick-release adjustments, so adjustments can be made without needing any tools, but this also makes it easier for bike parts to be removed and stolen. Other bikes come with a traditional adjustment system, which can require basic tools or special parts that are often included with the bike. Check to see what type of adjustment system is on your child’s bike and look for one that matches your adjustment preferences.
Don’t be afraid to ask the seller questions about how old the bike is and if it has been in any major crashes. Used bikes are best if they are on their newer side (only a few years old) and haven’t been in any major crashes. If the bike doesn’t fit or isn’t in a safe condition, walk away and look for a better option. Used bikes are sometimes stolen merchandise being resold. If you are suspicious that the used bike might be stolen, look for the serial number, which is usually located underneath the main support post. Contact the police department or search the internet with the serial number and description of the bike to see if any stolen bike reports matching the number appear.
If your child can’t fulfill these requirements, try a smaller size bike or adjust the seat so it is on a lower setting.
They can be used by children as young as 18 months old.
Training wheels should be attached next to the rear wheel and should start flush with the ground. As your child gets more comfortable balancing on the bike, you can raise the training wheels, which will force them to balance on their own. Often, toddlers that start with balance bikes can skip the training wheel phase or go through it quickly. [6] X Research source Keep an eye on your child to monitor their progress and comfort levels.
Most bikes come with hand brakes when they are have 16 inch wheels and bigger, which the average child will fit into when they are 6-7 years old. [8] X Trustworthy Source University of Rochester Medical Center Leading academic medical center in the U. S. focused on clinical care and research Go to source Make sure the brakes can be activated quickly and have the power to stop the bike. Have your child test the brakes, and then test them yourself with a hand or foot to see how quickly they react.
Once your child becomes a more confident rider, you can experiment with bikes for different types of terrain. All children should learn to ride a bike on a flat, even surface, like cement. If your child will be riding on dirt roads or cobblestone paths, look for a bike with larger shocks for a more comfortable ride. For best results and personal recommendations, consult a biking professional at a sporting goods or biking store.
Steel bikes are still safe, but can be slightly more difficult to maneuver and are heavier if your child crashes and gets trapped under their bike.
A helmet is only effective if it fits your child’s head properly. The right helmet will rest just above your child’s eyebrows and sit level around their entire head. It shouldn’t move around on their head when shaken, and the strap should be snug but still allow your child room to move their mouth and talk. Helmets that are designed specifically for biking are best, but your child can also wear a helmet designed for another activity, like rollerblading or skateboarding, as long as it fits them properly.
Most pad sets are sold according to the height, age, and weight of a child. Use the same measurements you took for correct bike sizing to choose the correct pad size. Have your child try the pads on to ensure they are comfortable. You also ask a store employee to help you with sizing and material recommendations for safety gear.
