Why Balance Bikes Are The Best Way To Give A Child Their First Riding Experience

Learning how to ride bikes is a precious and unforgettable memory. Many had their first experience on a bike with training wheels, which was an awesome way for kids to learn. Technology has changed since then, which means people need to adapt.

Balance bikes are the new way to learn how to ride a bike, and they have some big advantages over the training wheels of the old days. And let’s be honest — watching a toddler cruising around on a balance bike is rather adorable.

Explore what you need to know about balance bikes in Australia and how they can help your child learn to ride a bike quickly. Shop our balance bikes now!

What is a balance bike?

A balance bike, or push bike, is a little bike without pedals designed for young children. These bikes only have two wheels and can be used by children as young as 18 months. Often, these balance bikes are used by toddlers to learn to balance before they can ride an actual bike. This step allows them to confidently skip training wheels later on.

Why balance bikes are better for kids than training wheels

Besides the fact that balance bikes are fun and kids have a great time using them, balance bikes help kids grow, mature and learn new skills.

• Helps with gross motor skills
  Balance bikes for toddlers help develop gross motor skills, including hand-eye coordination. Learning balance and coordination at a young age helps prevent injury and provides a foundation for developing fine motor skills in preschool. Learning to balance also strengthens a child’s core muscles, encouraging them to have a solid core foundation and good posture.
• Teaches independence
  A balance bike teaches kids to ride independently and gives them the freedom to explore. These bikes can go virtually anywhere. Kids can walk or ride them, allowing them to adventure alongside their parents. Balance bikes in Australia can help children learn about their natural surroundings and the great outdoors!
• It’s a fantastic exercise
  Even young kids need exercise throughout the day. Childhood obesity and physical inactivity have increased in recent years. This is a great way to get kids used to exercise and to live an active and healthy lifestyle. Some young kids can ride a kilometre or two on their bikes with just a bit of practice! This also helps burn off that never-ending energy stream that toddlers seem to have.
• Develop self-confidence
  Every time a child pushes off on their balance bike, ‘jumps’ a twig, balances on a ‘ledge’ or coasts further than the last time, they know they have accomplished something big. They beam with pride, and that pride gives them a sense of winning and the confidence to keep going and trying new things.
• No training wheels — ever!
  When kids are ready to move up to riding a bike, they won’t need to use a pair of training wheels. The balance bike has already done all the work. It teaches the child to balance while sitting and in motion, which is honestly the hardest part of learning to ride a bike.
  
  Balance bikes teach kids how to steer and go around objects in the way, and what will happen if they don’t. To ride a balance bike, children need to learn to control the wheel and stop without falling over. They need to shift their weight and lean into a turn.
  
  The only thing that is left is teaching a child how to pedal, and that’s the easy part. Spend 10 minutes going over a few basics on how to switch from a balance bike to a pedal bike, and a child is off. No tears, no falls and no training wheels!

Shop our collection of balance bikes now.

Discover the best balance bikes for kids

Hopefully, you are ready to run out and grab your toddler a balance bike, but before you do, there are a few things you should consider. The best balance bikes for your kids will depend on what you are using the bike for. Are you going to be in town or out exploring the wilderness?

You may want to consider a balance bike with off-roading tyres if you’re in the Australian Outback. These bikes have an easier time on trails or on the grass than a bike with regular tyres.

You can also get balance bikes for sale with or without handbrakes. If they are using a balance bike in the city, you may want to consider a smooth handbrake for increased safety.

Shop our balance bikes for sale at RideOns today 

Get your child started today with the idea of being independent and mobile. Shop our collection of balance bikes in Australia to find the perfect fit for your child. If you feel your child isn’t quite ready for a balance bike, we also have a great collection of motorbikes that can help them balance and non-motorised options for the really young ones!