Finding your child the best bike is not a simple feat. As parents, you want to make sure that your kids are having fun when they engage in activities other than watching TV and playing video games. Bikes come in various shapes and sizes, but when picking one out for a small child, there are a few unique factors that you should take into account.
To determine the appropriate size bike for your child, you must first determine how tall or large they are. It could be challenging to peddle and balance on a 16-inch bike if the child is too small for it. Remember that youngsters grow quickly, so make sure they have the appropriate size bike. After reviewing 33 different models, we came up with a list of top 7 picks, where the RoyalBaby Kids Freestyle Bike got our Editor’s Choice.
Other Features: anti-slip resin pedals, adjustable height, and angle, water bottle included
The RoyalBaby Kids Freestyle Bike is our Editor’s Choice as it is a reliable bike that can be customized for your child, which is just perfect for making the first steps in bike riding. With its adjustable handlebar and detachable training wheels, this bike assures your child will find the ideal position to have fun riding. Moreover, it’s possible to stop the bike both by your legs and hands and in combination with a solid steel build and anti-slip resin pedal, you won’t have to worry about your child falling off and getting hurt. It’s also handy that there’s an included water bottle, so you can let your small one ride for however long they want without the fear of dehydration.
RoyalBaby manufactures a broad range of children’s bicycles with various features. While this model includes many features that will keep your child safe, it only has one handlebar brake. The RoyalBaby 16-inch BMX Freestyle bike features two hand brakes for added safety and security but can be dangerous for kids-starters. So, our choice is the best when you want to teach your kid to ride a bike.
Other Features: height-adjustable, lightweight
Being our Premium Pick, the NiceC BMX Kids Bike with Dual Disc Brake incorporates everything that an adult bike does but in a smaller version for kids. Its carcass is fully made of steel, which only means that this bike is highly durable and will serve your child for many years to come. If your kid likes to ride on uneven roads or even off-road, there’s a helping dual suspension and hand brakes. The bike is also the most lightweight on our list at just 17 lbs, which makes it easy to maneuver. And, of course, you can adjust the seat to match your small one’s height.
Other models of NiceC bicycles for kids, such as the Nice C 20″ Bike, includes a sturdy kickstand for added convenience. However, this bike is also larger and it is more expensive. The lack of the kickstand can be a nuisance for owners of this bike and make it easier for the bicycle to become damaged.
Other Features: tool kit included, lightweight
The Outroad Kids Bike is made for kids ages 4 to 7. It incorporates a coaster brake, which is quite common for kids’ bikes and requires an intuitive backward pedal movement to stop. The material used in creating the frame is magnesium, allowing the bike to be lightweight, long-lasting, and easier to control. There’s also a tool kit, which can make your kid feel like he’s a professional mechanic by trying to fix his own vehicle that might develop a new hobby for them in the future. The bonus gloves can also make a difference in experience, providing comfort to the small arms so tightly gripping the handlebar while maneuvering.
The Outroad Kids Bike is an excellent choice for younger kids, but it is not recommended for children over the age of 7, so it’s perfect for young beginners. The Outroad brand has other bikes available, including their 18-inch version that is suitable for kids ages 3 to 9 years of age.
Other Features: saddle handle, chain guard, number plate included, 1 speed
The Koen bike by Schwinn is ideal for young boys that are just entering the world of bike riding as it includes training wheels. Created with younger riders in mind, this bike features both coaster and caliper brakes, making the transition to an adult hand-brake-only control much smoother. The protective chain guard and number plate ensure your kid will be safe and sound every time they ride on their own. Moreover, you won’t have to sweat when it arrives – the unit comes completely assembled, having you only to attach training wheels if you need them. You can also adjust the seat height tool-free as your child grows, preparing them for a full-sized adult bicycle. However, the front hand brake might need a slight adjustment if it doesn’t stop the front wheel correctly.
If you have a girl, you might be considering a cuter design for her. Schwinn is an industry-leading brand, and they have wide different varieties of kid’s bikes available. That’s where the Schwinn Elm Bike comes in, available in fancy blue and pink color combo. It is also on our list as The Ideal for Girls pick, offering a handy front basket and other valuable features.
Other Features: saddle handle, chain guard, front basket
This fancy pink Elm bike by Schwinn is ready to tackle new challenges together with your kid. It offers narrower pedal positions that match the width of your small one’s hips, which allows for easier control and pedaling. The adjustable saddle and seat post add to this bike’s overall comfort. Moreover, this bike features both a front-hand brake and a rear coaster brake, making the transition between them smooth and effortless. The bike’s sturdy steel frame ensures it will serve you before your child grows out of it. Speaking of which, this 16-inch bike is recommended for children from 3 to 5 years old or from 38 to 48 inches tall, so it might be too small for your child if they are a bigger one.
This bike made by Schwinn is an excellent choice if you are looking for a lightweight bicycle. However, The Schwinn Elm is a girl’s bike, while the Koen is a boy’s bike. Unlike the Schwinn Koen Bike, which is The Perfect for Boys, this bicycle has a front basket so your child can take a water bottle or a snack for a long ride.
Other Features: front and rear reflectors, a bell, lightweight
Coming in mint green color with brown details, this bike is one of the sleekest looking models on our list. Besides the looks, it is just perfect for beginners with the training wheels included in the package. The bike also comes with front and rear reflectors and a bell for added safety. Its intuitive rear coaster brake makes it almost impossible for your child to fall. Moreover, the durable steel frame Is backed by a lifetime warranty, as the manufacturer is 100% sure it will sustain your child’s learning process with ease. However, the training wheels might be a little heavy and limit the bike control.
JOYSTAR has a wide range of children’s bikes available. Some users have found that the seat on this bike is too short. If that is the case, JOYSTAR also makes 12-inch and 14-inch bikes, such as the JOYSTAR Pluto bike designed for boys and girls that is ideal for 3 to 4-year-olds.
Other Features: lifetime warranty on a frame and fork
The Dynacraft Hot Wheels Kids Bike is just perfect for youngster rebels that are dreaming of a cool bike. With a fancy signature Hot Wheels frame finish, the steel BMX frame and fork of this bike are backed by a lifetime warranty, ensuring a safe ride every single time. The coaster and front-hand brakes will provide the smoothest rides possible and almost eliminate the fear of falling. Moreover, there’s a fancy turbo rev grip with sounds and lights on the handlebar that will give your child miles of fun riding. The padded saddle adds up more to the comfort of this bike. And, of course, what’s a kids bike without the training wheels that integrate the child into the world of bike riding?
However, the assembly is more complicated than you could’ve thought. Some of the bikes on our list, like the Schwinn Koen Bike, come fully preassembled, with the only need to attach the training wheels, whereas this bike requires additional tools to fit the front wheel into the fork. There’s also no kickstand present, so it might be hard to park the bike sometimes.
It might be challenging to choose a 16-inch bike, especially if you need to become more familiar with all the specifications and features. Finding a reputable model that will live up to your and your child’s expectations might be difficult because there are so many brands and models available. However, by creating this buying guide, we are here to assist you and make your duty simpler.
It’s quite common for newcomers and young learners to start with a rigid suspension on any type of bike. This basically means that a bike won’t have any suspension at all and won’t provide any softening on uneven terrain. Such bikes are the best in case you want your kid to ride in an upright position, as there’s no additional help from the bike to sustain the road bumps besides the child’s body weight.
There are a lot of bikes that provide both comfort and convenience for kids during their rides. However, you need to look for the best of the best possible. With so many options, the choice won’t be a problem if you follow our guidelines on what exactly makes a 16-inch bike stand out.
For those just entering the world of bike riding, the weight of a bike will be especially crucial. The lighter the bicycle is, the easier it will be for your child to ride uphill, pick it up to cross the street, or get it inside their homes.
16-inch bikes offer various frame heights based on your preferences and needs. There are 16-inch mountain bikes specifically designed to be lightweight at up to 18 pounds, for example. Moreover, there are 16-inch sport bikes with featherweight aluminum frames that won’t get more than 25 pounds.
Bikes with training wheels are the first step in learning how to ride, as it could be hard for a small one to get on two wheels even after many desperate tries. However, the wheels usually come from the main bike body, so the parents should attach them beforehand. After some time of practicing pedaling with training wheels and raising a child’s confidence level, it’s time to detach them unless it will be hard for a kid to balance and coordinate their movement.
Traditional kids’ bikes include two types of brake systems: dual, which consists of a front caliper (hand) brake and a rear coaster brake, and single, which usually is just a rear coaster brake. The big difference is that a dual system will prepare the child for an adult bike by making the transmission to hand brakes more accessible.
As children grow rapidly, the requirement for a seat height is quite simple – it must be adjustable, so that young riders or their parents would be able to change its height during the child’s growth. So, make sure to choose a bike with an adjustable seat. Though, getting your child a bigger bike is inevitable. If you are searching for such bicycles, take a look at our guide on the best kids’ 24-inch bikes.
As we already stated above, most kids’ bikes are equipped with rigid suspensions. It means practically no rest on the bumpy roads, perfect for your kid to maintain an upright position. However, some models incorporate a front suspension, as it offers more protection and minimizes the shock to the child’s wrists. There are also bikes with dual suspension that provides maximum safety and comfort for a challenging ride.
Almost all the options on our list have a steel frame, which is a safe choice for beginners. They are more durable and stronger than aluminum ones. However, aluminum is very lightweight, resulting in better maneuvering and control. There’s also a magnesium option, which basically combines all the pros of aluminum and steel. Some of the best BMX bikes for kids also boast their steel frames, as these bikes need to be almost unbreakable.
A kids’ bike can also include bonus features like a kickstand, a bottle holder, and a basket. The first makes the parking process extremely easy, with no need to rest the bike next to something firm and risk scratching the paint up. A bottle holder is essential if you can’t keep your child away from the bicycle. In this case, they can spend a lot of time riding while always being hydrated. A basket is a good feature for commuter bikes, allowing your kid to carry school supplies or small groceries.
As your child learns the fundamentals of riding a bike, training wheels are necessary. They allow your kid to get used to pedaling process and build up the needed confidence. When they are able to confidently balance and control while pedaling forward, you may detach the training wheels. From now on, choosing a low-traffic area Trusted Source Kids and Bicycle Safety Bicycle riding is fun, healthy, and a great way to be independent. But it is important to remember that a bicycle is not a toy; it’s a vehicle! one.nhtsa.gov for your kid to begin riding in circles around some object is best. This will further boost their confidence and allow them to ride without the fear of falling. Afterward, you can start practicing other stuff like turning and using brakes. There are also some great options for first-timers in our article about the best first bikes for 3-year-olds.
[vc_tta_section i_icon_fontawesome=”” add_icon=”true” tab_id=”1532493545718-4b818f7f-d1b90b10-93ffbae3-f08b1efd-4f62693c-e95a” title=”Is it possible to ride through rough terrains on a 16-inch bike?”]It’s not about the wheel size but more about the suspension and wheels. Usually, 16-inch bikes offer thinner wheels which provide less stability on rough terrains. So, if you want to ride on uneven roads, opt for a bike with at least a front suspension that will give more comfort to the arms and make the bike easier to control.[/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section i_icon_fontawesome=”” add_icon=”true” tab_id=”1532500949428-8184b6aa-b1bd0b10-93ffbae3-f08b1efd-4f62693c-e95a” title=”How can I teach my child to ride a bike?”]
[/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section i_icon_fontawesome=”” add_icon=”true” tab_id=”1642658275622-68c9c98e-1653″ title=”What kind of bike should I buy for my son/daughter, who is already experienced in biking?”]If your kid has bicycle experience, consider a model with at least a front suspension and great brakes. Usually, kids that are already familiar with bikes choose more extreme routes and terrains for their rides, so the front suspension is a requirement that provides more comfort to their arms and back. Great brakes are a safety feature; the more accessible and reliable they are – the better.[/vc_tta_section]
Based on our conclusion, the best model is the RoyalBaby Kids Freestyle Bike. While its flexible handlebar and detachable training wheels provide the optimal riding position for your child, the bike’s reliable steel frame and anti-slip resin pedals let your child obtain control and stability.
The NiceC BMX Kids Bike with Dual Disc Brake takes second place in our top. It is a competent bike that offers all the adult bike features while being adapted in size for kids. It offers a sturdy steel build for reliability and control.
Those looking for the best ratio of price and quality may consider the Outroad Kids Bike. Best suited for children from 4 to 7, it offers excellent value for money, thanks to the included tool kit and gloves that your kid can use for riding with higher comfort.
Every model on our list of the best 16-inch bikes is worth looking into, and we ensure that you will be content with your decision.
