Bike riding is one of the best ways for kids to remain active while having fun. Kids have bikes specifically meant for them so they can enjoy their childhood bike-riding experience. The bikes also enhance your child’s safety since they can manage to handle them.
There are several brands in the market nowadays, all producing quality bikes and competing for the same customers. As a result, choosing the right bike for your child can be confusing. To help you deal with this issue, we’ve outlined the 11 best kids bikes from different brands. The JOYSTAR Totem Kids Bike stood out as our favorite. We’ve included single-speed bikes for newbies as they are easier to control and multi-speed gear setups for advanced kiddos who will ride over longer distances on rough terrain. There are also models with different wheel sizes for taller and shorter kids. Let’s dive right in!
More features: adjustable seat and handlebar, chain guard, DIY stickers
The JOYSTAR Totem Kids Bike is our Editor’s Choice since it boasts a lightweight and comfy design with an adjustable seat. This bike is ideal first for kids aged between two and nine getting introduced to bike riding for the first time, thanks to its easy-to-install training wheels. One of the impressive features of this bike is the coaster brake, but it’s only available on size 18 bikes. It also comes with several accessories, including front and rear reflectors, a bell, and DIY stickers.
The JOYSTAR Totem Kids Bike is often compared to the Pluto 2.0 bike. They both have similar designs, easy riding and assembly. But, the Totem bike goes the extra mile by requiring minimum maintenance and a DIY decal and safe chain guard. This will protect the chain and kids, while the decal allows them to put the name on the side of the bike.
More features: chain guard, magnesium frame, 2.4” wide tires, DIY decal, adjustable seat, 10-year frame and fork warranty
RoyalBaby Kids is a well-known company for producing high-quality children’s items. Therefore, if your kid is between three and nine and it’s their first time learning how to ride a bike, the RoyalBaby Kids Space Shuttle Bike is one of the best options. This bike features hand-operated front and rear disc brakes for effortless stopping power. It’s also lightweight, making it easier for children to use. Your child will love this bike due to its great performance and attractive appearance.
Another great kid’s bike from RoyalBaby is the Freestyle Bike, which is best compared to the Space Shuttle. Both are from the same company, specifically for kids, but the Space Shuttle is best designed for kids of different heights and guardians who are focused on enhancing safety. It features safety grips, a lightweight magnesium frame, and an enclosed chain guard. The bike is also durable and stronger.
More features: hardtail, All Terra 50mm travel coil fork, 2.10” tires
The GT Stomper 24 Ace Kids Bike is ideal for kids who want to ride their bikes on rough terrain. This bike features an All Terra 50mm travel coil fork which offers a smooth riding experience on any terrain, and 2.10″ tires for an enhanced grip. Additionally, it has eight gears, rear mechanical disc brakes, and a hardtail frame. The GT Stomper 24 Ace Kids Bike is available in two colors, including moss green and deep teal. Finally, it has a kickstand for easy parking while your kid engages in other games.
The GT Stomper Ace 24 is an upgrade from the Ace 20, another hardtail mountain bike for kids. But, while the Ace 20 is for kids who are just starting out with mountain biking, the Ace 24 is best suited for kids that want to enhance their confidence, pace, and control when riding off the road. The 8-speed drivetrain and mechanical disc brakes provide top performance in all weather conditions.
More features: 2.30″ tires, padded saddle
The Stolen Agent 16′′ BMX Bike has a lightweight butted-aluminum frame and fork with classic BMX geometry. The bike’s top tube is about 20 inches, making it suitable for children between 10 and 12. It also features 16-inch wheels, outfitted with 2.30-inch tires for optimal grip and traction on any terrain, whether dirt or asphalt. For extra security, the metal U-brakes deliver tremendous stopping force.
Similar to the JOYSTAR Totem kids bike which is our Editor’s Choice, the Stolen Agent 16” bike uses the BMX style geometry and one speed option. But, the latter is ideal for kids that are more advanced, while the former still has training wheels, so that’s saying something. The Stolen Agent is constructed with a durable steel frame and high-grip tires for skateboard rinks and other stunts.
More features: pneumatic tires, 17.5 in. stand-over height, 19 in. lowest seat height, 18V brushless motor
Eclypse Electric Balance Bike is a unique, high-quality electric balance bike for kids. This bike is safe for young children due to its rear drum braking system with excellent stopping force. It has a 16″-wheel complemented by a strong steel frame, making it ideal for slightly older kids looking to go on longer two-wheel adventures. One of the features that you will love is its speed. The balance bike has a speed ranging from 5 to 11mph, allowing your child to choose the speed that suits their needs. Also, the battery takes roughly 80 minutes to charge.
The Electric Balance Bike is another off-road friendly like on our list. Like the GT Stomper Ace 24, the Electric Balance Bike can be used off-road and on dirt roads. However, it goes the extra mile, as it features pneumatic tires for good traction and an 18v brushless motor for battery-free self-propulsion and coasting. It is even fitted with a handlebar lever for braking control and prevents uneven wear and tear in the tires.
More features: full suspension, aluminum frame, limited 10-year frame warranty
The Royce Union RTX Kids 20′′ Aluminum Mountain Bike has a full suspension design and a 6-speed Shimano rear derailleur. This bike comes with 20′′ wheels, making it ideal for kids aged between five and nine. It also features linear front and rear rim brakes, which offer enough stopping strength for safe riding on various terrains. Your child can use the Royce Union Kids Mountain Bike for off-road riding, hiking, or cruising around town. Moreover, the bike features a lightweight and sturdy aluminum frame and a kickstand for easy storage.
Although the Royce Union RTX is fantastic for mountain biking like the GT Stomper Ace 24, which is a hardtail bike, the former is more suitable for steeper hills and rougher terrains. It features a lightweight design for easy maneuvering and control, dual suspension, and brakes with excellent stopping power. It even comes with a toolkit for adults to make adjustments.
More features: front suspension
Diamondback’s Cobra 20 Youth Mountain Bike is an excellent first-time mountain bike for children between 4 and 9. This bike features linear front and rear pull brakes making it easy to control. It’s made with lightweight aluminum frames, which allow your child to pedal without experiencing difficulties. Moreover, it has fairly thick tires that provide sufficient traction everywhere your kid goes. With this bike, your child can cycle on any terrain due to the front suspension fork that provides added comfort and control on uneven terrain.
Just like the Royce Union UTX bike, the Diamondback Bicycle is great for mountain biking. They both have six-speed drivetrains but the latter is more beginner-friendly with features focused on comfort and ease, especially for kids that haven’t used MTBs before. It is easy to shift and comes with linear-pull brakes for safety and control. Despite being ideal for beginners, it has the top-quality of more advanced mountain bikes.
More features: option with parent push bar, 5-year manufacturer warranty
Since 1895, Schwinn has been a trendsetter in producing unique children’s products. This means that the Schwinn Roadster Tricycle is an excellent tricycle for children, especially those between the age of two and four. It features coaster brakes for safety purposes, a bell, and cruiser bars with tassels. This bicycle is also lightweight and comes in different colors, including white, teal, black, red, orange, and blue, allowing your child to choose the color they prefer.
The Schwinn Roadster Classic Tricycle is often compared to the Easy Steer Tricycle, which is also for little kids. But, the latter comes with a push and steer handle for adults, and a heavy-duty design, while the former is simpler and provides more control to kids. It has an adjustable seat to support growth and a low center of gravity for little riders.
More features: rigid, for riders up to 81 lbs., 1-year warranty
The Magna Major Damage is an affordable and exciting fun bike. This bike is ideal for children aged 4 and 8 due to its 16′′ wheels and a single speed. One of the notable features of this bicycle is that it comes with training wheels. When your child achieves the right level of coordination and balance, you can take off the training wheels. The bike is also fitted with coaster brakes allowing your kid to come to a complete stop whenever they need to.
The Magna Major Damage and Stolen Agent BMX bike are both 16” BMX bikes for kids with one speed option. However, the former is best for beginner bikers, as it comes with adjustable training wheels and a handlebar pad for comfort and ease. It is also fitted with coaster brakes that are more convenient for those who are new to biking.
More features: no-flat tires, steel frame, padded seat, adjustable seat and handlebars, for up to 60 lbs. riders, 12-20 inches inseam, handlebar pad
The Strider 12 Sport Balance Bike is the best bike for teaching your child to ride, especially those between one and a half to five years. It has a 12-inch wheel, an adjustable seat, and handlebars that can be raised to 20 to 24 inches, meaning it can grow with your child. Riding this bike is quite comfortable due to the padded seats and footrests. It also features no-flat tires meaning you won’t have to deal with occasional punctures and flats.
The 12 Sport Balance Bike has a similar design to the 12 Pro bike, both ideal for 18 months to 5 years old. Their inseam dimensions are also the same, but the 12 Sport is made with steel rather than aluminum, and has a higher weight rating. The 12 Sport is an ideal choice for those who want a bike that will grow with their child and something that is ergonomically designed. It’s also best for beginners and isn’t performance focused like the 12 Pro.
More features: 1.95″ tires, rigid, seat height adjustment
For riders aged 12 and above, the Huffy Granite 24′′ Mountain Bike is ideal due to its lightweight. On average, it weighs about 374 lbs, meaning your kids can carry it wherever they go. With 15 speeds, it’s easy for your child to ride it on any terrain. It also features 1.95′′ tires, which offer stability and control for the trails or the streets, and double V-brakes for excellent stopping power. Parking the Bike Huffy Granite 24″ Mountain Bike in storage until the next adventure is not an issue due to the kickstand included in the box.
The Huffy Granite 24” Mountain Bike is a mountain bike for older kids, unlike the Diamobndback Bicycle, which is best for younger ones. It also comes with 15 impressive speeds unlike the latter’s six, and a thumb-index system that allows kids to shift between gears easily. The Huffy Granite bike also comes with a padded seat that is greatly comfortable for young riders, and a quick-release clamp for easy seat height adjustment.
Buying the right bicycle for your kids will help them enjoy cycling and create memories and experiences that will last a lifetime. That said, choosing the right bike for your kids isn’t as easy as it seems. There are several factors that you can consider to help you narrow down your search. Considering these factors will also help you avoid making mistakes. They include:
Age is typically one of the most important factors to consider when buying a bike for your kid. Choosing the appropriate bike for your child according to their age promotes safety. Different bikes are suitable for children in specific age brackets. Generally, there are three age categories for kids’ bikes, as discussed below:
Bikes by Age
Another significant factor to consider when buying a bike for your child is speed. Bicycles can come with a single-speed or multi-speed gear setup.
If your child is a cycling beginner, buying a single-speed bike is important since it’s easy to ride. Conversely, if your child is an experienced cycler, a multi-speed bike will best suit their needs. These bikes allow your kids to cycle over long distances and on rough terrain. Nevertheless, multi-speed bikes demand more maintenance compared to single-speed bikes.
The size of a bicycle’s wheels depends on its diameter. The most common bike wheel sizes include 12, 16, 20, and 24 inches.
When choosing a bicycle wheel size for your child, there are things that you should keep in mind. One is your child’s height. For instance, if your child is more than four feet tall, you can’t buy them a bicycle with 12-inch wheels since they may find it difficult to pedal and maneuver around.
Your child’s age is probably another thing you should look at. Bikes with 12-inch wheels are appropriate for children aged 2-4 years, while 16-inch wheels are suitable for children aged 5 to 7 years. 20-inch wheels are appropriate for children aged 8-10 years, and kids 10 years and above should ride bikes with 24-inch wheels.
Brakes are important since they enhance your child’s safety when cycling. To enhance your child’s safety further, choose a bike with the right brakes, whether handbrakes or coasters depending on your child’s needs.
Hand brakes are located on a bike’s handlebars, and your child can activate them by squeezing the levers. Choose a bike with a kid-friendly handlebar design to ensure your kid can reach and operate the brakes without struggling too much. The brakes should also be easy to use. Conversely, coaster brakes are found on the rear wheel, and your child can activate it by pedaling backward.
Some kids find it easier to use coaster brakes compared to handle brakes. This is because hand brakes need more coordination and muscle than coaster brakes.
The other thing you should put in mind when buying a child’s bike is its weight. Consider getting a lighter bicycle for your kid since it makes it easier for them to maneuver around corners or up and down a slope. Additionally, a lightweight bike allows your kid to lift and store it easily.
Height adjustment is an important factor to consider when buying your kid’s bike. Besides allowing your kid to cycle comfortably, a bike with an adjustable height allows your kid to use it even when they grow older and taller. This enables you to save money spent buying bicycles regularly, given that children grow too fast.
Most bikes come with a seat that can be adjusted upwards or downwards. As a result, your child can reach the pedals and handlebars while sitting comfortably. Additionally, an adjustable seat height allows your kid to place their feet on the ground while still seated on the bike.
The handlebars on your kid’s bicycle should also be adjustable. Some bikes feature adjustable handlebars that can be raised or lowered, while others come with handlebars that can be pushed forward or backward. Adjustable handlebars are essential for proper posture and steering.
Accessories are essential for a kid’s bike. They make the bike unique and can improve their cycling experience.
There are several accessories you may include on your child’s bike, as discussed below.
Often, manufacturers include most of these accessories on the bikes. For those not included in the packaging, you may need to purchase them separately.
Before buying a bike, check the warranty just as you would with any new item. Confirm what it covers, how long it lasts, and what you need to do to replace it if necessary. Most bicycles have a lifetime frame guarantee and a manufacturer’s warranty on parts, but you need to confirm first because each bike is unique.
There are three main types of bikes for kids, including tricycles, balance, and bicycles. Each bike is suitable for different age groups and cycling abilities. Therefore, before buying a bicycle, it’s important to know which is best for your child.
Bikes by Type
All About Balance Bikes
When selecting a child’s bike, one of the most crucial considerations is size. The bike you buy for your kid should be of the right size. If you buy a big bike, your child may find it difficult to reach the handlebars or pedals, affecting your child’s cycling experience. Conversely, if the bike is too small, your child may struggle to control it, risking their safety.
There are various methods for determining the appropriate bike size for your kids. One of the best ways is to measure their inseam. The inseam is the measurement between the crotch and the ground. Another option is to ask your child to sit on the bike’s saddle and check whether their feet can reach the pedals.
Finally, you can look at the general size guidelines. For example, most 12-inch bikes are appropriate for children aged two to four, while 16-inch bikes are recommended for kids aged four to six. If your child is within the age bracket of six to nine years, a 20-inch bike will likely suit their needs. For children older than nine, buy a 24 or 26-inch bike.
Bikes by Size
Useful Info and Tips
There are several notable brands producing different bikes, each with its downsides and upsides. Therefore, you need to do your homework well to avoid making mistakes. One of the best bikes for kids is the JOYSTAR Totem Kids bike. This bike comes in various sizes and is suitable for cycling beginners between two and nine years. It also has reliable brakes enabling your child to avoid accidents when cycling. Additionally, this bike has an adjustable seat and handlebars, allowing you to adjust it according to your child’s needs.
The RoyalBaby Kids Space Shuttle Bike is also another excellent bike choice. The bike has a unique design and is suitable for children aged between three and nine. It has a chain guard, 2.4″ wide tires, and an adjustable seat to offer your child the best cycling experience.
Our Best Value Pick in a list of the best kids bikes, the Magna Major Damage, has a cool bright-colored design in addition to training wheels to assist your child in learning how to ride a bike fast and effortlessly. The coaster brakes on the BMX-style back should also be more intuitive at that age than handlebar-mounted brakes.
