If you’re looking for the best toddler bike for your little one this holiday season, then you’ve come to the right place. You already know we’ve got a wealth of knowledge in bikes for adults, it’s why you choose to come to us for help. And I’m eternally grateful to you for it.
But it’s time for us to change directions a bit. During this post, we’ll dish out some info on the best bikes for your toddler (between 2 and 5). We’ll talk about the types of bikes for toddlers, and what ages are best for each type of bike.
Of course, if you’re pressed for time and just want my opinion on which is the overall best; well, you’re still covered. The best toddler bike depends on what you’re looking for.
If you want a balance bike, I’d recommend the Strider 12 Sport Baby Bundle Balance Bike. It comes with a rocking base that you can attach to the bike; these are great when your toddler is just learning how to sit on a bike.
If you’re looking for a proper ‘pedal bike’ then I’d go with the Huffy 12” bike. It’s the perfect size for a kids first pedal bike. And it’s inexpensive, sturdy, and most important, fun for the kids.
Now let’s dive into today’s topic.
Best Toddler Bike
My favorite show growing up was Friends. To be honest, it still is one of my favorite shows – right behind Community. And one of my favorite Friends episodes was the one where Ross buys Phoebe her first bike.
I love the scene for two reasons; first, Phoebe continuously fell on her ass the entire episode. And two, the sheer joy she exhibited when she finally got the pink bike with frilly handlebars she had always wanted. It was the same look of joy kids have when they get their first bike.
This is probably the look you want to see on your child’s face, and we’re here to help you get them the perfect bike that does just that. These are my favorite bikes for toddlers.
Coolest Looking: Hosport Balance Bike
Boys love big trucks (that’s why we all had Tonka trucks growing up). What’s on big trucks? Big tires. So… by the transitive property…. boys love bikes with big tires. I think that’s how it works! Well guess what, that’s exactly what the Hosport Balance Bike has, two monster truck tires that your son is going to love.
The Good
- The looks plain awesome
- Wide tires don’t just look sweet; they help your youngster keep his balance too
- Easily adjustable seat
- Different color options
- The tires are safe for roughly paved surfaces
- It’s lightweight so your toddler can handle it with ease
- Shipped with a one-year warranty
The Bad
I honestly don’t have much to say about the bike that isn’t good. But if I’m being picky, and I usually am, I’d like it if the bike was built a little smaller. Not that it’s a giant bike, but if you have a smaller than average child (A.K.A my daughter before she hit her growth spurt) then it’s just going to be an uncomfortable ride for them.
The Verdict
I like this bike; it’s easy to assemble and great at helping kids learn how to balance themselves. But the best part about it is how much kids like the looks of the bike: that and the fact that it’s so easy to put together.
Most Versatile: Strider 12 Sport Baby Bundle
This is absolutely awesome; we’re talking awesome for parents and children alike. You know those rainy days where your toddler is sitting in the house with nothing to do other than find new ways to annoy you? We’ve all been there.
The Strider 12 Sport Baby Bundle is a parent’s best friend in those moments. You might be asking why, so I’ll answer. This bundle comes with a balance bike (already exciting for the kids), and it comes with a rocker that attaches to the bike. It’s perfect for the times that you can’t take the youngn’s outside. I simply adore this bundle.
The Good
- Attachable rocker for the young kids who just can’t balance yet
- Grows with the child (rated for ages six months to 5 years old)
- Little kids LOOOOVEEE this bike
- Lightweight frame for even the youngest of children
- Tiny sized handles for your munchkin to hold onto with ease
- We already mentioned it but….. THE FREAKING ROCKER
The Bad
Not much to dislike about the bike. That said, the set-up is more in-depth than most other balance bikes require. There are quite a few components that need to be screwed on and attached, but that’s mostly due to the addition of the rocker. Just make sure you have the bike secured to the rocker properly before you set your baby on it.
Also, this is a pretty expensive bike for such little kids.
The Verdict
The moment I saw this bundle pack, I instantly knew it was going to be one of my favorites on today’s list. And I hate to beat a dead horse here, but I really love the rocker that attaches to the bike. And you will too, the moment you see the sheer joy on your six-month-old babies face as she rocks her way to euphoria. It’s just adorable!
Most Popular: Banana Bike LT
The Banana Bike is easily one of the most popular balance bikes around. It’s a simple bike, with simple assembly, that does exactly what you need for a balance bike to do. On top of that, it is relatively inexpensive. Plus, the design is really cool, and the low, curved bar makes it an easy bike for even the smallest of children to fit.
The Good
- The bike is so light any child will be able to handle it
- Fits pretty much any child of any size
- Probably the most notable balance bike there is
- Easily adjustable saddle
- Simple assembly
- Best value for bikes in this class
The Bad
This bike isn’t going to last you very long; thankfully kids don’t spend too much time on them before they graduate to pedal bikes. There also seems to be a consistent issue with bolts not being tightened properly when they are shipped. It’s a simple fix, but it’d be nice to know people are putting the bikes together properly before being shipped.
The Verdict
Banana bikes are easily the most popular balance bike out there. They are a quality product, and they sell for much less than most of the competition. Not to mention kids have a blast on them. If you want the biggest bang for your buck; then you should probably go with the Banana Bike LT.
Best Hybrid Toddler Bike: Little Tikes Perfect Fit 4-in-1 Trike
This is a great little hybrid bike for your tot that’s ready to pedal themselves around but still wants you to push for them from time to time. It’s a perfect bike for your afternoon strolls too. It’s great for babies as young as nine-months-old and can transform into a full-blown trike.
The Good
- 4-in-1 trike that grows with your toddler, and you
- Umbrella to shield your little rider from the sun
- Comes in blue or pink
- Full foot platform to protect the feet of young riders
- Engage or disengage the pedals with a flip of a switch
- Easy push handle resembles a stroller
- Child tray for snack storage
The Bad
This is unbelievably difficult to put together, and I’m more than mechanically literate. I’d hate to see someone who’s never assembled a trike before try this out. I’m also not impressed with the material it’s made of. Little Tikes is notorious for making plastic toys; I’m just surprised that they did the same with something that carries children too.
The Verdict
I love Little Tikes Perfect Fit 4-in-1 Trike (and so will you) for what it is; a trike that allows you and your precious baby to grow and bond together. It works great for training kids to pedal, all while you push it along the road. It’s easy to steer, easy to push, and a blast for the kids to ride.
Take your time while putting it together, make sure everything is lined up properly, and you’ll be happy with the results.
For the Toddlers Ready to Ride Solo: Huffy 12″ Bike Spider-Man or Minnie Mouse
When a kid is ready to ride solo, there’s nothing left to do but get them a bike that matches their size. And a 12” bike is typically what you go with first. Besides who doesn’t like Spider-Man? If you’ve got a little girl who isn’t so keen on Spider-Man; they’ve got a lovely Minnie Mouse bike as well.
The Good
- Huffy makes excellent bikes for kids
- Sturdy and light
- Easy to handle
- Spider-Man or Minnie Mouse themes that your child is sure to love
- A fast bike for kids who just ‘wanna go fast.’
The Bad
Kids tend to grow out of 12” bikes rather quickly, but starting with a 16” bike often proves to be a mistake. So this may not be a bike that you can depend on lasting more than a year and some change.
The Verdict
Once your child is ready to graduate from their balance bike, this is the best bike to go to. Sure it may not last very long, but that’s why the bikes are inexpensive. It’s perfect for a toddler’s first pedal bike.
Conclusion – Best Toddler Bike
The youngest children don’t need a pedal bike just yet. Mostly because they likely don’t have the strength or coordination to pedal a bike. But also because the ages of 2 to 3 is the perfect time to teach them how to balance.
And wouldn’t you know it, a balance is made solely for teaching kids how to balance. Not only that, but it is a blast to watch toddlers fly around the park on these things without a care in the world.
If you’re looking for more bikes for kids you can check out these articles; Choosing the Best Girls Mountain Bike and Best BMX Bike for 6 Year Old. In them, the author will walk you through some awesome products made specifically for children.
