The brains behind the popular Toddlebike have launched a new pre balance bike for 2 year old’s – the Toddlebike2 (which is also known as the Lena on the continent).
Designed to help toddlers learn the basics of independent riding, the Toddlebike has been a really popular choice with cycling parents since it’s launch in 2012, as it is suitable for children as soon as they are confidently walking (usually around 18 months) – long before Toddlers are ready for balance bikes, pedals or scooters but after they grow out of their baby ride-on toys.
Toddlebike also work with childcare and cycling organisations (such as SureStart, Sustrans, Early Years Cycling Projects, Cycling Festivals) to provide the building blocks to cycling for children as soon as they can confidently walk.
With the Toddlebike 2 the original concept has been improved, to give it a sleek, modern look and making some physical improvements. It includes all the key features that have made it such a success, such as its light weight (about one third of a balance bike), and compact design with narrow wheels, so young children can learn to steer and balance effectively at their own pace indoors around the home (although it can also be used outdoors).
Toddlebike founder Jo Hockley explained to Cycle Sprog how the the Toddlebike2 has changed:
We’ve changed the style slightly to make it look more ‘bikey’ . Improvements include a slightly more central seating position (handlebars are slightly further back, saddle slightly forward) so it should be more stable front to back, but maintaining the all important in-line wheels so that the Toddler still needs to master balance in their riding.We’ve also brought the crossbar up so that it’s almost in-line with the saddle – we know that most Toddlers start out sitting on the crossbar but hopefully now the step back to the saddle won’t be such a reach!The dimensions and weight (less than 1kg) stay the same as does the 3 year guarantee – hopefully we’ve taken all of the best parts of Toddlebike and made it a little bit easier for Parents and Retailers to understand, and for Toddlers to enjoy!
Toddlebike2 is available to purchase through independent bike shops and on-line at Amazon.
Other articles to check out whilst you’re here:
- The best bike for a 1 year old toddler
- Toddlebike review – a pre balance bike for under 3’s
- Choosing the best balance bike for your child
- 10 things you need to know before buying a balance bike for your toddler
- Does my child need stabilisers?
- Islabikes Rothan 12 balance bike review
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Comments
Hi, great blog. My son loves his bike and my daughter is desperate to copy. She is nearly 2, confidently scoots on a micro type scooter so i just bought her a proper balance bike. Im living in china so im not sure re brands but i found one with a low seat height of 28cm which is adjustable as they get bigger. I struggled to find a suitable one as most are designed for 3 year olds and are too tall and heavy for a 1 year old but if you can find a lightweight plastic one that is low enough i throughly reccommend. My daughter loves it.
This is a wonderful site . You have no idea how much help; it s been to read all these comments . I got four and half year old twin girls . The both have 14 seam but one is struggles with her balance and motor skills . I was thinking of getting the Kazam balance bikes , anyone recommendation in these bikes , I know they are 12 , would that be a deterrent for them ???
Hi – Thanks for getting in touch. I have not seen a Kazam balance bike, so can’t comment on that specific make. Some balance bikes are aimed at bigger children – Strider and Early Rider both do balance bikes for older children and may be worth a look. Karen