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Best balance bikes 2025

Choosing one of the best balance bikes is an exciting step, and we're here to help you find the perfect one. We know how special those first wobbly strides are, so we’ve carefully selected bikes that make learning to ride fun, safe, and confidence-building.

This guide is designed to simplify your decision, saving you time so you can focus on making memories with your little one. Whether you're new to cycling with babies and toddlers or an experienced rider looking for a lightweight, durable bike, we've got you covered.

After years of testing and reviewing kids' bikes, we’ve put together our top recommendations from trusted brands. Each bike in this guide isn’t just chosen for its features but for how well it supports kids as they develop their riding skills. If your child is taller or learning later, our guide to big balance bikes for taller children could also be helpful.

Let’s find the perfect balance bike to start your child’s cycling journey!

Cycle Sprog is a reader-supported website. When you buy through links on this page we may earn an affiliate commission.

top Christmas present for balance bikers!

Hornit AIRO balance bike + helmet

We love Hornit balance bikes because they're fun to ride, incredibly lightweight (great for when you end up carrying it!) and come in a wide range of vibrant colours.  Plus they also do a range of fun helmets that appeal to younger kids.

The balance bikes come in two wheel sizes - 12" and 14" - and make a fabulous Christmas present for that special little person in your life.

Last order date for delivery in time for Christmas is 12PM on 19th December.

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How to use this guide

Picking your child’s first balance bike is a big moment, but with so many options, it can be overwhelming.

We've packed this guide with all the essential information, whether you need a quick answer or want to dive into the details.

To help, we've organised it into clear sections—use the links below to jump straight to what matters most to you.

Best 26" mountain bikes for kids: a boy riding a mountain bike through long grass

Quick Picks: Top balance bikes you’ll love

In a rush? No problem! Here are our favourite balance bike recommendations, so you can find the perfect ride for your little one in no time.

Best balance bikes overall

  • Hornit AIRO: Stunning design and comes in two sizes - 12" and 14" wheels
  • Kidvelo Rookie: Brilliant range of balance bikes, plus they also do larger 14" and 18" wheelers for older kids

Best budget balance bikes

  • Decathlon: Has a solid range of balance bikes that won’t break the bank

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need more bike buying advice infographic. free download of Cycle Sprog's bike buying guide- dowload now

Tips for choosing a balance bike

A balance bike is often a child’s first step into cycling, so finding the right one is key. Here are our top tips to make sure you get the best fit:

  • Size matters – The right size is crucial! A bike that's too big can feel daunting, while one that’s too small may be uncomfortable. Use our guide on how to easily measure your child for a new bike to get the perfect fit.
  • Tyres make a difference – Solid tyres are budget-friendly and great for indoor riding, but air-filled (pneumatic) tyres provide better comfort on outdoor surfaces.
  • Brakes: useful but not essential – Younger children don’t need brakes, but they can help older riders get used to stopping before transitioning to pedal bikes.
  • Wheel sizes vary – Most balance bikes have 12” wheels, but there are smaller 10” options for younger children and larger 14”–20” versions for older or taller kids.
  • Convertible bikes for easier progression – Some balance bikes transform into pedal bikes, making the transition to pedals smoother.

Balance bike vs stabilisers

Many of us learned to ride with stabilisers, but balance bikes take a different approach. Stabilisers teach kids to steer by turning the handlebars, while balance bikes encourage them to lean into turns, just like they would on a real bike. This helps improve balance and coordination, making the transition to pedalling much easier.

Want to know more? Read does my child need stabilisers? to compare both methods.

What size balance bike is right for your child?

Balance bikes come in different sizes, so measuring your child properly is essential for their confidence and safety. It can be tempting to buy a bike they'll grow into, but balance bikes need to fit well so kids can reach the ground comfortably.

Start by following our guide on how to easily measure your child for a new bike to ensure you get the right size.

Most balance bikes have 12” wheels, ideal for toddlers. However, there are also:

  • 10” bikes for children around one year old
  • 14”–20” bikes for older or taller kids

Not all children start cycling as toddlers. Some may wait due to personal preference or physical or neurological factors. In these cases, larger balance bikes are a great option. You'll find a few recommendations here, but for more choices, check out big balance bikes for taller children.

And if your child is neurodivergent, you might find our article on teaching an autistic or neurodivergent child to ride a bike helpful too.

Best balance bikes on the market

With so many balance bikes available, it can be hard to know which ones are truly great. That’s why, since 2012, we've been dedicated to helping parents find the best options.

We’ve tested these bikes ourselves and gathered feedback from families, and these models have consistently stood out. Now, it’s up to you to decide which one suits your child best!

 

Hornit AIRO

Best for range of colour options

Best balance bikes: A Hornit AIRO photographed in woodland

  • Wheel size: 12”, 14”
  • Price: from £129.00
  • Weight: from 2.95kg
  • Inside leg: 30–46cm (12”), 40–53cm (14”)
  • Colours: White, red, blue, pink, yellow, green

Buy if: You want a stylish, modern bike with lots of colours to choose from

"What was immediately noticeable compared to our old balance bike was the seat height. With the AIRO the saddle would go lower and he could confidently get going immediately and more comfortably" — Ewen

The Hornit AIRO range combines a lightweight magnesium alloy frame with air-filled tyres, providing a smoother ride than budget models with solid tyres.

  • AIRO 12 suits inside leg lengths from 30cm to 46cm
  • AIRO 14 fits 40cm to 53cm, offering more room to grow

This bike includes thoughtful details like a cushioned stem cover, a footplate for better stability, and a brake on the AIRO 14 to help with the transition to pedals. Hornit also uses recyclable magnesium alloy, making the frame both lightweight and eco-friendly. They even offer a lifetime warranty on frames and forks, which can be registered online.

Take a look at our Hornit AIRO 12 review and Hornit AIRO 14 review for more details.

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Kidvelo Rookie

Best range with convertible options

Best balance bikes: A Kidvelo Rookie 12 photographed on a path in front of some trees

  • Wheel size: 12”, 14”, 18”
  • Price: from £110 
  • Weight: from 2.89kg
  • Inside leg: 30–47cm (12”), 40–59cm (14”), 48–68cm (18”)
  • Colours: Blue, green, pink, red

Buy if: You want a balance bike that converts easily into a pedal bike

"Absolutely thrilled with my Rookie 12! It has exceeded every expectation!  — Kazzi

If you're looking for a high-quality balance bike that makes the transition to pedals easier, the Kidvelo Rookie range is a fantastic option.

Developed by experts with decades of experience, the Rookie 12 features a lightweight frame and well-thought-out geometry, making it easy for kids to build confidence. One of our reviewers was impressed with the design, while their 3-year-old tester loved how light and easy it was to ride.

Kidvelo also offers Rookie 14 and Rookie 18 models, which convert into pedal bikes for an easy transition when your child is ready.

For more, see our Kidvelo Rookie 12 review and Kidvelo Rookie 14 review.

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Best balance bikes on a budget

Not everyone wants to spend over £100 on a balance bike, and there are plenty of affordable options available. While some budget models are reliable, others may not be as comfortable or durable. We've tested many, and here are the ones that have stood out.

Decathlon balance bikes

Best range of balance bikes at different price points

B'Twin balance bike runrider 100 balance bike in 100

  • Wheel size: 10” +
  • Price: Varies by model
  • Weight: Varies by model
  • Rider height: From 85 cm
  • Colours: Varies by model

Buy if: You're looking for value for model

Decathlon’s B’Twin range includes 10" and 12" balance bikes, plus ride-ons for younger children. They also run a “Second Life” scheme, where you can find pre-loved bikes at lower prices. Once your child outgrows the bike, you can even sell it back to Decathlon.

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Chicco Balance Bike

Best cheap new bike

Chicco Bullet balance bike on a blank background

  • Wheel size: 12”
  • Price: £42.90
  • Weight: 2.7kg
  • Height range: 85cm minimum
  • Colours: Red, green, pink

Buy if: You’d rather save your money for a pedal bike

"We love our basic Chicco, now using it with our second child, very light frame and easy to master" - Correen

“Given my kids were only without pedals for a few months each I would definitely go with the Chicco, which is more than good enough for this stage - save your money for getting a really good pedal bike when they're ready!" - Jo

The Chicco Balance Bike is a bestseller and often praised for its lightweight frame and affordability. However, it has solid plastic tyres, so the ride won’t be as smooth as a more expensive model with pneumatic tyres. That said, it’s a great budget-friendly choice for kids who will soon be moving on to a pedal bike.

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Toddlebike / Lena My First Scooter

Best for under 18 months

Best balance bikes: A colourful four-wheeled Lena Toddlebike on a blank background

  • Wheel size: <10”
  • Price: varies
  • Weight: 0.8kg
  • Inside leg: 20cm minimum
  • Colours: various primary colours

Buy if: They’re too small for a balance bike

"The Toddlebike was really useful for when our youngest was too small for the Islabike Rothan" — Dominic

While not a traditional balance bike, the Toddlebike is a popular choice for toddlers as young as one. It gives them an early cycling experience, especially handy for those keen to copy older siblings. The company has closed, but the bike is still available under the name Lena My First Scooter, with improvements for durability and comfort.

Take a look at our Lena Toddlebike review for more detail.

New online course: "Understanding Cycling Gear for Babies and Toddlers"

These early years are so precious - don't miss out on cycling with your little one!

Our new online course is a great way to quickly learn about all the different equipment available to cycle with babies and toddlers, plus the pros and cons of each, so you can decide what suits your family and get out riding ASAP.

Sign up now for our Understanding Cycling Gear for Babies and Toddlers course and start making memories this summer.

Best balance bikes if you're looking for something special

If you're looking for something extra, this section covers standout balance bikes designed for specific needs, from off-road adventures to bikes that grow with your child. Whether you want models with brakes, options for smaller riders, or a budget-friendly secondhand choice, explore our selection to find the perfect fit.

Kids Ride Shotgun Dirt Hero

Best for off-road use

Best balance bikes: A Kids Ride Shotgun Dirt Hero balance bike pictured in the woods

  • Wheel size: 12", 14"
  • Price: from £220.00
  • Weight: from 4kg
  • Inside leg: min. 34cm (12”), min. 37cm (14”)
  • Colours: White

Buy if: You want to take them on the trails

“Sure it's expensive, but the Dirt Hero is offering something unique - a balance bike designed for the trails with the option to have disc brake fitted from new. If you want to encourage your small rider to get their wheels dirty and join you off-road, then it's hard to think of a better bike for the job.” — Ewen

Kids Ride Shotgun’s Dirt Hero is ideal for adventurous families keen on hitting the trails with their little ones. Engineered for mountain biking, it features chunky, air-filled tyres with a grippy tread, a slack head angle for enhanced stability on rough terrain, and the option of a rear disc brake. Available in 12” or 14” wheels, with or without brakes, it’s designed to build confidence and skills off-road.

Check out our Kids Ride Shotgun Dirt Hero review for even more.

Black Mountain balance bikes

Best if you love to tinker

Best balance bikes: A Black Mountain Pinto photographed from the side in a grassy park

  • Wheel size: 14”, 16”, 18”, 20”
  • Price: from £449.00
  • Weight: from 5.73kg
  • Height range: 90-109cm (14”), 102-121cm (16”), 110-128cm (18”), 118-134cm (20”)
  • Colours: Green, orange, purple, blue

Buy if: You love tinkering with a bike and appreciate great engineering and design

“WP fell in love with the SKÖG the moment she saw it. After not having wanted to get on her previous bike at all, she jumped straight on it in the middle of the dining room and proceeded to scoot up and down the kitchen and back into the hall” — Penny

Black Mountain's “growing frame” technology sets it apart, transforming from a balance bike to a pedal bike as your child grows. Starting in balance bike mode, it can be converted to a pedal bike when they’re ready — a cost-effective, adaptable solution for uncertain economic times. While the smallest model, the Pinto, weighs 5 kg with 14” wheels, its durability and longevity make it ideal for older or stronger children aged 3 and up. With additional models like the 16" Skog, 18" Kapel, and 20" Hutto, there’s a size to suit children up to around age 7. Adjustments might require a little mechanical know-how, making it a great choice for parents who enjoy working on bikes.

Check out our Black Mountain Pinto review for even more.

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Frog Tadpole

Best for the smallest riders upwards

Frog Tadpole Mini Green 2021 is one of the smallest balance bikes for toddlers

  • Wheel size: 10", 12" and 14"
  • Price: from £220.00
  • Weight: from 3.46kg
  • Inside leg: from 23cm
  • Colours: Yellow, green, pink, red

Buy if: You want the best possible starter bike for a tiny toddler

"The Frog Tadpole is brilliant. It's easy to ride, light but stable. He loves it. I have just bought a Frog 43 for Christmas now he's 3 and a half." — Simon

Frog’s Tadpole range caters to a wide range of ages with their three-size lineup. Each bike is equipped with a rear brake, helping kids familiarise themselves with braking, though many younger riders will naturally rely on their feet to stop. With air-filled tyres for comfort and traction, a steering lock to prevent accidents, and a quick-release seat post, Frog offers both safety and adjustability. The Tadpole Mini suits toddlers with an inside leg as small as 24 cm, while the standard 12" Tadpole and 14" Tadpole Plus provide options for older or taller children.

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Hoozar Cruz 12

Best value balance bike with a brake

Best balance bikes: A Hoozar Cruz 12 photographed on gravel in front of a bush

  • Wheel size: 12”
  • Price: £199.00
  • Weight: 3.2kg
  • Inside leg: 30–46cm
  • Colours: Pink, blue, red

Buy if: You want them to learn braking technique from an early age

For confident little riders ready to explore with more control, the Hoozar Cruz 12 offers a rear brake and a lightweight 3.2 kg frame for easy handling. Developed by a husband-and-wife duo to blend the best features of top brands at a competitive price, it boasts a child-friendly Tektro brake, a comfortable scoop saddle, and grippy pneumatic tyres. Its thoughtful design ensures a safe and enjoyable ride across different terrains.

For more information, take a look at our Hoozar Cruz 12 first impressions review.

Islabikes Rothan

Best second hand investment

Best balance bikes: An Islabikes Rothan photographed in front of a garage door

  • Wheel size: 12”
  • Price: Varies
  • Weight: 3.1kg
  • Inside leg: 30-42cm
  • Colours: Teal, pink, orange

Buy if: You want something that will retain its value to resell later

"We went for Islabike Rothan for E and were quite pleased at the time - low stepover, relatively light and given his time on a Toddlebike he took to it like a duck to water." - Jo

Islabikes are still highly regarded for their quality, even though they are no longer in production. They’re relatively easy to find secondhand, allowing you to purchase a premium bike at a lower price.

Parents praise the Islabikes Rothan for its lightweight frame, rear brake, and exceptional attention to detail. Our reviewer loved the Rothan 12, noting that it was comfortable, easy to handle, and light enough to carry.

See the bike in more detail with our Islabikes Rothan 12 review.

How to choose from the best balance bikes

If you’re still looking for some guidance, here are some key considerations to make when choosing the best balance bike for your child.

Are they big enough to ride a balance bike?

our child should be able to place both feet flat on the ground while seated to safely “scoot” along. Most balance bikes with 12” wheels suit children with an inside leg of around 32 cm, but models vary. Use our step-by-step guide on how to easily measure your child for a new bike for an accurate fit.

How heavy is the balance bike?

Lighter bikes are easier for children to manoeuvre and gain independence. Aluminium models tend to be more manageable than heavier steel options and are also easier to carry when little legs get tired.

Do you need brakes on a balance bike?

Not all balance bikes include brakes, which may deter some parents. However, for young children, feet are generally the main mode for both starting and stopping. Brakes add to the bike’s cost but can help children get comfortable with braking before transitioning to pedal bikes.

Where and how often will you be using it?

If the bike will be used daily or for off-road adventures, the frame’s quality, tyre type, and overall durability become essential factors. Cheaper models often lack the weatherproofing, comfort, or weight savings needed for heavy use.

What is the balance bike made from?

Balance bikes come in metal, plastic, or wood, catering to a wide range of preferences and budgets. Higher-end models usually feature lightweight aluminium frames and pneumatic tyres, which offer a smoother ride on uneven surfaces. Though there’s a chance of punctures, modern tyres and inner tubes are built to be durable.

Will the seat grow with your child?

Most balance bikes allow quick seat adjustments for a comfortable fit as kids grow. Some also have adjustable handlebars to ensure an ergonomic riding position. Check each model’s specs to understand its adjustability.

Do they need a bigger balance bike?

While most balance bikes have 12” wheels, some manufacturers offer 14” or larger sizes for taller or older kids not yet ready for a pedal bike. For a complete list of options, check out our article on *big balance bikes for taller children*. Alternatively, *Black Mountain’s “growing” bikes* convert from balance bikes to pedal bikes, with wheel sizes from 14” to 20”.

Would you rather own or rent a balance bike?

We’re all getting increasingly uncomfortable with living in a throwaway culture, and balance bikes are one of those things that children grow out of rather quickly. Thankfully you don’t have to add to the mountain of waste, as it’s now possible to lease a balance bike through The Bike Club. If you’ve not heard of them yet, they’re a subscription service where you pay a monthly fee in return for the use of one of their quality kids’ bikes. When your child outgrows it, you send it back and upgrade to the next size.
At the current time of writing, they offer balance bikes from Frog, Forme and Woom, meaning your child can enjoy the benefits of a quality balance bike, without the upfront cost (or the environmental impact of yet another purchase).

A massive thanks to all the Cycle Sprog Facebook followers plus the members of the Family Cycling UK and Preowned Frog Bikes For Sale Facebook Groups for taking the time to let us know their recommendations for the best balance bikes.

Do drop a comment in the box below to let others know which balance bike you recommend, and why - thank you!

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Comments

pedro

great

Karen Wood

Hello. We appreciate feedback at Strider but as you aren’t a verified purchaser from the same review you left on our website then I think you may have your brands confused. The Strider, without the pegs on, doesn’t stick out. However if a child’s legs are that close to the frame then you do not have the seat height correct. It would need lowering. This bike is used by Strider Instructors in over 700 schools in the UK and in 6 years this is the first ever complaint. If you would like training on how to use the bike correctly please get in touch.

Dee

Please do NOT buy a STRIDER 16 SPORT YOUTH BALANCE BIKE. The design is incredibly poor. Two hubs at the bottom of the frame, which allow footrests to be added, actually stick out on either side of the frame. This means that children can very easily hit their legs against the frame, causing pain and bruising. I go into schools to teach children to ride bikes and balance bikes, and a lot of the children complain about this problem with the Strider bikes. Today, I had a child in floods of tears after hitting her leg, which has prompted me to write this review. Strider really should remove this design from sale and drastically improve it. It is currently not fit for purpose.

Pavlina Greatorex/Bubble Bike Store

Hello,

I run an online shop selling balance bikes and kick scooter bikes. I am interested in getting a review on your website – is that possible and what would I have to do for that?

Many thanks for your help!

Pavlina, Bubble Bike Store

Karen

Hello Pavlina, Thanks very much for your message. I have just sent you an email – look forward to hearing from you. Kind regards, Karen

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