160 bikes match

Best 16″ kids’ bikes for 4-5 year olds

If you’re searching for a great bike for a child aged around 4 or 5, we'd recommend starting with one of the best 16” kids’ bikes you can find.

At Cycle Sprog, we’ve been reviewing and recommending the best kids' bikes since 2012. Whether your child is moving up from one of the best 14" kids' bikes or getting their first pedal bike, choosing the right one can spark a lifelong love of cycling. Finding the best fit ensures they’re comfortable, confident, and excited to ride.

At this stage, most children are either learning to pedal or building their confidence after outgrowing a smaller bike. The right choice will depend on their height, inside leg measurement, and riding ability, alongside factors like your budget and where they’ll be riding.

 

A girl standing over her 16 inch woom Automagic bike, in front of a brick wall

In this guide, we've explored a wide range of brands to bring you some of the best 16” wheel bikes available, covering different styles, price points, and colour options. We’ve also included tips on buying second-hand, making sure there’s something for every budget. If you need extra advice, check out the FAQs at the bottom of the page.

Once you've chosen the perfect bike, make sure your child stays safe with one of the best kids' bike helmets. If you're looking for more advice on cycling together, take a look at our guide to cycling with kids: everything you need to get started.

Contents: best 16" kids' bikes

Use the below links to jump to the most relevant section of the article for your needs.

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

Quick picks: for parents in a hurry

If you haven’t got time to scroll through a whole guide, then these are our top three recommendations for 14” starter bikes, covering a range of budgets.

  • Best budget option: Raleigh Pop 16 (£199.99) - Relatively lightweight, decent quality, and affordable
  • Best mid-range option: Yomo 16 (£340 + free helmet) - Light, agile, and excellent value for money, plus get a free helmet with every bike!
  • Best premium option: woom Original 3 Automagic (£459) - Features ‘magic’ gears that are a genuine game changer for young riders

Quick picks: for parents in a hurry

If you haven’t got time to scroll through a whole guide, then these are our top three recommendations for 14” starter bikes, covering a range of budgets.

  • Best budget option: B’Twin 16 500 (£159.99) - Relatively lightweight, decent quality, and very affordable
  • Best mid-range option: Yomo 16 (£340 + free helmet) - Light, agile, and excellent value for money, plus get a free helmet with every bike!
  • Best premium option: woom Original 3 Automagic (£459) - Features ‘magic’ gears that are a genuine game changer for young riders

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

Top tips: choosing the best 16" kids' bikes

If you’re not sure where to start, here are some key things to consider before making a purchase. For a more detailed breakdown, check out our FAQs section.

  1. Size: While 16-inch bikes are generally designed for 4-5-year-olds, it’s always best to measure your child to ensure a proper fit. Here’s how to easily measure your child for a new bike. 
  2. Price: There’s a bike for every budget, but if you’re tempted to go for the cheapest option, read why you shouldn't buy a REALLY cheap new kids’ bike to understand why quality matters.
  3. Weight: A lightweight bike makes all the difference when kids are learning to ride—it’s easier to manoeuvre and less exhausting. Plus, you may find yourself carrying it home at some point!
  4. Get a bike, not a toy: Bright colours and cartoon characters might catch your child’s eye, but cheaply made bikes are often heavy, poorly built, and difficult to ride.
  5. Brakes and gears: Most 16” bikes are single-speed, so no need to worry about gears just yet. Some come with coaster brakes (where they pedal backwards to stop), while others use hand-operated brakes. If your child is ready for a speed boost, the woom Original 3 Automagic is a great option, introducing an automatic two-speed gear hub.
  6. Buy back schemes: Some retailers, like Decathlon, offer buy-back schemes where you can trade in your child’s old bike for a discount on the next size up. This makes their B’Twin series an even better investment, with refurbished options available at lower prices.
A boy seen from behind riding a 16 inch bike along a gravelly path

Best 16” kids’ bikes

Below you’ll find our roundup of the best 16-inch wheel bikes for children aged around 4 or 5 years old, starting with the cheapest and ascending in price.

 

 

Raleigh POP 16

Best budget option

Best 16" kids' bikes: The Raleigh Pop 16 on a blank background

  • Price: £199.99
  • Weight:  <10kg
  • Rider height: 95 - 115 cm
  • Colours: White

Buy if: You don’t want to spend a lot of money

The Raleigh Pop 16 is a great budget-friendly option for kids moving up from a balance bike or stabilisers. Designed for little adventurers, it features a lightweight yet sturdy aluminium frame, making it easy to handle. At under 10kg, it’s light enough for young riders to control while still being durable for everyday riding.

With a fun, kid-friendly design and reliable build quality, the POP 16 is perfect for those first independent cycling adventures – whether that’s racing up and down the street or heading out on a family ride.

B’Twin 16 500

Best budget option

Best 16" kids' bikes: The B'Twin 16" bike with Inuit cartoon design

  • Price: £159.99
  • Weight: 8.7 kg
  • Rider height: 105 - 120 cm
  • Rider inseam: 48–60cm
  • Colours: White

Buy if: You don’t want to spend a lot of money

The B’Twin 16 500 is a solid choice for parents looking for an affordable yet reliable kids' bike. Its sturdy steel frame and simple design make it easy for young riders to handle, while features like a full chain guard and user-friendly brakes prioritise safety. The straightforward assembly and durable build make this a great entry-level option.

If you're hoping to spend less, check Decathlon’s refurbished models—you might find a nearly new version at a discount. Plus, thanks to their Buy Back scheme, you can trade it in when it’s time to size up.

Yomo 16

Best mid-range option

Best 16" kids' bikes: in orange - the YOMO 16

  • Price: £340 (+ Free helmet)
  • Weight: 5.8 kg
  • Rider height: 105 - 120 cm
  • Rider inseam: 43.5 - 53.5 cm
  • Colours: Purple, Green, Orange, Red

Buy if: You want to strike a balance between affordability and quality

The Yomo 16 offers excellent value, balancing affordability with high-quality components. With a lightweight aluminium frame, child-specific geometry, and easy-to-adjust parts (including reach-adjustable brake levers), it’s designed with young riders in mind. The Kenda Small Block Eight tyres and sealed bearings ensure a smooth ride, and early reviews suggest this new brand is already impressing families.

woom Original 3 Automagic

Best for confident riders wanting gears

Best 16" kids' bikes: The woom Original 3 Automagic in red, photographed on a quiet cycle path

  • Price: £459
  • Weight: 6.1 kg
  • Rider height: 105 - 120 cm
  • Rider inseam: 47 - 54 cm 
  • Colours: Red, Green, Blue, Purple, Yellow

Buy if: They'd benefit from having some gears

If your child loves to go fast or your local area is full of hills, the woom Original 3 Automagic is a great option. It shares all the premium features of the woom Original 3, with the added benefit of ‘magic’ gears—an automatic two-speed hub that shifts seamlessly, making climbs easier without the hassle of manual gear changes. Ideal for confident riders ready to pick up speed.

For more details on this bike, take a look at our woom Original 3 Automagic review.

 

Black Mountain SKØG

Best for learning to pedal

Best 16" kids' bikes: The Black Mountain Skog bike in white

  • Price: £499
  • Weight: 6.1 kg 
  • Rider height: 102 - 121 cm
  • Rider inseam: Not specified
  • Colours: Orange, Green, Purple, Blue

Buy if: Your child has outgrown their balance bike but isn’t quite ready for pedals 

The Black Mountain SKØG is an innovative bike that adapts as your child grows. It starts as a balance bike, then transforms into a pedal bike when they’re ready. The frame also extends to accommodate growth spurts, meaning this bike lasts much longer than most.

It’s also a great option for hands-on parents who enjoy bike maintenance, as adjusting the SKØG requires a bit of tinkering. With its adaptable design and replaceable components, it’s a fun and practical choice for families looking for a long-term investment.

Woom Original 3

Best lightweight option

Best 16" kids' bikes: The woom Original 3 in yellow

  • Price: £419.00
  • Weight: 5.5 kg
  • Rider height: Not specified
  • Rider inseam: 48 - 54 cm
  • Colours: Red, Green, Blue, Purple, Yellow

Buy if: You’re likely to be carrying it a lot

The woom Original 3 is the ultimate lightweight option, making it one of the easiest bikes for young riders to control. At just 5.4 kg, it’s ideal for kids still developing their strength and coordination—and for parents who might need to carry it home!

This bike features a child-specific frame geometry, ergonomic grips, and high-quality brakes designed for small hands. A standout feature across the woom range is the green brake lever, which helps kids distinguish between front and rear braking as they build their skills.

Frog 44

Best colour selection

Best 16" kids' bikes: The Frog 44 on a blank background

  • Price: £390
  • Weight: 6.39 kg
  • Rider height: Not specified
  • Rider inseam: 40 - 53 cm
  • Colours: Red, Green, Blue, Pink, Orange, Multi

Buy if: They want a bike that matches their personality

The *Frog 44*, in addition to being an excellent bike, offers a brilliant range of colours, making it easy to please. Beyond aesthetics, it features a lightweight aluminium frame and high-quality components like Tektro brakes and easy-grip handlebars. The 44 is designed to be as comfortable as possible, with a geometry that supports a natural riding position. Its wide variety of colour options makes it easy to choose a frame that reflects their personality, while parents can trust in its build quality.

Get a free helmet when you buy from Wheelbase and use the promo code CYCLESPROG!

Cube Cubie 160

Best with a coaster brake

Best 16" kids' bikes: The Cube Cubie 160 in green

  • Price: £389
  • Weight: 6.5 kg
  • Rider height: 96 - 111 cm
  • Rider inseam: 41 - 49 cm
  • Colours: Green, Grey, Purple

Buy if: They need a lower standover for little legs

The Cube Cubie 160 is designed with smaller riders in mind, thanks to its compact frame and low standover height. Its child-friendly geometry ensures a comfortable and safe riding experience.

Built with a durable aluminium frame and easy-to-reach controls, this bike is ideal for kids just starting out. However, one key difference to be aware of is the coaster brake—unlike most UK bikes that use hand brakes, this one requires the rider to pedal backwards to stop. Common in the US and Europe, coaster brakes can suit children who struggle with brake levers, but they may take some getting used to.

 

Wild 16

Best value for money

The Wild 24 kids bike is a great value bicycle for children aged 7 years and over. Suitable for girls and boys who want to have fun cycling both on and off road

  • Price: £290
  • Weight: 6.3kg
  • Rider height: 100–110cm
  • Rider inseam: Not specified
  • Colours: Green, Red

Buy if: You want more bike for your buck

The Wild 16 is a fantastic choice for adventurous kids who are ready to move up from a balance bike. It has a lightweight but sturdy alloy frame that’s easy to handle. The upright riding position and narrow cranks help little legs pedal comfortably. Plus, the grippy tyres ensure good control on different terrains.

Safety-wise, the Wild 16 has Tektro alloy V-brakes designed for small hands, giving kids reliable stopping power. A full chain guard keeps clothes clean, and the bold two-tone design adds a fun splash of colour. It’s a bike kids will love showing off!

Get a free helmet when you buy from Wheelbase and use the promo code CYCLESPROG!

Islabikes Cnoc 16

Best secondhand option

Best 16" kids' bikes: The Islabikes Cnoc 16 in blue

  • Price: Varies
  • Weight: 5.6 kg
  • Rider height: 104 - 120 cm
  • Rider inseam: 42 - 52 cm
  • Colours: Red, Pink, Teal

Buy if: You’d rather not buy brand new

If you’re after a secondhand bike, the Islabike Cnoc 16 is an excellent pick. While it’s no longer in production, Islabikes are known for their durability. The lightweight aluminium frame makes it easy for kids to ride, and the child-specific design — including small brake levers and a narrow Q-factor — ensures a comfy fit.

Since these bikes last so well, they tend to keep their value. It’s a smart choice for families looking for a high-quality bike at a lower price.

Specialized Jett 16

Best for off-road riding

Best 16" kids' bikes: The Specialized Jett 16 in purple on a blank background

  • Price: £270
  • Weight: 9.3kg
  • Rider height: 95 - 120 cm
  • Rider inseam: Not specified
  • Colours: Orange, Purple, Silver

Buy if: You want wider tyres for fun on the trails

For little adventurers who love off-road riding, the Specialized Jett 16 is a solid option. It has a lightweight aluminium frame and wide 2-inch tyres that offer great grip on trails. Adjustable handlebars and a seat post mean the bike grows with your child, making it a long-lasting choice. With sturdy V-brakes, kids will feel confident and in control even on bumpier rides.

How to choose from the best 16” kids’ bikes

If you’re looking for a bit of advice to help you narrow down your options from the best 16" kids' bikes listed above, then you’ve come to the right place. Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions.

What age child is a 16" wheel bike for?

Most 16” wheel bikes suit kids around 4 or 5 years old, but all children grow at different rates. Generally, they’re designed for children at least 105 cm tall with an inside leg measurement starting from 40 cm.

It’s important to measure your child to ensure the right fit. Riding a bike that’s too big can be unsafe and frustrating. Check out our guide on how to easily measure your child for a new bike for simple tips.

A boy seen from behind, cycling a 16 inch bike along the beach

What makes a good 16″ wheel kids bike for a 4 and 5 year old?

We’ve briefly covered these points in the top tips section above, but if you’re after a bit more of an explanation, you’ve come to the right place. These are the key things to look for in a good 16-inch wheel bike, and why:

  1. Size: 16-inch wheel bikes generally tend to suit children aged around 4 or 5 years old, but of course, all children grow at different rates. To be certain this is the correct size bike for your child, follow the instructions in our handy guide to *how to easily measure your child for a new bike*. There’s even more information in our article on *how to choose the right size bike for your child’s age*.
  2. Price: How much you spend on your child’s bike is a personal choice, based on your budget and how much you anticipate they’ll be riding them. If this is your child’s first bike and you’re not certain that they’ll take to it, or if you’re trying to coax a reluctant child to ride by upgrading from a smaller bike, then you could definitely get away with one of the cheaper models in this list. All bikes we recommend are of good quality, regardless of price. If you want to spend more, then you’ll also find premium options that boast better quality components and features to make life easier, like adjustability so they grow with your kids. It's also worth bearing in mind that many bikes will retain their resale value if they're well looked after, and if you take advantage of Buy Back schemes like the one offered by Decathlon, then you'll get a discount off the next size up. Buying a refurbished second hand bike, either through one of these schemes, or through other means, is another way to get more bike for your money. We've got a guide to *buying a second hand kids' bike* that should help you out a lot here. 
  3. Weight: Some cheaper bikes can be extremely heavy, which are not only harder for you to pick up and carry around when you need to, but more importantly, are difficult to ride and manoeuvre, making them less fun for your child. If there’s one piece of advice we’d offer, it’s to buy the most lightweight bike you can afford, as it’ll likely be much more comfortable and enjoyable for them, meaning they’ll be more inclined to ride it. 
  4. Proper bike, not a toy: At this age it’s tempting to buy a themed bike that has their favourite cartoon or movie character. These bikes tend to be very heavy, difficult to ride, and made with cheap components that rust quickly. If you’ve come to Cycle Sprog because you’re looking for the best 16” bikes, then you’re likely someone who wants their child to enjoy cycling in the long term. If that’s the case, you’re best off investing in a ‘proper’ bike, rather than a toy that won’t last very long. 
  5. Brakes and gears: At this age group, they’re unlikely to be comfortable with braking or shifting gears, so most 16” bikes will be single speed and either have a coaster brake (where they pedal backwards to slow down) or a rear V-brake with a lever designed for small hands. This means they’ll be simple and easy to ride, and shouldn’t overwhelm them. However if they are confidently riding and itching to keep up with older siblings, then they'd probably benefit from some gears. In this case, we couldn't recommend the *woom Original 3 Automagic* highly enough.

Does my child need stabilisers?

We recommend against the use of stabilisers, even though many of us relied on them when we were learning to ride a bike. Things have moved on a bit since then, and with the development and research around the best balance bikes, it’s been shown that scooting along without pedals sets children up much better for real cycling, using their body weight to lean and steer. 

At this age, many children will likely be sizing up from their balance bikes and ready to start pedalling, however everyone learns at different rates, so if you’re in need of a 16” balance bike for your brand new learner cyclist, then check out our article on big balance bikes for taller children, and consider the Black Mountain SKØG listed above. For more on this, read our article, does my child need stabilisers?

Can you fit a water bottle to a 16” wheel bike?

If you’re making the most of the hot weather and want to be sure your youngster has enough water on hand, you’ll be pleased to know that although it’s quite uncommon on bikes of this size, there are two that do come with bottle cage mounts: the woom Original 3 Automagic (and indeed the regular woom Original 3 without gearing), and the Yomo 16.

160 bikes match

Quick picks: the best 16" kids' bikes

Not got time to read the whole article?

These are our top three picks, covering a range of budgets.

  • Best budget option
    B’Twin 16 100 (£129.99)
    Relatively lightweight, decent quality, and VERY affordable.

Buy Now

  • Best midrange option
     Yomo 16 (£340)
    Light, agile, and excellent value for money, PLUS get a free helmet with every bike.

Buy Now

  • Best premium option
    woom Original 3 Automagic (£459)
    Features ‘magic’ gears that are a genuine game changer for young riders - best in class!

Buy Now

Quick picks: the best 16" kids' bikes

Not got time to read the whole article?

These are our top three picks, covering a range of budgets.

 

 

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Comments

Patty

Hi I have a very short 5 year old. Already very confident on an Islabike Cnoc 14s. Would like to get her on a 16” bike – which one has the lowest seat height? Her older sister had the Carrera cosmos but that is still too big for her. Would the Islabike Cnoc 16 be lower? Or it looks like the new Vitus might be even better? Can you confirm? Thanks

Karen

Hi Patty, Thanks for getting in touch. The Vitus website states that the recommended inside leg for the 16″ is 40 – 54cm which is 2cm less than the Islabikes Cnoc 16. However, we haven’t personally verified that measurement. You also need to remember it can be more than just the leg – you need to also consider your daughter’s reach.
We haven’t been able to do a comparison between these three specific bikes – it might be worth asking on the Family Cycling UK facebook group to see if anyone has experience of these bikes and can help you with measurements of their children. The alternative is to try and find someone locally who has the Islabikes which you could try out. Kind regards Karen

Jamie

Hi just wanted to say this guide has been an amazing help in my search for the right bikes for my little ones. Especialy the tips on 2nd hand buying and how models have changed. Thank you

Penny Millar

Hi Jamie
Thank you for your comment. We’re very pleased to hear that you’ve found the post so helpful and have sourced bikes for your cycle sprogs! We wish you many happy days out on your bikes. Penny

Carolann

Hello,

Thanks for this great blog, so useful!! We went bike shopping for my almost 3 and a half year old daughter today. Tried the Frog 43 and her feet were easily flat on the floor, which I guess is good for balance biking (which she already does well) and for learning to pedal, but we, and the lady in the shop (a reputable independent bike shop) felt the bike wouldn’t last her very long at all. They didn’t have the Frog 48 and we already had the Wild from Go Outdoors in mind so we bought that in the 16’’ size. Only problem is her tip toes only just touch the floor!

Am wondering if we have now bought too big?? The sizing in Go Outdoors suggested that size for 1m upwards but she is 98/99cm… Do we stick with what we have but leave trying to pedal until she is a bit taller?? Would be annoying to spend so much when we know it won’t last, but then I don’t want to make it harder for her either. Confused!!

Nicola

Hello,
Thanks for this brilliant list, really useful. We’re hoping to get our son his first pedal bike for Christmas and have been looking at the Early Rider Belter 16. It’s a very lightweight bike and seems to babe a good spec, so just wondered if there’s a reason why it’s not included here?

Karen

Hi Nicola,
Thanks for getting in touch. We try to include only bikes that are currently available and the Belter 16 hasn’t been in stock in the UK for quite some time so I’d taken it off the list. Their website now says that bikes will be arriving end of October, so once I know it’s available for purchase I can add it back in.
Hope your son enjoys his first pedal bike – exciting times! Karen

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