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Cheapest kids’ bikes 2024

With the cost of living ever on the rise, investing in a new bike for your child can seem a bit of a daunting task, which is why we’ve created a complete guide to the cheapest kids’ bikes.

While we all want to save some pennies, the children’s bike market is saturated with what we think of as ‘bike-shaped toys’ that aren’t made to last, but can seem quite appealing when you’re on a tight budget. 

That’s why this guide is designed to help you decipher what to look for in a budget-friendly kids’ bike, how to tell what’s good from what’s naff, and where to find the best prices.

At Cycle Sprog we only recommend the best kids’ bikes that we deem to be good quality and safe to ride, that won’t fall apart within weeks. 

Read on for our recommendations on where to get the cheapest kids’ bikes that are actually worth buying. 

Cheapest kids bikes: Two children seen from behind, cycling their bikes along a traffic-free cycle path surrounded by trees

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're in a hurry, these are the best brands to look at for good quality children's bikes that won't break the bank

  • B'Twin - Available from Decathlon, B'Twin's range is without a doubt the most affordable and best value for money if you're on a tight budget.
  • Carrera - Exclusive to Halfords, Carrera bikes are also pretty decent quality without the huge price tag you'll see elsewhere.
  • Wild Bikes - Available through Wheelbase and other retailers, Wild Bikes are priced slightly higher, but offer exceptional value for money if you want quality.

Top tips: how to save money on a new kids' bike

If you just search for the cheapest kids' bikes online, you'll find some really dire options with a very tempting price tag. Unfortunately the children's bike market is awash with bike-shaped toys that aren't actually designed for proper riding, and will likely fall apart very quickly (take it from us, we've seen it happen countless times).

Here's a very quick rundown of the key ways to save money when buying your child a new bike.

  1. Budget brands: While there aren't many, there are definitely some brands that produce decent quality bikes that don't cost a fortune. From our 12 years' experience of reviewing kids' bikes, we've identified two key brands whose budget-friendly ranges are actually worth recommending to parents: B'Twin (available from Decathlon) and Carrera (available from Halfords). You'll see their bikes dominate our list below, and for a very good reason.
  2. Buy-back schemes: Children quickly outgrow their bikes, so there are some retailers who offer buy-back schemes. These allow you to return a bike when it's too small, and get a bigger one at a reduced price. It also means you can buy refurbished models from the retailer at a discount. Both Decathlon and Halfords offer this service.
  3. Buying secondhand: Because kids outgrow their bikes, the secondhand bike market is always thriving. You can often pick up a good quality bike for a fraction of its original RRP, and you'll often find models from high quality discontinued brands like Islabikes and Hoy.

Cheapest kids' bikes that are actually good

We've broken our list of recommended bikes down by size and age group, to make it easier for you to find what you need, just by clicking one of the links below.

 

 

Cheapest kids' bikes: Balance bikes for toddlers

If you're looking for a first bike to get your toddler rolling on two wheels, we always recommend opting for one of the best balance bikes over stabilisers. They teach children to use their balance for steering and better prepare them for pedalling later down the line.

 

 

Indi Balance Bike

Best balance bikes: A red Indi balance bike on a blank background

  • Price: £35.00
  • Weight: 3.2kg
  • Wheel size: 10 inches
  • Rider height: 88-97cm

Buy if: You need the smallest balance bike size

The Indi balance bike is cheap and cheerful, and equipped with puncture-proof foam wheels, so you can rest assured that playtime is uninterrupted by flats. Weighing 3.2 kg, it is lightweight and easy for young children to handle and manoeuvre. Its affordability, combined with its robust construction and simple design, makes it a practical option for parents who need a reliable and straightforward starter bike for their young toddler. The smaller wheel size makes it suitable for toddlers who are able to walk and balance unaided, usually around the age of 2 years, but refer to the specified height range and measure your child to be sure.

zinc Flyte Dash

Flyte Zinc Dash balance bike on a blank background

  • Price: £59.99
  • Weight: 2.97kg
  • Wheel size: 12 inches
  • Rider inseam: 32–47cm

Buy if: Your youngster is too tall for the Indi balance bike

The Zinc Flyte Dash balance bike is ideal for bigger toddlers aged 2.5 years and above, helping them develop balance skills with its 12-inch puncture-proof wheels. It features an adjustable padded seat (32-47 cm) and handlebar (52-57 cm) to accommodate growing kids. The bike has a robust aluminium frame and weighs only 2.97 kg, making it easy to carry. Be sure to check the inseam length bracket against your child's measurements to be sure they're big enough to be able to ride it.

If you'd prefer to explore a wider range of options, check out our guide to the best balance bikes, which covers 12-inch bikes for toddlers aged around 2 and above. If you're looking for something for a younger child, we also have a guide to the best bikes for a 1 year-old, which looks at ride-on toys that best prepare them for two-wheel adventures later down the line.

Cheapest kids' bikes: 14" bikes for 3-4 year-olds

These are the two best 14" kids' bikes we'd recommend for a child aged around 3 or 4 years old. Be sure to check the rider height and/or inseam recommendations against your own child's measurements first so you know you're getting the right size.

B’Twin 14

BTwin 14" wheel cheap kids bike

  • Price: £119.00
  • Weight: 8.7kg
  • Wheel size: 14 inches
  • Rider height: 90-105cm

Buy if: They'll benefit from the low standover height

Ideal for age 3 and above, the B'Twin 14 makes for a great first pedal bike. With its low step-through frame, it's easy to mount and dismount, and it comes with a chain guard for safety, and a patented "Stop Easy" braking system tailored for small hands, which consists of a front cantilever brake and a drum brake at the rear. It comes with stabilisers attached, but we'd recommend removing them and letting your child get used to scooting it like a balance bike if they're not yet ready to pedal.

 

Carrera Cosmos 14

  • Price: £180.00
  • Weight: 6kg
  • Wheel size: 14 inches
  • Rider height: 105-116cm

Buy if: They're on the tall side and will benefit from more height

While it has the same size wheels as the B'Twin 14, the Carrera Cosmos 14 is designed with taller children in mind, so pay attention to the height ranges. It's got a much more grown up aesthetic compared to the B'Twin, and is about 2kg lighter as well, though it does cost almost £60 more. It's equipped with V-brakes, and all its components are designed specifically for small children.

Wild Bikes 14

Best 14" bikes for 3-4 year olds: the Wild 14 in Blue, in front of a blank background

  • Price: £270.00
  • Weight: 5.8kg
  • Wheel size: 14 inches
  • Rider height: 90-100cm

Buy if: You want the most lightweight option

While it costs a little more than the other two options, the Wild 14 is an excellent quality bike that looks more grown up than the B'Twin and accommodates smaller children down to 90cm in height. It's built around a lightweight aluminium frame and Tektro V-brakes, has grippy tyres for different terrains, and weighs just 5.8kg, making it easy for them to manoeuvre, and for you to carry.

Not satisfied with these? We've got a full guide to the best 14" kids' bikes with a lot more options listed, so be sure to check it out if you want to explore the market more.

Cheapest kids' bikes: 16" bikes for 4-5 year-olds

 

B'Twin 16 100

The B'Twin 16" bike with Inuit cartoon design

  • Price: £129.99
  • Weight: 8.7kg
  • Wheel size: 16 inches
  • Rider height: 105-120cm

Buy if: You want the best price possible

The B'Twin 16 100 is made from a robust steel frame combined with V-brakes at the front and rear. At 8.7kg it's heavier than the Carrera, but it comes with the most affordable price. If your youngster enjoys fun cartoon designs, then the blue and white Inuit design should be right up their street.

Carrera Cosmos 16

  • Price: £200.00
  • Weight: 6.8kg
  • Wheel size: 16 inches
  • Rider height: 112-126cm

Buy if: They're taller and feeling more grown up

The Carrera Cosmos 16 has a more grown-up design compared to the B'Twin, and also a higher standover height, so it'd work better if they're on the taller side. It's built around an aluminium frame and weighs 6.8kg overall, so it's much more lightweight as well. Stopping power comes from a front and rear V-brake, and there are two colour options available.

Wild Bikes 16

Wild Bike 16 Inch Black Friday deal on bikes for a 4 year old

  • Price: £275.00
  • Weight: 6.3kg
  • Wheel size: 16 inches
  • Rider height: 100–110cm

Buy if: You can spend a bit more for better quality

It's a more expensive option than the other two, but still exceptional value for money. The Wild 16 weighs as little as 6.3kg, despite having a robust aluminium frame at the centre of it all. All the correctly proportioned components are of excellent quality, and we know from parents' feedback that Wild Bikes are built to last. With V-brakes for stopping power and a chainguard to keep the muck off their clothing, this is a great bike if you can stretch your budget a little further.

If you're not enamoured with either of those options, there are plenty more to choose from in our guide to the best 16" kids' bikes, so be sure to take a look at that.

Cheapest kids' bikes: 20" bikes for 6-7 year-olds

As they get older, the difference in height between your child and their peers will continue to vary, so it's important to be sure you're checking measurements against the bike you choose, so you know it'll fit them properly. Whether they're planning to cycle to school or just riding for fun, here are three options for the best 20" kids' bikes that won't break the bank.

B'Twin Rockrider 20 Expl 500

B'Twin Rockrider 20 MTB

  • Price: £229.99
  • Weight: 12.5kg
  • Wheel size: 20 inches
  • Rider height: 120-135cm

Buy if: They'll be heading off-road on light trails and gravel

If you're looking to explore some light off-road trails with your youngster, then the B'Twin Rockrider 20 Expl 500 is an affordable entry-level mountain bike that will do the job. It features 6 gears to help them learn to shift and climb, as well as a 30mm travel suspension fork to help cushion the vibrations of uneven terrain. It's not the lightest, but it's difficult to argue with this price tag.

B'Twin Riverside 20 120

B'Twin Riverside 20-inch bike in blue

  • Price: £199.99
  • Weight: 11kg
  • Wheel size: 20 inches
  • Rider height: 120-135cm

Buy if: They're ready to learn to shift gears on tarmac rides

Whether you live in a particularly hilly area, or just feel your child is ready to learn to shift gears, the B'Twin Riverside 20 120 is an excellent hybrid bike designed for riding on roads and light gravel. It has mounts for mudguards and a rear rack, so it can be loaded up and cycled to school, and comes with 6 gears to help flatten out undulating roads. It also comes with battery-powered lights, a bell and wheel reflectors included.

Wild Bikes 20

Wild Bikes Wild 20

  • Price: £350.00
  • Weight: 7.6kg
  • Wheel size: 20 inches
  • Rider height: 120-130cm

Buy if: A lightweight frame is a priority

The Wild 20 is a bit higher in price than B'Twin's offerings, but for the extra money you get a feathery light aluminium frame, combined with several high quality components that are proportionally correct for riders whose heights fall between 120 and 130cm. Complete with V-brakes and 7-speed Shimano gearing, this 7.6kg bike offers exceptional value for money if the higher price tag isn't too much of a stretch.

If you'd prefer to further explore all the different options, then check out our guide to the best 20" kids' bikes for much more. We've also got a specific guide to the best 20" mountain bikes if you're specifically looking for something off-road worthy.

Cheapest kids' bikes: 24" bikes for 7-8 year-olds

At this age group and wheel size, you can pretty much expect all of the best 24" kids' bikes to have multiple gears. We've provided two options for on- and off-road bikes that are affordable and practical.

B’Twin Riverside 24 500

B’Twin Riverside 500 24”

  • Price: £249.99
  • Weight: 13.65kg
  • Wheel size: 24 inches
  • Rider height: 135-150cm

Buy if: They need an all-rounder hybrid to cycle to school

If your child is cycling to school, then the B'Twin Riverside 24 500 is an outstanding option at this price point. Not only is it robust and good looking, it also comes with fully equipped with front and rear mudguards, a kickstand for easy parking, and a fixed LED light at the front. 6-speed gearing and V-brakes make it easy to control and manoeuvre, and it also comes with a bell, removable battery-powered lights, and reflectors on the wheels.

B'Twin Rockrider 24 500

B'Twin Rockrider 24 Expl 500

  • Price: £249.99
  • Weight: 14.5kg
  • Wheel size: 24 inches
  • Rider height: 135-150cm

Buy if: They're heading off road and need a bit of suspension

If the B'Twin Rockrider 24 Expl 500 proves anything, it's that you can get a pretty decent entry-level mountain bike for your child without breaking the bank. It's not dripping with all the latest tech, but it looks good, offers up 50mm of coil-sprung travel at the front, and features 7-speed gearing to help them build confidence traversing varying gradients. If you want it to double up as a school run bike, it's compatible with mudguards, a kickstand, bottle cages and a rear rack.

Wild Bikes 24

Wild 24 - a cheap 24" wheel kids bike with a great Black Friday discount

  • Price: £370.00
  • Weight: 9kg
  • Wheel size: 24 inches
  • Rider height: 130-140cm

Buy if: You want bigger bang for your buck

The Wild 24 is a lot of bike for an affordable price. It's more expensive than the B'Twin, but the value it offers is second to none, so if you're able to push your budget a little further to afford it, this is the best model we'd recommend. It's more than 4kg lighter in weight than the Riverside, and boasts 8-speed Shimano gearing, plus grippy and fast-rolling tyres for exploring a range of terrains.

Not won over by the bikes listed here? We've got plenty more recommendations in our guide to the best 24" kids' bikes, plus you can delve deeper into off-road options in our best 24" kids' mountain bikes article.

Cheapest kids' bikes: 26" bikes for 9+ year-olds

The best 26" kids' bikes are suitable for children over the age of 9 and can see them all the way through their teens as their rate of growth starts to slow down. At this size of bike, you start to see a lot more options and variability on the market, as well as other cycling disciplines to dabble in. We've reflected that variety in our recommendations below.

Carrera Centos 26

Carrera Centos Junior 26

  • Price: £350.00
  • Weight: 18kg
  • Wheel size: 26 inches
  • Rider height: 136-154cm

Buy if: They need a do-it-all hybrid for riding to school and around town

Whether they're cycling to school every day, or mucking about with their mates at the weekend (or both), a hybrid bike is a all-rounder. The Carrera Centos is a junior hybrid bike with 26-inch wheels that boasts 14 gears to help them climb and gain confidence picking up speed. It's pretty heavy, but you'd expect to pay a lot more for a much lighter bike, and while it does weigh more, it's still manoeuvrable.

B’Twin Rockrider 26 ST 500

Best 26" mountain bikes for kids: A B’Twin Rockrider ST 500 26 on a plain background

  • Price: £279.99
  • Weight: 14.5kg
  • Wheel size: 26 inches
  • Rider height: 135-150cm

Buy if: They're a budding mountain biker

The B'Twin Rockrider 26 ST 500 is a surprisingly good mountain bike at this price point. With features to match its sleek exterior, it boasts a single chain ring 7-speed drivetrain for simple shifting over complex terrain, and an 80mm coil sprung suspension fork. The thick, knobbly 26x2.0" tyres provide plenty of grip and comfort on uneven surfaces, while V-brakes provide reliable stopping power.

Van Rysel Triban 26

Best 26" kids' bikes: A red Van Rysel Triban 100 road bike on a plain background

  • Price: £299.99
  • Weight: 10.5kg
  • Wheel size: 26 inches
  • Rider height: 135-150cm

Buy if: They're a budding roadie

As they enter their teenage years, it may be that they really catch the cycling bug and want to take it more seriously. The Van Rysel Triban 26 is a fantastic quality kids' road bike with a very respectable price tag. The drop handlebars promote a more efficient riding position, and they come in a child-friendly narrow width and also feature and extra set of cross-top brake levers to help them transition to braking in the drops. 7-speed gearing provides enough to help them build their confidence, without over-complicating things, and calliper brakes provide reliable stopping power.

We've got plenty more if you're not satisfied. Our guide to the best 26" kids' bikes covers all bases, while you'll get even more recommendations in our guide to the best 26" mountain bikes for kids and best 26" hybrid bikes for kids.

What to look for in the cheapest kids' bikes

Just because you're on a budget, doesn't mean you want to buy something naff that your child won't get much use out of. So if you're not sure what exactly to look for in the cheapest kids' bikes, we've got you covered with some guidance below.

How much should I spend on a kids' bike?

The amount you should spend on your child's bike can depend on various factors, like their age, their level of interest in cycling, and your budget.

Smaller bikes for younger children will tend to be less expensive than larger bikes for older children, since the latter will often have more complex componentry and have more intricate and variable designs.

If you're buying new, we'd urge you not to buy a really cheap bike, which will more than likely not last very long because it's not built to withstand the demands it'll be put under.

In fact, we've written a whole piece about why you shouldn't buy a really cheap new kids' bike, that goes into a lot more detail.

If the cost of the new bikes listed here is too much, then we'd recommend buying a second hand kids' bike. Often you'll get a lot more bike for your money, and if you know what to look for when buying second hand, you'll usually come away with a bargain.

How long should a kids' bike last?

The lifespan of a kids' bike can vary depending on its quality, how well it's maintained, how much it's used, and of course, how fast your child grows.

In the early years, when children are rapidly growing, you may need to upgrade their bike every couple of years to ensure it's the right size. As they reach their teenage years, their growth tends to slow down, so a high-quality bike can last longer.

It's essential to invest in a durable and adjustable bike that can adapt to your child's changing needs, both in terms of size and skill level.

If you're not sure, we've written a whole post answering the question, is my kid’s bike the right size for them?

And if you're really concerned about needing to change bikes frequently as they grow, then take a look at The Bike Club, who lease out bikes long-term and make this process a breeze.

How do I choose a bike for my child?

There's a lot to consider when choosing a bike for your child, and we've written a lot of guides on this. However as a quick overview, these are the main things to keep in mind:

  • Age and size: Use this handy guide about how to measure your child for a new bike
  • Bike type: Choose the right bike for the job. All those listed here are for general riding. If you're heading off road, check out our roundup of the best kids' mountain bikes.
  • Weight: This is important. If a bike is too heavy, your child will find it difficult to manoeuvre. Opt for an aluminium frame over steel.
  • Brakes and gears: Choose a bike with child-specific brake levers that can be easily operated with small hands. If you're buying for a toddler, you'll want to choose one of the best balance bikes. If they're already on their cycling journey, choose something with a wide range of gears to help them climb hills.

What to look for when buying a second hand kids' bike

Buying second hand is a great way to get more for your money, but if you're buying from an online marketplace like eBay, then there are certain things you should be aware of to make sure you're getting a good deal, and not paying for a bike that's completely worn out and unusable.

Never hesitate to ask questions and request extra photographs if you're buying from an online seller. We've got a whole guide to buying a second hand kids' bike, but if you're in a hurry, these are the key things you should check.

  • Check the bike's condition: Check the frame and components for cracks, rust and anything bent out of shape. It's not easy to do online but if you can request more photos, it should be possible if you've found a good deal online. Cracked tyres can be replaced, but cracked frames are unsafe to ride.
  • Research the price: Before you make the purchase, do a bit of research to see if the price seems reasonable compared to other similar second hand bikes being sold.
  • Check the seller's reputation: It goes without saying, but always check the seller's reputation first before you part with your money. Look for customer reviews and try to have some contact with them beforehand so you know they're reachable.

Is leasing the cheapest way to get a kids' bike?

If you're looking for a cheap way to get your child a bike at the moment, then we recommend you take a look at The Bike Club. If you've not heard of them, they've had the brilliant idea of offering kids bikes on a leasing model (think the kids bike equivalent of Airbnb, Spotify or Netflix!).

It's really simple - you sign up online for a monthly membership and choose a bike that fits your child now. When they've grown out of it, you send the bike back and upgrade to the next size.

Not only does this keep upfront costs low, but they also take care of all the hassles of sourcing a new bike for you, plus it's possibly more environmentally friendly as every bike will be ridden multiple times. You can choose from a new bike or a used bike (which they service after each rider).

We know a lot of people who have been using this service for several years now, which is why we are happy to recommend them to our readers.

Monthly fees start at just £5 per month for a used balance bike through to over £26 per month for a new 26" wheel mountain bike.

You can join their waiting list if you want a particular make, model or colour which isn't currently available.

151 bikes match

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Comments

DrE

Nice that this article received an update, but maybe you’ve made a glaring omission regarding Cuda? Moore and Large, the company behind Cuda has folded. It was all over the cycling press. The administrators were literally in the middle of liquidating all of their residual stock when you published your update (again all over the press). The only stock left now is whatever the retailers have (not much). After that it’s likely only second hand, unless someone steps in to save the brand.

Paddy

Hi do u operate in Ireland thank you

Penny Millar

Hi Paddy.
With regards to bike sales? We don’t actually sell bikes or bike accessories directly. You’ll find links that take you to bike sellers and distributors within the posts, most should be able to deliver to Ireland, delivery options/charges will be on each of their pages. Hope this helps? Penny

Andrew Newman

I just tried to buy a Wiggins Macon from Halfords and they told me it has been discontinued.

Karen

Oh no Andrew – that is very bad news indeed. That must have been why they were reducing them. Such a shame as it was a quality bike at a very good price. Thanks for letting us know – we’ll up date the post. Thanks Karen

Keith T

Hi Karen. One of the best places that I have found for ‘real’ kids mountain bikes is http://www.pinkbike.com. This tends to be because its a real enthusiasts site by people who wouldn’t think twice (well maybe three times) about spending 4-5k on their own adult bikes so when coming to sell on their kids mountain bikes they are usually in great conditon at a great price.

Karen

Thanks for that tip Keith – a good place to look for a bargain! Karen

Steve

Hi, Just to flag the Vitus 20 is now out of stock at wiggle and chain reaction cycles. I ordered one from chain reaction cycles following one of your reviews. This was before black friday and had my order confirmed, only to find out a week later my order had been cancelled. No communication from crc. Very poor.

Karen

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