Best 20″ kids’ bikes for 6-8 year-olds

Quick picks: for parents in a hurry

To save you time on scrolling through a long list of suggestions, these are the absolute best 20" kids' bikes, covering a range of budgets.

• Best budget option: Wild Bikes 20 (currently £250 at Wheelbase £350 RRP)
• Best range of gears: YOMO 20 (£400.00 with a FREE helmet, or £319 from Tweeks Cycles)
• Best for biking to school: Frog City 53 (currently £320 at Wheelbase £550 RRP)
• Best for serious MTB: woom OFF AIR 4 (£949.00)

Top tips: choosing the best 20” kids’ bike

Even if you're short on time, these are the key things to know before buying a 20-inch bike for your child:

• Size: Children grow at different rates, so it’s essential to get the right size bike for them. If the bike is too big, it may feel intimidating to ride; too small, and they’ll quickly outgrow it. Here’s how to easily measure your child for a new bike to make sure you get the perfect fit.
• Weight: Pay attention to the bike's weight and what it’s made from. Your child needs to be able to lift and manoeuvre the bike comfortably, so the lighter, the better. It also makes your life easier when loading it into a car or onto a bike rack.
• Gears: A 20” bike is often the first one your child will have with gears. Some bikes come with twist shifters (like a motorbike), while others have thumb shifters. Just make sure the shifters are easy for small hands to manage.
• Price: We’ve selected bikes to suit a range of budgets, but it’s important to remember that cheaper bikes can sometimes be more toy than practical ride. Here’s why you shouldn’t buy a REALLY cheap new kids’ bike, and if money is tight, consider buying a second hand bike, as it's much more cost-effective.
• Type: You’ll likely start seeing a choice between regular hybrid bikes, which are great all-rounders, and more specific mountain bikes designed for light trails and rougher terrain. We generally recommend hybrids unless you’re hitting the trails regularly—if so, check out our guide to the best 20” mountain bikes.

Best 20” kids' bikes

Here’s our roundup of the best 20-inch wheel kids’ bikes, in ascending price order.

We only ever recommend good quality bikes we’d be happy to recommend to our friends and family, so you won’t find the very cheap bikes you might see advertised elsewhere, because these rarely meet safety standards and tend to break very quickly.

Buying advice: how to choose from the best 20” kids’ bikes

If you need a bit more guidance before taking the plunge, then here are some answers to some common questions.

What makes a good 20" wheel kids bike?

A quality 20" kids' bike should be lightweight and durable, ideally under 10kg, so it's easy to handle and provides a fun riding experience. Good construction ensures the bike will last, meaning it can be passed down to siblings or resold when it’s time to upsize. Versatility is also important, unless your child is strictly hitting mountain bike trails, a hybrid bike is usually the best option, as it performs well on tarmac and off-road surfaces like gravel and grass.

The bike should come with a wide range of easy-to-use gears, suitable for both flat and hilly terrain. Make sure the gear shifters are designed for small hands, which is typically the case with higher-end components. Flat handlebars are also common, offering a comfortable ride and solid steering control.

Consider the type of gear shifters as well - some bikes have twist-grip shifters, while others feature thumb triggers. Have your child try both to see which they prefer. You can always switch them later for better usability if needed.

What age child is a 20" wheel bike for?

The sizing of 20" wheel bikes varies quite a bit, with some brands offering multiple frame sizes to suit both shorter and taller children. Some bikes fit kids with an inside leg as short as 47cm, although most start around 52cm. This generally suits children aged 6 to 7, though some 5-year-olds may be ready for this size.

It's important to measure your child carefully, and if possible, test the bike to make sure it fits. Avoid buying a bike that's too big—if it's too large, they won't enjoy riding it, and it could be unsafe.

Here’s how to easily measure your child for a new bike, and our guide is my kid's bike the right size for them? will help you make sure it’s a good fit.

Does my child need a 20” mountain bike?

Once you reach 20” wheels, you’ll start to see more bike options, including specialised mountain bikes. While we've highlighted the best 20” mountain bikes, they do tend to be pricier, as they come with extra technology and features to make the ride safer and more comfortable on rough terrain.

If your child isn’t spending a lot of time on mountain bike trails, we’d usually recommend going for a hybrid bike. These bikes can handle a bit of everything and are ideal for everyday rides. Hybrid bikes offer the flat bars, lower gearing, and wider tyres of a mountain bike, along with the efficient design and lightweight frame of a road bike.

Mountain bikes, on the other hand, are heavier and less efficient on paved surfaces, so only go for one if your child really needs it. Don’t feel pressured to buy more bike than they’ll actually use.

How can I adjust the bike to fit my child as they grow?

Most kids' bikes allow for some degree of adjustment. The saddle height can usually be raised as your child grows, but make sure not to exceed the minimum insert marker. Ideally, your child should be able to touch their toes to the ground while seated. Quick-release seatposts make this adjustment simple, without the need for tools.

Handlebars may also be adjustable. You can raise or lower them to suit your child's height, and if the bike has an adjustable stem, you can alter the reach and angle for a more comfortable fit.

If you’re looking for a bike that will last through a growth spurt or two, consider the  Black Mountain HÜTTO for its adaptability.

How do I teach my child to use gears?

Teaching your child to use gears effectively starts with explaining the basics. Show them how shifting to a lower gear makes pedalling easier on hills, while higher gears are better for speed on flat terrain.

Start practising on safe, flat ground. Encourage them to experiment with shifting gears while riding, so they can feel the difference. Offer simple tips like "shift to an easier gear before a hill" and "shift to a harder gear when you want to go faster." Be there to supervise and guide them until they’re confident.

Is an expensive kids' bike worth it?

Given the current cost of living crisis, it’s completely understandable to want to save money wherever possible. Kids' bikes can get expensive, but there are some significant benefits to higher-quality models. If you’ve got some flexibility in your budget, a mid-range bike can offer great value.

More expensive bikes are generally lighter, making them easier for your child to ride. They also feature better components, more reliable brakes, smoother gear shifts, and tougher tyres.

Investing in a higher-quality bike can pay off in the long term, as these bikes tend to last longer and hold their resale value. If you’re looking for the best value without overspending, check out our guide to the cheapest kids' bikes that are actually good.

If your budget is tighter, buying a second hand bike is a smart way to get a quality ride for less. Just steer clear of the very cheapest new bikes, especially those covered in cartoon characters—these are typically toy bikes that won’t last. Here’s why you shouldn’t buy a REALLY cheap new kids’ bike.

What accessories should I get with the bike?

There are several accessories that can enhance your child’s cycling experience. Start with one of the best kids’ bike helmets to keep them safe in case of a fall. Younger riders or those nervous about falling might also benefit from knee pads and elbow pads, though not every child will want them.

If you’re leaving your bikes unattended, you’ll need one of the best kids’ bike locks to keep them secure. For riding in low-light conditions, consider the best kids’ bike lights to help them see and be seen.

Other useful accessories include water bottle cages, mudguards, a kickstand, and a rear rack, especially if they’ll be using the bike for school runs.