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Best balance bikes 2024

Welcome to Cycle Sprog’s ultimate guide to the best balance bikes! Choosing the perfect balance bike is an exciting step, and we’re here to help you make the right pick. As parents who understand the thrill of those first wobbly strides, we’re passionate about recommending bikes that will make learning to ride a fun, safe, and confidence-boosting adventure.

With this guide, we hope to simplify your decision-making so you can spend less time researching and more time making memories with your little one. Whether you’re new to cycling with babies and toddlers or an experienced cyclist looking for a durable, lightweight bike that’s easy for little ones to handle, we’re here to help you find the right fit.

Our team has spent years reviewing and testing kids' bikes to bring you our top picks from trusted brands. Each balance bike in this guide was chosen not just for its specs but for how well it supports kids through every stage of learning. We've also got a guide to big balance bikes for taller children, which you might find helpful if your child is learning at a later stage or taller than average.

Let’s dive in and find the perfect balance bike to kickstart 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.

How to use this guide

Choosing your child’s first balance bike is an exciting milestone, but with so many options, it can feel a bit overwhelming.

We’ve packed this guide with everything you need to make the best choice, whether you’re short on time or ready to dive deep.

To make things easier, we’ve organized the guide into clear, helpful sections. Use the links below to jump straight to the parts that matter 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 (from £139 £129 plus they're doing a Black Friday bundle including helmet and light)

HORNIT BLACK FRIDAY BUNDLES: 

Offer runs until 23:59 on 2nd December 2024 or while stocks last. 

  • Kidvelo Rookie: Brilliant range of balance bikes, plus they also do larger 14" and 18" wheelers for older kids (from £110)

Best Budget Balance Bikes

  • Chicco Balance Bike: A bestseller for a reason, it's affordable and reliable (£42.90)
  • Decathlon: Has a solid range of balance bikes that won’t break the bank (from £59.99)

Tips for choosing a balance bike

Buying a balance bike is an exciting milestone, as it’s likely your child’s very first bike. With so many choices, the options can feel overwhelming, so here are our top tips to help you find the best fit.

  • Choose a bike that fits – Getting the right size is key! A balance bike that's too big can feel intimidating, while one that’s too small may be uncomfortable. Be sure to follow our guide on how to easily measure your child for a new bike to make sure it’s the perfect fit.
  • Tyre types matter – Solid tyres are budget-friendly and great for indoor use, but they may not provide as much comfort on outdoor surfaces.
  • Brakes: optional but useful – Brakes aren’t necessary for younger children and can sometimes be distracting. However, for older kids, brakes can ease the transition to pedal bikes, so consider this feature if your child is nearing that stage.
  • Wheel sizes vary – Most balance bikes have 12” wheels, which are ideal for most toddlers, but you can also find smaller and larger sizes if needed.
  • Convertible bikes for a smoother transition – Some balance bikes convert into pedal bikes, helping children transition more easily when they’re ready for pedals.

Balance bike or stabilisers?

While stabilisers might seem like the traditional choice (many of us learned to ride with them), balance bikes offer an alternative that many parents prefer. Stabilisers teach children to steer by turning the handlebars, whereas balance bikes encourage them to lean to steer—more like a ‘real’ bike. This helps them develop balance and coordination, making the switch to pedalling smoother and quicker.

Curious about the differences? Check out does my child need stabilisers? for a closer look.

What size balance bike is right for your child?

Balance bikes come in various sizes, so measuring accurately is essential to ensure your child feels confident and secure. While it can be tempting to buy a bike they’ll grow into, balance bikes need to be a comfortable size so they can reach the ground easily and scoot along.

So first things first, follow our guide to how to easily measure your child for a new bike, so you know which size to buy them.

Most balance bikes have 12” wheels, ideal for toddlers, but there are smaller 10” options for younger children around one year old, and larger bikes, from 14” to 20” wheels, for older or taller kids.

Not all children start cycling as toddlers, whether due to a lack of interest or physical or neurological factors. For these cases, larger balance bikes are a great solution. You’ll find a few options here, but for more choices, see our guide to 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

There are so many balance bikes out there - some truly great, others not as reliable.

With so many options to sift through, it can feel overwhelming. That’s why, here at Cycle Sprog, we’ve been focused on finding the best balance bikes for you since 2012.

We’ve tested these balance bikes ourselves and gathered feedback from countless parents who have used them, and we can’t find fault with either model.

It’s too close to call for us, so now it’s up to you to decide which one suits your style and preference best!

 

 

Hornit AIRO

Best for range of colour options

Best balance bikes: A Hornit AIRO photographed in woodland

  • Wheel size: 12”, 14”
  • Price: from £139.00 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 pairs a lightweight magnesium alloy frame with pneumatic tyres for a smoother ride than cheaper models with solid tyres.

The AIRO 12 suits inside leg lengths from 30cm to 46cm, while the larger AIRO 14 fits 40cm to 53cm, adding versatility as your child grows.

This bike includes thoughtful touches like a cushioned stem cover, a footplate for added stability, and a brake on the AIRO 14 to ease the transition to pedals. Plus, Hornit’s use of recyclable magnesium alloy is both lightweight and eco-friendly, and they offer a lifetime warranty on frames and forks, which can be registered online.

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

HORNIT BLACK FRIDAY BUNDLES: 

Offer runs until 23:59 on 2nd December 2024 or while stocks last. 

Buy Now

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  £130.00   £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 after a quality balance bike designed to speed up your child’s transition to pedals, the Kidvelo Rookie range is an excellent choice. Its lightweight, modern frame and smart geometry make it easy for young riders to develop their skills with confidence.

Developed by experts with decades of experience, the Rookie 12 has a design that impressed our reviewer, while his 3-year-old loved how light and easy it was to handle. Kidvelo also offers Rookie 14 and Rookie 18 models that convert into pedal bikes, perfect for kids not quite ready for full pedal bikes.

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

Buy Now

Best balance bikes on a budget

Not everyone wants to spend over £100 on a child’s balance bike, and plenty of affordable options are available through major online retailers.

While some budget models are reliable, many don’t hold up well or provide a comfortable ride, which could discourage your child from cycling. We’ve tested many budget balance bikes, and here are the affordable ones that have impressed us.

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 meaning many kids are out there enjoying this bike! It’s often recommended for its lightweight frame and value for money.

At this price, however, you’re getting solid plastic tyres, so the ride won’t be as comfortable as a more expensive balance bike with pneumatic tyres. Still, given how quickly most kids move onto pedal bikes, the Chicco allows parents to save for their next step up.

Buy Now

 

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 offers a selection of models, including 10" and 12" balance bikes, as well as ride-ons for younger children not yet ready for a full balance bike.

Decathlon also runs a “Second Life” scheme, where you can look for pre-loved bikes at a lower price. Additionally, once your child has outgrown the bike, you have the option of selling it back to Decathlon.

Buy Now

 

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

The Toddlebike isn’t strictly a balance bike, but since it’s been recommended by so many parents, it’s worth mentioning here. It’s designed as a “pre-balance bike” for toddlers as young as one who aren’t quite ready for a proper balance bike. The Toddlebike allows little ones to experience cycling early on, which is especially handy for toddlers who want to mimic older siblings on their bikes. Durable and lightweight, it offers a confidence-boosting introduction to bikes, setting them up to transition to a 12” balance bike as they grow.

While the Toddlebike company has closed, this model is still available under the name Lena My First Scooter. Over the years, it has seen upgrades to be stronger and even more enjoyable for little riders.

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 after something beyond the basics, this section highlights balance bikes with standout features, including those designed for mountain biking, bikes that grow with your child, options with brakes, and bikes suitable for the smallest riders, or those who prefer to buy secondhand. Dive into 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 the balance bike for families who plan on off-roading with their little ones.

Designed with mountain biking in mind, it features chunky, knobbly air-filled tyres, a slack head angle for improved off-road stability, and an option for a rear disc brake. With multiple builds available, you can choose from either 12" or 14" wheels, with or without brakes.

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 bikes stand out with their “growing frame,” which extends as your child grows. Starting in balance bike mode, they come with all you need to convert them into a pedal bike when the time is right. This offers families a versatile three-in-one bike setup, giving peace of mind in uncertain economic times.

Because of the frame’s engineering, even the smallest model in the 4-bike range, the Pinto, is slightly heavier and larger than other balance bikes (5 kg in balance bike mode with 14” wheels). This makes it more suitable for older or stronger children, likely aged 3 and up. The additional weight may be something to keep in mind if you anticipate carrying the bike frequently.

The Black Mountain range also includes the 16" Skog, 18" Kapel, and 20" Hutto, with options for children up to around age 7, depending on height. This range is highly engineered, ideal for parents who enjoy working on bikes, as adjustments may require some mechanical know-how.

Check out our Black Mountain Pinto review for even more.

Buy Now

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 offers versatility with three sizes, providing balance bikes for nearly every age and height. All Tadpole bikes feature a rear brake to help kids get used to braking, though younger riders will still primarily use their feet to stop. With pneumatic tyres, the Tadpole range is ideal for various terrains and includes safety features like a steering lock to prevent over-steering, a quick-release seat post, and a 5-year warranty on the frame and forks.

For very young riders, the Tadpole Mini suits children with an inside leg as short as 24 cm. The standard 12" Tadpole is the next step up, and the 14" Tadpole Plus accommodates taller children, generally aged 3–4 and up.

Buy Now

 

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

The Hoozar Cruz 12 is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a balance bike with a brake, perfect for more confident riders ready to transition to pedals. Designed by a husband-and-wife team to incorporate the best features from top balance bikes into an affordable package, the Hoozar is impressively lightweight at 3.2 kg. Small riders can handle it with ease, allowing them more independence.

Key features include a child-friendly Tektro rear brake, ergonomic scoop saddle, and footrest for when they start picking up speed. The pneumatic tyres have a knobbly tread that provides a smooth, grippy ride across various 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?

Make sure your child can place both feet flat on the ground while seated to “scoot” along safely. Most balance bikes come with 12” wheels and fit an inside leg measurement of about 32 cm. However, each model varies, so measure your child’s inside leg length or have them stand over the frame before buying. See our guide on how to easily measure your child for a new bike for step-by-step help.

How heavy is the balance bike?

Balance bikes made from heavy steel can be challenging for young children to manage. Lightweight models allow kids to lift, hold, and manoeuvre the bike on their own, which helps build independence. A lighter balance bike is also easier for parents to carry when little riders need a break.

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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