How to choose a balance bike for a child 2 years old: review, rating, useful tips

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Even young children need to develop coordination and a sense of balance. At a very early age, such a modern means of transportation as a balance bike is suitable for this. It is comfortable, with wide wheels, but without pedals, which the little ones simply cannot handle. How to choose a balance bike for a child of 2 years? We offer a number of tips and a rating of the best models.

Begobike - modern children's transport

The balance bike is a variation of the bike that does not have pedals. To move, the child needs to sit down and move, pushing off with his feet. Runbikes are suitable for children over 2 years old, although there are models designed for very young ones. Structurally, the transport includes a frame, a seat and two or three wheels. How to choose a balance bike for a child of 2 years? We offer a number of tips and tricks.

Determine the correct size

Each manufacturer offers models with seats at different heights. In case ofWith balance bikes, the step size, that is, the distance from the ground to the top of the seat, plays an important role. To determine it, you need to measure the length of the child's leg along the inseam. It is necessary to ensure that during the ride there is a power reserve, which is important for the convenience of repulsion. The height of a child at 2 years old is approximately 86 cm, and this parameter must also be taken into account

We take into account age

Buying a balance bike is worth it for children who already walk and run confidently. Although many manufacturers offer models from 1 year old. For the smallest, you should buy a balance bike with a handle for riding, for children from 1.5 years old, models with wide rubber wheels are suitable, but from 2 years old, you can choose almost any bike.

Material

How to choose a balance bike for a child of 2 years? Many parents cannot decide on the type of material. Most often, this transport is made of wood, metal or plastic:

• Wooden runbikes are light, durable, environmentally friendly, but most often these models do not transform. In addition, certain difficulties may arise with operation in bad weather: under the influence of moisture, dirt, the tree may lose its appearance, deform and become cracked.
• Steel or aluminum models are the most durable and can be adjusted to fit your child at 2 or 3 years old. Despite the fact that they are made of metal, the bikes are light and easy to use, do not rust due to moisture due to paint and polymer coating.
• Plastic models are the most reliable, as they are not afraid of any weather conditions. Thanks toManufactured from heavy composite plastic, these runbikes are practical, resistant to rot and corrosion.

When choosing a material, you need to consider where the vehicle will be used - only on the street or at home too. In the latter option, you should give preference to models that will not harm the flooring in the house or apartment.

Wheel type

How to choose a balance bike for a child of 2 years old so that the transport is convenient to use? Experts advise to pay attention to the type of wheels. They are airless and airy. The former are light in weight, do not require maintenance, and are suitable for indoor or outdoor driving. But the tire gradually wears out, and when abrasion occurs, the entire wheel will have to be replaced. Air wheels make the ride softer and more comfortable by absorbing bumps in the road. Of the disadvantages, one can single out the need for maintenance, since air tires are easy to puncture.

Brakes: are they needed?

Balance bikes are convenient because the child can slow down with their feet. However, a number of manufacturers produce this type of transport with brakes. It should be noted that very young children simply do not have enough strength to cope with the braking system. Therefore, a simple bicycle is enough for them, with which they will learn to balance.

Summarize. To successfully choose a balance bike for a child of 2 years, you need to take into account certain points. The main selection criteria should be:

• adjustableseats,
• comfortable seat shape,
• Stand for feet to make it easier for kids to learn to ride and keep balance.

Also don't forget to buy a balance bike helmet. At 2 years old, the child may still not keep balance, so falls happen. As a rule, helmets are adjusted to the size of the head with straps, have soft pads on the inside to make the fit comfortable, and ventilation holes. These are the most important rules to consider before buying balance bikes. Now let's figure out which brands are considered the best and why.

Does a child need a balance bike?

As children grow and develop, priorities, interests, toys change. From early childhood, we buy some kind of vehicles for kids, taking into account their age. A balance bike has become a popular transport in recent years, which is produced without pedals and is designed just for use by the smallest. Does a 2 year old child need a balance bike? The answer to this question depends on the parents themselves.

It is noteworthy that in Europe and the United States, balance bikes have already replaced bicycles due to their greater convenience and ease of development. Basically, the child needs to sit in the seat and hold the steering wheel to get around. Here are the reasons to buy a balance bike:

• the child's vestibular apparatus develops, and he himself regulates the intensity of his training;
• motor coordination develops, arms and legs become stronger, the child learns to maneuver;
• duringskating legs are in a comfortable position, so there is no load on the joints;
• It's easier for kids to learn how to balance while riding a balance bike;
• models are designed for children from one and a half years and older.

It is also important that when riding a child performs a variety of movements, and this develops not only the musculoskeletal system, but also the brain. The only drawback of a balance bike can be considered its cost, which is often high. On the other hand, you can buy transformer models and thereby get two vehicles at once, which will bring joy to kids.

Best all-rounders

Rating of balance bikes for children from 2 years old, we decided to start with a description of the most versatile models that are suitable for kids of this age:

• Strider ST-4 is a compact version for children from one and a half years. The design of the balance bike is thought out so that while riding the child develops balance and coordination of movement. Suitable for use in winter and summer. Among the advantages are the adjustment of the saddle to the height of the child, the possibility of installing a soft saddle, a set of inflated wheels, and brakes. This model can be used by children up to 5 years old.
• Small Rider Pl is the most beautiful running bike that kids will love for its bright and stylish design. It is made of plastic, has a rudder steer limiter, lightweight construction, and good grip on any road surface.
• Bellelli B-Bip Pl is considered the most reliable balance bike for children 2-5 years old. pedallessthe bike is complemented by hand protection, has a durable plastic body and stable wheels. The model is designed for a maximum load of up to 30 kg.
• Milly Mally Dragon is the most comfortable balance bike that also comes with an adjustable seat. The model has good stability on any surface. Suitable for use by children under 5 years old.

All universal models are equipped with a comfortable steering wheel, a seat, and are light in weight, so they are suitable for use by children from one and a half years old. The seats are made of soft fabric, so even with a long ride, the child will not experience any discomfort or inconvenience.

Lightest balance bikes

For children to be comfortable using bicycles, they must be not only safe, but also light. The following models are included in the rating of balance bikes for children from 2 years old in terms of the weight of the structure:

• Begoo: Weighing only 2.5kg, the steel runbike is simple in design and functional. The model is complemented by lightweight tubeless wheels and a lightweight frame, which is curved for convenience. The bike is designed for children who are at least 86 cm tall. The handlebars and seat height are adjustable, which is very important.
• RunBike Beck is another lightweight balance bike for kids ages 2 and up, weighing just 2.6kg. The steel frame is equipped with an integrated leg support. The runbike is adjustable in height to fit the height of the baby, it can be used by children from 78 to 125 m tall. For greater safety, the handles are protected, and the steering wheel iscommit.
• Strider 12 Classic weighing 2.9 kg is a lightweight and agile balance bike with large diameter wheels. Thanks to good depreciation, the transport is stable on the road with bumps. The seat and handlebars are adjustable, while children up to 112 cm tall can use the balance bike.

The lighter the balance bike, the easier it will be for the child to cope with it, especially at the initial stage of acquaintance with such a vehicle. And it will be easier for parents to take it to the fifth floor if the child gets tired of the toy.

Best Tricycle Balance Bikes

Three-wheeled balance bike for children from 2 years old is the best solution. Models are distinguished by reliability, stability, safety due to the three wheels in the design. The following models of balance bikes are distinguished in this category:

• Puky Wutsch. The peculiarity of this model is in the balancing steering column, which is important for very young children from 80 cm tall. Due to the fact that the steering column can tilt to the right or left side, the child learns balance and coordination of movement faster. The model is equipped with small silent tires, so you can ride it both at home and on the street. The wide wheelbase makes the structure stable.
• Hoppop Locco is a cute balance bike with three wheels. It has a strong and reliable design with a height-adjustable seat. Perhaps the best balance bike for a child 2 years old and even younger.
• VipLex is a pedalless bike designed for children from 2 to 5 years old. Sturdy and durable, suitable forso that even the smallest can work out coordination of movements when driving. Among the advantages of this model, solid wheels on rubber and small sizes stand out.

Tricycles are a great solution for kids who are just starting to learn how to ride. The design is stable, so the kids will be easy, comfortable, and most importantly safe to move around.

Transformer balance bikes

Review of balance bikes for children 2 years of age will be incomplete if you do not include transforming models in it. Their convenience is that they increase in size as the child grows. In addition, with a flick of the wrist, they can be turned into a scooter or a bicycle with pedals. It is clear that such models will cost more, but thanks to this design, the balance bike can be used for a longer time and for a variety of purposes. The most popular in this category are the following models:

• Scoot & Ride Highway Baby Plus. This transformer balance bike is produced by a German brand. With impressive dimensions, the model is lightweight and safe. The line includes balance bikes of different colors. The uniqueness of German-made balance bikes is that at the touch of a button they easily turn into a scooter. And even a baby can handle the transformation!
• Scoot & Ride Highway Freak is another model that easily converts from balance bike to scooter. It is available with only two wheels, while the front wheel is large. Due to this, it is stable, and the scooter itself is easywithstands weight up to 50 kg. The steering wheel with comfortable rubber handles can be adjusted in height. The padded seat ensures comfortable riding even for long periods.
• Chillafish BUNZI FAD is a balance bike suitable even for children under 2 years old. The three-wheeled model is equipped with rubberized wheels, so it rolls smoothly and better grips the road surface. Thanks to such wheels, the balance bike can be operated even on parquet and linoleum without the risk of damaging floor coverings. If necessary, the model can be easily transformed into a wheelchair or bike balancer.
• Hobby-bike Original is a chic two-wheeled balance bike for kids ages 2 and up that can be used with or without pedals. This is a great option for those who are just starting to ride. The convenience of the bike balancer is that it can be used for up to 5 years for sure. The unique patented bicycle system allows a child from 2 years old to learn to ride it. Once the child is comfortable with the balance bike, you can put the wheels on and teach him to ride a full bike.

Transforming balance bikes are a convenient solution, because when you buy one vehicle, you get two at once. It can be changed into a scooter or a standard bicycle with pedals, allowing the child to improve their skills and learn something new, gradually moving forward in their development.

drawing conclusions

We have given several ratings of the best balance bike models in different categories. What to choose depends only on the preferences of the child and the capabilities of the parents. In any case, optionsthere are so many that there will definitely not be a problem with the selection of the desired model. For very young children, it is worth opting for three-wheeled structures that are more reliable and stable. Transformers are suitable for older children. If desired, the child can turn the balance bike into a scooter at the touch of a button and vice versa.