Biking is a great activity for children as it provides a lot of physical and mental benefits. In addition to developing strong muscles and bones, cycling teaches children balance, coordination, and independence. However, before your kid can enjoy all advantages that cycling offers, it is vital to find out, at what age should a kid start riding a bike?

A balance bike is a great place to start! Pictured is the AIRO 12' balance bike.

Before Getting a Bike for a Kid

When you consider getting a bike for your kid, you should take a thoughtful approach. As with other child activities, riding a bike requires some serious preparation.

First of all, take care of your child’s safety. You should use the proper safety equipment for your kid, such as a helmet, elbow pads, and kneepads. Also, don’t forget to choose a safe location for learning - a flat, open area with no traffic would be perfect.

The next step is to consider whether the child is ready physically because good coordination skills are necessary to learn to ride a bike. The child should be able to balance, pedal, and steer a bike and feel comfortable on it.

In addition, the bike should be suitable for the child’s height and weight. It is better to check whether the child can comfortably reach the ground with the feet and handlebars with the hands.

The next necessary note is that you should know how to teach a kid to ride a bike. There are different ways to do that, so it is important to choose one that works best in your situation and for your child.

Finally, learning to ride a bike can be difficult and even stressful for both of you. It may take some time and effort. This is why it is important not to hurry, be patient, encourage, and support your child.

What Age Should a Kid Start Riding a Bike

Usually, children can start learning to ride a bike between 3 and 8 years old. Trailing wheels and balance bikes are excellent starting points. However, every child is unique and may be ready to ride a bike at different ages.

Don’t neglect a child’s physical form and coordination skills when deciding if they are ready to ride a bike. Generally, most children are able to ride a two-wheeled bike without training wheels between the age of 5 and 8.

When choosing a bike for a child, of course, it is important to consider their age.

2-3 -year-old children are typically ready for a balance bike. Balance bikes like the AIRO teach children to keep balance and develop coordination skills. When choosing a balance bike it is very important to choose a balance bike that is light enough for your child to ride and manoeuvre (and for you to carry!). A balance bike that is too heavy will make learning to ride much less enjoyable as its both harder to move around and harder to stop. We also recommend choosing a balance bike with with proper air-filled tyres to provide a smoother and safer riding experience on more uneven terrain.

5-6-year-old children are usually able to handle a pedal bike like the HERO. Although training wheels are an option, a child who has started on a balance bike shouldn't need them as they've already learnt how to balance and steer.

At the age of 7-10 years, children will much more advanced riders. However a lightweight bike such as the HERO will make it easier for them to manoeuvre even as they need a bigger bike. It's hugely important a child's bike fits the child’s size.

11-14 years old children, as a rule, need a larger bike with several gears and advanced features.

Getting to grips with balance and coordination with the help of the AIRO balance bike.

Signs That a Kid Is Ready to Ride a Bike

Remember that every child develops at their own pace, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to learning to ride a bike. Parents’ aim is to encourage children's interest and provide support as they learn to ride a bike.

The first sign that your child is ready to explore on wheels is when you notice they have developed the necessary physical skills, such as balance, coordination, and strength, to ride a bike. Also, if you see that the child expresses interest and enthusiasm in riding a bike and is excited to learn, this means the child is ready for their first wheels.

The next sign is that the child can understand and follow basic instructions, such as how to pedal and steer a bike.

Finally, when the child shows confidence in their ability to ride a bike and is willing to try new things, it is also a sign they are ready to steer the pedals.

Types of Bikes for Kids

When you see that your child is ready and eager to ride a bike, it is time to choose a bicycle. Different types of bikes for children are designed for a specific age and purpose. Now we are going to describe the most popular types so you can make an informed decision.

One of the first vehicles your child is going to meet with in their life is a balance bike. It comes without pedals or training wheels, instead, balance bikes help young riders learn how to balance and steer and, overall, get used to the vehicle. Balance bikes are the best choice for younger children between 2 and 5 years old.

Road/hybrid bikes are convenient to ride on paved surfaces. They feature a light frame, slim tires, and sometimes gears. A HERO pedal bike for example makes for a great first pedal bike to graduate to from a balance bike.

The next type is BMX bikes. They are small and lightweight. They also have sturdy frames for safety, thick tires for better grip, and one speed. These bikes are good for older children who want to do tricks and stunts on a bike.

Last but not least are mountain bikes. These bikes perform well even on unpaved roads. They also have several speeds. These bikes are good for 10 years old and older due to the more technical nature of off-road cycling.

If you want to find a good bike for your child, first, consider the age, height, and weight of your kid.

Conclusion

We hope that our article was useful for you as a parent because now you know at what age a kid should start riding a bike. Written in partnership with Bike the Sites.