No sooner has a child learned to walk than they take huge strides forward. Toys like rocking horses, ride-on cars, and hopper balls introduce them to a world full of fun, movement, and the joy of play. This trains their motor skills and coordination. At some point, however, it is time to explore the wide world and find out how to stay safe while doing so. Switching to a bicycle is therefore a real challenge for many children, especially since it is accompanied by the fears and expectations of their parents.
Learning to ride a bike
Children's bicycles with training wheels are designed to give a child support as long as it is needed. Afterwards, you simply remove the extra wheels to get a regular bicycle. This sounds convincing at first, but we believe that this is not yet the optimal solution.
Children acquire new skills through play. However, many parents do not give their children the feeling that a bicycle is a great new toy to enjoy. A bicycle with training wheels is usually just a means of transport.
Things are different with a children's balance bike. You can simply sit on it, push off, and lift your feet once you get the hang of it. Training wheels are not necessary. The fear of falling over or not being able to brake does not even develop. A child who has learned to move around safely in this way still has enough attention left for road signs, other road users, and everything that is important in traffic. Switching to a bike with pedals is then not difficult.
Riding a balance bike – but doing it right
A balance bike can be a child-friendly toy, but it can also be more. Carefully weigh what is important to you. There is a huge difference between a balance bike with a sprung saddle that looks like a cool motorbike and a balance bike with all the safety features of a regular bicycle. To prepare for cycling, a few important details should be considered:
- Brakes: A brake for the rear wheel of the balance bike is standard on high-quality models. We find the most sensible braking systems are those where you cannot get caught on the brake cable or the brake mechanism itself. The fewer opportunities there are for fingers to get pinched or to get hurt on protruding parts, the better. An additional brake on the front wheel requires the child to be able to operate it correctly. Otherwise, there is a risk of falling.
- Steering: Steering limiters prevent the front wheel from jamming or the child from being thrown off balance by a turn that is too sharp. Balance bikes with steering limiters are therefore safer. Solutions that can be adjusted as needed are optimal.
- Safety features: A bell, lights, and reflectors should be attached just like on a roadworthy bicycle. Reflective clothing and a helmet are also part of the safety equipment. When you are out and about with your child, they should also have their own bicycle lock to practice using it.
