Buy a balance bike | Children's balance bikes made of wood or metal

Balance bike: the perfect start into the world of cycling

There are many different vehicles for children that can be used as a precursor to a children's bike. While tricycles and ride-on vehicles are particularly safe for the youngest children because they cannot tip over, balance bikes have no lateral support. Balance bikes are "single-track vehicles" and are controlled with the handlebars or by shifting weight. Unlike on a tricycle, a child has to keep their balance on a balance bike. This means that a balance bike is an excellent way to train a child's sense of balance and coordination. A child will need both skills later when riding a bike. A balance bike is therefore an ideal precursor to a children's bike and the transition from a balance bike to a bike is particularly easy.

At what age can children ride a balance bike?

In our experience, children can ride a balance bike from the age of 2 , and certainly from the age of 3. Depending on the child's development, this may be a little earlier or later. To make it as easy as possible for your child to get started, you should choose a suitable balance bike model. You should look out for these features when buying:

• Suitable balance bike size for your child
• Low entry of the wheel frame
• Height adjustable saddle
• Height adjustable handlebar
• Ergonomic saddle
• Soft and non-slip handlebar grips
• Low weight for easy handling
• Frame made of wood or aluminum

A balance bike with a low entry makes it easier to get on and off, and your child will soon be able to use the bike independently and develop a safe riding feeling. Because children grow very quickly, children's balance bikes should always be height-adjustable. It is important that you can change the height of the saddle AND handlebars so that the vehicle geometry is retained during adjustment. This is an important prerequisite for your child to learn to ride a balance bike easily. Unlike a children's bike, a child moves the balance bike with their feet by pushing off the ground. The contact points of the bike are therefore the saddle and handlebars and not the pedals. The saddle should therefore be ergonomically shaped and comfortable, and the handlebar grips should offer a secure grip. In our online shop you will only find high-quality bikes with wooden or metal frames, which are very robust. They offer your child healthy comfort, an easy and safe ride, and years of riding fun.

Children’s balance bike with handbrake or without?

Many parents are unsure if a balance bike does not have a handbrake . However, especially for small children, a balance bike without a handbrake is the better and safer choice. There are two reasons for this:

• Small children often cannot grip the brake levers properly with their hands and do not have enough strength in their hands to brake safely with a handbrake.
• Using the handbrake is too much for a child who is learning to ride a balance bike. It is already very difficult for a child to keep their balance, steer and coordinate their movements. If the child is then asked to brake with a handbrake, it can be too much for them.
• A handbrake only makes sense on larger models for children who can already ride. They already have mastered coordination and can keep their balance. In this case, a child-friendly brake is further preparation for the transition from a balance bike to a bicycle.

Definition of children’s balance bike?

A frame made of metal or wood, two wheels, a saddle and handlebars - that's what a balance bike is. Unlike a children's bike, this type of bike is not powered by pedals and a chain; it is propelled by pushing the feet off the ground. Along with the mini scooter and city scooter, the balance bike belongs to the top category of roller sports. The balance bike for children is considered the predecessor of the classic bicycle and is the ideal introduction to healthy movement on wheels. On a balance bike, even small children train their sense of balance and learn how to steer a vehicle on wheels. Many balance bikes are equipped with a handlebar, which allows parents to push the bike from behind and dictate the direction. This makes the balance bike not just a toy, but also an ideal companion for family walks. Good to know: Children as young as 2 can ride around on a balance bike.

Children's balance bikes | Which models are available?

There are many different children's balance bikes. We generally differentiate between tricycles (trikes), balance bikes with two wheels and ride-on vehicles (these include the Bobby Car or the Slex, for example). Balance bikes are available in various materials, colors and designs. Currently in fashion are elegant pastel colors, wooden balance bikes and children's balance bikes with light and sound functions - a new feature that is often more popular with children than with adults.

Balance bikes with 2 wheels

Models with 2 wheels are the classic balance bike. These are usually made of aluminum or wood and are available in various child-friendly colors. These balance bikes are also popularly known as Puky, Early Rider or Likeabike . The child sits comfortably on the saddle and pushes off the ground with their feet to move forward. Pedals are not provided for this model. Many models do not have brakes and the child brings the balance bike to a stop with their feet. The wheels consist of an outer tire and an inner tube, like a bicycle, which can be inflated with a pump. Many models also have plastic wheels with hard rubber tires, which are guaranteed to never go flat. Balance bikes of this type are ideal for training the sense of balance and are suitable from the age of 2 to 3.

Wooden balance bikes

Wooden balance bikes are particularly popular with parents, because the natural raw material stands for ecology and sustainability, in contrast to metal and plastic. The latest wooden models now come in trendy colors such as pink, black, red and blue, making children's hearts beat faster. Here too, it is important to ensure that the bike can be adapted to the age or size of the child and can be used for several years. Wooden balance bikes are often slightly lighter than metal bikes and are therefore particularly easy to steer.

Tricycles / Trikes

As the name suggests , tricycles and trikes have three wheels. This offers your child more stability than a classic balance bike and the risk of tipping over is minimized. There are tricycles that are moved with pedals, but also models with classic foot control. The trend is currently moving towards multifunctional balance bikes, as these can be converted from a tricycle to a balance bike or a scooter . This means that they grow with the child's size and can be adapted to their needs at any time. This saves resources and, not least, your wallet. Click here if you want to buy a tricycle

Ride-on vehicles / Bobby Car / Slex

In contrast to the balance bike , ride-on vehicles like the Slex have 4 wheels and you can sit comfortably and safely on the vehicle. Ride-on vehicles are nothing more than children's cars that are moved by pushing the legs. They are steered by shifting your weight or using a steering wheel. This model is suitable for small children and is an ideal introduction to the world of wheeled vehicles. Tip: If your daughter or son is interested in horses, we recommend that you take a look at our "Toy Horses" section. Pony cycles are toy horses on wheels that can be moved forward with a kind of riding movement.

Balance bikes: These are the advantages

• Easy to learn even for toddlers
• When riding a balance bike, the sense of equilibrium and balance are trained from an early age
• Perfect preparation for cycling
• Thanks to a handlebar for the parents, a balance bike is also an ideal companion for long walks with the family
• High-quality balance bikes made of wood or metal are available in various colors and designs
• Low risk of accidents as both feet of the child are always on the ground
• Multifunctional balance bikes can be adapted to the child’s development

What to look out for when buying a children’s balance bike

• Consider the child’s age and motor skills.
• To make balance bikes attractive to small children, balance bikes with a low frame or footboard are particularly suitable.
• The wheel should be robustly built and of high quality
• For even more safety, we recommend balance bikes with an integrated safety button, which prevents the child from falling over the frame at the front.
• The advantages of a multifunctional balance bike are obvious. It can be adapted to the child's current age, thus saving resources and money.
• The handles on the handlebars of the balance bike must be nice and soft and thicker at both ends. This prevents the child from putting the handlebars in their mouth.
• A handbrake is generally not necessary for a balance bike. Small children lack the motor skills to operate it safely. A classic foot brake, however, makes sense.
• The deck of the balance bike should be able to support up to 25 kg – the entire balance bike up to 50 kg.
• Pay attention to the test standard EN71 – this is mandatory.

At what age can a child ride a balance bike?

Toddlers from 1.5 years

The balance bike adventure begins at the age of 1.5 years. We recommend a trike or a multifunctional balance bike, which have the advantage that they can be used first as a safe tricycle, then as a balance bike and finally as a children's scooter. This gives the child the opportunity to train their sense of balance slowly and safely and the parents can adapt the vehicle to the child's abilities at any time. We can recommend the Globber 4in1 from the Globber brand, as an alternative there is the Highway Kick model from Scoot & Ride.

Toddlers from 3 years

For the age category 3 and above, classic balance bikes with two wheels are recommended. These are the perfect preparation for riding a bike. There are models with a braking system, but a balance bike is usually braked by pushing the feet against the ground.

How much does a balance bike cost?

A balance bike usually costs between CHF 59 and CHF 169. The price depends on the design, materials and quality of workmanship. A multifunctional balance bike is usually more expensive than a classic two-wheeler, but it can be used for many years because it grows with the child. Trikes are in the top league in terms of price. They are very versatile and can even be used as a buggy or stroller replacement.

Where can I buy balance bikes?

All types of balance bikes, tricycles or trikes can be purchased from the roller sports specialist Funwheel.ch. Competent telephone advice is always included if required. The sports retailer also stocks brands such as Puky, Kokua (Like a bike), Hudora and Early Rider.

Wheels in color

Balance bikes are now available in a variety of trendy colors that appeal to both children and adults. Learning balance bikes in red, blue, turquoise , pink , rose and black are particularly popular. Kids bikes are also available in brushed aluminum, natural wood and soft pastel colors such as light blue , beige or pink. It's best to let the child help decide when buying so that the color really matches their preferences.

Areas of application for wheels?

A balance bike can be used anywhere there are flat roads. On playgrounds, on your own forecourt or on sidewalks . We advise against meadows or forest paths. Please note that children should never ride near busy roads without adult supervision. Choose a straight road with no traffic for the first attempts at walking and riding with the balance bike.

Safety when riding a balance bike

We always recommend wearing a helmet when riding a balance bike. We stock a variety of high-quality children's helmets from the brands Melon, Globber and Scoot and Ride. There are special children's helmets that are tailored exactly to the needs of small children. Click here to go to our Buy Children's Helmets section with a variety of attractive models.

How do you steer a balance bike?

There are balance bikes with two different types of steering. With multifunctional balance bikes, which also serve as mini scooters, you steer by shifting your weight. With classic balance bikes and trikes, you steer using the handlebars like a bicycle. Both steering methods have their advantages. Most children cope better with shifting their weight in the early stages.

Our balance bike brands

The manufacturers of our balance bike brands stand for the highest quality and offer children and adults lots of exercise and fun. We currently do not have any models from the Early Rider and Puky Bike brands in our range. However, our products can certainly hold their own against the well-known brands and offer very good value for money. Are you unsure which balance bike is best for your child? Our roller sports specialists will be happy to advise you personally and without obligation by email or telephone!

Globber Scooter

Globber offers safe balance bikes that guarantee lots of joy and riding fun for the little ones in the family. The company was founded in 2014 and is based in France. The fact that the founders have over 20 years of industry experience has contributed a lot to the brand's outstanding success. Several awards, patents and ingenious solutions for more comfort - customers also appreciate this. The basis of success is well thought-out, high-quality and safe balance bikes, most of which can be flexibly converted from a tricycle to a balance bike. Globber products therefore offer the best conditions for easily learning to ride a bike later on. The distinctive design and the highest standards of safety round off the product experience. Globber balance bikes are now sold in 74 countries. Every 30 seconds around the world, a high-quality Globber scooter makes its new owner happy!

Globber at a glance:

• Multiple awards for safety, design and functionality
• Experience with the sports and gaming industry since 1994
• Premium class scooters for all age groups
• intelligent comfort with patented innovations
• fresh, modern and distinctive design
• large spare parts warehouse

Scoot and Ride: balance bikes and helmets for children

Scoot & Ride sees itself as “probably the most innovative scooter company in the world”. Scoot & Ride scooters and helmets for children can already be bought in over 40 countries. The Scoot and Ride team designs its products to be particularly child-friendly, and that doesn’t just mean the exceptionally beautiful design. The developers also focus on safety, quality, sustainability and environmental protection. For example, the company deliberately avoids PVC and relies on materials from certified suppliers. A children’s bike, balance bike or scooter from Scoot & Ride ensures movement and children’s eyes light up.

Scoot & Ride at a glance:

• unique design
• high quality, robust, durable
• Security at the highest level
• meets many quality standards
• sustainable company
• large spare parts warehouse

Kinderfeets wooden balance bikes

The Dutch company Kinderfeets specializes in the production of wooden balance bikes. The brand's products are characterized by their low weight, high riding comfort and sustainability, as they mainly use renewable materials. Wooden balance bikes from Kinderfeets can usually be used as tricycles and balance bikes, offering fun and exercise for boys and girls for many years. A wooden balance bike from Kinderfeets offers an excellent riding experience and is an ideal preparation for cycling. Wooden products offer many advantages in everyday use and thanks to beautiful, trendy colors, Kinderfeets products also appeal to small children.

Kinderfeets at a glance:

• high-quality wooden balance bikes
• unique design with stylish colors
• Can be used in different variants (tricycle / balance bike)
• Simple conversion
• sustainable products

When should you switch from a balance bike to a bicycle?

By riding a balance bike, children learn many important skills that they will later need for riding a bicycle. Maintaining balance and coordinating steering and accelerating at the same time are important skills that they will later need for learning to ride a bike. But when is the right time to switch from a balance bike to a bicycle? As soon as the child can easily move around on the balance bike, switching to the first bicycle should be considered. As a rule of thumb, children can learn to ride a bicycle from the age of 4. Parents usually know that when their child can move around on the balance bike without any major difficulties, then it is time to take the next step. Riding a bike is a lot more difficult, however, because now the feet are on the pedals and no longer on the ground, so keeping balance is much more difficult. In addition, the child now has to pedal, steer and pull the brake at the same time. This requires a lot of practice and coordination and parents must accompany the child during the first attempts at riding. Once the child has developed a feel for riding a bike, nothing stands in the way of having fun on two wheels. It is not uncommon for a bike to be a faithful companion that accompanies you throughout your entire life.

About Funwheel

Funwheel is the Swiss balance bike shop and has, among other things, focused strongly on the needs of families. We offer a wide range of high-quality balance bikes in various sizes, which are considered the perfect preparation for cycling. Regardless of whether you are looking for a balance bike with a braking system, a wooden balance bike or one with a metal frame, you will find what you are looking for in our well-maintained online shop. We offer a huge selection of child-friendly items that are particularly durable and sustainable . We have the most important spare parts for almost every item in stock. This means you can easily repair many products if a problem should arise. Even though we are an online shop, we are always available to provide you with competent advice by email or telephone. We look forward to hearing from you!

Related Links

• The big children's balance bike test from the Swiss " Kassensturz "
• The history of the " running machine "