Balance bike - combinations between running and cycling

Thanks to a balance bike , children learn how to behave on two wheels in order to keep their balance , accelerate and brake in time. A Like a Bike is safe because the child can always keep their feet on the ground to maintain their balance. Balance bikes differ from normal bikes in that they have a lower center of gravity and no pedals or chain. However, like a bicycle, they have a saddle and handlebars. This makes it easier for children to balance on the bike and steer it with their body weight. Many balance bikes also offer seat height adjustment so that it can meet the needs of different age groups. It is important to stress that balance bikes should be seen as training bikes - not as a replacement for normal bicycles.

Why balance bikes?

It is often difficult (or impossible) for smaller children to use pedals. This is why balance bikes are ideal for preparing for cycling . Learning the skills of keeping your balance and later moving on to a "real" bike. A compact balance bike can be handled by even the smallest children and with a little practice nothing stands in the way of getting started with mobility on two wheels.

Balance bikes - from what age are they suitable?

Many parents ask themselves at what age children can ride a balance bike. This question is not so easy to answer because the abilities differ from child to child. In principle, children can ride a balance bike from the age of one year. Most children make their first attempts at riding between the ages of 1.5 and 2 years . From around the age of 4, you can take the step to your first bike and switch from a balance bike to a bike with pedals and a chain.

Children's balance bike: fun & skills

And finally, don't forget: Balance bikes are a lot of fun! With the right design and the right size, children can enjoy long and carefree fun with them! Many kids love racing around the playground or gliding down the sidewalk to their next adventure! Balance bikes are excellent toys with which children can learn the skills of cycling in a playful way. After the first few attempts, even the youngest children can celebrate their first successes and thus strengthen their motivation for further attempts.

Safety on the balance bike

Especially with small children, safety always comes first. Riding a balance bike is generally safe, but you should observe certain behaviors and use the appropriate protective equipment for a likeabike.

Protective equipment for balance bikes

When children first try to ride a balance bike, they should always wear a child's helmet and, even better, elbow and knee pads. Even if a balance bike is generally quite easy to control, there is still a risk that children's sense of balance is not yet well developed and they may fall sideways or not be able to brake in time before an obstacle. Accessories such as a good quality child's helmet and pads should therefore be a constant companion on the balance bike.

Rules of conduct for riding a balance bike

There are a few important rules of conduct that should be observed when riding a balance bike. Firstly, a Likeabike should only be ridden in places with little traffic, where drivers can see the children in time. These could be, for example, clear dead-end streets with no through traffic or quiet places in neighborhoods. Riding on the sidewalk should also not be a problem in less frequented places. Of course, pedestrians should always be given right of way. To increase safety at dusk or in the evening, good lighting is recommended. There are various bike lights with LEDs in white and red that ensure that children are highly visible. There are also children's helmets with integrated LED lights on the back, which are also suitable for riding a balance bike. It goes without saying that steeply sloping streets and paths should be avoided until the child has sufficient dexterity and can brake safely at any time.

Where can you ride a balance bike?

A balance bike usually has hard rubber wheels or wheels that are filled with air. They are primarily made for soft surfaces such as asphalt or concrete. Balance bikes are also suitable for gravel paths and dirt roads , although maneuvering on these surfaces requires more strength. There is even the Likeabike Mountain , a special version that is also suitable for "off-road" riding. Thanks to a good profile and a particularly stable construction, "wild children" can let off steam from a very young age. Of course, you can also ride the Likeabike indoors in your house or apartment, as long as there is enough space.

Children's Balance Bike | Types & Models

There are now a variety of different types of balance bikes on the market. They differ in material, size and frame shape. The best known models are probably wooden balance bikes , which are particularly popular thanks to the natural material. Many balance bikes are now coming onto the market as multifunctional balance bikes. They are a jack of all trades, so to speak, which combines a tricycle , balance bike and sometimes even a scooter in one piece of sports equipment. The advantage of multifunctional balance bikes is obvious: they grow with the child and can be adapted to the child's stage of development. This not only saves a lot of money, but also valuable resources. Converting a tricycle to a balance bike usually takes just a few simple steps and can be done without any prior knowledge.

Balance bike made of wood

High-quality wooden balance bikes is the best choice for anyone who wants a sustainable product. They are often made of birch wood or beech plywood and come in many beautiful colors that children also like. They are light, pleasant to the touch and robust at the same time. A well-known manufacturer of wooden balance bikes is Kinderfeets . A brand that has made a name for itself with excellent 2 in 1 products (tricycle / balance bike).