Balance bike
Strider 12 Sport
About 18 months–4 years
- Very light and simple
- Seat and handlebars adjust a long way as kids grow
$ · under $250
See it at StriderKids' bike size chart and buying guide
The right bike makes the difference between a kid who loves riding and one who gives up. Here's how to pick a size, and what matters most when you shop.
Shopping for a gift? See our holiday gift guide.
Kids' bike size chart
Inseam (inside leg length) matters more than age. These are typical ranges; brands differ, so check the brand's own chart too.
| Wheel | Inseam (in) | Height (in) | Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12" balance | 12–16 | 33–39 | 1½–3 |
| 14" | 16–20 | 37–43 | 3–5 |
| 16" | 18–22 | 41–48 | 4–6 |
| 20" | 22–25 | 45–54 | 5–8 |
| 24" | 24–28 | 50–59 | 8–11 |
| 26" / adult XS | 26+ | 56+ | 10+ |
- 12" balance: A balance bike: no pedals. Kids push with their feet and learn to balance first.
- 14": First pedal bike for small or young riders.
- 16": The most common first pedal bike.
- 20": Often the first bike with gears and two hand brakes.
- 24": Close to an adult bike in features, sized down.
- 26" / adult XS: Time to look at extra-small adult frames.
How to measure your child's inseam
- Have your child stand against a wall in the shoes they'll ride in, feet a few inches apart.
- Slide a hardcover book between their legs, spine up, and raise it gently until it's snug, like a bike seat.
- Keep the book level, mark the top of the spine on the wall, and measure from the floor to the mark.
For a balance bike or first pedal bike, your child should be able to sit on the seat with both feet flat on the ground.
What to look for
Light weight
The single biggest difference between bikes. Aim for under about 40% of your child's body weight. Many inexpensive kids' bikes weigh more than half of what the child does.
Brakes sized for small hands
Hand brake levers should be easy for your child to reach and squeeze. Coaster brakes (pedal backward to stop) work, but make starting off harder.
A low, easy step-through
A low frame lets kids get on and off, and put a foot down quickly, without tipping.
Narrow handlebars and short cranks
Bikes designed for kids, rather than shrunken adult bikes, fit small bodies better and are easier to control.
Balance bikes vs. training wheels
Balance bikes teach the hard part first: balance. Many kids who start on one move straight to a pedal bike without training wheels. Training wheels teach pedaling but not balance, and can tip on uneven ground.
Don't forget a helmet
Look for a CPSC sticker, which means it meets the US safety standard. It should sit level, about two fingers above the eyebrows, with the straps forming a V under each ear and the chin strap snug enough that only one finger fits under it.
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Our picks by size
Light, kid-sized bikes we'd ride with our own kids, from balance bikes up.
Balance bike
woom GO 1
About 18 months–3½ years
- Light frame with a low step-through
- Hand brake sized for small hands
$ · under $250
See it at woomFirst pedal bike
Guardian 16"
About 4–6 years
- SureStop: one lever brakes both wheels, made so the bike won't flip
- No coaster brake, so starting is easier
$ · under $250
See it at GuardianFirst pedal bike
woom GO 3
About 4–6 years
- Light, with kid-sized hand brakes
- No coaster brake, so starting is easier
$$ · $250–$600
See it at woom20" bike
woom GO 4
About 6–8 years
- Light for its size
- Seven easy-to-use gears for hills
$$$ · $600–$3,000
See it at woomQuestions parents ask
What size bike does my child need?
Go by inseam (inside leg length) more than age. As a rough guide, a 12-inch balance bike fits a 12–16 inch inseam, a 16-inch bike an 18–22 inch inseam, and a 20-inch bike a 22–25 inch inseam. Sizes vary by brand, so check the brand's own chart.
What size bike for a 5-year-old?
Most 5-year-olds ride a 14-inch or 16-inch bike. A smaller or newer rider usually fits a 14-inch; a taller or more confident one, a 16-inch. Measure their inseam to be sure.
Balance bike or training wheels?
Balance bikes usually work better. Kids learn balance first, which is the hard part, and many move to a pedal bike without ever needing training wheels. Training wheels teach pedaling but not balance, and can tip on uneven ground.
How heavy should a kids' bike be?
As light as you can find. A common guideline is under about 40% of your child's body weight. Many cheap kids' bikes weigh more than half of what the child does, which makes them hard to pedal, steer and pick up.
Hand brakes or coaster brakes?
Hand brakes sized for small hands are easier to learn on, and they let kids pedal backward to set up a start without braking. Coaster brakes (pedal backward to stop) are common on small bikes and work, but make starting harder.
When should my child size up?
When their knees come up near the handlebars, they can't extend their legs while pedaling even with the seat raised all the way, or they've reached the top of the size's inseam range. Buying a size too big to grow into makes a bike harder and less safe to ride.
Find a place to ride
Once your child has the right bike, find paved paths away from cars, with playgrounds and restrooms close by: the Family Trail Guide.