How to Choose a Child's Bike?

1. Everything you need to know about kids' bike sizes

First and foremost, it's important to know that the size of the bike matches the dimension of its wheels. To choose a bike that is suitable for your children, you can consider their age, but it is more accurate to also rely on their height since not all children of the same age measure the same height.

To assist you, this chart will show which wheel size is suggested based on your child's age and/or height.

*Data provided for reference only, as each adjustment is unique.

Remember, the best way to choose a bike for your children is to let them try out different models. That way, you'll have a better chance of finding the one that brings them joy.

2. What type of bike for every age?

Before 3 years old: Balance bike

Usually, children start biking around the age of 2, once they have acquired and mastered walking. While parents have long been advised to first buy a tricycle due to its stability, another option is now available: the balance bike. Also known as a pedal-less bike or a running bike, it allows the child to have their feet on the ground rather than on the pedals.

This is a natural physiological position for learning balance. Once children have mastered the balance of running on a bike without pedals (hence the name "running bike"), they can cover greater distances without touching the ground. When it comes to moving forward on their own or getting up and down a curb, the learning bike gives young cyclists a certain amount of freedom of movement. Balance bikes come in a range of sizes to match the diameter of the wheels, but the most popular are 12-inch bikes.

From 3 to 5 years old: Bike with training wheels

Once the balance bike is controlled, you can go for a bike with pedals. And what about those famous little wheels on the sides? If your child started their learning journey with a balance bike, it is more likely that he or she won't need them. However, for a child who is just starting out or who is more cautious, training wheels will help to learn how to ride a pedal bike.

Purchasing advice

To choose the right size, have your child try out different models of bike and verify the following three points:

• Both feet touch the ground when the child is properly seated on the saddle.
• The child can sit on the saddle on his or her own.
• The child can effortlessly reach the handlebar and control the brakes (if any).

If your child's knees touch the handlebar while pedalling, it means the bike is too small for him or her.

Many parents mistakenly believe that buying a slightly larger bike will allow their child to keep it for a longer time. Unfortunately, this can promote incorrect position and even create a driving hazard (legs too short to reach the ground, arms too short to properly hold the handlebars and use the brakes, etc.). Riding a bike that is too small and no longer suitable for the child's height can also cause discomfort such as knee pain. Therefore, remember to choose a bike that is perfectly adapted to your child's size.

From 5 to approximately 11 years old: Junior bike

Several types of bikes are available in junior size, and are generally equipped with gears.

As with an adult bike, the type of bike you choose will depend on its intended use:

• Hybrid bike: for riding on roads and bike paths.
• Mountain bike: for having fun in the street or riding on all types of terrain.
• BMX: for agility trails, cycling parks, jumps and tricks.

Purchasing advice

Once your youngster is taller than 5 feet 2 inches (1.60 meter), it's time to switch to an adult-sized bike.

3. Important adjustments

Regardless of the type and size of the bike, it is important to make certain adjustments that will allow your child to feel perfectly comfortable on his or her bike.

4. Tips for optimal learning

Start by having your child practice with you in parks or empty parking lots to build up his or her self-confidence. He or she will then be able to learn the basics of cycling in a quiet and safe environment.

Next, your young rider can join you on protected bike paths and then, gradually progress to safe secondary roads. Even though bikes are not legally allowed to ride on sidewalks, they are tolerated in many cities for children 10 years old and under with adult supervision.