A lot of first memories you have with your child! First words, first steps, first bike ride, and even more cute things that just melt you away when you witness them! Before running you learn to crawl, walk and then run, the same progression is true for biking. To learn how to ride a bike your child must learn balance and what best way to start early with a balance bike!
In this guide, we get into the Best Balance Bike For 1-Year-Olds, featured in a quick and easy list with individual reviews for each bike. We have broken everything down, each bike’s features, specs, pros, and cons. Do yourself a favor and follow through!
Quick List for the Best Balance Bike For 1-Year-Olds
- Best Overall: Avenor Balance Bike
- Best Value: Radio Flyer Scoot Balance Bike
- Best Premium: Ancaixin Mini Balance Bike
- Runner Up 1: XJD Balance Bikes
- Runner Up 2: Allobebe Balance Bike
Things to consider when choosing a Balance
It’s only natural to get a bit more familiar with the differences between balance bikes. This way you can have a better understanding. Ultimately it will help you choose the best bike for your 1-year-old and the most useful for your particular needs.
Fitting
First of all, balance bikes for young toddlers are not adjustable. They are designed based on average dimensions and proportions. A general rule of thumb is to make sure the whole sole of their foot can touch the ground when they are seated and that they can comfortably reach the handlebar without having to put themselves in a quirky position.
Weight
When choosing a balance bike, the weight is often severely underrated. While it may seem lightweight to you the adult, from the child’s perspective it’s the same way for them as it is for you to steer a Harley. Giving your toddler a bicycle that’s too heavy can lead to balance, and steering issues which increase the chances of injuries should it fall on them.
A general rule of thumb is that the bike should weigh about 35% of your 1-year-old’s body weight.
Material
Balance bikes are made from 4 major materials, steel, wood, aluminum, and plastic. Right off the bat steel and wood are quite heavy. Steel is durable and wood is eco-friendly. Aluminum frames are both light and durable but a tad bit pricier. Plastic is the lightest but lacks durability.
The tire material is another story. Hard plastic tires are ideal for indoors. Rubber and foam tires ride smoothly but are not as lasting. Pneumatic tires are the best overall option.
Safety features
1-year-olds generally are not strong enough to ride a bike by themselves. This means that you should look for a bike that is safe and easy to use.
Safety features like foot brakes, dual rear wheels, and push handles are something to pay attention to. Balance bikes are the safest bikes for your child. They can learn to balance and are slowly introduced to the pedals. Building your toddler’s confidence safely is the best way to make learning to ride a bike more enjoyable and have a positive association.
Our Top picks start with …
Best Overall: Avenor Balance Bike
Key Features and Specs:
- Age Range: 6 months – 2 years old
- Weight: 3.96 lbs
- Seat Height: 10 in
- Handle Height: 14 in
- Frame Material: Carbon Steel
The Avenor balance bike has a tremendous blend of features and price, not to mention user acclaim. It has a carbon steel frame which should offer you more than enough durability. Comes in with four wheels so you and your child can play together no matter the place. The handles are EVA foam so your child won’t slip the grip when their hands get sweaty.
The bike can be used as a push-on toy as well. The seat is comfortable and keeps your child in a natural, upright position. It’s very easy to put together considering that the majority of it already comes pre-assembled and you won’t need special tools. Half an hour tops and then your child will be zooming away!
Pros:
- Easy to put together
- Quality materials
- Ergonomic design
Cons:
- Limited color choices
Best Value: Radio Flyer Scoot Balance Bike
Key Features and Specs:
- Age Range: 1 – 3 years old
- Weight: 2.2 lbs
- Seat Height: 12 in
- Handle Height: 17 in
- Frame Material: Plastic
Is it throwback Thursday? The Radio Flyer is a cute retro-style balance bike that is excellent for children aged 1 to 3 years. It has a clever little design with an under seat storage hold, for all of your child’s favorite toys so they don’t lose them.
Your little one will love gliding around on this balance bike. The tires sit in a widespread formation for a smooth ride and added balance. While admittedly it’s made from plastic it has a respectable carrying capacity at 45 lbs, with room for toys!
Pros:
- Widespread wheels
- Built-in storage
- Retro design
Cons:
- Made from plastic
Best Premium: Ancaixin Mini Balance Bike
Key Features and Specs:
- Age Range: 10 months – 2 years old
- Weight: 4.4 lbs
- Seat Height: 10 in
- Handle Height: 14 in
- Frame Material: Carbon Steel
Ancaixin Mini balance bike is sturdy. Made with a durable frame, strong enough to ride outdoors. It has double tires, two front, and two rear, which will make your 1-year-old stable at all times, it would be a challenge for them to actually fall over.
It has a low profile design and there are parents’ reports on how it helped their children learn to walk. Because it’s so sturdy, it can support them as they’re leaning against it. You won’t need special tools to put it together, and it’s very easy and quick.
Pros:
- Certified Safety
- Great overall design
- Durable
- Can teach your child to walk
Cons:
- Not ideal for very tall children
Runner up 1: XJD Balance Bikes
Key Features and Specs:
- Age Range: 10 months – 2 years old
- Weight: 3.9 lbs
- Seat Height: 10 in
- Handle Height: 14 in
- Frame Material: Steel Alloy
The XJD balance bike is ideal if your child is in their first steps. It comes in many different colors which have unisex appeal.
It’s a controllable balance bike that is lightweight. The bike has a low seat and low step-through which makes it easy for small legs to mount it. Although admittedly it’s always cute to see children struggle a bit, they always look so determined!
The handlebar is fitted with a turn-limiter, preventing your child from turning more than 135 degrees. The seat is broad and comfy taking into consideration diapers.
Pros:
- Easy to mount
- Ideal for small children
- Turn limiter
- Ergonomic
Cons:
- *Cricket noise*
Runner up 2: Allobebe Balance Bike
Key Features and Specs:
- Age Range: 1-year-old
- Weight: 3.8 lbs
- Seat Height: 11 in
- Handle Height: 15 in
- Frame Material: Carbon Steel
The Allobebe balance bike adds a healthy challenge to your 1-year-old. Designed with a pair of front wheels and a single rear wheel, it allows your child to find balance. We recommend it only if your child can already walk!
The bike also features plenty of toddler-friendly components. One of these is a limited 50-degree steering to stop them from falling. It’s lightweight to allow your 1-year-old to go faster while experiencing little fatigue. Your child will be zooming away with this one!
Pros:
- Promotes balance
- Lightweight
- Safe steering cap
- Comes in vibrant colors
Cons:
- Non-walkers and babies can’t ride with it
Frequently Asked Questions on Balance Bikes for 1-Year-Olds
Q: Can a 1-year-old use a balance bike?
A: Yes absolutely a 1-year-old can use a balance bike, although make sure that the balance bike has comfortable proportions for your child.
Q: What comes after a balance bike?
A: Balance bikes are designed to help children learn how to balance, coordinate and steer a bike. This makes the transition to typical pedal bikes easier. Since there are no pedals on these, it conditions your toddler to find their center of gravity. This of course evolves into them learning how to use and leverage their weight to steer, go forward, and stop.
Q: At what age do toddlers learn to pedal?
A: Children can start riding pedal bikes from the age of two. Though, pedal bikes are heavier than balance bikes, and naturally more difficult to handle. All in all, once your child has learned to balance, then they can manage a pedal bike, as long as it’s a lightweight bike.
The Finish line
We would highly recommend the Avenor Balance Bike is the best overall because it has the most optimal blend of features, specs, and price. While highly affordable, the Radio Flyer Scoot Balance Bike is our best value option if you are working with a budget and want to get the most. But if you want to step it up, then look no further than the Ancaixin Mini Balance Bike as it offers you premium features. Fret not because we have included other options that might be more to your speed!
We have concluded a buying guide for the best balance bikes for 1-year-olds, this is so you can be better informed. You might have different needs than someone else. We have reviewed each model individually for its features, specs, pros, and cons of each one of them. This way you can quickly compare between them and choose on the spot.
After all, we want you to spend less time researching and more time having fun biking and living to the fullest.
Do be part of the pack and check out some more articles if you liked this one and found it helpful!