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Childhood is an amazing time, with a lot of fun memories and experiences. Being a parent has a lot of perks, there will be a lot of adventures so best be ready for them. A really good example of these adventures would be teaching your children how to ride a bike, as we were taught by our parents when we were kids. You can even use the same bike of the olden times if you still have them.
The journey from balance bikes to training wheels is going to be filled with tears and happiness, from teaching them how to ride to getting their first bike. With that being said, in today’s era, teaching kids how to ride a bike is a piece of cake, the real challenge is getting the perfect bike for them, there are a lot of options at your local bike shop that you will easily get confused.
What Makes A Really Good Kid’s Bike?
This is actually a really good question, most of our readers have asked this question many times. What makes a really good kid’s bike? Let’s take a look:
One of the main characteristics that kid’s bikes should have is Durability. Kids love to have adventures, they will bump their bikes into obstacles and explore new areas. For this to happen without any kind of problems, the bike needs to be resilient and durable enough.
A child’s bike also needs to be Lightweight, riding a lighter bike will allow the kids to have more fun. Imagine riding a bike that is actually heavier than your body weight, would just make things difficult.
The problem nowadays in the market is that there are a lot of bikes, most of them are pretty useless for kids. There are no unique aspects in those bikes for kids, neither are they durable nor are they light, that is the main reason why we made this guide for you so that you can have a good idea of what to get for your children.
12-inch and 14-inch bikes are going to be best for 3-4 years old and since there are a lot of bikes in the market, we have made this guide for you.
The main thing about kids is that they need to get a pedal bike early, I would suggest getting them one exactly after they have graduated from a balance bike. As we will, later on, discuss in the guide, there are plenty of amazing options, Guardian Bikes are really good!
Make sure that the bikes also have powerful dual hand brakes if not one, the rear wheel of the bike should also be super-responsive.
Every Child Is Different and Unique
As we have outlined the perfect-sized bikes for you, you need to sleep in mind that every child is different and unique. Although young kids can fit perfectly on a 12-inch bike, a bike with pedals might be too much for them to handle, that is why we also recommend they try out balance bikes.
On the other hand, there are some 3-years old that can perfectly fit on a 16-inch bike and they use it without any kind of problems. Every child is going to get used to bikes one way or the other, we just have to show patience for it!
Top 10 Kids Bikes For 4 Years Old
In our list, we have added some of the best bikes for 4 years olds. There are a lot of variations, different bikes with unique features and advantages. Trust us, your kids are going to love these bikes, getting these bikes will bring out their unique and fun personalities. Let’s take a look at the best kid’s bikes for our young riders.
1. Woom 2- Editor’s Choice
The Woom 2 is an amazing first pedal bike for our young riders. It has everything that you could ever wish for. Weighing at around 11 pounds, this is the lightest kid’s bike that I have ever seen, making it the perfect choice for children.
Price: MSRP $359
Now that your kids have learned all the basics and done a thousand sessions with the training wheels, it is time to get them their first “Big Boy” bike and that is none other than the Woom 2. This is the first real bike that they will get to experience and enjoy, so when they are ready, they should try out the Woom 2.
You can either get the Woom 2 or Woom 3 for your 4-year-old, both the bikes only have a size difference. You can get the Woom 3 bike if you want it for a kid that is 3-5 years old. This is one of the lightest and most sturdy bikes, kids can have a lot of adventures with it and the bike will also handle a lot of abuse.
Some of the best features of the bike are:
- Dedicated Geometry For Kids
- Powerful Brakes
- Ergonomic Contact Points
The lightweight aluminum frame of the bikes makes it easy for kids, they can have all sorts of adventures with it. There is even a low entry point, which means that kids can hop on and off the bike without any kind of problems. This is termed as a big bike, but it really helps in building the confidence of your little one, with the Woom 2, they can explore the world however they seem fit.
The Woom-Designed chain guard works miracles here, not only does it protect the bike’s chain but also the kid’s feet and hands from cuts and other injuries. Even if the chain guard gets damaged, you can easily replace or repair it. Woom 2 also has ergonomic contact points, which means that the kids will always have an upright position while riding.
Advantages:
- Great Ergonomic Bike
- Lightweight Design
- Powerful Braking System
- Great Comfort
- Available In Vibrant Colors
Disadvantages:
- Very Expensive
- Not For Aggressive Kids
Editor’s Choice: The Woom 2 is an excellent choice for kids aged 4 above. It has ergonomic contact points and has a low-entry point. If you want the absolute best choice for your kids then definitely get this bike!
2. Guardian Ethos 14
Children need to feel safe and secure while riding, that is why we recommend the Guardian Ethos 14. Although there are no coaster brakes, it still features a powerful braking system. You can even have dual hand brakes with it!
Price: MSRP $269
Kids’ bikes need to be two things in order to be really awesome, the first thing is durability and the other is lightweight, apart from that, they also need to be fully safe and secure. So, in terms of security and safety, the best bike that comes to our mind is the Guardian Ethos 14.
There are a lot of features that make this bike amazing but in my opinion, the SureStop braking system is what sets this bike truly apart from others. With this braking system, you have a lever on the right side that activates both the front and rear brakes when activated. It is a powerful system, surely better than other bikes, and the best thing is that the Ethos 14 DOES NOT have coaster brakes, this means that if this is a starting bike for your child, they are going to have a lot of fun with it.
Some of the best features of the bike are:
- SureStop Brakes
- Comes In Different Sizes
With the inclusion of the SureStop braking system, kids learn the ropes pretty quickly. They learn to rely on their right hand for brakes, as they should, in conclusion, they will have a really good time riding this bike.
Like all the Guardian Bikes, Ethos 14 is also available in different sizes, you can check that out yourself. This is the bike that little ones should get if you want them to have safe adventures!
Advantages:
- Powerful Braking System
- Easy To Ride (Brakes Used From Only One Hand)
- Geometry Is Very Child-Friendly
- Fun and Vibrant Color Combinations Available For Sale
Disadvantages:
Why I Like It: Safety is a big concern when it comes to kid’s bikes, these bikes are meant to be enjoyed to the fullest without the parents/guardians getting worried. When it comes to that, the Guardian Ethos is a terrific choice because of its SureStop braking system.
3. Joey 2.5
Some kids take some time getting used to bikes with pedals, considering that, Joey 2.5 is the perfect choice for them. It is cheap and serves as a really good starting bike, the kids are going to have so much fun with it.
Price: MSRP $239
Every child is different, some learn quickly, others take their sweet time. The same concept can be applied when learning how to ride a bike, some kids may move on from training wheels very quickly while others may not. The Joey 2.5 is an amazing bike for kids, it is lightweight, does not have any kind of coaster brakes.
The Joey 2.5 is the type of bike that helps kids in transitioning from balance bikes to all-new pedal bikes, the bike also helps them learn new skills and how to balance themselves while riding. If you are looking for an amazing starter bike for your child then the Joey 2.5 is a really good option.
Some of the best features of the bike are:
- Comes With Training Wheels
- Fun To Balance
- Seat Height Adjustment
This here is a bike that comes installed with training wheels and a push-bar, making it easier for your child to learn the basics of bike riding. The only thing of concern is that there is little room for growth with the Joey, the seat height adjustment is decent though!
Advantages:
- Incredible Stability Thanks To The Longer Wheelbase
- Child-Friendly Geometry Allows For An Upright Riding Position
- Training Wheels and Push Bar Are Included
- Lightweight Construction
- Coaster-Brakes Free
Disadvantages:
- Not Enough Seat Height Adjustment
- Single-Pivot Brakes Are Low Quality
Why I Like It: The Joey 2.5 is an incredible bike if you want the training wheels and push bar included. It is lightweight than other bikes, kids are going to have a lot of fun with it. The seat height adjustment could have been more but that is still fine, not a deal-breaker really!
4. Trek Precaliber 12
The Trek Precaliber is an amazing kid’s bike that you can get from any local bike shop, that is why we have termed it as the “Best Local Bike”.
Price: MSRP $279
Imagine going to the local bike shops and finding the perfect bike for your child, well you don’t have to go searching now, because we already found Trek Precaliber for you! Deemed as the “Best Local Bike For Kids”, it does wonders as a child’s bike.
Similar to the high-end bikes that we have seen, the geometry is very similar, it is lightweight and quite durable. Even featuring a very low seat height, kids can hop on and off the bike however they please without any kind of restrictions. Trek Precaliber’s rear wheel and front wheel both are super-responsive, as they should be.
Some of the best features of the bike are:
- High-End Construction
- Enough Room For Growth
- Incredible Stability
As kids grow older, their starter bikes start getting small, they even seem too childish for them, although that is not the case with Trek Caliber. No matter if they even grow, they can still use this bike, there is plenty of room for growth here. Trek Caliber, even after some years is going to feel natural and comfortable!
Trek Caliber has an overall solid construction, is durable, features a kid-friendly geometry. Also, you can get it almost everywhere, do give this bike a try!
Advantages:
- Geometry Is Kid’s-Friendly
- Incredible Stability
- Lightweight Construction
- Available At Every Local Bike Shop
- Premium Quality Training Wheels
Disadvantages:
Why I Like It: The Trek Precaliber is an amazing bike that you can find at any local bike shop, saving you the hassle of going out of your way to getting a kid’s bike. The construction is really amazing and even features a kid-friendly geometry.
5. Prevelo Alpha One
Children can be quite adventurous, they love exploring and finding out new places/things to do. For that very purpose, the Prevelo Alpha One is one of the best bikes to go for.
Price: MSRP $369
Kids never stop being adventurous, everyone knows that. For every kid that loves adventures, the best bike that they can get is the Prevelo Alpha One. For our little balance bike graduates, the Prevelo Alpha is a perfect choice, seemingly so because of the high-end components and durability.
The Prevelo Alpha One is built for kids, even the geometry is proof of that. The design is so sleek that you will be wishing that you were somehow a kid again so that you could ride this bike.
Some of the best features of the bike are:
- Kid-Specific Design
- Lower-Set Handlebars
- High-End Components
This is a really good choice for Aggressive balance bike graduates that love adventures, even the lower-set handlebars are going to give the kids a lot of comforts. This also allows the child’s weight to be shifted over the handlebars, which results in better control and maneuverability.
Advantages:
- Best For Aggressive Young Riders
- Incredible Stability
- Better Ability To Control
- High-End Components
- Lightweight Design
Disadvantages:
- Includes Rear Coaster Brake (Can Be Removed Though)
Why I Like It: There are not a lot of bikes that can feed the hunger of young aggressive riders, that is why the Prevelo Alpha One is a God-Send. Featuring High-End Components, this is a bike that responds well and is a joy to ride. It also offers amazing stability and control, the coaster brakes can be a challenge to use though but you can always remove them.
6. Pello Romper 14
The Pello Romper is the best choice for tall kids and is best suited for adventurous rides. Featuring a lightweight aluminum frame, kids are going to have a lot of fun riding this bike.
Price: Starting at $359
Pello Romper is an amazing bike, it is like the Prevelo Alpha One but for taller kids. This is an incredible bike with even amazing control and stability, it even features a lightweight aluminum frame. This is a bike that is literally oozing with quality, the kids are going to have a lot of fun on the paved and dirt tracks.
The knobby tires of the Pello Romper provide amazing traction on any kind of road. So if the kids want to have some fun on the rocky trails, they can easily do that, as they will always have that required control and grip.
Some of the best features of the bike are:
- Lightweight Aluminum Frame
- Powerful Brakes
The Pellow Romper has almost everything, this is one of the best bikes for tall kids that love adventures. Honestly, the seat height adjustment could have been more but that is fine. This is a bike that is best suited for kids around 3-4 years old.
Advantages:
- Best For All Kinds Of Terrain
- Easier Balancing and Control Thanks To The Low-Rise Handlebars
- Amazing Responsiveness
- High-Gearing Options
Disadvantages:
- Heavier Construction Than Other Bikes
Why I Like It: The Pello Romper is an incredible bike much like the Prevelo Alpha One, only that the Romper is for taller kids. This bike has a larger frame than the other bikes and can be controlled much easier. The only concern is the coaster brakes but they too can be removed without any trouble!
7. Joystar Totem Kids Bike
Featuring some of the best geometry that I have ever seen in a kid’s bike is the Joystar Totem. This is a single-speed bike that kids will love riding and having adventures on.
Price: Starting at $119
The Joystar Totem Kids Bike is one of the best options to get for kids right now! Joystar is a world-renown company for Kid’s bikes and you should really try them out. If you are looking for an incredible starting bike then the Totem Bike from Joystar is going to be your perfect choice, mainly because of its kids-specific geometry.
The Totem even has a confidence-boosting design that is going to make the kids fall in love with it. Don’t worry, the bike is quite durable and fully lightweight, your child will be having a lot of adventures with it.
Some of the best features of the bike are:
- Kid-Specific Geometry
- Confidence-Boosting Design
- HI-TEN Steel Construction
This bike comes with a single-speed option, which is good because the kids will be able to control it perfectly and have a lot of fun while riding. The only thing of concern is the coaster brakes, this makes the transition from balance bikes to pedal bikes a lot harder.
The construction of the bike is very decent though, the HI-TEN Steel construction makes the bike resilient and highly durable. The bike can easily handle any kind of abuse you throw at it, even some horrid bumps that will surely happen.
The saddle height is adjustable and it even comes with a holder, so you can help your child get on the bike without any kind of problems. The Joystar Totem is the kind of bike that is a must for your child!
Advantages:
- Maintenance Is Very Easy
- Amazing Control
- Powerful Braking System
- Incredible Durability
Disadvantages:
Why I Like It: The Joystar Totem is a bike that is a must for your child, because of its incredible features and construction. HI-TEN steel construction makes the bike very resilient, and durable. The tires could have been better but that is adjustable! Do get this bike for your child!
8. RoyalBaby Kids Bike
The RoyalBaby Kids Bike is one of the best bikes for young girls, the bike features training wheels, a water bottle stand, and even a quick-release seat. This is the perfect choice that you should go for!
Price: MSRP $139
Since you are here looking for kid’s bikes, you must have heard about the company RoyalBaby, which makes amazing bikes. They are the market leader for innovation and design when it comes to children’s bikes. We have included their flagship bike because of the amazing construction and features
This here is a 16-inch bike that is best suited for 4-5 years old, you can even get the bike in different color schemes, each one dedicated to a boy or a girl. One of the best things about this bike is that it comes installed with training wheels, this will save you the time attaching those wheels yourself. There is also a water bottle stand and the seat height can be adjusted as per your requirement.
Some of the best features of the bike are:
- Installed With Training Wheels
- Quick-Release Seat
- Comes 65% Pre-Assembled
This bike is very easy to install, when you receive the bike, it is already 65% pre-assembled, which means that you just have to install the training wheels, saddle, handlebars, and pedals. Honestly, the RoyalBaby Kids Bike makes for an amazing Birthday or Christmas present.
Unlike other budget bikes, the construction of this bike is very strong and sturdy, the frame is made from steel, it even has a chain guard to protect against injuries. Overall, this is a very safe bike for kids, at least parents won’t worry when their kids are having adventures on this bike.
Advantages:
- Training Wheels Are Fully Adjustable
- Amazing Design
- Great Comfort and Control
- Powerful Braking System
Disadvantages:
Why I Like It: RoyalBaby makes amazing bikes, and there is no reason that we should be skipping their flagship kid’s bikes. From the overall construction to the features like chain guard and seat adjustment, this makes a really good choice for kids.
9. Co-Op Cycles REV 16 Kids’ Bike
If you have heard about Co-Op Cycles then you definitely know that they don’t mess around with quality. This is one of the best pedal bikes for kids, featuring a sturdy lightweight aluminum frame, you will not be disappointed by the performance of the REV 16.
Price: MSRP $229
Moving on from the convertible balance bikes, REV 16 from Co-Op Cycles is the next best thing and you should definitely get them for your child. Co-Op Cycles make amazing adult bikes but their kid’s range is even better, the REV 16 is proof of that.
Normally, balance bikes are great to get the children started, they learn all the basic stuff first and then move on to bikes with pedals. With that being said, the REV 16 comes attached with training wheels, this makes the kids feel independent and allows them to have a fun time with their friends around the block.
The REV 16 is made with a lightweight aluminum frame, which is far better than any other material, this allows for great performance and durability.
Some of the best features of the bike are:
- Lightweight Aluminum Frame
- Installed With Training Wheels
- Sticker Pack Included
There is a lot of freedom of customization when it comes to the REV 16, a sticker pack is included with the bike, which the kids can use to customize their bike. The inclusion of coaster bikes makes the transition from balance bikes to pedal bikes harder though.
Advantages:
- Very Stylish Design
- Amazing Durability
- Lightweight Design
- Lots Of Customization Options
Disadvantages:
- Seat Height Isn’t Customizable
Why I Like It: Co-Op Cycles makes amazing bikes, both the adults and kids love riding their bikes. The REV 16 is an amazing starting choice for your child, there are even a lot of customization options. The lightweight aluminum frame allows the kids to have a lot of fun adventures.
10. Frog 40
As the name suggests, this is a really fun bike to get for the kids. Girls and Boys both can enjoy this lightweight yet sturdy bike.
Price: MSRP $480
If you are living in the UK then you know how famous the Frog 40 bike is. The Frog 40 is one of the best durable bikes to get for 4- year olds, this one is packed with all the amazing components and features.
The first thing that you will notice on the Frog 40 is the paint job, I have rarely seen beautiful bikes like this one. There is also a chain guard present that protects the rider from injuries of every kind. The bike performs amazingly well on both on-road and off-road tracks that were one of the most surprising things that we noticed.
Some of the best features of the bike are:
- Attractive Paint Job
- Can Choose Between Slick Or Knobby Tires
- Dual Tektro Handbrakes
There are a lot of customization options with the Frog 40 bike, you can choose what kind of tires or brakes you want. The bike weighs only at around 12-ish pounds, it is very lightweight, this means that kids can have a lot of fun with it, without ever having any kind of worries.
Advantages:
- Best For Aggressive Riders
- Very Easy To Use
- Powerful Brakes
- Customization Options
Disadvantages:
- The Steering Limiter Can’t Be Removed
- Shipping Charges Are A Lot
Why I Like It: Frog 40 is easily one of the best bikes to get for kids aged 4 and above. It has all the necessary features and components, your kids won’t even feel the need of getting another bike for a while because of all the customization options.
Kid’s Bike Size Chart
| Wheel Sizes | Age Limit | Height | Inseam Length |
| 12’’ | 2-3 | 2’10”-3’4” | 14-17” 35-42 cm |
| 14’’ | 3-4 | 3’1”-3’7” | 16-20” 40-50 cm |
| 16’’ | 4-5 | 3’7”-4’0” | 18-22” 45-55 cm |
| 18’’ | 5-6 | 3’9”-4’3” | 20-24” 50-60 cm |
| 20’’ | 6-8 | 4’0”-4’5” | 22-25” 55-63 cm |
| 24’’ | 8-11 | 4’5”-4’9” | 24-28” 60-72 cm |
Important Note: Above mentioned is the sizing chart for kid’s bikes. The appropriate wheel size is given for kids of specific ages, for more information check our our detailed guide on Kids Bike Size Chart
How To Choose The Perfect Kid’s Bike
Getting the right bike for your kids can be a lot of trouble and misery, especially if you are doing it for the first time. Fortunately, we have done all the research for you and there is no need to be worried about it! Using this guide, you will be able to find that perfect bike for your kids.
Set Up Your Budget Properly
Like the many things in life, the more you spend on something the better you will get. This scenario also applies to bikes, especially kid’s bikes because they are delicate. Spending the maximum amount you can, will land you on the best available bike, remember that there is no need to be feisty when it comes to our kids and their protection.
How much is the least amount that I have to pay though? Well, the least amount that you should expect to pay is between $200-$300. If you spend any less than that then the kids won’t be able to enjoy the bikes and they will break down sooner than expected!
There are some great budget bikes that you can get that also take advantage of premium components, the end choice is going to be made by you though.
Suitable Age Means Suitable Bike
Getting the right bike for your kids depends on their age and that is the key to a perfect purchase. We have showcased the bike size chart for kids at the start of the guide. You just need to follow those instructions!
If you are looking for a 20-inch bike then the right age for that is around 6-9 years, after that you should look for a 24-inch bike.
Another helpful tip is checking your kid’s inseam length before looking for a bike, once the perfect height has been determined, you can move on to shopping!
Stopping Power Is Necessary
Kids need the stopping power and the 20-inch bikes use v-brakes in their construction. V-brakes offer absolute stopping power and that is perfect for kids, as coaster brakes could be dangerous. That doesn’t mean that some 20-inch bikes don’t use coaster brakes.
I would suggest that you keep yourself away from coaster bikes as possible! V-brakes are going to give the best control to the kids.
Some high-end bikes might not even have v-brakes, as they will be replaced by disc brakes that are better! Disc brakes are perfect for any kind of weather.
Bike’s Weight Matters
A bike’s weight might not matter that much to a 7-year old but it is still a very important aspect to consider. The main goal over here is getting a bike that actually weighs LESS than your kid. We don’t want the kids to pull their own weight and the bikes.
What will a lightweight bike do? A Lightweight bike is going to be easier to handle and control and that should be a must for kids.
Wheels and Tires
The wheels and tires are very necessary when it comes to a kid’s bike. You also need to consider here that what kind of riding will they be doing mostly. You need to look for tread tires if they will be using the bike on dirt, mud, etc. Fast-rolling tires should be used if the kids are just going to use the bike on pavements.
Gears and Drivetrain Matter
If the kids are confident enough when they reach the compatible age then getting a bike with gears is going to be the next big step. Enough practice on pedal bikes would make them more than comfortable with gear-focused bikes. Go for bikes with internally geared hubs, there will be fewer gears to worry about.
At this age, a few gears would do the trick, there is no need to go above that.
Fork or No Fork
Kids will think that having a bike with a fork looks cool! Well, it does but that is not the point here. The kids will urge you to get a bike with a suspension fork but you shouldn’t do that. Forks add to the overall weight of the bike and eventually, it will become too much to handle for the kids.
FAQs
What Wheel Size Does A 4-Years Old Need?
The best wheel size for a 4-year old would be either a 12-inch or 14-inch bike.
Can A 4-Year Old Ride A Bike?
Since kids are trained at a young age on a balance bike, once they turn 4, they can easily ride a pedal bike.
What Is The Normal Price For A Kid’s Bike?
You can easily get a kid’s bike for $200-$300. I mean a really good quality bike with all the necessary features.
Recap
Kids love riding bikes, in today’s era teaching kids how to ride a bike is fairly easier than getting the perfect bike for them since there are a lot of options in the market. That is why this guide is here to give you a lot of great options to choose from.
We talked about different bikes, many of them had come installed with training wheels while others have a lot of different unique features. Our absolute favorite choice amongst all the bikes is the Woom 2. It has all the necessary components and features to be deemed the BEST!
Apart from reviewing bikes, we also talked about the aspects that we need to look for while deciding on a bike for our kids. We hope that after going through the guide, you have a good idea about what to look for. If you have any queries then do reach out to us in the comments below!
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