Most balance bikes are designed for toddlers, but what about preschoolers? It may be tempting to put your 4-year-old on a pedal bike with training wheels, but if they haven’t yet mastered the balance bike, you are doing them a disservice.
A balance bike will develop the bike handling skills they need to master a pedal bike (sans training wheels), and bolster their confidence without the frustration and tears associated with pushing a child to a pedal bike too soon.
Here is a list of our favorite balance bikes for 3, 4, and 5-year-olds, as well as some tips on how to choose the best bike for YOUR child.
What to Look For
There are specific things to look for when shopping for a balance bike for your 3 or 4 (or even 5) year old. Obviously, the bike itself should be bigger than what you would buy for a toddler, but you should also look for these features when buying a bike for a preschooler.
Pneumatic (Air) Tires
I prefer pneumatic (aka air) tires over foam or plastic tires for all ages, even toddlers. That said, toddlers can often get by safely without them.
A 4-year-old, on the other hand, is far more aggressive and will ride faster than a toddler. Because pneumatic tires provide superior traction, they are safer when being ridden on grass, gravel, or off jumps.
Hand brake
By around age 3, kids develop the eye-hand coordination required to use a handbrake. It is also around this age that kids start riding fast enough that they will literally rip the toes off their shoes using them as brakes.
For this reason, I strongly recommend buying a balance bike with a handbrake. Just make sure it is an appropriately-sized, easy-to-pull lever; some bikes have better brakes than others.
Also, by introducing kids to brakes while they are still on a balance bike, they will have the skill and ability to use them when they transfer to a pedal bike.
Wheel Size
Kids this age will do best on a 14” balance bike, although I’ve also included a few 12” bikes with larger frames and higher maximum seat heights. Balance bike sizes refer to the wheel size, not the frame size.
Before buying a bike for your child, make sure to measure their inseam. You want their inseam to be at least as long as the minimum seat height of the bike, and 2” less than the maximum seat height so that they have room to grow.
Use the comparison chart at the bottom of this post for minimum and maximum seat heights for each of our recommended bikes. You might also want to check out our post (and video) on kids bike sizing.
Price
While I always encourage parents to spend as much as they can realistically afford on their kids bikes, it’s a bit tougher to make that argument for a balance bike when your child is already 4 or 5. They won’t be on the bike for that long before they are ready for a pedal bike.
If you can find one of the bikes on this list used, snatch it up! If you can justify paying full price for the LikeaBike Jumper, you won’t be sorry.
Another option if you are feeling a bit hesitant about spending money on a balance bike is to buy a convertible balance bike. These bikes convert from a balance bike to a pedal bike once your child is ready. If this sounds of interest to you, check out our list of the best convertible balance bikes.
- Also Read: 5 Best Convertible Balance Bikes
Finally, you may also consider buying an appropriately sized pedal bike and then (temporarily) remove the pedals. In this way kids can still learn to scoot and balance without training wheels, but you don’t have to worry about the cost of buying a balance bike now and a pedal bike later.
If you decide you want to go this route, see our list of the best pedal bikes for 3 and 4 year olds.
Weight
I’m usually less concerned about weight when it comes to an athletic 4 year old than I am about a tiny toddler. That said, a lighter weight bike is still going to be easier to maneuver and faster to ride for kids of all ages.
When looking for a balance bike for your 5 year old, pick a bike that weighs about 13 pounds or less. If your little one is only 3 or is particularly petite, then choose something even lighter. The LikeaBike Jumper, for instance, is a mere 7.5 pounds.
5 Best Balance Bikes For 3, 4, and 5 Year Olds
These are what we consider the BEST balance bikes for preschoolers. Before you leave an angry message that these are too expensive, see my note above on alternatives, or check out the GOMO, Banana Bike GT, or Vitus Nippy on our list of the Best Budget Bikes Under $100.
| Bike | What We Love | Price | |
| 1 | Woom 1 Plus | Lightweight, high-quality build | $299 |
| 2 | Ridgeback Scoot XL | Bright colors, wide handlebar | $289 |
| 3 | Frog Tadpole Plus | Brand-name components | $340 |
| 4 | Kokua LikeABike Jumper | Built for aggressive / off-road riding | $279 |
| 5 | Kids Ride Shotgun Dirt Hero | Optional disc brake | $360 |
Woom 1 Plus
Long fans of the smaller Woom 1, we were super excited when Woom announced the release of their new larger sized balance bike–the Woom 1 Plus–for preschoolers. This balance bike has it all: color-coded dual handbrakes, a “surf board” for coasting, quick-release seatpost collar, removable steering limiter, and more.
The bike has a 132-pound rider weight limit which means it can take any abuse your 3-year-old can throw at it (and mom can probably play on it too).
Read Our Review: Woom 1 Plus
Price: $299
Ridgeback Scoot XL
The Scoot XL comes with two seatposts to allow for growth and an extra-wide adjustable handlebar that is perfect for athletic preschoolers. The durable aluminum frame comes in several bright, attractive colors, and is durable enough to last through several hand-me-downs.
Although the Scoot is middle-of-the-road when it comes to price, it comes with all the extras– a bell, internally-routed cable housings, and rear v-brake.
Price: $289
Frog Tadpole Plus
The Frog Tadpole is one of our fave bikes for tiny riders, and it’s sister bike, the Tadpole Plus, is one of our favorites for older riders. Designed for the preschool crowd, this 14″ balance bike is ready to roll!
It has high-quality components including a Tektro v-brake and Kenda tires. We also appreciate the quick release that makes seat height adjustments easy.
Price: $340
LikeaBike Jumper
If your kiddo plans to take their balance bike to the bike park, BMX track, or mountain bike trail—the LikeaBike Jumper should be your top choice. The Jumper is unique in that it is the only bike on this list that has a shock, which makes it perfect for—you guessed it—jumping.
Even once your kiddo has moved on to a pedal bike, they’ll want to keep this one around for play.
Price: $279
Saracen Freewheel
While this bike actually has 12” wheels, the frame is large enough that I still recommend it for older kids. Made by a popular UK mountain bike manufacturer, this is a REAL bike.
High volume pneumatic (air) tires, wide handlebars, and a real v-brake make this bike a good choice for kids who like to venture off-road. It can handle grass, mud, gravel, and dirt with ease. The max seat height (19”) is a little lower than the other bikes on this list, so keep that in mind.
Read Our Review: Saracen Freewheel
Price:$249
Dirt Hero Off-Road Balance Bike
The Dirt Hero, from Kids Ride Shotgun, comes with either 12 inch or 14 inch wheels. For kids this age, you’ll want to choose the 14 inch wheel kid.
Designed to be ridden off-road (as well as on) the bike has fatter, knobbier tires than most, and can also include a disc brake for an additional cost. This bike ain’t cheap, so don’t choose it if you’re on a budget, but if you are a family that loves to mountain bike, it’s a top choice.
Read Our Review: Kids Ride Shotgun Dirt Hero
Price: $360
Comparison Chart
Still not sure which bike is best for your child? Here’s how they stack up.
(Note: You may have to view on a desktop computer to see all columns).
| Bike | Wheel Size | Seat Height | Suggested Age | Frame Material | Tire Type | Bike weight | Brake? | Multiple colors |
| Woom 1 Plus | 14″ | 14.8″-18.5″ | 3-5 years old | Aluminum | Air | 9.8 lbs | Yes | Yes |
| Frog Tadpole Plus | 14″ | 15″-20″ | 3-5 years old | Aluminum | Air | 9.2 lbs | Yes | Yes |
| Ridgeback Scoot XL | 14″ | 16″-22″ | 3-6 years old | Aluminum | Air | 12.5 lbs | Yes | Yes |
| Kids Ride Shotgun Dirt Hero | 14″ | 13.6″-16.5″ | 3-5 years | Aluminum | Air | 9.5 lbs | Yes (additional) | No |
| Saracen Freewheel | 12″ | 13″-17″ | 2-4 years | Aluminum | Air | 10.5 lbs | Yes | No |
| LikeaBike Jumper | 12″ | 13.5″-18.5″ | 2-5 years | Aluminum | Air | 7.5 lbs | Yes | No |
Learn More About Balance Bikes
- 7 Best Budget Balance Bikes Under $100
- Everything You Need To Know About Balance Bikes
- 5 Best Convertible Balance Bikes
About Us
The Rascals are a family of three. Kristen (mom), Blair (dad), and Parker (kiddo). We started Rascal Rides when Parker was born and we didn’t want to give up our passion for biking. As we learned, we shared. Over the years, we’ve tested hundreds of kids bikes, helmets, bike trailers, and more.
Kristen is a USA Cycling certified coach and loves to share her passion for biking with other families. Blair is a bike geek, mechanic, and mountain bike junkie. Parker is our resident tester and inspiration.
If you see us out on the trail, make sure to say hi!
Hi! I found your site looking for info on bikes for my son, and I really appreciate how much you share. I wondered if you have any suggestions for my situation: My son is almost 5, but for various reasons we never got him started on a balance bike. Now he really wants a bike (and is convinced, in that magical 4 1/2 year old way, that he already knows how to ride one) and he’s adamant that a balance bike is not okay. I don’t really want to buy a balance bike for less than a year’s use, so if there are ways to make a pedal bike work, that would be my preference. What do you think of the advice to get a pedal bike and remove the pedals until the child gets the hang of balancing and braking? Are there any pitfalls to that idea? Or do you have any other suggestions I might not be aware of? Thank you!
Hi Diana,
I would recommend exactly what you’ve suggested. Use a pedal bike and remove the cranks/pedals for a little while until he gets the hang of balancing and coasting. At this age, it doesn’t take them too long, especially if they are an athletic kid.
The only thing to keep in mind is that the seat height will need to be a little lower so that his feet can be flat on the ground. (For pedaling, kids can have the seat a couple inches higher). So, you might need to buy a slightly smaller bike than you would for a kid who is transitioning from a balance bike. Just make sure his inseam is as long as the minimum seat height for the bike you are choosing.
Cheers,
KB
Awesome article! My son is very tall, he is only 3 but wears a size 5T and is 43.5″ tall with a 17″ inseam. So I had a hard time finding a bike that fits him. Thanks to your article I was able to find the perfect bike for him–The Schoot XL! Thanks again.
Thank you so much for doing so much work on this and putting this article out
for all of us. I have a 2 and half year old child. Should I go for the toddler one or one for the 3 to 5 year old. She is good sized child and is athletic but has not been on a bike so far. She has good balancing sense.
Hi Sunadra,
Chances are, she’d be best served by one of the balance bikes on our “Toddler” list. But the best way to know for sure is to measure her inseam and then compare it to the minimum seatpost heights listed in the comparison chart. Pick a bike that has a minimum height slightly less than her current inseam to get the best fit and to make sure it grows with her for a while.
Cheers,
KB
Hi,
Can you recommend any bikes in the $100 range, or do we really need to pay $200? Our son is 3 and a half so I don’t see him using this for very long…
Thanks!
Hi V,
Check out this post on budget balance bikes: https://rascalrides.com/best-budget-balance-bikes-under-100/
If you think he’s going to be ready for a pedal bike pretty quickly, your other option is to simply by a pedal bike and remove the pedals temporarily. Put them back on once he’s ready to ride.
Cheers,
KB
Hi, my daughter is turning 4. She’s great on scooter but never been on bike. We really should have introduced her to balance bike earlier. However we’re ready for a bike and I love the logic of the balanced bike vs training wheels. I am confident she wont be on balances bike for too long. What are the drawbacks with pedal bike with the pedals removed? I have heard that they tend to be much heavier then the balance bike and harder for inbetween to handle. Anything else ?? Thanks so much for your post.
Most of the time with the pedals removed the bike is still really heavy, and sometimes the cranks get in the way. Most folks aren’t up for completely removing the crank set. I think this method works best for bigger kids and for kids who already used a balance bike. Your kid actually might be the rare kid who is the ideal age for the Little-Big convertible bike as she’d probably get a couple years of use. It’s by far the best of the convertible options out there, available on preorder to arrive next month right now. https://www.littlebigbikes.com/shop/
If she’s a bigger and confident kid then you’d probably do just fine getting a higher quality lightweight pedal bike like Woom and starting out with pedals removed. Or look around from friends or craigslist to borrow a balance bike or get a cheap one–quality is going to be less important if it’s just a short term learn to balance use.
Hi Tram,
Balance bikes have geometry that’s designed specifically for scooting rather than pedaling. And the weight will be less for an equivalent quality bike. A balance bike will feel more “sporty.” For this reason, I’d always recommend a balance bike for toddlers and/or parents for whom budget isn’t an issue.
That said, if your kiddo is athletic and you don’t want to spend the money on two bikes, I wouldn’t think twice about just taking the pedals off a pedal bike. Will it be harder to handle? A little–but not enough that it’s going to be a problem or turn her off from biking.
My two cents. Good luck!
KB
Hi! I love your site and your thoughtful advice. I was about to go with your top pick for balance bike and order the Woom Plus for my tall, athletic 2 year old son (37”) but they are out of stock and can’t find any. I would love to know if you would recommend the zoom 2 and removing pedals or going with another top 5 choice on your balance bike list.
Oh man, that’s a tough one! I would be tempted to go straight to the Woom 2 with pedals removed, especially since you say he’s athletic–which means he could start pedaling soon. If you’re feeling budget conscious, I’d go that route.
That said, if budget isn’t an issue for you OR if you have (or will have) a younger sibling to hand it down to, you might still want to go with the balance bike. A true balance bike is a little lighter and has geometry better suited for scooting/gliding. Also, even once kids learn to pedal, they often have fun using the balance bike for a long time more….(My 7 year old still has fun riding a balance bike around the house).
Hope that helps a little bit!
KB
What a great site to read up on kids bikes. Thanks Kels and Kristin for your comment. Makes lots of sense, I want to start of right and let her have fun and built confidence. Decided to get a balance bike, the ridgeback scoot which is up there but on sale for almost half the price so it is worth it even if short live. Otherwise would really go for the Zoom , maybe once she graduates to pedal. Thanks again for your insightful comments.
Glad it helped! Hope your kiddo is enjoying the bike!
I just want to say thank you for your whole site! Super informative and really helped us make a decision for our 3 year old’s first bike. We found a used Scoot balance bike and will probably get a new Guardian Ethos when she’s ready for pedaling.
Awesome! Hope she’s having lots of fun on the Scoot.
Hi, my daughter has been using the Haro PreWheelz 10 inch since before she was 2. She is almost 3.5, she glides pretty well, and wants a pedal bike, but not sure if I should get a second bigger balance bike for the air brakes, or get her onto a pedal bike with the air brakes. When I measure her inseam she is about 14, and when I measure her seat height its about 14 to 15 on the current bike. What do you recommend after the Haro?
Hi Chaim,
If she’s been on a balance bike for that long, I’m sure she is ready for a pedal bike! Start with the pedals off to let her feel comfortable on the bike, and then add them back. She’ll be pedaling in no time.
My 7 year old son is thin and on the short side. He has always preferred a scooter but is now interested in learning to ride a bike. Should he still start with a balance bike over a pedal bike?
My 3.5-year-old has been on a balance bike only since he was about 1.8. He really does shred on the balance bike and even pops really small jumps. he’s now so good at it he doesn’t even want to air a pedal bike. It’s great to travel on bike rides with him now! I do have an issue though: after a mile roughly, he starts to complain a few sore butt and tired legs. I tell him with a pedal bike he wouldn’t need to work as hard and will go faster and longer, but the pedal bike is “harder” for him and he doesn’t prefer it in the slightest degree. I’m sure eventually he will want to create the change on his own, but he’s so ready and just doesn’t are aware of it. does one have any tips about a way to transition to pedals? Or should I just be waiting it out until it’s his choice?
Thanks for the list! I have a 3yr old and I’m torn between which bike would be best on my gravel driveway. You say the Saracen is good for gravel but it doesn’t seem like he’ll be able to use it as long. Is the LikeABike good on gravel? Or one of the others you wrote up. Thanks!
Hi.
I have 2 kids: 1 is gonna turn 3 in November and the other one is 1 yr old. I wonder should i buy the balance bike brand Chicco for them because i dont see this brand name on the list.
Thank you for responding me.
Hi Xuan,
I don’t recommend the Chicco balance bikes unless you are using them strictly for indoor/playroom use. They are really more of a toy than a real bicycle.
Question. My daughter loves going out to our local bmx track and is getting very competitive which bike do you feel would be best suited for my speedster? She just turned 4 and our strider 14x well was lost. We have a pedal bike but she isn’t ready to give up the strider races yet. Thank you for your great article and help.
Hi Megan,
Sorry I’m answering late here–you may already have made a choice…Have you considered getting her a BMX bike (micro mini) and just removing the pedals? That would allow her to keep doing the Strider races, but allow her to move up once she’s ready to. I doubt she’ll want to keep doing the Strider races for too much longer….
Cheers,
KB
Hi Kristen, I love you information too! I wanted to thank you for listing the LikeaBike jumper! My grandson is a littler taller and he is riding the 12 inch jumper and it is an AMAZING little bike! We started him on the WOOM 1 and that was a positive start to building his confidence and he would glide for a half a block down his driveway at 20 months! Now at 21/2 with the larger LikeaBike jumper he goes to the local BMX track and has begun doing tricks and yep, little jumps on this super cool bike! I did want to tell you you stated in you article the LikeaBike jumper doesn’t have color choices but it does!! And there are 6 or 7 choices! Check out the Black!! That’s the bike my grandson has. Thanks again for your information and thanks for allowing me to share!
My 3 yr old granddaughter is 42 inches tall and 48.5 lbs. I’d like to get her a balance bike. She does not know how to ride a bike yet.