Shopping for a new bike for your child can be confusing. One of the best things you can do is to familiarize yourself with the best kids bike brands.
Here at Rascal Rides, we spend a lot of time reviewing specific bikes or talking about the best bikes for a certain age range, but it is even more helpful to help people get familiar with the best BRANDS for kids bikes. Many of these brands offer great options across the board, from balance bikes to first pedal bikes to 24″ mountain bikes.
In general, we prefer brands that make kids bikes exclusively. Of course, you can buy a nice kids bike from Trek or Cannondale, especially in larger sizes, but they are often an afterthought to these company’s more lucrative adult bikes.
Over the last few years, more and more companies have been entering the market making bikes specifically designed and built for the youngest riders. The brands on this list make lightweight, quality bikes that are safe, enjoyable, and will get your kids stoked on biking.
For each brand, we’ve listed their lineup of bikes by size and type of bike. If you’re not sure what size bike your child needs, or how to pick the best bike for your unique child, we’ve included additional resources down below.
(Note: There are some mountain bikes on this list, but if you are looking for mountain bikes specifically, check out our list of the best kids mountain bike brands instead).
| Brand | Why We Love Them | |
| 1 | Woom | Ultra-lightweight, intelligently designed |
| 2 | Prevelo | Great customer service, real kid-sized mountain bikes |
| 3 | Cleary | Beautiful, durable steel frames |
| 4 | Frog | Huge offering, variety of colors/designs |
| 5 | Pello | Brand-name components, kid-specific geometry |
| 6 | Early Rider | Gorgeous brushed aluminum frames |
| 7 | Spawn | High-quality mountain bikes |
| 8 (bonus!) | Guardian | Emphasis on safety, affordable options |
Woom Bikes USA
Woom makes our favorite kids bikes, hands down. If you want the BEST bike for your child, get a Woom.
Why do we recommend them so highly? First off, they are the lightest weight bikes around. A lightweight bike makes an enormous difference in how well your child is going to do.
Secondly, Woom has put a huge amount of thought into the design of their bikes. From the kids-specific geometry of their frames, custom components, and color-coded brake levers–everything has been agonized over and perfected for young riders.
Woom bikes are also in high demand on the used market, and their high-quality allows them to be handed down from child to child. Or if you prefer, Woom offers a Trade-In program when your child is ready to move up to the next size.
Learn More: 5 Reasons To Love Woom Bikes (Plus Detailed Reviews)
Woom Bikes Line Up
| Bike | Size/Bike Type | Price (MSRP) | Review |
| Woom 1 | 12″ Balance Bike | $199 | |
| Woom 1 Plus | 14″ Balance Bike | $269 | Read: Woom 1 Plus Review |
| Woom 2 | 14″ Pedal Bike | $359 | Read: Woom 2 Review |
| Woom 3 | 16″ Pedal Bike | $389 | Read: Woom 3 Review |
| Woom 4 | 20″ Pedal Bike | $479 | Read: Woom 4 Review |
| Woom 4 OFF | 20″ Mountain Bike | $669 | |
| Woom 5 | 24″ Pedal Bike | $499 | |
| Woom 5 OFF | 24″ Mountain Bike | $679 | |
| Woom 6 | 26″ Pedal Bike | $529 | |
| Woom 6 OFF | 26″ Mountain Bike | $699 |
Cleary Bikes
We like Cleary Bikes because they aren’t just more cookie-cutter kids bikes. The unique and beautiful steel frames, top-shelf components, and durable design set these bikes apart.
Cleary serves both sides of the age spectrum well, offering one of the tiniest first pedal bikes out there (the Gecko) as well as really nice 24″ and 26″ mountain bikes.
Cleary Bikes Line-Up
| Bike | Size/Bike Type | Price (MSRP) | Review |
| Cleary Gecko | 12″ pedal bike | $310 | Read: Cleary Gecko Review |
| Cleary Hedgehog | 16″ pedal bike | $375 | Read: Cleary Hedgehog Review |
| Cleary Owl | 20″ pedal bike | $425 | |
| Cleary Meerkat | 24″ pedal bike | $594 | |
| Cleary Scout 24 | 24″ mountain bike | $840 | |
| Cleary Scout 26 | 26″ mountain bike | $860 |
Prevelo Bikes
Whatever kind of riding your family does, and however old your child is, Prevelo has a bike for you. Their Alpha line of bikes is ideal for around-town and paved riding, while the Zulu line offers some of the best pint-sized mountain bikes on the market.
We appreciate Prevelo for their child-specific geometry, custom cranks, and top-shelf components. Perhaps even more importantly, Prevelo has superior customer service that you can’t get from a big bike brand.
Like Woom, Prevelo also offers a trade-up program that can help make your initial investment a little less painful.
Prevelo Bikes Line-Up
| Bike | Size/Type | Price (MSRP) | Reviews |
| Prevelo Alpha Zero | 12″ balance bike | $199 | |
| Prevelo Alpha One | 14″ pedal bike | $359 | |
| Prevelo Zulu One | 14″ mountain bike | $459 | |
| Prevelo Alpha Two | 16″ pedal bike | $369 | Read: Prevelo Alpha Two Review |
| Prevelo Zulu Two | 16″ mountain bike | $469+ | |
| Prevelo Alpha Three | 20″ pedal bike | $499 | Read: Prevelo Alpha Three Review |
| Prevelo Zulu Three | 20″ mountain bike | $899+ | Read: Prevelo Zulu Three Review |
| Prevelo Alpha Four | 24″ pedal bike | $499 | |
| Prevelo Zulu Four | 24″ mountain bike | $899 |
Frog Bikes
Frog is a U.K. kids bike company that’s wildly popular at home, but less well known in the North American market. While they are a little harder to get your hands-on (they don’t sell direct-to-consumer), it would be a mistake to overlook this brand.
Frog has the largest line of any of the kid’s bike brands so you are sure to find what your child needs. Their offering includes a hard-to-find 20″ road bike as well as some of our favorite first pedal bikes. Even their balance bike, the Tadpole, comes in three different sizes.
In addition to being well designed and lightweight, the Frog bikes come in a variety of fun, bright colors and designs. No matter what your child’s favorite color is, you’ll probably find a Frog to suit their fancy.
Frog Bikes Line-Up
| Bike | Size/Type | Price (MSRP) | |
| Frog Tadpole Mini | 10″ balance bike | $210 | |
| Frog Tadpole | 12″ balance bike | $215 | |
| Frog Tadpole Plus | 14″ balance bike | $260 | |
| Frog 40 | 14″ pedal bike | $360 | |
| Frog 48 | 16″ pedal bike | $395 | Read: Frog 48 Review |
| Frog 52/ Frog 55 | 20″ pedal bike | $510/$520 | |
| Frog 58 | 20″ road bike | $670 | |
| Frog 62 | 24″ pedal bike | $550 | |
| Frog MTB 62 | 24″ mountain bike | $880 | |
| Frog Road 67 | 24″ road bike | $700 | |
| Frog 69 / 73 / 78 | 26″ pedal bike | $590 / $600 / $620 | |
| Frog MTB 69 / Frog MTB 72 | 26″ mountain bike | $890 / $900 | |
| Frog Road 70 | 26″ road bike | $720 |
Pello Bikes
Pello has a simple formula for their kids’ bikes: orange (or pink) frame plus beefy tires. And it works.
These bikes perform particularly well on dirt–whether that is singletrack or the bike skills park–but can do double duty as a school-commuter as well.
If you’re looking for brand-name components, Pello offers them. Kenda tires and a Cane Creek headset are just a few of the parts you can expect to find across sizes. They also tend to be a bit more affordable than other bikes with similar components.
Pello Bike Line-Up
| Bike | Size / Type | Price (MSRP) | Reviews |
| Pello Ripple | 12″ balance bike | $198 | |
| Pello Romper | 14″ pedal bike | $219 | Read: Pello Romper Review |
| Pello Revo | 16″ pedal bike | $349 | |
| Pello Reddi | 20″ pedal bike | $399 | Read: Pello Reddi Review |
| Pello Rover | 20″ pedal bike / 20″ mtb | $499+ | Read: Pello Rover Review |
| Pello Reyes | 24″ pedal bike / 24″ mtb | $599+ |
Early Rider
The Early Rider bikes are grown-up bikes sized down for kids. Their brushed aluminum frames and faux leather saddles look just like something you would buy for yourself.
Fortunately, they ride as well as they look. If you want a top of the line bike, consider Early Rider. The only downside is the price–they are the spendiest kids bikes around.
Early Rider Bike Line-Up
| Bike | Size/ Type | Price (MSRP) |
| Early Rider Lite | 12″ balance bike | $129 |
| Early Rider Classic | 12/14″ balance bike | $149 |
| Early Rider Bonzai | 12″ balance bike | $189 |
| Early Rider Alley Runner | 12″ balance bike | $189 |
| Early Rider Trail 14 | 14″ balance bike | $199 |
| Early Rider Belter 16 | 16″ pedal bike | $439+ |
| Early Rider Works 16 | 16″ mountain bike | $589 |
| Early Rider Urban 20 | 20″ pedal bike | $599+ |
| Early Rider Trail 20 | 20″ mountain bike | $799+ |
| Early Rider Works 20 | 20″ mountain bike | $1,799 |
| Early Rider Trail 24 | 24″ mountain bike | $1,099 |
| Early Rider Works 24 | 24″ mountain bike | $1,399 |
Spawn Cycles
Most mountain bike parents have heard of Spawn Cycles. For little rippers between 3 and 10, Spawn is one of the best companies out there.
They offer mountain bikes that are oriented to both cross-country and downhill riding. If you head to Whistler bike park, you are likely to see lots of Spawns on the trails.
In the smaller sizes, the Spawn bikes are also good for simple neighborhood and around-town riding.
Spawn Cycles Line-Up
| Bike | Size/Type | Price (MSRP) | Reviews |
| Spawn Tengu | 12″ balance bike | $195 | |
| Spawn Yoji 14 | 14″ pedal bike | $385 | |
| Spawn Yogi 16 | 16″ pedal bike | $395 | |
| Spawn Raiju | 20″ pedal bike | $635 | |
| Spawn Yama Jama 20 | 20″ mountain bike | $1,095 | |
| Spawn Kotori 20 | 20″ mountain bike | $1,125 | |
| Spawn Rokkusuta 20 | 20″ mountain bike | $1,950 | Read: Spawn Rokkusuta Review |
| Spawn Yama Jama 24 | 24″ mountain bike | $1,295 | Read: Spawn Yama Jama Review |
| Spawn Kotori 24 | 24″ mountain bike | $1,175 | |
| Spawn Rokkusuta 24 | 24″ mountain bike | $2,195 | |
| Spawn Rokk 24 | 24″ mountain bike | $2,350 | |
| Spawn Yama Jama 26 | 26″ mountain bike | $1,395 | |
| Spawn Kotori 26 | 26″ mountain bike | $1,075 | |
| Spawn Rokk 26 | 26″ mountain bike | $2,450 |
Guardian Bikes
Guardian Bikes are unique in that they feature the proprietary SureStop braking system. In a nutshell, this means that a single brake lever applies appropriate force to both the front and rear v-brakes, helping to prevent over-the-bars accidents.
This makes the bikes ideal for kids just learning to ride, those with poor eye-hand coordination, and any child who simply struggles with riding and/or braking. OR for moms who place a high emphasis on safety.
The only families we don’t recommend the Guardian bikes for are ones who enjoy mountain biking or riding at the pump track, as these activities require use of the front and rear brake independently of one another. Also, if your kiddo has already mastered hand brakes, we would keep them on a bike with dual handbrakes.
Finally, we should mention that Guardian makes their bikes in two versions: Orignal and Ethos. The Ethos line is more affordable, and a good option for families on a budget.
Guardian Bikes Line-Up
| Bike | Size/Type | Price (MSRP) | Reviews |
| Guardian Orginal 16 | 16″ pedal bike | $379 | Read: Guardian Original 16 Review |
| Guardian Ethos 16 | 16″ pedal bike | $279 | Read: Guardian Ethos 16 Review |
| Guardian Original 20 Small | 20″ pedal bike | $409 | |
| Guardian Ethos 20 Small | 20″ pedal bike | $309 | |
| Guardian Original 20 Large | 20″ pedal bike | $459 | Read: Guardian Original 20 Review |
| Guardian Ethos 20 Large | 20″ pedal bike | $359 | |
| Guardian Original 24 | 24″ pedal bike | $479 | Read: Guardian Original 24 Review |
| Guardian Ethos 24 | 24″ pedal bike | $379 |
The Brands That Were
In 2018, we lost two awesome kids bike brands. Stampede discontinued production altogether, and Islabikes quit distributing bikes in the U.S. market. I’ve left info on these brands below in case you are fortunate to find one used or happen to be in the European market.
Islabikes
Note: As of Fall 2018, Islabikes is no longer distributing their bikes in the U.S. We’re leaving this brand on here though because it’s still possible to find one used, or to import one from Europe.
Islabikes is the original kids bike company. They revolutionized what is considered a good kids bike–lightweight, sized correctly for small bodies, dual handbrakes and no coaster. They are pricey, but live up to the high pricetag.
Bike Line-Up:
- Islabikes Rothan – 12″ balance bike, $200
- Islabikes Cnoc 14 Small – 14″ pedal bike, $420 (Read our Islabikes Cnoc review)
- Islabikes Cnoc 14 Large – 14″ pedal bike, $420
- Islabikes Cnoc 16 – 16″ pedal bike, $420
- Islabikes Cnoc 20 – 20″ pedal bike, $469
- Islabikes Beinn 20 small – 20″ hybrid bike, $550 (Read our Islabikes Beinn 20 review)
- Islabike Beinn 20 large – 20″ hybrid bike, $550
- Islabikes Beinn 24 – 24″ hybrid bike, $650
- Islabikes Beinn 26 small – 26″ hybrid bike, $650
- Islabikes Beiin 26 large – 26″ hybrid bike, $650
- Islabikes Creig 24- 24″ mountain bike with front suspension, $1,249
- Islabikes Creig 26 – 26″ mountain bike with front suspension, $1,249
- Islabikes Luath 24 – 24″ road bike, $800
- Islabikes Luath 26 – 26″ road bike, $800
- Islabikes Luath 700 – 700cc road bike, $800
Stampede Bikes
NOTE: As of summer 2018, Stampede has ceased production. We hope they’ll return, but in the meantime, this is no longer an option (unless you can find one used).
Stampede is our go-to recommendation for cost-conscious parents. They have managed to make quality bikes for a fraction of the cost of a lot of the other bikes on this list. Their bikes don’t have brand name components, but they do hold up well and ride nicely. Their balance bike was my sons favorite as a toddler.
Bike Line-Up:
- Stampede Charger 12 – 12″ balance bike, $139 (Read our review here)
- Stampede Charger 16 – 16″ balance bike, $149
- Stampede Charger 16 XL – 16″ balance bike, $199
- Stampede Sprinter 14 – 14″ pedal bike, $239 (Read our review of the Sprinter 14)
- Stampede Sprinter 16 – 16″ pedal bike, $249 (Read our review of the Sprinter 16)
Get Our Favorite Bikes By Size / Type
If you prefer to shop by size rather than by brand, check out the following articles. We’ve picked out our favorite bicycles in each size and age range.
- Best Balance Bikes for Toddlers (12 months to 3 years)
- Best Balance Bikes for Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)
- Best 12″ and 14″ Bikes (3 to 5 years)
- Best 16″ Bikes (4 to 6 years)
- Best 16″ Mountain Bikes (4 to 6 years)
- Best 16″ BMX Bikes (5 to 7 years)
- Best 20″ Bikes (5 to 7 years)
- Best 20″ Mountain Bikes (5 to 7 years)
- Best 24″ Bikes (7 to 10 years)
- Best 24″ Mountain Bikes (7 to 10 years)
- Best 24″ Road Bikes
More Resources To Help You Pick The Best Bike
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!
Hey, Check out SPOKES Bike Lounge’s Family Bike Collective. It is the only bike shop in the world with Woom Bikes, Cleary Bikes, Islabikes, Frog Bikes all comparatively in the same shop. They have a membership program were you can Upcycle to the next size bike of any of the brands. If you want a used bike it is $75 to Up-cycle and if you prefer new bikes you get 50% trade in on the current bike credit toward your next bike. Whats cool is you can trade between brands and get a full-service contract and 15-20% off labor for your other family purchases. The Family Bike collective is looking for other community bike shops dedicated to lightweight size appropriate bikes for kids. They also do demos where they teach kids to ride on all the bikes each month.
WOW! $300-$1000 for a bike “won’t break the bank”…. rich people is crazy!
Nope, I rather go “big box” for a $40 bike. If it breaks, I still can buy 3 more bikes without “breaking the bank”.
What you are describing is not a bicycle but rather a disposable bike shaped object. I am a bicycle mechanic and it is my opinion that department store bikes should be banned. They are heavy, non functional, difficult to ride, and dangerous. Why put a kid who is learning to ride at such a disadvantage? For comparison, new adult bikes are worth roughly 18 times less than a new car. That means a $1,000 bike is equivalent to a new $18,000 car. A $500 bike is the equivalent a brand new $9,000 car. Obviously, the quality level of cars doesn’t go that low. A $179.00 department store bike is the equivalent of a brand new $3,000 car. That would be down right scary to drive and bicycles are no different. Don’t put your kids on these dangerous bike shaped objects. Buy used or something. Spend a little more. Your kids are worth it.
Some of us literally do not have the money for a $400+ bike every year for a growing child — or even ONE year! If we didn’t have big box bikes, millions of kids would probably never ride one. They are inaccessible for so many of us. I’m here looking for a lightweight bike for my special needs son who doesn’t have the strength to pedal a heavy, poorly formed bike and, low and behold, they are far too expensive for us.
I remember when my I started playing soccer at 5yrs old, Dad bought me plastic football boots because they were cheap, as I would outgrow them quickly. They were so uncomfortable and they gave me blisters. I have never forgotten this simple act.
I’m a single mom and by no way – rich people – like John Prez stated. But buying a bike designed specifically for kids made the difference in my son being able to bike with me. I originally purchased a $40 box store bike and in our first outing my son pedaled two streets and walked two streets-then we came home because it was a horrid experience. After checking it out, he was trying to pedal a bike that was the same weight he was. I researched and found Isla Bikes and bought our first Beinn. He hopped on and rode 4 miles his first outing, with only water breaks. That made the difference in us actually being able to cycle together. After two Beinn bikes we were ready to purchase the 3rd when they closed US distribution. I am heartbroken. We will purchase a Woom next month, and I am confident that investment will be as successful an experience as our Isla bikes. So if biking as a family is important to you, invest in a bike made specifically for kids. The investment in a bike designed specifically for a child is well worth it!
Hi Dawn,
Thank you for sharing your story! Couldn’t agree with you more. It is a HUGE bummer that Islabikes has quite US distribution, but I’m confident you’ll really like Wooom too. 🙂
Cheers,
KB
I’m a single mom and in no way-rich people-like John Prez states. But I bought a $40 box store bike for my son and on our first outing he pedaled two streets and walked two streets. We came home, it was a terrible experience and he felt so defeated. I checked and the bike weighed what he did making it impossible for him to pedal comfortably. After researching I found Isla Bikes and purchased our first Beinn. It made all the difference in our being able to cycle together. Our first outing he hopped on and off we went for a 4 mile ride, only stopping for water breaks. After two sizes of Beinns I was ready to purchase another size for him and found out they stopped US distribution and I’d missed the closing sale. I was heartbroken! So researched again and we’ll purchase a Woom next month. Bikes designed specifically for children with lightweight components are an investment. But it is an excellent investment and makes all the difference in kids being able to truly cycle. So if you are looking to cycle with your kid(s) – invest. It is worth it.
Interesting to see dedicated kids bike manufacturers don’t build 18″ bikes. Guess 5-6 yr olds don’t ride, or ride bikes too small/big for them.
I totally agree that getting a good quality bike is a great investment. Kids loves bikes, but they love them more if the bikes loves them back. I bought a Woom 4 for my 5 year old (he was tall) and after the initial apprehension coming from the strider, he just loved it. In our third outing we went to the bike path, and he did 16 miles! I had to get serious to turn back.
In a month he was using the gears, and now he is able to go steep uphills without dismounting. And he flies around other kids with regular bikes that are double the weight.
Also, in a good bike components are reliable and easy to adjust and fix, another advantage for the parents.
For those concerned with the big chunk of money, i would point to the reselling value. I am sure you can get half the price back…
Thanks for sharing your experience Jon. Great to hear other families having the same experience with Woom that we have.
All my kids started on Strider, then rode Cleary and Frog. We just got Frog43 for my 3y.o. and it has been used daily. For 20″ and 24″ it is ok to go to adult bike manufactures.
$40 bike won’t brake, as kid won’t want to ride it, and it just going to clutter your garage.
Wow! These are all so expensive! Can’t i get a decent quality bike for around $150 for a kid? looking for 20” wheels for 53” tall boy.
David,
If you read some of the comments above you will see there are other parents of a similar mind set, but also parents that are open to providing their children with a quality bike. Stampede had more affordable bikes, but discontinued production in 2018. I would honestly search the used markets for a bike fitting your specifications. There are several Facebook sale groups solely dedicated to specific brands if that is something you are wanting to search for. Good luck with the search.