Hey there toddler parent (or grandparent)! Are you looking for the BEST balance bike for your toddler? You are in the right place!
In the last few years, the market has become absolutely flooded with a plethora of balance bike options. Unfortunately, many of these bikes are complete junk.
We’ve researched and personally tested dozens of balance bikes to help you sort through the weeds, save your hard-earned money, and save you time picking out a bike.
We are going to share with you our top balance bike picks, balance bike reviews, AND also explain what you should be looking for in a bike so you can make the best choice for your child.
Table Of Contents
| Other Balance Bike Lists — Budget + Preschool | Honorable Mentions |
| 5 Best Toddler Balance Bikes | What To Look For |
| Comparison Chart | More Reading |
First, let’s make sure you are looking at the right list!
- Need a budget option? These are the BEST toddler balance bikes. If you are on a tight budget, look at our list of the 7 Best Balance Bikes Under $100 instead.
- Have an older kid? We’ve hand-picked balance bikes that fit toddlers (18 months to 3 years old). If you have an older preschooler, you’ll be better off checking out our list of the 5 Best Balance Bikes For Preschoolers.
5 Best Toddler Balance Bikes
| Bike | What We Love | Price | |
| 1 | Woom 1 | Incredibly lightweight, low standover | $199 |
| 2 | Prevelo Alpha Zero | Internal cable routing, brand name components | $199 |
| 3 | Yedoo TooToo | Fun color schemes | $169 |
| 4 | Pello Ripple | Brand name components | $198 |
| 5 | Frog Tadpole Mini | Fits REALLY small riders | $210 |
| Bonus! | Guardian Balance Bike | SureStop braking system | $199 |
Woom 1
No matter the age, Woom bikes are as nice as they come. The Woom 1, the smallest bike in the Woom line-up, is truly top-notch. If you can afford it, there is no doubt that this bike will perform for your little one.
The upright geometry and long wheelbase make the Woom balance bike stable and easy to cruise on. And at a mere 6.6 pounds, this bike is super light making it the best balance bike for an 18-month-old.
Read Our Review: Woom 1
Price: $249
Prevelo Alpha Zero
The Prevelo Alpha Zero is as pretty as it is functional. The sleek brushed-aluminum frame is lightweight and boasts internal routing for the brake cable to keep things clean and tidy.
Speaking of brakes, this little balance bike has an easy-to-pull, easy-to-reach Tektro handbrake. That, along with pneumatic (air) tires, quick-release seatpost, and optional custom-color grips, make the Prevelo a top-pick. It’s the best balance bike for your 2-year-old.
Price: $199
Yedoo TooToo
If you want the prettiest balance bike on the market, the Yedoo TooToo is the winner. The bike comes in an array of beautiful color schemes and has a pleasing aesthetic.
Of course, we wouldn’t include a bike on our Top 5 list just for looking good. The Yedoo TooToo also performs. It includes pneumatic (air) tires, a rear v-brake, and reflective dots on the tires.
Read Review: Yedoo TooToo
Price: $199
Pello Ripple
The Pello Ripple is the smallest bike in Pello’s line of fantastic kids bikes. In addition to being beautiful, the bike comes with brand-name components you’d find on an adult bike. These include Kenda tires, a Cane Creek headset, and a rear Tektro v-brake.
Both the seat height and handlebar height are adjustable, and the seatpost can be adjusted tool-free thanks to the quick-release seatpost collar.
Price: $198
Frog Tadpole Mini
If you have a seriously mini rider, consider the Frog Tadpole Mini which will fit the very smallest toddlers. This bike is one of only a few on the market with 10″ wheels and has an incredibly low minimum seatpost height of 9.5.”
It also has pneumatic (air) Kenda tires and a rear handbrake which quite frankly is a bit unnecessary considering your child will likely outgrow it before they are old enough to learn how to use a handbrake. We only recommend this bike if you are super antsy to get your child riding since you will probably have to buy a larger balance bike before your kiddo is ready for a pedal bike.
If your child is a bit bigger, opt for the regular Frog Tadpole instead–also a great bike.
Price: $210
Guardian Balance Bike
Guardian offers some of the safest kids bikes around thanks to their SureStop braking technology. A single brake lever provides appropriate force to both the front and rear wheels to help prevent over the bars braking accidents. This is particularly helpful for young children–like those on balance bikes!
In addition to the smart braking system, we like that the bike has a long wheelbase which helps with stability. Finally, a removable steering limiter is yet another safety feature we appreciate.
Read Our Review: Guardian Balance Bike
Price: $199
Comparison Chart: Toddler Balance Bikes
So how do all these bikes stack up? Use this handy chart to compare price, weight, seat height, etc. For more information on each category and on what’s important, continue reading below.
| Bike | Wheel Size | MSRP | Suggested Age | Seat Height | Frame Material | Tire Type | Bike weight | Brake? | Multiple colors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frog Tadpole Mini* | 10" | $200 | 18 months - 2 years | 9.5" - 15" | Aluminum | Air | 7.6 lbs | Yes | Yes |
| Yedoo Too Too | 12" | $159 | 18 months - 4 years | 12"-18" | Steel | Air | 8.4 lbs | Yes | Yes |
| Woom 1* | 12" | $199 | 18 months - 3 years | 10.8"-15.7" | Aluminum /Steel | Air | 6.6 lbs | Yes | Yes |
| Prevelo Alpha Zero* | 12" | $199 | 18 months - 3 years | 11.5-14.6" | Aluminum | Air | 8.5 lbs | Yes | No |
| Frog Tadpole* | 12" | $210 | 18 months - 3 years | 13.3" - 16.5" | Aluminum | Air | 9.3 lbs | Yes | Yes |
| Pello Ripple* | 12" | $198 | 18 months - 3 years | 11.5-16.5" | Aluminum | Air | 8.8 lbs | Yes | Yes |
Honorable Mentions
There are so many good balance bikes these days that we couldn’t fit them all on our Top 5 list. These are balance bikes that are also worthy of your consideration.
| Bike | What Makes It Unique | Price |
| Strider Sport | Strider themed races, contests, etc | $119.99 * |
| Belsize 12 | Good value, pneumatic air tires | $169 |
| Hornit Airo | Super lightweight, sleek design | $185.00 * |
| Bentley | Disc brake | $495 |
| Eastern Pusher | Incredibly lightweight | $139 |
| FirstBike | Composite frame | $159.99 * |
| Early Rider Lite | Wooden frame | $169 |
| Early Rider Charger | Plus-sized tires | $199 |
| Co-Op Rev 12 | Use your REI dividend | $139 |
| Burley MyKick | Durable steel frame | $130 |
| Spawn Tengu 12 | Mini mountain bike | $250 |
| Norco Runner 12 | Bike shop option | $249 |
| Trek Kickster | Bike shop option | $180 |
| Specialized Hotwalk | Fat, airless tires | $175 |
| Cannondale Trail 12 | Lefty fork | $225 |
| Islabikes Rothan | No longer sold in US (find one used) | N/A |
(Last updated: 2023-03-07 at 15:11 – More Info)
Strider Sport
Strider has managed to so dominate the balance bike market, many people use the word “Strider” and balance bike interchangeably. The Strider Sport will last from 18 months to 5 years and comes with an extended seatpost and a quick-release to make seat adjustments easy.
We don’t love the fact that it doesn’t have pneumatic (air) tires, and it lacks a brake, BUT it is lightweight and comes in at a reasonable price. It also gives you access to Strider races, which wins it a place on our list.
Read Review: Strider
Price: $119.99 (Last updated: 2023-03-07 at 15:11 – More Info)
Belsize 12
The Belsize 12, while not a budget balance bike, offers a lot of bang for your buck. It is lightweight, has high quality components, and offers extras like a removable steering limiter.
We also like the pneumatic (air tires) and higher volume tires that offer get traction in all kinds of terrain. Because of the higher traditional top tube, and consequent higher stand over height this bike is a better fit for older or taller toddlers.
Read Our Review: Belsize 12 Balance Bike
Price: $169.99
Hornit Airo
At 6.5 pounds, Hornit Airo is one of the lightest bikes around that includes pneumatic air tires and durable spoked, metal wheels. This makes for an enjoyable rider experience (as well as making it easier for mom and dad to carry).
The sleek design is made to minimize opportunity for injury to little riders, and the bike comes in a wide variety of bright beautiful colors. It’s a great pick for kids in 2T pants and up.
Read Our Review: Hornit Airo
Price: (Last updated: – More Info)
Bentley
The Bentley balance bike is FANCY, which is exactly what you’d expect with that brand name. It has a super lightweight magnesium frame as well as a disc brake. Yes, a disc brake on a balance bike!
It also has a long wheelbase which makes it super stable. That in addition to the high volume air tires, make this a good option for tackling just about any sort of terrain.
If price is no object, this bike is a good choice.
Read Our Review: Bentley Balance Bike
Price: $495
Eastern Pusher
The Eastern Pusher balance bike is a tiny pushbike offered by the popular BMX company. While we don’t recommend many balance bikes on this list that don’t have pneumatic (air) tires, we like the Eastern enough we had to include it.
First off, the bike is crazy lightweight (4.6 lbs). This makes it ideal for more petite riders. Second of all, we found that the tires were non-marking and had good traction on our hardwood floors, which made it the toy of choice during one particularly long winter at our house.
Read Review: Eastern Pusher
Price: $139
FirstBike
With the growing popularity of balance bikes, the market has been flooded with new brands in the last few years. Even with all these new entrants, the FirstBike is the one balance bike that still stands out for its uniqueness.
The composite frame is safe, soft, and durable. For toddlers, you will need the lowering kit that is sold separately, but that makes this an ideal “first bike.”
Price: $159.99 (Last updated: 2023-03-22 at 08:57 – More Info)
Early Rider Lite 12
No balance bike list would be complete without an eco-friendly wooden frame. Made of marine-grade birch, the Early Rider Lite is just a beautiful as a nursery decoration as it is fun to ride.
With high-quality parts and a 100-pound weight limit, this bike is sure to last for years (in your garage, not a landfill)!
Price: $169
Early Rider Charger 12
If your family likes to ride off-road, the Early Rider Charger 12 is the bike you want. It’s 2-inch wide, plus-sized tires provide plenty of traction as well as comfort. It’s also great for playing in the snow.
We also love the brushed aluminum frame and faux leather saddle. This is one beautiful bike.
Price: $199
Co-Op REV 12
If you have an REI dividend burning a hole in your pocket, make sure to check out the Co-Op REV 12. This REI brand balance bike offers lots of bang for your buck.
It doesn’t have any bells or whistles (there’s no handbrake for instance), but it’s simple design is durable and it weighs in at only 9 pounds. Get it with a 20% off coupon or your dividend, and this is a great deal.
Read Our Review: Co-Op Cycles REV 12 Review
Price: $139
Burley MyKick
Burley makes some of our favorite bike trailers for kids, and their balance bike–the Burley MyKick–isn’t half bad either. We like that it has a durable steel frame that will last thru plenty of kids.
Unlike cheaper balance bikes, the MyKick also sports ball bearing hubs and headset, and quality steel spoked wheels. These components–and the availablity of replacement parts–further speak to the bike’s longevity.
The only thing I don’t love is that it doesn’t have pneumatic (air) tires–something you would expect at this pricepoint.
Price: $130
Spawn Tengu 12
If you are a mountain biking family, chances are you’ve already heard of Spawn. They make amazing kid’s mountain bikes, and the Spawn Tengu 12 is their smallest offering.
Thanks to the beefy, knobby tires, quick-release seatpost collar, and Tektro rear v-brake this thing is ready to head off road. Just make sure you can keep up!
Price: $250
Norco Runner
Like Spawn above, Norco makes some great mountain bikes for kids. The Norco Runner 12, however, handles better on pavement and hard packed surfaces than singletrack due to it’s semi-slick tires.
Still, the tires are pneumatic (air) and offer a bunch of volume to kelp cushion your child’s ride. It also has a hand brake and a low standover, which means it is a good bike to start on small and grow with.
Price: $249
Trek Kickster
*
If you are looking for a balance bike that’s available at your local bike shop (or online), the Trek Kickster is a good option. It also looks crazy snazzy and fast.
The seat has a handle which we’ve always appreciated for teaching little riders how to balance and control their speed. A handle is also nice for carrying the bike when your toddler moves on to the next activity.
There’s also an out-of-the-way footrest so your child can get the hang of gliding with their feet tucked up, without the footrest interfering with their scooting.
Price: $180
Specialized Hotwalk
Like the Trek Kickster, above, the Specialized Hotwalk is a high-quality balance bike you can find at your local bike shop. It’s also unique in that it has high-volume airless tires. While we usually prefer pneumatic (air) tires, these ones actually do a great job of providing plenty of traction and comfort without ever going flat.
Aside from that, it has a nice low standover height and footrest for cruising. My only big complaint is that it doesn’t have a quick release seatpost collar.
Price: $225
Cannondale Trail 12
*
If you have a Cannondale, you might be tempted to get the Cannondale Trail 12. Like the older grown-up Cannondale mountain bikes, the Trail 12 has a lefty fork which I think is hilarious.
Humor aside, this is a good quality bike. It has pneumatic air tires, light weight (8.7 lbs) and an Ahead headset.
That said, I think it’s overprices for what you get. It’s more expensive, for example, than the Woom 1 (or top pick) which has a handbrake and other bells and whistles that the Cannondale is lacking.
Price: $225
Islabikes Rothan
Like Woom, Islabikes is another company that has specialized in making fantastic bicycles for all ages of children. While pricey, these bicycles have quite the following and always sell well on Craiglist (something to keep in mind if the price tag makes you bristle). The minimum seat height on this bike is a bit higher than others (11.5”) so if you have a particularly tiny child, keep that in mind.
Note: As of Fall 2018, Islabikes is no longer selling their bikes in the U.S. market. We are leaving the bike on the list in case you are fortunate enough to live in the European market or if you manage to find one used.
Price & Where to Buy:
- No longer sold in the U.S., search for one used
How to Choose the Best Balance Bike for Your Toddler
Here are the most important things to consider when shopping for a balance bike for your toddler.
Weight
Weight is a crucial deciding factor for bikes for kids of all ages but is even more important when we are talking about the 2 and under crowd. Toddlers who are just learning get frustrated easily, and the lighter weight the bike is, the more likely there are to succeed in their efforts (without a temper tantrum). When comparing two bikes of the same price, pick the lighter one.
Hand Brake
At 18 months, toddlers do NOT have the coordination required to use a handbrake. At this point, their feet work just fine as a brake.
For that reason, I do not make a handbrake a big deciding factor when choosing balance bikes for toddlers. That said, by 2.5 to 3 years old, kids begin to be able to use the handbrake and it is good practice for children getting ready to transition to a pedal bike.
So, if you plan on your child using this bike for several years, consider buying one with a handbrake.
Seat Height
The younger and smaller your child, the more important the minimum seat height. If you put a child on a bike that is too big for them, they are inevitably going to crash, get hurt, and become quickly frustrated.
Before buying a bike, measure their inseam and choose a bike with a minimum seat height no larger than their inseam. At this age, kids need to be able to put their feet flat on the ground when seated.
Price
Plan on spending a minimum of $100 for a high-quality balance bike. If that is outside of your budget, check out our list of the best budget balance bikes.
You might also consider searching on Craigslist or asking friends about buying a used bike. A decent used balance bike is generally a better choice than an inferior cheap balance bike.
If price isn’t an issue (thanks Grandma and Grandpa!), then go straight for the Woom 1 or Prevelo Alpha Zero. You won’t be sorry.
Tires
You have two options when it comes to balance bike tires: foam/plastic or pneumatic (air). The foam or plastic tires are nice in that they never go flat (woohoo!), but my preference is always the pneumatic (air) tires.
Why? Because they offer superior traction when riding on grass, dirt, and gravel. While this may not be that important at 18 months when your toddler is likely to be riding on the driveway or even the kitchen, you’ll be surprised how quickly they become more adventurous and daring.
Wheel Size
While most balance bikes come with 12 inch wheels, you’ll also find some with 10 inch or 14 inch wheels. Most toddlers will do best with 12 inch wheels, but if they are very young or small, a bike with 10 inch wheels may provide the best fit. (We started our son on a 10 inch Haro, for instance).
On the other side of the spectrum, taller toddlers may want 14 inch wheels. (If this is the case for you, check out our list of balance bikes for older preschoolers instead).
The larger a bike’s wheels are, the easier it will be to roll up and over obstacles. They also make for a larger, heavier bike, so don’t move up wheel sizes until your child is truly ready to do so.
Steering Limiter
We really like steering limiters for young toddlers just learning to ride. A steering limiter keeps your child from over rotating their bars and crashing.
If your kiddo already knows how to ride, you can probably skip the steering limiter. But if your just starting your toddler on two wheels, this feature can be nice to have.
Our favorite steering limiters are removable not built in. This allows you to remove it to give your child the full range of movement once they are a little more aggressive.
Age
Even within the narrow “toddler” category, there are different things you should be looking for based on how old the child is that you’re shopping for.
18 months – The best balance bike for an 18 month-old is going to have a VERY low minimum seat height and a VERY light weight. A brake at the age is totally unnecessary, but is nice to have if you plan on keeping the bike around for a while. The same can be said for tires. At 18 months old, foam tires can be nice for riding inside the house, but by 2 or 3 air tires are the better bet.
2 years old – By 2 years old, you can skip the 10″ wheels and go right for a 12″ balance bike. Pick a bike that will last a year or two, until your toddler is ready to switch to their first pedal bike.
3 years old – If your child (or grandchild) is already in a 3T pant, consider buying a balance bike off our list of best balance bikes for pre-schoolers instead. If they are on the smaller side, stick with a bike on this list but make sure that it has a brake, a high maximum seatpost height, and pneumatic (air) tires. By 3, kids are pretty aggressive on the balance bike.
A Word On Electric Balance Bikes
While most kids don’t need an electric balance bike, it is an option. These little bikes are intended to teach your child to balance AND use a throttle. They are particularly attractive to families who want to introduce their kids to dirt biking.
Learn More: 9 Best Kids Electric Bikes For Toddlers To Teens
Is Cruzee USA going out of business? I can’t get a hold of anyone for replacement parts. This is HORRIBLE service for the amount paid for the bike.
I have had to file fraudulent activity complaint against them on amazon. Please remove this company from your list!!!!
Hi Julie,
Thanks for the heads-up, I’m super disappointed to hear about this. I’ll definitely get this post updated and remove them.
Hi,
Have you had any kid testers on the Frog Tadpole Mini? I’m wondering how the handling compares to the Woom 1? And if that little bit of weight difference has a big effect on really young riders? Thanks
Re: Frog Tadpole Mini.. we have one and it’s a great bike. It is TINY. As in my big for his age son grew out of it before he was 2. Friends of ours whose kids are particularly petite have it now, and I think it’s a good fit for kids who are small rather than kids who are young. Our friends two youngest (18mo and 3) are both using and loving it. It’s got a much shorter wheelbase than the Woom, which made the cockpit cramped for my kid by the time he was sitting on the seat rather than walking with it between his legs. If your kid’s inseam is large enough already for the Woom, that’s the way to go.
Hi Lelsie,
We haven’t gotten our hands on the Tadpole mini to do a full test/review, but I have had the opportunity to watch several children ride it….It handles as well as the Woom 1. The biggest difference is that it’s smaller. That’s great for truly TINY kids with short inseams, but the smaller wheels also make it harder to roll over obstacles….and it’s not going to grow with your child as long…..
The Norco Runner 10 is a great bike for a 10″ wheeled balance bike. I think it would be a good addition to your list. Great colors, quality and cheaper than the 10″ you have listed at $150 US. My daughter is 22 months now and really starting to get the hang of it.
I’ve been considering buying my niece a balance bike and I noticed there is a new one on Target.com called the Mobo Explorer Balance Bike and it’s a lot cheaper than what you have listed. Can you give a review on the pros and cons of that one?
Hi Brenda,
Compared to the bikes on this list, the Mobo is a much “cheaper” bike. It has plastic wheels and tires, a quill-style headset, etc. Though I haven’t tested it out first-hand, like other similar bikes, I wouldn’t expect it to be exceptionally durable. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get it, just expect the quality to be more like a toy than a real bike that will last a long time / can be handed down, etc.
If you are looking for a budget bike, you could also check one of the bikes on this list instead: https://rascalrides.com/best-budget-balance-bikes-under-100/
Cheers,
KB
Hi, do you have any insight on the Wishbone balance bikes from New Zealand?
Hi HJ,
I only have experience with the Wishbone 3-in-1. Its a great bike and one I recommend often for little ones who aren’t quite ready for a balance bike yet, but will be soon.
Is it possible to find a balance bike for a 7 year old? I’m looking forward budget bike too.
Hi Toni, Unfortunately there aren’t many balance bikes for kids older than 5. Your best bet is probably going to be to get a pedal bike, lower the saddle all the way, and remove the pedals. Your kiddo can then practice using the bike like a balance bike.
How do these compare to Trek balance bikes?
Hi Trish,
The Trek balance bikes are good little bikes! The biggest difference between the Trek Kickster and the bikes on our “Top 5” list is the lack of a handbrake. The higher-end bikes also have things like an aluminum fork (rather than a somewhat cheap-ish hi-ten steel fork on the Trek), recessed bolts, a removable steering limiter, and top-shelf components (tires, headset, etc). So, to summarize: the Trek balance bike is a good bike, just not a GREAT bike.
Great review, very helpful. What are your thoughts on the Mini Glider? I’d LOVE to buy anything from your list (REALLY want the Woom 1), but everything is out of stock from what I can find. The only one I saw available was the Yedo TooToo and I’m undecided on that. My son really wants a red bike and I’m not really digging the color choices, and I think a foot rest would be good for him. With his older brother’s bike, he likes to have daddy push him and he puts his feet on the foot rests, but who knows what he’d want/do with an appropriate sized bike for a 2 year old. Thanks.
Hi Candelaria,
Here’s my review of the Mini Glider: https://rascalrides.com/glide-bikes-mini-glider-12-balance-bike-review/
It’s not my FAVORITE balance bike, but with everything sold out, heck, get whatever you can get your hands on!
Cheers,
KB
Hi my son is 15 months old and very comfortable on his kinder feet tiny tot 2in1 tricycle, which also turns into a balance bike. He goes very fast and goes up and down hills. I was thinking of transitioning him to a balance bike now, but most reviews say 18months so I’m a bit confirmed whether I should or shouldn’t. I feel he would enjoy it more because he’s outgrowing the seat height and if I raise the seat more then he hits the back axel of the bike (which wouldn’t be there when I turn it into a balance bike)
I’d LOVE to buy anything from your list, my son is 1 year old and very comfortable on his kinder feet. He run very fast and goes up and down like hills. I am thinking bye for him to a balance bike now, the Trek balance bike is a good bike. I want to bye it. 🙂
Hi and thank you for the review! This was really helpful. Unfortunately most of the bikes you mentioned (not the most expensive ones) are hard to find in stock. Are you maybe familiar with ‘ Co-op Cycles REV 12 Kids’? Thank you, Jelena
Thank you for this helpful review. As other comments have suggested, there is not a lot of inventory right now. I am wondering what your 2nd, 3rd or 4th recommendations are for a light weight balance bike with 10-11” seat height with pneumatic tires. It doesn’t look like the frog mini and Woom 1 are going to be available any time soon 🙁
Hi,
what are your 2 cents on the Banwood First Go, balance bikes?
Love your website. It was so helpful to this grandmother shopping for a balance bike. I purchased the Woom 1 last using the link. Can’t wait for Christmas.