With so many different kids bikes on the market, it can be confusing to figure out which ones are best. You want a bicycle for your child (or grandchild) that will be easy to learn to pedal on, durable enough to be handed down, and lightweight enough to make biking fun.
The bad news is that there are a lot of awful, heavy bikes out there; the good news is that there are more and more child-specific bike companies coming on the market producing some seriously awesome bikes.
I’ve compiled a list of the best bikes for your 3 to 5-year-old (i.e. 12
We’ve also created a guide to help you know WHY these bikes are the best bikes and what to look for to make sure you are picking the best bike for YOUR individual child.
If you are short on time, scroll straight down to our top picks.
Note: These bikes are best for 3-year-olds, with the intent that they will be able to ride them for a few years. If your child is closer to 5 than to 3, you might also want to check out our list of the best 16″ bikes. Learn more about picking the right size bicycle for your child below.
VIDEO: Best 12 Inch and 14 Inch Bikes
More of an audio learner than a reader? This video sums up the info in the post below. More of a visual learner? Keep on reading…..
How to Choose the Absolute Best Bike for Your 3 or 4-Year-Old
We’re about to give you a list of all the good bikes on the market, but how do you know which one is best for your child? Consider these factors, and then use the comparison chart at the end of this article to help you choose.
Understand What Size Bike They Need
Each child is different. For instance, my son and his cousin who are only a few months apart are nearly six inches apart in height. Therefore, it is really very important to measure your child before buying a bike. What may fit one child at 3 years old may not fit another until 4.
For details on how to measure your child and pick the right size bike, read our Kids Bike Size Guide.
For maximum comfort and stability, I recommend that your child’s inseam be at least as long as the minimum seat height. While technically their inseam can be slightly shorter than the minimum seat height (it will fit on their tippy-toes), kids this young who are just learning to ride do best if they can put their feet flat on the ground.
Weight is the Single Most Important Factor
After ensuring a bike is the right size, the next most important thing to consider is the weight. When comparing two bikes, I will *almost* always pick the lightest one. It makes a huge difference in a child’s enjoyment level and in how long they can ride. Look for a bike that is no more than 30% of your child’s body weight (tough isn’t it)?
Of all the bikes on my list, the Woom 2 is the lightest. It’s also my son’s favorite—I don’t think that’s a coincidence.
Bigger Wheels are Better (Most of the Time)
The plus of the 12-inch bikes on this list (the Cleary Gecko and the Specialized Hotrock) is that they fit really young riders (as young as 2.5 years old). If your child has been on a balance bike since a super early age and is ready to graduate to a pedal bike earlier than most, go for a
On the other hand, if your kiddo is 3.5+, I would recommend choosing a bike with 14 inch wheels instead. Why? The larger wheel size makes it significantly easier to roll over obstacles—cracks in the sidewalk, rocks
To understand kids bike sizing and wheel size a little better, read our post on kids bike sizes.
You Get What You Pay For
Unfortunately, just like most things in life, the more you spend on a bike the better quality it is going to be. Buy a cheaper bike from a big box store and it will be heavy and fall apart quickly.
The good news is that when you buy a high-quality bike, like any of those on our Top 5 list, it will last thru several children. This makes it a good investment if you have younger kids it can be passed on to or to sell on Craiglist.
Say No to Coaster Brakes
I’m a huge proponent of teaching children to use hand brakes and bypassing coaster brakes. I’m at a point now where I won’t even put my son on a bike with a coaster brake, or teach another child to ride using one.
To decide whether a freewheel or coaster brake set-up is best for you, and more about both options, read our article on coaster brakes vs. handbrakes.
Skip the Training Wheels
Training wheels? Just don’t do it! If your child hasn’t mastered a balance bike yet, start there and then transition to a pedal bike later.
If you MUST have training wheels, I’ve listed those bikes that offer them in the table below, but you’ll notice most of the best kids bikes don’t even offer them anymore.
Frame Material is a Personal Choice
This is a highly personal choice—some people have a clear preference for aluminum or steel. I don’t personally. Aluminum is the lighter material, and we all know how important saving weight is on kids bikes, but steel is super durable (and classic).
5 Best 12 Inch and 14 Inch Bicycles
Finally, the part you’ve been waiting for! Here are our five top picks.
| Bike | What Makes It Special | Price (MSRP) | |
| 1 | Woom 2 | Lightweight, upright geometry | $339 |
| 2 | Cleary Gecko | Steel frame, small size | $310 |
| 3 | Prevelo Alpha One | Easy-to-ride geometry, customer service | $359 |
| 4 | Pello Romper | Brand-name components, beefy tires | $319 |
| 5 | Frog 40 | Small size, colorful designs | $360 |
Woom 2
The Woom 2 is was without a doubt my son’s favorite bike, and we aren’t afraid to call it THE BEST 14 inch kids bike on the market.
While the price tag is a bit higher than many of the other bikes on this list, the quality of the bike is worth every penny. No detail has been overlooked—from the color-coded brake levers to the upright geometry and featherlight weight, the Woom 2 is perfection.
Our kiddo also preferred the
Read Review: Woom 2
Price: $339
Cleary Gecko
Oh, how I love this little bike. The Cleary Gecko‘s small frame makes it the perfect first pedal bike for early balance bike graduates, and the easy-to-pull Tektro brake levers make learning to operate handbrakes possible even for the youngest riders.
This is a great bike for athletic riders thanks to the aggressive geometry and beefy Kenda tires. If your little one is going to be riding off-road or off curbs, this bike is worth a look.
Read Review: Cleary Gecko
Price: $310
Prevelo Alpha One
The Prevelo Alpha One is a bike we recommend for new riders time and time again thanks to its child-appropriate geometry. Your child will be pedaling in no time on this bike.
The Alpha One can be fitted with an optional–and highly recommended–freewheel kit. The rest of the bike is built up with high-quality components including Kenda tires and easy-to-operate Tektro v-brakes.
Read Review: Prevelo Alpha Two (same bike, just a bit bigger)
Price: $359
Pello Romper
This 14″ beauty is one of our favorites due to the beefy mountain bike style tires. Whatever terrain your child is riding–pavement, gravel, grass, or dirt–the Pello Romper can handle it.
The paint job (orange or pink) is gorgeous and the components are brand-name. They include a Cane Creek headset, Kenda tires, and an aluminum Ahead stem. These are the same parts we’d look for on an adult bike.
The Pello Romper has recently been upgraded so that it had dual front and rear handbrakes, which we love.
Read Review: Pello Romper
Where to Buy: $319
Frog 40
This brand new offering from Frog Bikes deserves a spot on our Top 5 list. The Frog 40 is one of the smallest and lightest 14″ bikes available.
It is durable and well-made so expect to hand it down to multiple kids. The bike comes with a freewheel installed, has dual Tektro handbrakes, and a bevy of other impressive components and specs.
The bike is also one of the snazziest looking kids bikes around. It comes in bright colors and fun designs, and includes fun extras–fenders and a bell–that most brand’s are charging extra for.
Read Review: Frog 48 (same bike, just a bit bigger)
Price: $360
Honorable Mentions: Even More 12 Inch and 14 Inch Bikes to Consider
While these bikes aren’t in my Top 5, they are good quality bikes that deserve a look.
| Bike | What Makes It Special | Price | |
| 6 | Spawn Yoji | Mountain bike geometry | $370 |
| 7 | Commencal Ramones 14 | Beefy tires, off-road capability | $289 |
| 8 | Islabikes Cnoc 14 | No longer sold in U.S., find used | N/A |
| 9 | Vitus 14 | Best bang for your buck | $226 |
| 10 | Specialized Riprock 12 | Best local bike shop bike | $230 |
| 11 | Byk E-250 | Training wheels, intelligent geometry | $269 |
| 12 | Norco Coaster 12 | Good looks, large grippy pedals | $229 |
| 13 | Co-Op Cycles REV 12 | Best bike under $150 | $149 |
Spawn Yoji
If you are a mountain biking family (like we are!), the Spawn Yoji should definitely be on your shortlist. It’s a bit pricey (like all good mountain bikes are), but the high-quality components and low weight make it worth the price.
The Yoji has real off-road tires, Tektro brakes, and is built up to weight a mere 13 pounds.
Price: $370
Commencal Ramones 14
Unlike many of the big bike manufacturers, Commencal is killing it with their kids bikes. Known for their adult mountain bikes, the brand has created a 14″ bike that looks cool enough to hang with the grown-ups.
Luckily, the Commencal Ramones 14 doesn’t just look good, it rides well also. The Commencal Ramones 14 offers dual Tektro handbrakes and no coaster, a comfortable saddle, and Vee tires. Best of all, it’s far more affordable than most of the bikes out there with a freewheel.
Read Review: Commencal Ramones 14.
Price: $289
Islabikes Cnoc
As of fall 2018, Islabikes has discontinued sales in the U.S. If you are lucky enough to live in a market where they are still sold or if you can find one used, the Islabikes Cnoc 14 is a top pick.
This 14” bike is a cult favorite among parents in the know, and if you are looking for a bike with good resale value, this bike is it. The bike is lightweight, fast, and durable.
Read Review: Islabikes Cnoc 14.
Vitus 14
Looking for a deal? The Vitus 14 is it. We consider this bike the “best bang for your buck.”
This little ride has brand-name components like Kenda tires and Tektro handbrakes. It’s also reasonably light, coming in at only 14 pounds. At this pricepoint, we don’t know any other bike coming close to the quality.
Price: $226
Specialized Riprock 12
Most of the bikes on this list are only sold online and aren’t available at your local bike shop. Specialized, on the other hand, sells only thru local bike shops which means the Specialized Riprock 12 is an easy bike to find locally and your child can try it on for size prior to purchasing.
While this is a solid first bike (literally, it’s super durable), it is not quite as nice as some of the other bikes on this list. It also comes with training wheels, so we recommend taking those off.
Read Review: Specialized Riprock 12.
Price: $230
Byk E-250
While this company is popular in their home country of Australia, it’s not as common to see a Byk in the U.S.
Child appropriate geometry and 14” wheels for rolling over obstacles make the Byk E-250 a decent choice. That said, the lack of a freewheel option and the hard-to-pull brake levers puts this bike lower on my list of faves.
Price:$269
Norco Coaster 12
Norco makes rad adult mountain bikes, and the Norco Coaster 12 looks like a mini version. While we like the quality and durability of the bike, we don’t love the coaster brake or the heavier weight (when compared to the bikes on our top 5 list).
It does come with a rear v-brake which is nice and we appreciate the large grippy pedals.
Price: $229
Co-Op Cycles REV 12
Loyal REI shoppers, rejoice! The Co-Op Cyles REV 12 is already a good deal, but even better if you have an REI dividend you need to use.
This is our favorite “budget” 12″ bike. It comes with training wheels, so if that’s something you’re looking for, this is one of your best options. Otherwise, plan on taking them off to save some weight.
The only bummer is that it has a coaster brake and at 16 pounds, this is a pretty heavy first pedal bike.
Price: $149
Comparison Chart – 12 Inch and 14 Inch Pedal Bikes
Not sure which of these bikes is best for YOUR child? Here’s how they stack up.
| Bike | Size | Price (MSRP) | Minimum Seat Height | Weight | Freewheel ? | Dual handbrakes? | Training wheels? | Frame Material |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Woom 2 | 14" | 339 | 16" | 11.2 lbs | Yes | Yes | No | Aluminum |
| Islabikes Cnoc | 14" | N/A | 18.5" | 12.4 lbs | No | Yes | No | Aluminum |
| Spawn Yoji | 14" | 370 | 16" | 13 lbs | Yes | Yes | No | Aluminum |
| Cleary Gecko | 12" | 310 | 15" | 13 lbs | Yes | Yes | No | Steel |
| Prevelo Alpha One | 14" | 359 | 15.6" | 14.4 lbs | Yes | Yes | No | Aluminum |
| Frog 43 | 14" | 360 | 15" | 13.9 lbs | Yes | Yes | No | Aluminum |
| Pello Romper | 14" | 319 | 18.5" | 15 lbs | No | No | No | Aluminum |
| Specialized Riprock | 12" | 230 | 17" | 15 lbs | No | No | Yes | Steel |
| Byk E-250 | 14" | 269 | 15.7" | 14.4 lbs | No | Yes | Yes | Aluminum |
| Commencal Ramones 14 | 14" | 289 | 18" | 15.4 lbs | Yes | Yes | Yes | Aluminum |
| Norco Coaster 12 | 12" | 229 | 15" | 15 lbs | No | No | Yes | Aluminum |
| Vitus 14 | 14" | 226 | 14.1 lbs | Yes | Yes | No | Aluminum | |
| Co-Op Cycles REV 12 | 12" | 149 | 16 lbs | No | No | Yes | Aluminum |
More Reading to Help You Make the Best Choice
- The Best Kids Bikes: 7 Brands that Deliver
- Kids Bike Size Chart
- 7 Tips to Help you Choose the Best Bike for Your Child
Get Your FREE Printable Bike Buying Cheat Sheet
Don’t waste your time or money by choosing the wrong bike!!!
Our FREE kids bike buying guide addresses:
- What brands are best
- Where to shop
- How much to budget
- Where to find deals
- How to measure your child for a bike
I really appreciate your insight into bikes for little people, but all the bikes you recommend cost 200 plus. I would love to be in a position to buy my nephews those, but they are triplets , age 9, and still need to learn to ride a bike, my niece age 4 can do a balance bike well, but is outgrowing it. and I can’t invest that much. Can you recommend which of the bikes under $100, would be best? I am looking for a bike that can last say 2 years, as a starter. But I already have trouble paying my mortgage and do not see and bike companies with discount programs. Thanks in advance
Hi Kat,
For under $100, your best bet is to look for used bikes on Craigslist/Facebook marketplace, etc. You might also be able to find a local shop, o second-hand sports store, or second-hand kids gear store that sells used bikes. You should be able to find a pretty nice bike for under $100 by looking used.
Hi Kat,
For under $100, your best bet is to look for used bikes on Craigslist/Facebook marketplace, etc. You might also be able to find a local shop, o second-hand sports store, or second-hand kids gear store that sells used bikes. You should be able to find a pretty nice bike for under $100 by looking used.
Thank you so much for this! Best info out there! I’m still having trouble choosing for my almost-4yo. Her inseam is about 16”, so she’s still a bit short for a lot of the bikes, but I don’t want to invest in a 12” that won’t last long. (I’d also like to stay under $300.)
I’m looking at the Norco 14” bikes, but can’t find ANY reviews for them. We mostly ride the pump track or dirt trails, so I like the MTB features of it. Do you know anything about it?
Hi Brynn, I haven’t personally tested the Norco 14″ but I know a lot of parents like it, especially the fact that it can be purchased at a local bike shop. I would definitely go for the freewheel, not coaster, version. My other concern would be the weight. Norco doesn’t list it, and some of their other kids bikes are pretty heavy. I would ask the bike shop to put it on a scale and weigh it for you before buying…..If you end up getting it and like it, let us know. Sounds like its one we might need to do a review on!
I found your article very insightful, but I am having trouble understanding how 30+ years ago kids were able to learn to ride bikes on heavier clunkier and cheaper versions. I understand these bikes may make it easier for the kids, but they will still learn on “cheaper” bikes. So what is the point in buying an expensive bike if the goal can be accomplished by buying something more economical? I am not the sort of person who resist change or is scared of change. I just don’t think a 4 year old needs $200+ bike to learn how to ride.
Hi Amanda,
I was one of those kids! Kids can learn to ride (and have fun) on any bike–heavy, clunky, whatever. The difference is that on modern lightweight bikes with kid appropriate geometry kids are able to do a few things they generally weren’t able to on those bikes 30 years ago: (1) learn to ride a pedal bike at 2 or 3 years old with no training wheels, (2) learn to ride a pedal bike with no training wheels in a single day, (3) ride long distances easily. Yes, kids can have fun on any bike. But there is no doubt a lightweight, well-designed, high-quality bike makes a huge difference in how young and how easily kids are able to learn to ride. And then how fast and far they are able to ride once they’re pedaling….
My son is turning 3 years old and has done amazing on his push bike! We are so excited to get him his first big boy bike. I really appreciate your website it has been a great resource.
I am glad we found it! I too feel that getting a good quality bike that is lighter in weight is worth the money. I see how well my son does on single track trails and the distance he rides on his push bike… this tells me that paying $300 dollars is worth every penny for a family that rides a lot, but I do understand it to be a lot for a family that doesn’t ride often together!
Another, Amanda
Well said “another” Amanda. 🙂 Hope your son loves his new bike.
Just wondering what you think of the strider 14x?
Hi Kim, The Strider 14x is a decent enough bike and makes sense for kids who aren’t quite ready to pedal yet, but are close. That said, I would still prefer one of the bikes on this list and just temporarily remove the pedals. The Strider 14x doesn’t have handbrake which I prefer.
Hi Kristen,
My daughter is 3 years old. She never had balance bike and didn’t express much interest in riding push bike a year ago either. Should we get balance bike first, bike with training wheels or regular bike ( i like woom)? I appreciate your advice!
Thank you !
Hi Tatiana,
I would go with a balance bike. She’s still young enough that she’ll get plenty of use out of it. If she is a really athletic kid that picks things up quickly, you could go with a pedal bike (Woom) right away and just remove the pedals until she gets the hang of balancing. In any case, skip the training wheels.
Cheers,
KB
I’m looking for a bike for my son’s fourth birthday in a little over a month. It will be his first bike, so I want to take the pedals off and start off using it as a balance bike. He has short legs and only a 16″ inseam, which eliminates several bikes on this list. I almost eliminated the Woom 2, but then I noticed that on their website the minimum seat height is listed as 15.94″ which should work, I think. Have they changed the specs since this article was written? Do you think this bike would work for him? He’s also not very heavy, only around 33 lbs right now so we need something very light. We were also considering the Cleary Gecko, but my husband thinks the low handlebars would be difficult for him as a complete beginner.
Hi Heather,
You’re right, the min seatpost height has changed. I’ll make sure to update it here. I think the Woom 2 would work great for him, especially if he still has another month of growing to do. It’s my favorite bike for kids this age, hands down.
What are some good bikes for a 5 year old girl to learn as a balance bike (I.e take the pedals off)
Hi Liz,
Due to their upright geometry, the Woom bikes make a great bike to use first as a balance bike (with no pedals) and then as a pedal bike. Without knowing your daugher’s inseam, I cant say which model (Woom 2 vs Woom 3) would be best for her, but just make sure that you pick a bike where the minimum seatpost height is at least as low as your daugherts inseam length. This will allow her to put her feet flat on the ground and scoot the bike like a balance bike.
Hi Kristen, many thanks for this article.
i’m looking for a bike for my 3 years old son. He has an old specialized Hotrock 12 (without training wheels) but he is already at max speed with it, so i think it’s time to move to something else. So i read a lot of reviews, articles, and so on.
I just wonder : did you have the opportunity to test the Canyon Offspring Al 16 ? it’s a ‘weird’, beautiful (expensive) bike that fits childrens between 98 and 110 cm, so in the range of the bikes you compare on this page, but has 16” rear wheel and 18” front wheel ! It has also disc brakes !! and a sram automatix hub… I wonder if the automatix hub is good on this kind of bike ?… maybe the first speed is too short and the second two long, or maybe the speed change is too weird for 3-5 years old childrens ?… any thought about this ?
thanks a lot, best regards from France
Hi Stephane,
Unfortunately, I have not had the opportunity to test any of the Canyon kids bikes, as they aren’t offered (yet) in the U.S. market. (Though their adult bikes are). In any case, what I’ve seen of them makes them look super attractive….We have tested several bikes with the SRAM Automatix hub and really like it. Kids can feel when it shifts, but it doesn’t seem to bother them and certainly adds extra capability. I’m suprised thought that Canyon is offering the Automatix hub–as far as I know it’s been discontinued in both the US and Europe, so they might be using old stock?….Let us know if you end up getting one and what you think; always looking for guest reviews too!
Cheers,
KB
Hi Kristen,
Finally, I have one (canyon offspring). It’s a beautiful bike. A little heavy for young children but it’s ok. The big front wheel is nice, the bike is very stable. The brakes are very powerful but the levers are a little far for small hands. Happily, They can be moved a little.
It’s hard for me to see when the sram automatix goes to the 2nd speed but i think i managed to see it sometimes. As you said, it does not seem to bother my son when it shifts.
Due to the weird frame and disk brakes, the bike is no so easy to transport. The follow me cannot be used and not all of the bike racks can handle it. i’m still looking fot the best way to carry it. The front wheel can be removed easily (with allen wrench). The rear wheel is harder to remove.
At last, i think it’s possible to put a smaller sprocket, but you need to reduce the chain length. I’ll see later when my son will be taller.
regards
Hi Stephane,
Thanks for following up and for the thoughtful recommendation. It sounds like you made a good choice. I’m hoping that Canyon will choose to offer these bikes in the USA sooner than later. As for not being able to use the FollowMeTandem, you could always try a Tow-Whee; that’s what we use in our family.
Cheers,
KB
Oh crud we just bought the Trek Jet 12. It has coaster brakes and weighs l8 pounds. Our son is 2.5 but he’s taking big hills and jumps and flying down the trails and getting air on the strider, daily in season (we live in Montana and go hiking every day) and at the bike park so when he started telling us he wanted a pedal bike we said yes. I wish I’d done more research. Should I return it? He figured out how to do the pedals in the store. We have no pavement around us so no use for the training wheels. He loves it…
If he’s already figured out how to ride it without training wheels and is having fun, it doesn’t matter much! Though when he grows out of it and you upgrade him, his skills will probably take off even more. If he’s struggling to learn on it or not able to get up hills, then totally return it now.
My son FLIES down the Montana forest trails every day on his little strider, also he tackles campgrounds and the bike park weekly. He wants a pedal bike but his inseam is 13.5, he’s 37″ tall, 2 and a half years old. We don’t do pavement, its mostly packed dirt with some rocks and a bit of crushed rocks, pine needles and tree roots here and there. He’s had the balance bike over a year, before that the pewi Ybike, which he flew around the house on before he could walk. Which one do you recommend?
Hi Monica, I’d go with the Cleary Gecko. It’s sized best for the under 3 crowd and works well off-road.