Taking over from bicycles with training wheels, balance bikes are small pedal-free bikes and a popular choice for many toddlers, preschoolers and young children alike.
With a balance bike, children learn to balance and steer first, and once mastered, they can progress on to pedalling a bicycle.
Buying a balance bike for your child is a developmentally-appropriate investment and the perfect first step in learning how to ride a pedal bike.
If you're looking for more reasons as to why you should get one, here are seven benefits associated with the trend.
Gross motor skill development.
Learning to ride a balance bike is one of the best tools to help your child's gross motor skills. Due to its unique design, it encourages children to use both their arms and legs, helping to improve strength, coordination and agility.
It's a better fit.
As they are smaller, narrower and much lighter than an average bicycle, kids as young as 18 months can learn to ride a balance bike compared to three or four years olds with a 12" bicycle with training wheels.
Smooth transition to a pedal bike.
Learning to ride a bicycle without training wheels can be somewhat daunting for any child, but those who start with a balance bike tend to transition to a bicycle in a much more straightforward way. Using a balance bike teaches children as young as two the concepts of balance and motion, which is the main foundation for learning to ride a pedal bike.
Burns off never-ending energy.
Kids who ride on balance bikes don't view the activity like exercise, which is a bonus of this purchase. Kids can ride on one of these for hours on end, making it an ideal solution to help your child keep up on family adventures all while working their core muscles, legs and arms.
Builds self-confidence and independence.
Riding along on one of these helps children develop a sense of athletic ability and confidence in their own body. Children also love the feeling of accomplishment and independence they get from whizzing around on their own bike from a young age.
Cost-effective.
Unlike many toys that will pass through your home and back out again to a landfill, a quality made balance bike can be passed down to other siblings over the years, meaning it is a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly purchase.
Less hassle.
A majority of balance bike tyres come with white EVA foam which is lightweight and puncture-proof material. Less weight makes it easier for kids as young as two to carry, and there is no need for a repair kit at the roadside. Another convenience includes its compact size. Due to its small frame, it can be easily popped in the boot of the car, unlike some tricycles and bicycles with training wheels.
