Babble Best Picks:
Kids Bikes
What's more indicative of childhood summers than learning to ride a bicycle? If you've been out of the kid-toy loop for a few years, you'll be surprised to see that kids bikes extend beyond just training wheels, with a range of new options, from basic balance bikes to tricked-out trikes. To help you narrow down your search, we found the best of the best bikes for tiny toddlers all the way up to big kids. Don't see your kid's new bike on the list?
Nominate your favorite here. Happy trails! - Michelle Horton
Best Overall | Wishbone Bike
Yes, our "Best Overall Kids Bike" pick doesn't even have pedals - but we have our reasons. This 3-in-1 bike is designed to grow with your child from 1 to 5 years, starting as a running tricycle - providing a secure, stable introduction - and then converting into a lightweight yet sturdy two-wheel balance bike, which grows into one of the biggest balance bikes on the market.
As far as pre-bike preparation, we much prefer balance bikes (or "running bikes") to tricycles. Besides being a more intuitive playing process (even the smallest toddlers can hop on and scoot with their feet), balance bikes teach the most important bike-riding skill: balance. Unlike a tricycle, which focuses on pedaling, a balance bike teaches a kid to glide on two wheels, correcting the tilts on their own, and makes it easier to introduce pedals later on. And because kids are just using their feet to power the bike, there are less scary falls and frustration that might instill a fear of bikes.
While there's no shortage of balance bikes on the market, our favorite is the Wishbone Bike for its incredible craftsmanship, design, and longevity. The bike is made from kiln-dried, preservative-free plantation wood and organic cotton. Wishbone also offers Limited Edition bikes, designed with original artwork that addresses a particular topic or issue. For instance, the Wollemi Wilderness Bike depicts the Australian Wollemi pine tree (one of the oldest and most endangered plants on the planet), as well as indigenous Australian animals.
Even the standard Wishbone bike can be jazzed up with pretty Wishbone stickers and nameplates. You can also cover the seat in different colored silicone covers, which are non-toxic, water-repellent and fully recyclable.
Readers’ Choice | Schwinn Roadster 12″ Tricycle
Another awesomely retro-looking tricycle (similar to the Radio Flyer) made with heavy-duty steel, chrome, and rubber. The only reason we slightly preferred the Radio Flyer trike is because the Schwinn is a tad heavier – making it harder for little legs to power – but it’s still a top-notch choice, especially over the dozens of plastic, licensed-cartoon tricycles on the market.
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