Have you ever heard of a balance bike? As a parent, I wasn’t aware of balance bikes because I learned to ride a bike using training wheels. I don’t think balance bikes existed when I was a child. But, balance bikes have emerged as a new way of teaching kids how to ride bikes. These bikes don’t have pedals so a child sort of runs, scoots, and lifts his/her feet teaching balance.

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The Backstory

I discovered balance bikes one day when out for a family walk at Ohiopyle State Park on the Great Allegheny Passage when I saw two toddlers zooming by on their bikes. I froze with my mouth open wondering how they were riding so fast without training wheels for how young they were (my guess – they were younger than two years old). When they rode by again, I realized their bikes didn’t have pedals and they were sort of running with their bikes and gliding while they balanced. When I went home to look it up, I discovered they were on balance bikes and decided to purchase one.

Purchasing a Balance Bike

We purchased a 12″ Strider balance bike from our local Target. I’ve seen them on Amazon and Walmart as well as Dick’s Sporting Goods which carries a different brand. There are larger sizes too such as 14″ if you have an older child. Plus there are other brands out there where a single bike can convert from a balance bike to a regular bike by adding pedals.

For my local folks looking to save a few bucks, we have had success finding discounted bikes at places like Uniontown Liquidation Outlet and Mac Bid. I’ve seen cheap used bikes at the Centsible Moms Consignment Sale, local thrift stores, yard sales, Facebook marketplace, etc. Plus there’s an incredible nonprofit organization in Morgantown called We Bike WV that distributes bikes to kids for free.

A few local bike shops in Fayette County you can look into include Jolt Bike and Bikes Unlimited.

Additional Gear

I definitely suggest having your child wear a helmet. I used a Giro helmet when my kids were babies and toddlers, and as I had more kids I purchased larger helmets similar to this Giro helmet and this Cannondale (which I picked up at Jolt Bike).

We ride our bikes year-round. Sometimes we take walks around the neighborhood when it’s dark and I find it helpful for them to have bike lights. I’m not endorsing any specific brand, we have several different kinds. But, the kids enjoy turning their lights on and off. I also always put them in reflective vests which I can’t recommend enough. I’ve even introduced some vests with lights which the kids enjoy wearing too. We have fun having our own glow rides.

My Son’s Experience with a Balance Bike

As I begin to share my experience teaching my son, a reminder that every child is different and may take to biking differently. What worked for my child might not work for yours. Learning to ride a bike can be stressful for both parents/caregivers and children. So try not to put too much pressure on yourself. I suggest stopping when it seems you or your child are not having fun. If it gets to that point, it might be time to take a break

My son began using a 12″ Strider balance bike at two years old. He started out just walking with the bike between his legs. We took family walks and brought a stroller along for when he was done with the bike and he wanted to hop in.

The balance bike clicked for him after age three. After he was able to scoot and balance for long stretches, sometimes even riding down small hills, I felt it was time to start thinking about transitioning him to a regular bike.

I had my questions about how to go about the transition. I don’t know if there is a right or wrong way, but I figured I would share what I did with my son to hopefully help others.

Transitioning to a Regular Bike

Step 1 – Ride the new bike with the training wheels on

First, I briefly encouraged my son to ride his new bike with the training wheels on just to allow him to get him acclimated to using the pedals and brakes. He rode his bike a few times over the course of about two weeks until he looked at me and said, “Mommy, take my training wheels off.”

Step 2 – Remove the training wheels and lower the seat

Next, I lowered his seat so that he could put his feet down on the ground (around the pedals). This allowed him to push himself forward and lift his feet to the pedals when he had momentum. Tip – slight downhills worked best.

At times he became a little fixated on the pedals and it messed him up. So I encouraged him to prioritize balancing before pedaling. We practiced gaining momentum and simply resting his feet on the pedals while coasting a bit. After he got the hang of that, I encouraged him to pedal pedal pedal.

His experience with the balance bike allowed him to pick up the regular bike so quickly at age 3 (spoiler alert – it hasn’t been as easy with child number 2, so again every child is different).

Step 3 – Raise the seat to a more appropriate height

Once he was able to pedal and ride on his own for long stretches with some practice, I finally raised his seat to a more appropriate height. And he was good to go!

Where to Teach Your Child to Ride a Bike

If you are like me and live near Uniontown, PA in Fayette County, here are a few suggestions of where to teach your child to ride a bike, especially if for example, you live on a busy road, or don’t live in a walkable neighborhood.

Playgrounds with walking loops – As I suggested earlier, I would stop when it becomes stressful or when you or your child are no longer having fun. A way to keep it light and fun is to practice at a park that offers a walking loop and a playground. Perhaps your child can earn playground time if he/she gives the bike a try. Here are some local parks that feature paved walking loops and a playground:

Rail trails – Rail trails are typically straight and flat and are nice places to practice. Rail trails in Fayette County include the Great Allegheny Passage, Sheepskin Trail, Browns Run Trail, and Indian Creek Valley Trail. Back to the suggestion of having a playground nearby, here are a few more specific suggestions of rail trails that have a playground nearby:

Open spaces – Don’t forget simple open spaces such as basketball courts, vacant parking lots, cemetaries, etc.

Family Bike Rides

When your child is able to ride longer distances, here are a few local suggestions of family bike rides we enjoy:

If you found this helpful or if you have any tips to add, leave a comment or tag me on Instagram (@adventureswkelly). Best wishes helping your child transition from a balance bike to a regular bike.