Most people think I ride a bike with my child. because i like to exercise or because i want to fight climate change. Neither is true (or, at all, the answer). No, it’s just that sitting in line waiting for a pickup or drop-off makes me want to run straight into the path of an oncoming 18-wheeler. Now that my kids are 7 and 9, and old enough to ride their bikes with me, watching them jump up on the curb, swing their legs, and yell, “We live in a forest!” than having to wait for the traffic light to change.
The WIRED Gear team has a lot of kids, and we recruited a bunch of them to test these kids’ bikes on the way to school, on the trail, or around the park. These are our top picks for all ages and sizes. Don’t see a bike for your kid here? Let us know, as we’ll continue to test and update these picks. And if you’re looking for a bike of your own, check out Best electric bike, Best cheap electric bikeAnd Best Electric Cargo Bikes for Families instruct.
September 2024 Update: We’ve added the Early Rider Bella Velio, Linus Lil Roadster, and Cleary Meerkat, and added a balance bike. We’ve also updated the links and prices.
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How to buy a children’s bicycle
Bicycles are expensive. You may want to hedge your bike purchase by buying a bike one or two sizes too big so your child can grow into it. Don’t fall into this trap! Not only is it uncomfortable, it’s also unsafe. How? Friend Do you think you’ll ever have to ride a bike that’s two sizes bigger than you?
Sizing by age is also risky; for example, my 9-year-old daughter is half the size of some of her peers (sorry, honey). To find the right size, you’ll need to measure your child’s height or their minimum inseam length. Kids’ bikes are measured by wheel size, so a 12-inch bike means a bike with 12-inch wheels, etc. When you get the bike, see if your child can stand on the frame with their feet comfortably flat on the ground. Make sure your child can get on and off the bike easily, and that their hands can reach the brakes and gears if the bike has them.
Other factors you may want to consider:
