The Best Balance Bikes

Three balance bikes next to each other.

A balance bike may be a little kid’s first introduction to zipping around on their own steam. These bikes help tots learn to steer, brake, balance, and ride — making the eventual graduation to a pedal bike easier than it might be with training wheels.

Kids as young as 18 months may be able to ride a balance bike, and many bikes can keep kids happily gliding along until they’re kindergarten age or older. Kids can ride them outdoors or indoors (if your home has the room) and can use them on family jaunts through the neighborhood. Quality balance bikes also have good resale value, and you can search for a lightly used one if you’re shopping on a budget. We also have recommendations for the best kids helmets.

After spending over 80 hours researching and assembling 27 balance bikes, and subjecting them to test panels of highly energetic kids, we’re confident that the Guardian Balance Bike is the best choice.



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