Balance Bikes vs. Training Wheels: Which is Best for Your Child?
As a mom of two young children, I’ve had my fair share of experiences with both balance bikes and training wheels.
I grew up with training wheels, and always had this preconceived notion that my kids would also share this experience. On the other hand, there is a lot of evidence supporting balance bikes and their ability to promote independent cycling at a younger age.
Deciding which option is best for your child can be a bit of a head-scratcher, so let’s dive into the pros, cons, and some unique insights you might not have considered.
Balance Bikes: Building Confidence and Coordination
“What is this thing? Where are the pedals?”
This was my husband’s initial reaction to our joovy Bicycoo balance bike. I suppose I can understand, as the balance bike does appear a little strange if you’ve never seen one before.
It’s kind of like seeing a duck with three legs. Or a skier witnessing the invention of the snowboard. Something just seems a bit out of place when you first see a bike that has no pedals.
But the lack of pedals (and the clunky chain that connects pedals to wheels) makes the balance bike super lightweight. Perfect for a toddler to maneuver, and also simple enough for mom to lug around when toddler inevitably becomes tired of all the maneuvering.
If you grew up in the 90’s or earlier, you probably didn’t see these things become popular until around the year 2000. Twenty years later, they are now almost certainly here to stay, and well-deserved because they have so much to offer.
Balance bikes are all about mastering balance before worrying about pedaling. Many kids love the freedom and control these bikes offer. Here’s why they’re great:
- Enhances Balance:
Without pedals, kids focus solely on balancing, which is a critical skill. Most parents I’ve talked to would agree that between pedaling and balancing, the latter is the most crucial of the two.
- Smooth Transition:
Moving from a balance bike to a pedal bike is often seamless. No wobbly training wheel phase! Once they master how to balance, pedaling is a breeze.
- Boosts Confidence:
“Look at me, I’m doing it!” Kids learn at their own pace, which builds confidence as they glide along.
Balance Bike: Unique Insight
One thing parents might not realize is how balance bikes can significantly reduce the likelihood of falls. Because kids can quickly put their feet down, they feel more secure and less fearful of toppling over.
Balance bikes typically do better than training wheels on rough terrain, like grass or dirt. This is better for young riders off exploring their turns, but can also be troublesome if they pick up too much speed on big hills.
I stayed close to my youngest (22 months old) for the first couple of attempts on the Bicycoo. It took him a minute or two to ‘trust’ that he wasn’t going to tip over.
But once I let go, I think we were both surprised at how easily and instinctively he started using his legs to get around. We really didn’t experience any ‘big spills’.
About 5 minutes in, he got it, and I couldn’t get him off it 🙂
Also noted earlier, these bikes are incredibly lightweight, which really can’t be overstated. I love how easy the Bicycoo is to pick up and move wherever my young rider needs it.
Training Wheels: A Traditional Approach
Training wheels are the classic method we all know. My oldest (3-year-old girl) started with them, and while they have their advantages, there are some caveats too:
- Immediate Pedaling:
Kids get to enjoy the sensation of pedaling from the get-go, which can be a big motivator.
- Stability:
Offers a sense of security for kids who might be apprehensive about balancing on two wheels. The brakes are functional on a bike with training wheels, whereas on the balance bike, the brakes are your legs. That level of assurance is sometimes well-suited for the more conservative young rider.
- Gradual Adjustment:
Parents can raise the training wheels as children gain confidence, gradually reducing their reliance. While some toddlers quickly outgrow balance bikes, the training wheels can comfortably be used with bigger and older children.
- Price Point:
A balance bike will carry with it a higher price tag than a set of training wheels, which typically sell for around $15. If you own a properly sized pedal bike, adding training wheels can be an inexpensive option.
Unique Insight:
Training wheels can sometimes create a false sense of security. Kids might get used to leaning on the wheels, which doesn’t help with balance. In the long run, that transition phase to normal riding may take quite a while.
Also, they can struggle on uneven terrain since the training wheels keep the bike from leaning properly into turns, leading to potential tip-overs on bumpy paths.
I know with my children, one bad experience can lead to months of ‘never again.’
My oldest’s first experience included both tricycles and bikes with training wheels. I believe this, combined with her cautious approach (to just about everything), made training wheels a good choice for her.
I’ve heard similar comments from other parents, “my child is shy and wouldn’t even try the balance bike.”
If your child is a bit more apprehensive in general, they may take to training wheels over a balance bike. Especially if it’s something they’ve seen before at school or a friend’s house.
One other big downside of training wheels that needs to be mentioned – assembly required.
Quite possibly, my two least favorite words when it comes to toddler items, someone is going to have to set up and screw in the training wheels to the back tire of the bike.
It sounds simple but can require a bit of finagling to attach properly.
Making the Choice
When deciding between a balance bike and training wheels, consider your child’s personality and physical development.
For those who are eager to start pedaling right away, training wheels might be the way to go. However, if you want to prioritize balance and a smoother transition to a regular bike, a balance bike could be the better choice.
I noticed that for my younger boy, the balance bike suits his personality and he had no problem zooming around after just one or two attempts. I feel getting him familiarized with it at an early age will help acclimate him to a regular bicycle.
My older girl, who is still using training wheels, may take longer to feel confident without them.
So, although I haven’t yet seen both my kids transition to their adult bicycles, from my experience, I’d lean towards balance bikes for their effectiveness in teaching core biking skills early on.
My advice would be to get the balance bike in their hands (or under their bottoms) initially, at or right after the 18-month recommended age, and let them explore their balancing.
Both options do have their merits, and the best choice depends on what you feel will benefit your child the most. Whichever you choose, the goal is to make the learning process fun and confidence-building for your little one.
