As our children become preschoolers from toddlers, we expect them to know how to balance a bike. This assumption that we make is fine in most cases, but there are many kids that, even by the age of 3-5, don’t know how to balance and ride a bike.
Here considering a balance bike for your 5 years old kid is never a bad option. Your child can learn all the necessary aspects of riding a balance bike that he couldn’t learn due to some reasons before he or she turns 5.
But, buying a balance bike for a 5-year-old might not be the same as for a 1 or 2-year-old. In this article, we’ll take a look at the important aspects that need to be addressed while buying a balance bike for a 5-year-old kid. We have also enlisted 8 of the best balance bike options with a deciding table format, so you don’t have to worry about which is good and which isn’t.
Balance Bike Tires
Even in a balance bike for a 5-year-old kid, you’ll get the option to have different types of tires. You can buy a bike with foam tires, plastic tires, or pneumatic tires. The best tires to go with will be pneumatic tires. The reason lies in the way a 4-5 years old kid rides his bike.
If you compare the riding style of both a toddler and a preschooler, you’ll notice a huge difference. On one side, the toddler rides his/her bike smoothly, the preschooler is more aggressive on his ride. In this case, foam or plastic tires are almost useless from both durability and safety perspectives.
Overall Weight of the Balance Bike
Weight is not that big of an issue when it comes to a 5-year-old athletic kid. Still, it is recommended to buy a lightweight bike, so your kid can control it and drag it easily. Bikes with lighter weights are easy to handle and maneuver. Try buying a bike that is not heavier than 13 pounds. Also, the weight of the bike depends totally on the material it is made out of.
Bikes with steel bodies are heavy compared to bikes with aluminum bodies. But aluminum bikes are comparatively more expensive. So, it’s totally up to you, you can buy whichever you want, but don’t look for anything that is too heavy to handle.
We are here with some of the best balance bikes for 5-year-olds. You can even learn how these differ from each other, as we have mentioned their major features and details. And since this article also has a detailed Buying Guide, you can pick up the perfect balance bike by following this article.
Enlisted are 8 Best and Durable Balance Bikes for your 5-year-old:
Best Balance Bike for 5 year Old
| Balance Bike | Assembly | Suitable for | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strider - 12 Sport Balance Bike | Easy to assemble | 1-5 year old kids | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| RoyalBaby Freestyle Bicycle | Quick to set up | 3 to 8-year-old babies | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Strider14X Balance to Pedal Bike | Easily assembled | 3-4-year-old kids | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Radio Flyer Balance Bike | Set up is very easy | 2 1/2 - 5-year-old kids | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Joystar 10”/12 Kids Balance Bike | Easily assembled | 1.5 -5-year-old kids | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Gomo Balance Bikes | Minimal assembly required | 1.5 -5-year-old kids | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Retrospec Cub Kids Balance Bike | Minimal set up required | 20 months to 5-year-old baby | CHECK ON AMAZON |
| Infans Lightweight Balance Bicycle Kids | Easily assembled | 2-5 years old child | CHECK ON AMAZON |
8 Best Balance Bikes for 5 year Old Reviews
1. Strider – 12 Sport Balance Bike
It is a revolutionary product that will assist the proper growth of your child. A Strider sport balance is an ideal choice for your tiny tot as this will help your child to carry out his adventures while offering maximum support and comfort. Also, it works in a very simple and natural manner while remaining at par with the instinctive and natural capabilities of the growing child.
It is ideally suited for children between the ages group 1.5 years to 5 years. The baby bike is pedal-free. This means that the baby will have to push his way forward, which, in turn, will help to strengthen his leg muscles. The child gradually starts building confidence and starts walking with great ease. It also helps to instill a sense of security in the child and gives him the confidence to move around even when you are not around.
Features:
- It is very lightweight and hence, easy to handle
- Designed keeping in mind the needs of babies, lying between the age group 1-5 years, this bike has an adjustable seat height
Pros:
- The wheels don’t make any screeching noise as the bike moves
- It helps in enhancing gross motor skills of the baby
- Built-in footrests
Cons:
- It is not suitable for children who weigh more than 30 kg
2. RoyalBaby Freestyle Bicycle
Unlike other body balancing bikes, this bike by RoyalBaby comes with pedals. The product doesn’t need to be fully assembled because it is almost 90% assembled right from the time of its purchase. Available in a range of catchy and attractive colors, this bike is sure to become your baby’s favorite! The seat, handbrakes, and grip are extremely soft and comfortable and offer optimum comfort to the child.
The steel frame of the bike is very sturdy, which further offers stability and robustness to the bike. The pedals are also non-slippery, which reduces the chance of an accident while your child is scooting around.
Features:
- The bike design has been made keeping in mind the requirements of the child
- The package itself contains all the tools that are needed to assemble the bike
- It is available in different sizes, i.e., 12″ to 20″, which makes it easy for you to choose the size especially meant for your child
Pros:
- The bike is easy to ride and safe for the child
- It comes with a Cage and a water bottle
Cons:
- It does not have a kickstand
3. Strider 14X Balance to Pedal Bike
Well built with rubber and steel, the Strider 14 xs is a bike that helps to enhance the riding skills of your little munchkin and boosts his confidence as it introduces him to a whole new adventurous world. This product serves the purpose of two bikes in one, thereby proving to be the “Best first bike” for a child. This bike allows your child to first master his balancing skills and then lets him move on to the pedal part.
Ideally suited for the curious children aged between 3-4 years, this bike is setting new milestones in the world of physical child activities. Get hold of this bike and watch your child grow more confident and outgoing.
Features:
- The frame of the bike is extremely lightweight, and your child can control the bike independently
- Bike’s seat and the handlebars are adjustable
- There are footrests so that children can rest their foot easily
- It comes with pedals that are easy to attach and take off
Pros:
- It can be converted to a pedal bike quite easily
- It is loaded with many safety features
- It is easy to lift, handle and drag
Cons:
- Best-suited bike for up to 4-year-old kids
4. Radio Flyer Balance Bike
This body balance bike for babies, manufactured by Radio Flyer, is a compact product. It is equipped with adjustable seats, skid-resistant tired, comfortable handbrakes, and so on. This bike helps to get a child accustomed to all the motor skills that he needs to acquire before moving on to a conventional bike or bicycle.
The design of the bike is pretty attractive and catchy as the vibrant colors easily arrest the attention of the children. Moreover, the height of the seat can also be adjusted, which is a plus point when your child is growing. Also, you can set the seat height to anything between 14 to 18 inches depending on the convenience of your baby.
Features:
- The wheels are designed carefully so that they do not slip easily. They also do not make a nasty screeching noise as the bike moves.
- The bike has a ringing bell.
- It also has a saddle.
Pros:
- The product is very lightweight and offers maximum support and protection to the child
- It is very robust and sturdy
- It is available at an affordable rate
Cons:
- It is not suitable for too young children
- There isn’t much room for adaptability
5. Joystar 10”/12 Kids Balance Bike
After the invention of JOYSTAR kid’s bicycles, the kid can now afford the smile. Our son or daughter can quickly identify where the center of gravity lies within the footrest. The seat and the handlebars of this bicycle can be adjusted according to the kid’s height for the perfect ride. The small mudguard will keep the children away from the mud during the dark period. This bicycle is very easy to balance, and the exciting central part is it can adjust on its own as it lacks the pedals and gears in it.
Moreover, this bicycle is much more suitable for the little riders as it has a low standover height. The lightweight of this bicycle helps the kid to ride on it easily. Also, it weighs around 6.36lbs. The tires of this bicycle are designed well so that it could avoid the slippery things and could provide safety to the kids.
Features
- This bike has a puncture-proof tire, which means it requires low maintenance.
- It provides a longer wheelbase, which allows stable riding.
- The provision of the instructed manual makes it easier to use.
- It also has the bent frame, which will make it easy for getting in and out.
Pros
- This bike gets easily assembled
- It is easy to use
Cons
- It has foam tires which give you less traction
6. Gomo Balance Bikes
Gomo toddler training bikes are high-quality, light-in-weight bikes and also a budget-friendly option. The bicycle does not make much noise while the child plays with it or ride it. The seat of the bike stays stable once it is placed and does not spin while riding. Also, it comes in bright colors and looks very clean when it comes to the overall external design. It has a high range of seat height options, i.e., 12” – 17.5” depending upon what the age of a kid is.
Moreover, the design of the frame of the bicycle is extraordinary even though it is budget-friendly. It has a combination of a high handler base and the longer wheelbase that creates a comfortable and higher base for the rider. Also, its tires are made up of foam with less cushioning, which avoids getting flat in high usage.
Features
- It has good adjustability when it comes to handlebars and seat.
- The bike comes with excellent grips and the turning limiter.
Pros
- It has a good built quality
- This bike is quite easy to be used and handled by a small kid
- It is extremely easy to assemble
Cons
- The rims of the tires are made up of plastic, so it provides less stability in nature.
7. Retrospec Cub Kids Balance Bike
Retrospect club balance bikes are no-pedal and light-in-weight bikes that are affordable in terms of their cost as well. With a seat option ranging from 12.5 inches to 16 inches, this balance bike is a great gift for 20 Months to 5 Years old kids. Furthermore, it is equipped with handlebars that are adjustable and comes with a step-through frame to enhance Cub’s durability.
Moreover, it comes with puncture-proof tires, which means less need for maintenance. Also, a lesser need to maintain the bike means more freedom to keep playing with it or to ride it for longer hours.
Features
- Budget-friendly
- This no-pedal bike is very light in weight.
- It has a seat that is very comfortable for kids.
Pros
- It has a good built quality.
- This bike helps the kid with the overall improvement in balancing and coordination
- It is much easier to ride and requires minimal assembling of the parts.
Cons
- The footrest of this bicycle is so big, which can interfere in the kid’s stride.
- Foam tires give you less traction
8. Infans Lightweight Balance Bicycle Kids
Bicycles by INFANS are well-known for their safe design, durability, and comfortable padded seats. The handlebars of this bicycle can be adjustable according to the kid’s height for the perfect ride. This is recommended for kids who are around or lesser than 55 pounds and between 2 and 5 years of age. It helps with the overall growth, which comprises balancing, coordination, etc. in a child.
Furthermore, it is equipped with a rotatable handlebar with a 360-degree movement, and hence, kids are able to control the bike and fall less from it. Also, it provides a more extended wheelbase, which allows stable riding for the kid. Moreover, the handlebar height can be adjusted from 21.5 inches to 24 inches, and seat height can be adjusted from 13.5 inches to 17.5 inches.
Features
- The inflation-free EVA wheels of the bike require lesser maintenance
- It has highly-adjustable padded seats and handlebars.
- Kids can lift and drag it easily as it is light in weight
Pros
- The overall built quality is commendable.
- Non-toxic material
- The bike parts are easy to be assembled.
Cons
- The rims of the tires provide less stability in nature.
4 Crucial Tips to Buy a Balance Bike for 5 years old
1. Hand brake
Hand brakes are important for both, a toddler and preschooler, but the difference lies in the usage. We all are well aware of the fact that a 1-year-old is not mature enough to learn using brakes. The body of a toddler isn’t able to cope up with the coordination that is needed to use hand brakes. But the case is not the same with preschoolers; they are mature enough to do this coordination thing.
And that is why you should consider buying a bike with brakes installed on it. However, don’t just buy any bike with hand brakes, keep in mind that your kid isn’t yet familiar with the concept and usage of hand brakes. Buy a bike that has easy to use hand brakes on it. The knowledge and practice of using brakes will help them when they switch from balance to a normal bike.
2. Size
Be it a 1-year-old kid or 5 years old, you can’t compromise on the matter is size, and the size needs to be perfect in both cases. In the case of a 5-year-old, you should go on a bike with a size of 14 inches. You can even go with bigger sizes, but try keeping the overall body of your kid into consideration. Also, one more important thing, the size of the balance bike is referred to as the wheel size, and not the frame size.
Before buying the balance bike, make sure you measure the inseam. The inseam should at least be as long as the minimum height of the seat, and 2 Inches less than the maximum height of the seat. The appropriate size gives them the freedom to use the bike, the way they want. Also, if the bike is of appropriate size, that will last for a longer period of time.
3. Cost of the Bike
Your spending on a thing like this should be more towards the realistic, even if you can spend any amount. And more everyone, buy the bike that fits into your budget and you can afford to buy. The market is flooded with options, and the prices can touch the sky, but you don’t need to buy the most expensive bike out there for your kid.
Make certain that your kid won’t be using the bike for as long as you think he’ll do. So, spending tons of money is not an option. Also, you can even go with a used bike, which is also not a bad option to go with. One more important thing, if you can’t justify buying a balance bike, you can buy a pedal bike and later on remove the pedals. Moreover, this way, you can save a lot of money, and your work will also be done.
4. Bike Design and color
This might not be a deciding factor when it comes to buying a bike for a toddler boy; you can’t buy anything for your 5-year-old. As kids grow, they become more specific about the type of things they want to have, and the same goes for their bikes. Kids at this age want stuff that matches their likes.
So, you should consult with your kid about the design and color before actually buying one. And the best thing you can do is to take your kid along with you to the store so that he can choose whatever he wants.
Conclusion
Buying a balance bike for a 5-year-old kid is not a bad option. People can learn to balance at any stage of their life. So, don’t hesitate or think twice before you go to buy a balance bike. Keep in mind the tips, because you can’t just have anything just because your kid is a little grown-up. Also, whatever you buy, consider buying it in your budget.
If you are still not sure which is that you should be purchasing, we have 2 good-enough balance bikes to suggest for a 5-year-old kid. Well, the Strider – 12 Sport Balance Bike is the first one that we suggest for its usage for 1.5 to 5 years old kids. Also, it weighs only 3.0 kg, and its features such as no-maintenance tires, built-in footrest, etc. make it a preferable option.
Another one is the RoyalBaby Kids Freestyle bike, which ensures safety when it comes to the grip and handbrake. Steady and wide tire at the front makes it even safer for children.
If you still have questions, please drop them right into the comment section!!!
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