The best balance bikes
No pedals, no stabilisers, and riding a proper bike sooner: the balance bikes to start on.
A balance bike has no pedals: children push along with their feet and learn to balance first, so when pedals come along, stabilisers are rarely needed. Four-wheel versions suit one-year-olds; two-wheelers take over from about two.
It's how the bicycle began, too: Karl Drais's 'running machine', first ridden in Mannheim in 1817, had no pedals and was pushed along with the rider's feet.
What matters
- Light enough for the child to pick up.
- Seat low enough for both feet flat on the ground.
- Puncture-proof tyres.
- Four wheels under two, two wheels from two.
#1 of 5
Best overall
Chicco Balance Bike (ages 2–5)
£42.90 RRP
A proper-looking little bike, light enough (2.65kg) for a two-year-old to pick up after a tumble, with puncture-proof tyres and a saddle and handlebar that both rise as they grow.
What owners say: Owners find it easy to assemble, light and sturdy, and great for learning to balance, though a few find it on the small side.
A closer look: Set the saddle so they can sit with both feet flat on the ground and knees slightly bent. Once they're gliding with their feet up, they're ready for pedals.
- Metal frame, 2.65kg
- Puncture-proof 25cm tyres
- Seat 31–41cm, handlebar 55–60cm
- Riders from 85cm tall, up to 25kg
- Rubber grips
Best for: Two-year-olds
- Wheels
- 2 × 25cm, puncture-proof
- Ages
- 2–5
- Seat height
- 31–41cm
- Bike weight
- 2.65kg
- Max rider weight
- 25kg
#2 of 5
Best first bike
Umatoll 4-Wheel Baby Balance Bike (12–24 months)
£20–£30 Price range
Four wheels and a steering limiter (it can't turn past 135°) make it hard to tip over, so a one-year-old can shuffle about on it safely. Just 1.5kg, with a basket for favourite toys.
What owners say: Owners find it quick to put together and stable, and think it looks great and is well worth the price.
A closer look: The quiet wheels mean it can be ridden round the kitchen on rainy days without scuffing or rattling. A classic first-birthday present.
- 4 quiet EVA wheels
- 135° steering limiter
- 3-position seat
- 1.5kg aluminium frame, up to 25kg
- Removable basket, no tools to build
Best for: First birthdays
- Wheels
- 4, EVA
- Ages
- 12–24 months
- Seat height
- 3 positions
- Bike weight
- 1.5kg
- Max rider weight
- 25kg
#3 of 5
Best for growing
KRIDDO 12in Toddler Balance Bike (ages 2–5)
£50–£75 Price range
The sturdiest here, taking riders up to 50kg, with thick puncture-resistant tyres for grass and a number plate they decorate themselves with the stickers in the box.
What owners say: Owners find it easy to assemble, sturdy and light, and like the personalised number plate.
A closer look: The quick-release clamps make it easy to raise the seat every few months without tools. Thicker tyres cope with grass and park paths better than thin ones.
- 12in puncture-resistant tyres
- Steel frame, riders up to 50kg
- Quick-release seat and handlebar
- Customisable plate with 3 sticker sets
- Ages 2–5
Best for: Grass and park paths
- Wheels
- 2 × 12in, puncture-resistant
- Ages
- 2–5
- Seat height
- Adjustable
- Bike weight
- 2.99kg
- Max rider weight
- 50kg
#4 of 5
Best budget
Stream 12in Balance Bike (2 years+)
£30–£50 Price range
A light 12in bike with never-flat EVA tyres and a soft seat, sized for children 80–120cm tall, for a good deal less than the big names.
What owners say: Owners find it a good-value first bike that's light, sturdy and easy to assemble, though some report the tyres wearing quickly.
Heads up: Some owners find the foam tyres wear fast on rough pavements, so it's happiest on smooth paths and playgrounds.
A closer look: EVA tyres can't puncture, so there's no pump to find before a trip to the park. Measure the child's inside leg: the lowest seat should be a little below it.
- 12in EVA tyres, never need pumping
- Seat 36–41cm, handlebar 54–58cm
- For heights 80–120cm
- 2.18kg steel frame, up to 32kg
- Tool kit included
Best for: A first bike on a budget
- Wheels
- 2 × 12in, EVA
- Ages
- 2+
- Seat height
- 36–41cm
- Bike weight
- 2.18kg
- Max rider weight
- 32kg
#5 of 5
HappyGoLucky 4-Wheel Light-Up Baby Balance Bike (10–36 months)
£30–£50 Price range
Four wheels that light up as it rolls, no batteries needed, on a steel frame that clips together by hand in about five minutes. A cheerful first-birthday present.
What owners say: Owners find it sturdy and easy to assemble, with wheels that light up well, and think it's cute and good value.
A closer look: The glowing wheels are a good excuse for an autumn-evening ride up and down the hall. Check the height guide on the listing: it suits children about 66–71cm tall.
- 4 light-up wheels, no batteries
- 135° steering limit
- Soft seat and anti-slip grips
- Clips together without tools
- 2.62kg
Best for: Light-up first rides
- Wheels
- 4, light-up
- Ages
- 10–36 months
- Seat height
- –
- Bike weight
- 2.62kg
- Max rider weight
- 25kg (maker's listing)
How they compare
| Feature | #1Chicco | #2Umatoll 4-wheel | #3KRIDDO 12in | #4Stream 12in | #5HappyGoLucky |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Best first bike | Best for growing | Best budget | ||
| Picked Rating | 9.3 | 9.3 | 9.1 | 8.9 | 8.8 |
| Price | £42.90 RRP | £20–£30 Price range | £50–£75 Price range | £30–£50 Price range | £30–£50 Price range |
| Wheels | 2 × 25cm, puncture-proof | 4, EVA | 2 × 12in, puncture-resistant | 2 × 12in, EVA | 4, light-up |
| Ages | 2–5 | 12–24 months | 2–5 | 2+ | 10–36 months |
| Seat height | 31–41cm | 3 positions | Adjustable | 36–41cm | – |
| Bike weight | 2.65kg | 1.5kg | 2.99kg | 2.18kg | 2.62kg |
| Max rider weight | 25kg | 25kg | 50kg | 32kg | 25kg (maker's listing) |
| Best for | Two-year-olds | First birthdays | Grass and park paths | A first bike on a budget | Light-up first rides |
| Check price | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
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