Best Balance Bike for 2 Year Old Toddler
A balance bike is the best bike you could get for your toddler. In this article, I’ll be reviewing some of the best balance bike for 2 year old. One of the benefits of a balance bike is that there’s a likelihood your toddler will be pedaling by 2.5 or 3 years old.
I got the Haro Prewheelz Balance Bike for the first two boys, and I was shocked when they began pedaling by 2.5 years old, and one was a pro by 3. I bet they will never the fear and terrors associated with learning to ride a pedal bike as I did as a child.
The bikes in this review are specifically for 2-year toddlers and not pre-schoolers. The bikes are designed to fit even the smallest riders. Ideally, I would recommend them for a tot around 18months. The balance bikes will grow with them until they’ve learned to pedal a bike.
Choosing The Best Balance Bike For 2-Year-Old
Below are the most important factors you should consider when shopping for a balance bike for your toddler.
Seat height
Is the seat adjustable? If you want a bike that will grow with your child, I would recommend you to go for one with an adjustable seat post. If you put your toddler on a bike that is too big for him, he might crash and end up getting hurt.
In addition, go for a bike with a minimum seat height, which is not larger than their seam. Your child should be able to put their feet flat on the ground when seated.
Weight
Weight is very important when deciding a bike for any child regardless of age. The weight factor is more important when choosing a bike for 2 years old toddler. Because your child will be learning to ride for the first time, you shouldn’t frustrate him with a heavy bike.
A lightweight balance bike will make it easier for your toddlerto cycle around with ease. When comparing two bikes with the same price tag, I would recommend you to pick the lighter one.
Hand Brake
When your child is 18 months -2 years old, he/she doesn’t have the coordination needed to use a handbrake. So the braking system on a bike isn’t a requirement.
However, as your little one grows (2.5-3 years), he’ll be in a position to learn how to use the handbrake. But if you’re planning to keep the bike until when your child is older, consider buying one fitted with a handbrake.
Tires and price
There are two options for balance bike tires; we have pneumatic and foam tires. Foam tires never go flat but have poor traction than pneumatic tires on different surfaces. While this may not be important for a two-year-old, if you plan on keeping the bike for more years, you should consider air tires.
Plan on spending less than $100 on a balance bike; however, if your neck tied on budget, you can opt for a second hand bike on Craiglist. But don’t compromise the safety of your little one with an inferior and cheap balance bike.
Also read: 10 Best Detergent For Cloth Diapers In Hard Water
Best Balance Bike for 2-Year-Old Toddler Reviews
1. Woom 1 Bike 18months-3.5 years
Check latest price on AmazonWoom 1 balance bike has been around for a couple of years now. It’s specially built with attention to details and designed for kids from 18months to 3 ½ years.
From the tires, handles grips and everything else, the Woom 1 is specifically designed to meet the unique requirements for toddlers. It’s not too small or not too big and will be the perfect size for your little tot.
It’s one of the smallest balance bikes on the market, making it perfect for toddlers as young as 18 months. Unlike the strider above and many other bikes on the market today, Woom 1 balance bike is fitted with brakes. While your 18 months child will not need brakes, he’ll undoubtedly use them when he’s above three years old when he’s a more aggressive rider.
The aluminum frame is lightweight, durable, and highly responsive, making it easy for your little one to maneuver and transport it around.
2. Strider 12 Sport Balance Bike
In the past few years, Strider has dominated the balance bike market such that the name Strider and balance bike have been used interchangeably.
It’s recommended for toddlers as young as 18 months and will grow with your child until he’s five years old. It’s lightweight (weighing only 3kgs) making it easier even for the tiniest toddler to move to different places without struggles.
Comes with a Baby Bundle designed to teach your little one balance and also improve dexterity, spatial awareness, and cognitive ability.
On the downside, the Strider 12 Sport doesn’t have air tyres and lacks brakes. But this shouldn’t be a problem because your baby is in the initial stages of learning to ride and probably won’t need the brakes.
3. Yedoo Too Too Bike for 2 year Old
Yedoo Too Too is one of the elegant balance bikes for kids. It’s available in different beautiful colors and pleasing design.
In terms of safety and design, this Yedoo bike guarantees performance and safety. It’s fitted with pneumatic tires, reflective dots on the tires and a rear v-brake. To make sure that your little one has all the fun while riding, the bike handlebar is colored to imitate a rescue car.
The new model of the Yedoo Too Too has improved design. Notable changes include a re-designed ergonomic saddle which can be adjusted according to the height of your child. It’s lightweight weighing only 8.6 pounds, which is quite lighter than other balance bikes models out there.
4. Haro Bikes Prewheelz 10
Like I earlier stated at the beginning of this review, my two boys used this bike. Though it’s actually not the best balance bike, it comes in handy, especially when you’re on a budget.
Haro is one of the well known bike brands in the balance bike world. Even though this bike lacks the bells and whistles you’ll find in some high-end balance bikes; it has to be a reliable bike for more three years now.
I love the fact that it is small in size, making it the perfect size for 18 months old kids. It’s made of steel frame and some premium components which can withstand long term usage. However, I discovered that its foam tires have poor traction. Additionally, there are some exposed bolts which raises safety concerns amongst parents.
5. Early Rider Balance Bike
If you want your tot to stand out from the crowd when out there on his balance bike, then Easy Rider is the perfect bike for you.
Its frame is made of wood. However, you should note that wooden bikes for toddlers require extra care than metallic balance bikes. This bike uses rust and birch resistance metal spacers and metallic components for attaching the bike wheels to the frame.
The bike uses pneumatic air tires that guarantee traction to the ground and hence improving the bike stability when your little one is learning to ride.
6. Banana Bike GT with Alloy Wheels
The Banana Bike is designed for toddlers and kids up to the age of 5. Therefore if you get this for your two-year-old, you’re guaranteed it’ll grow with him until when he learns to pedal.
The balance bike is lightweight (weighs only 8.16 pounds) making it easier to maneuver. Its recommended weight limit is 25kg. It’s available in different colors making this bike stand out from the crow. It’s one of the best balance bikes for 2 year old.
The banana shape frame is great for toddlers. The saddle can be adjusted according to the height of your child. It goes as low as 12.2 inches and can be raised as high as 17.3 inches.
7. FirstBIKE Cross Balance Bike
Like all other six bikes on my list, the FirstBike Cross is lightweight and yet strong and durable. It’s one of the oldest balance bikes that has been around for over five years now.
It’s made of quality shock absorbing frame to help protect your little one delicate spine. The horse saddle shape seat is designed to prevent your little ride from slipping off when cruising in this bike.
It’s equipped with pneumatic tires which are great for off-roading and in other conditions such as dirty surface, grass or gravel. Designed in Germany, this award-winning balance bike will help in the development of your child’s motor skills and sense of self-balance.
Final thoughts on the best balance bike for 2 year old
Above bikes are great for kids as young as 18months and some for children as old as 5 years. Even though I had the Haro Bike for my children, the best bike I would recommend for anyone quality and affordable is Woom 1. It has all the features any parent would want in a bike for their kids. Also read my guide on perfect baby shower timing, car set for reflux, and number of baby wipes you need in a year.
