Bikes for Kids

There is a bike to suit everyone – from toddlers to adults. It’s a great way for families to have fun and exercise together.

Make sure you get the right bike for your children so that they enjoy cycling from the get go.

If you’re buying for a young child, ensure that the bike you choose is simple and easy to use as they will be easily put off if it appears complicated.

Choosing a bike for an older child they will want gears to help them ride faster and will want their bike to reflect what they most like doing.

We earn a commission for products purchase through some links in this article.

If they cycle mainly off road then you may perhaps consider a mountain bike which will be equally at home both on and off road and on paved trails.

If tricks are their passion then their bike of choice may well be a BMX which is designed for tricks, jumping, off-road riding and racing.

How to choose the Correct Size

Kids bikes, unlike adult bikes are determined by the size of the wheel and Evans cycles kindly gave us the information on choosing the correct sizes below

 Suggested age range for sizing:

•           12 inch wheel diameter: 2 – 4 years

•           14 inch wheel diameter: 3 – 5 years

•           16 inch wheel diameter: 5 – 7 years

•           18 inch wheel diameter: 6 – 8 years

•           20 inch wheel diameter: 7 – 9 years

•           24 inch wheel diameter: 9 – 11 years

•           26 inch wheel diameter: 11+ years

Safety First

Cycling is a fun and healthy way for your child to get around and by being aware of the dangers you can help keep them safe.

Clothing

Try to ensure that they wear fluorescent or light coloured clothing so that they can easily be seen and reflective clothing for after dark

Protective helmets

Make sure that your child/children always wear a correctly fitting helmet.  These are available in a range of colours and are cool and light to wear.The helmet should:-

• sit squarely on their head, just above the eyebrows and not tilted back or forward

•  fit snugly

•  not stop them seeing clearly

• not cover their ears

• have it’s straps securely fastened – not twisted, and with only sufficient room for 2 fingers between their chin and the strap.

Teach them the Rules of the Road

Encourage your child to always follow the rules of the road – these rules are designed for their safety.

• look behind before they turn, overtake or stop

• use arm signals before they turn

• obey traffic lights and road signs

• do not ride on the pavement unless there is a sign saying they can

• not cycle next to another person on a narrow road

• watch out for car doors opening suddenly when passing parked cars

Cycling is a great source of fun for all the family and once they’ve mastered the basic skills your child/children will love spending time on their bikes.