How To Teach Kids To Ride A Bike in 10 Steps

An Easy Guide to Helping your Child Ride a Bike

Picture this: You're excited about your new bike and eager to hit the roads, but that nagging voice in your head keeps whispering "what if something goes wrong?" You're not alone. Every year, thousands of new cyclists face the same anxiety about staying safe while enjoying their newfound passion.

Bike Safety doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you’re commuting to work or exploring weekend trails, understanding the essentials of bike safety can be the difference between a fantastic riding experience and a potentially dangerous situation. The good news? Becoming a confident, safety-conscious cyclist is easier than you might think.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything from must-have safety gear to advanced riding techniques. Let’s explore the six fundamental aspects of bike safety that will transform you from a nervous newcomer into a confident cyclist. 🛡️

How to teach a kid to ride a bike in 10 steps

Step 1: Gauge if the child is ready

Step 2. Get The Right Sized Bike

Step 3: Choose a suitable area

Step 4: Get the bike set up

Step 5: Support the child in their first efforts

Step 6: Gradually let go (but stay ready to catch them)

Step 7: Let them set off on their own

Step 8: Teach them to brake

Step 9: Try, try again - Practice makes Perfect

Step 10. Enjoy Riding Success

So which is the right choice for you & your kid?

The journey to cycling proficiency is far more effective and rewarding when children learn without training wheels. Balance bikes offer a natural progression, allowing little ones to develop crucial motor skills, spatial awareness and confidence at their own pace. The physical and psychological benefits of learning to ride without training wheels create a solid foundation for a lifetime of cycling enjoyment.

Making the switch to balance bikes isn’t just about learning to ride – it’s about empowering children with independence, resilience and proper cycling techniques from the start. Whether you’re teaching a toddler or helping an older child transition, ditching the training wheels in favour of balance bikes is the smarter, more efficient path to cycling success. Give your child the gift of true cycling competence by embracing this proven approach to bike learning.

We have compiled a list of the Top 10 Best Balance Bikes for Kids of all Ages that you can reference in your journey to find the best kids balance bike for your child.

Browse Our Rookie Range of Kids Balance Bikes!

Super lightweight, safe, and easy learn-to-ride balance bikes for kids aged 2 to 9+ years old.

AGES 1 TO 4 YEARS

Rookie 12 Balance Bike

The Best 12 inch Balance Bike you can buy for a toddler 1-4 years to learn balance and control first without the complication of pedals and brakes. 

Kids Bikes & Balance Bikes. The Perfect First Bicycle for Kids and Toddlers of all Ages and Abilities

AGES 3 TO 6 YEARS

Rookie 14 Balance Bike

The Best 14 inch Balance Bike for a boy or girl that is 3 to 6 years of age. This is the perfect starter bike for kids learning to ride for the first time!

Kids Bikes & Balance Bikes. The Perfect First Bicycle for Kids and Toddlers of all Ages and Abilities

AGES 5 TO 8 YEARS

Rookie 18 Balance Bike

The Best Convertible 18 inch Balance Bike for a taller child 5 to 8 years of age. This 2 in 1 balance bike teaches older kids balance first and then adds pedals later!

Kids Bikes & Balance Bikes. The Perfect First Bicycle for Kids and Toddlers of all Ages and Abilities

AGES 9+ TO TEENS

Rookie 24 Balance Bike

Largest 24 inch Balance Bike that has add on pedals for older kids 9+ who have struggled to ride a traditional pedal bike or have a disability which makes riding complicated and frustrating.

Kids Bikes & Balance Bikes. The Perfect First Bicycle for Kids and Toddlers of all Ages and Abilities
I’m so happy with the service from Kidvelo Bikes – my order was delivered within 48 hours and the thought and care they put into their products really stands out. We ordered a Balance Bike and matching Nutcase Helmet for our son which he lives to ride everyday. Best thing we have ever bought him hands down. Plus, their support is just awesome!
Kids Bikes & Balance Bikes. The Perfect First Bicycle for Kids and Toddlers of all Ages and Abilities
Sean Walsh
Sydney, Australia
No training wheels required! We transitioned from a 14 inch Balance Bike to a Kidvelo Rookie 18 Balance Bike when she was 6yrs old. On her 7th birthday we wrapped up the pedals as a gift and put them on the same day. She hopped on the bike and pedalled away . . .first try. No help from me. I feel like we missed out on the thrill of the struggle. Putting the easy ride pedals on with 2 bolts was so easy. Thanks for the wonderful product and service.
Kids Bikes & Balance Bikes. The Perfect First Bicycle for Kids and Toddlers of all Ages and Abilities
Astrid Sorensen
Newcastle, Australia

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