When the time comes to get your little one on their first bicycle, its important to make sure it is a great fit. Properly sized bikes are easier to maneuver and have age-appropriate parts that small hands can control – making for a safe and enjoyable ride.
Your goal is to ensure that your little girl or boy has a great big smile at the end of their first ride, and they’ll always look forward to the next!
Bike size
Adult bikes are sized by toptube lengths, but children’s bikes are referred to by their wheel sizes. Consider both your child’s age, height, and inseam length when sizing the perfect bike.
Not a toy to grow into
It may be tempting to buy a bike that your child can slowly grow into (or pass one down from an older friend or sibling) but riding an oversized bike might mean your child could hurt themselves if they aren’t able to control it.
10” Wheels
If they’re eager to start young, kids aged 2-4 can learn to roll and balance on 10” run bikes. These bikes have low standover heights, no crank or pedals, and no brakes – kids simply scoot along with their feet firmly planted on the ground to gain the sensation of speed and balance. (Height: 20-30”; Inseam: 12-14”)
12” Wheels
From 3-4 years old, 12” run bikes (also called balance bikes) are also a great option for gaining confidence, or traditional two-wheeled coaster bikes equipped with training wheels. (Height: 26-34”; Inseam:14-17”)
16” Wheels
When they’re ready to roll with confidence, 16” coaster bikes, BMX-style, or cruisers are perfect for 4-6 year olds. Ditching the training wheels, 16” wheeled bikes generally come equipped with hand brakes, and some with suspension forks for off road adventures! (Height: 34-42”; Inseam: 18-22”)
20” Wheels
From 6-8 years, kids have gotten accustomed to bike control and using a hand brake, so 20” bikes can offer gearing and disc brakes. Family rides just got longer! (Height: 42-48”; Inseam: 22-25”)
24” Wheels
For young riders (8-12 years) looking to push themselves to the next level, 24” bikes offer the gearing, brakes, and suspension of adult bikes – just in a smaller size. Dual suspension mountain bikes, fat bikes, city cruisers and hybrids, or even drop bar road bikes are now an option! (Height: 48-56”; Inseam: 24-28”)
For more resources and information on teaching your children how to ride (and how to have a great time together as a family!) check out the Take A Kid Mountain Biking Guide, published by the International Mountain Bicycling Association of Canada.