How to Ride a Balance Bike Guide
How to teach a child to ride a balance bike
Teaching your child to ride a bike is a memorable and rewarding experience. Balance bike provide an excellent introduction to cycling, helping young riders develop the coordination and confidence they need, without the complexity of pedals.
In this guide, we’ll offer practical advice for parents on how to support their child’s first steps towards independent riding. From choosing the right bike to encouraging proper technique, we’re here to help make the journey safe, smooth, and enjoyable for both you and your child.
Sort the saddle
The first thing to do is to set the saddle height on the bike. The saddle should be lower than on a normal kids bike, so that your child can put both their feet flat on the ground even when they're sat on the seat. If it's too high, they won't be able to push themselves along and will probably end up overbalancing or even falling over.
Show them the brakes
If your child's balance bike has a brake, it's a good idea to start off by showing them how to use. Walk your child along with the bike, getting them to squeeze the brake, so that they understand how to slow down and stop if they want to. If they understand what the brake does, then it may give them more confidence if things get a little too fast.
Be patient
At first, your child may lack confidence on their balance bike and may choose to walk it along or take small steps. This is completely normal. They may not lift their feet or begin gliding right away but that’s okay. Offer gentle encouragement as they get used to the feel of the bike and learn how to steer.
Avoid touching the handlebars or steering for them, as it’s important they develop those skills independently. If they need physical support or reassurance, hold them gently under the arms or keep your hands nearby to boost their confidence without taking over.
It's also common for younger children to find balance biking challenging at first, and it can be tempting to step in. Try to resist the urge to correct too much and overload them with instructions as pressure can make the experience frustrating. Instead, keep things light, fun, and relaxed. With regular practice, your child will start to gain confidence, gradually progressing to scooting and steering the bike on their own.
Give encouragement
Over time, your child will progress to running along. Eventually they'll start taking long strides where both feet are off the ground. Encourage them as they do this and give them support if they need it as they lift their feet for longer. At this point, you might start finding it more difficult to get them off their bike and in for dinner!
Move up to a kids’ bike when they're ready
Once your child is happy gliding along with their feet off the floor, it's time for them to move on to a bike with pedals. Many parents look to add stabilisers to their child’s first bike, but it doesn't promote balance as much.
Always remember that learning to ride a bike is different for every child. Some may take a bit longer than others to lose the wobbles and gain more confidence. It's important to be patient and supportive, and make sure your child feels confident before moving on to the next stage. After all, it's not a race, yet!
Learning to ride a balance bike is a really simple and natural process that kids will love, and a great skill that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. Pop into your local Halfords store or visit us online to find the right balance bike for your little one! Or if you're not sure which bike to choose, then check out our handy Balance Bikes Buying Guide.
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