Bikes with training wheels are perfect for toddlers who are getting their first bike. The training wheels allow kids to get the feel of pedalling, steering and control before they transition to a proper bike.
Note that training wheels don’t really teach toddlers how to balance on a bicycle. So once your child gets comfortable pedalling and controlling the bike, you may want to take them off completely or get them a balance bike.
But for now, it’s perfectly okay to leave them on and let your child enjoy pedalling around the yard and at the park.
What to Consider When Buying a Toddler Bike with Training Wheels
1. Wheel Size
Kids’ bikes are sized according to the wheel size. The smallest size is 10 inches for toddlers to 24 inches for preteens.
A 10” or 12” bike is perfect for your toddler (2-4 years). If they are tall for their age, you can go up to a 14” wheel size.
An easy way to buy the right size is to measure their inseam. If it is between 14 and 20 inches, get a 12” bike. If it is between 19 and 23 inches, get a 16” bike.
To know that you’ve bought the right size, have your child sit on the saddle. They should reach the ground even if it’s just with the balls of their feet. They should also be able to stand astride the top tube.
As they grow taller, you can gradually raise the seat height. Most bikes also have adjustable handlebars that you can raise along with the seat.
2. Adjustable and Removable Training Wheels
You’ll probably have to assemble the bike when it arrives. This includes securing the training wheels to the same axle that holds the rear wheel.
Check the user guide for instructions on how to install the training wheels.
For most toddler bikes, you can adjust the training wheels up or down. In the beginning, install the training wheels just a little distance above the ground.
When the bike is completely upright, the training wheels should not touch the ground. That little tipping to the side as they ride will help a bit with balancing.
As they get more comfortable on the bike, consider raising the training wheels even further such that it tips more and helps them develop balance.
Teach them to use their feet to prevent the bike from completely falling over.
By the time you are taking the training wheels off, they will at least have some balance.
3. Durable
The bike is going to get banged up a lot so durability is important.
Even if they are only going to ride it for a couple of years before they need to get a bigger bike, it’s still important to buy a good quality toddler bike.
They will be more comfortable riding it and it is important for their safety as well.
And you never know, you may need it for a younger or future sibling.
Best Toddler Bikes With Training Wheels Reviews
1. Royalbaby Freestyle Kids Bike With Stabilisers
You can’t go wrong with Royalbaby. Their bikes are really good quality and guaranteed to withstand a lot of abuse.
This one comes in four sizes: 12”, 14”, 16” and 18”. Royalbaby recommends the 12 incher for 2.5-4.5 years and the 14” size for 3.5-5.5 years.
To get the perfect fit, you can adjust both the handlebar and the seat.
You also get a wide range of colours to choose from including white, orange, red and green.
The bike consists of a steel frame, strong pneumatic tyres that won’t puncture easily and hardy stabilisers/training wheels that can be used on just about any terrain.
The stabilisers are easy to install and you can adjust them upwards as your child gets better at riding.
The bike features a front calliper brake and a rear band brake. Both work great and are super easy to maintain.
What we like about it:
- Good quality construction – comfortable, sturdy and durable.
- Adjustable training wheels, seat and handlebars.
- Includes bonus water bottle with a holder at the rear.
- Easy and quick to assembly.
2. Dino SPIDERMAN Original 16 inch Kids Bike
If you think your kid would prefer a bike that’s a little sportier and cooler, I recommend this Dino Spiderman-styled 16” bike.
The bike is a bit big so I recommend it for kids 4 years and older or 3 year olds who are tall for their age.
It comes with a sporty MTB style and a cool Spiderman theme on the bars, wheels and chain guard. That means lots of reds and blues and of course a spider web pattern here and there.
It’s a great gift for kids who are crazy about the Superhero.
The bike weighs a light 9.3kg. A 4 year old should have no problem controlling it.
The height-adjustable training wheels are a great addition for kids who are just starting to ride a bike. The seat and handlebars can also be adjusted for a more comfortable fit.
Other features include calliper brakes on both the front and rear wheels, child-friendly brake levers, durable pneumatic tyres, steel rims and spokes and a chain guard for added safety.
What we like about it:
- Sturdy and durable construction.
- Includes a water bottle, chain guard and mudguard.
- Easy to put together.
3. Royalbaby Princess Pink Girl’s Kids Bike
If your daughter loves pink, this is the perfect birthday or Christmas gift. It is a beautiful girls’ bike with a pink front basket, pink rims, pink handlebars and a pink saddle.
The bike comes with a lowered top tube to make it easier for kids to get on and off the bike.
There are four sizes available: 12” for 2.5-4.5 years, 14” for 3.5-6 years and 16” and 18” sizes for older kids.
If the bike feels a bit too tall or too short for your child, you can easily adjust the seat and handlebars until it fits perfectly.
Like the other Royalbaby bike we reviewed, this one also comes with two different brakes: a calliper brake for the front wheel and a band brake for the rear.
Both are easy to maintain and adjust.
The bike also includes a chain guard and heavy-duty height-adjustable stabilisers.
What we like about it:
- Excellent quality – sturdy construction and thick coating that doesn’t chip.
- Includes front basket.
- High quality training wheels.
- Easy to assemble.
4. Dino Bikes 414U-AV 14-Inch Avengers Bicycle
If your kid is not only a fan of Spiderman but also loves the other Avengers characters – Hulk, Iron Man, Captain America and others – they will love this bike.
This Dino bike features all the Avengers superheroes on the frame and chain guard. The rest of it is styled in blues and reds to complete the effect.
On to the practical aspects, there are two size options: 14” and 16”. The 14” one is ideal for most toddlers. You can adjust the saddle and handlebars to get a perfect fit.
Other features are pretty standard – pneumatic tyres, front & rear brakes, removable training wheels and mudguards.
It also includes a bonus water bottle and holder.
Assembly is a bit more tedious compared to the other bikes on this list. The instructions could be a bit clearer.
Depending on how handy you are around tools, it takes 30 minutes to an hour to put the bike together. You also have to attach the Avengers decals yourself.
Tip: If the bike is meant as a birthday surprise, open it several days before and inspect it. This gives you time to make a return if necessary. Several customers opened it on the special day only to find some parts were missing or there was some damage.
What we like about it:
- Cool decals.
- Includes bonus water bottle.
- Good quality.
5. PROMETHEUS Kids Bike 14 inches
This one is great for kids who love BMX bikes. It comes with a cool sporty design and green styling.
The price tag is a bit high compared to Royalbaby and Dino bikes but it’s worth it. The quality is excellent and the lightweight design (8.5kg) is perfect for kids.
It also comes with a few extra features you don’t find on standard kids’ bikes.
One of my favourites is the tilt and height adjustment on the handlebars. With most handlebars, you can only adjust height.
Changing the tilt angle allows you to achieve the perfect fit for your child.
You can also adjust the ultra-comfortable saddle.
Another unique feature is the brakes. The front wheel uses normal calliper with a child-friendly lever attached on the right handlebar.
The rear wheel uses a coaster brake that engages when the pedals are turned in reverse.
Having two separate brakes ensures your child is always safe. If one fails or they are unable to use it, they can use the other one.
Other features include an aluminium bell, safety grips on handlebars, non-slip pedals, large reflectors, removable stabilisers and a chain guard.
What we like about it:
- Excellent quality.
- Comfortable and safe for kids.
- Cool styling.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do training wheels help kids learn how to ride a bike?
A bike with training wheels will help kids learn how to steer and pedal a bike. However, it’ll not teach them how to balance on a bike.
Once your child is comfortable on the bike, take the training wheels off or get them a balance bike, so that they learn how to balance and control the bike.
2. How do I choose the right bike size for my child?
The best way to size a bike for your kid is using the inseam measurement. Measure the length of the inside leg of your child and compare it to the recommended inseam measurement for a particular bike.
You can also go with age, but if your child is short or tall for their age, you may end up with an ill-fitting bike.
3. How do you adjust stabilisers on a kids bike?
Loosen the nut securing the training wheels. Once loose, you can move the training wheels up or down to the desired position then tighten the nuts again.
