Teaching kids to ride a bike might be one of the greatest experiences for every parent. You can see them develop new skills, making their own decisions, and improve the determination.<\/p>\n
However, riding can also be challenging for beginners. While you can\u2019t make it easier for them, there are many things you can try to guide your children through the process and have fun.<\/p>\n
Choosing the right bike is one of these crucial decisions. As there are so many options available out there, it can be hard to know which model is suitable for them. In this guide, we\u2019ll show some differences between balance bike vs training wheels to help you make a better decision.<\/p>\n
A balance bike is basically a bike without pedals. Your kids have to use their feet to push off the ground for moving forward. They often start with sitting on the saddle while walking, then gliding and running with their feet.<\/p>\n
Once the children would cruise along with the feet up, they will learn how to keep balance on the bike, thus being ready to pedal.<\/p>\n
With this type of bike, your kids will learn how to balance and move first. This will help them coast comfortably and progress to pedalling later on their own, which is much easier than keeping balance.<\/p>\n
Training wheels are additional wheels which are mounted parallel to the rear wheels of a classic bicycle, which comes with a chain, pedals, cranks, rear and front brakes. These parts will assist your kids and prevent the bike from leaning until they know how to keep balance on their own.<\/p>\n
While balance bikes are often constructed from plastic, wood, or aluminium, training wheels are typically made of heavy steel. Therefore, small children might find it easier to use a balance bike thanks to its lightweight and compact design.<\/p>\n
Also, it can be easier for parents to carry the unit back home once their little ones have done with biking. Though heavy materials make them harder to maneuver or pedal, models with training wheels can be more durable and last longer.<\/p>\n
Though a balance bike doesn\u2019t have pedals, it provides a great opportunity for your kids to develop an essential skill for pedalling: balance keeping. In fact, this is one of the hardest challenges for beginners. Once they have mastered it, pedalling is just a piece of cake as you can see from this short clip:<\/p>\n