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For children, selecting a bike is not an easy thing to do. There are many things that one has to consider when doing that. Balance, safety, and stability are some of the main factors in this process. Since kids are unaware of riding a bicycle, they struggle to adapt to this skill. A guardian has to choose the right type of bicycle and teach how to ride it. These are some of the factors everyone has to keep in mind. Since it is an initial stage, people must think about the pros and cons of a balanced bike versus training wheels. Once they know about the complete method of selection, things become clearer. Here is a simple and concise guide that can help them decide better.
The first thing you need to do is consider the age factor. There are different types of bicycles for different ages. The best option for kids from 3 to 5 is balance bikes. They neither have any pedals nor a drivetrain. They only need assistance from their legs to make balance on the ground. This is why kids under 5 years of age ride balance bikes better. A balance bike is also the best bike for toddlers and preschoolers.
However, a bicycle with training wheels would be better for a school-aged child (above 5 years). At that age, a child has already learned some balance and needs to step up. This is why a grown child whose age is between 5 and 12 should go for training wheels.
Likewise, another factor can help you in the bicycle selection process. That is the height of a child. Some kids have taller heights because of their genetics. This is why they move faster from one age category to another. If your child is growing faster, you should try training wheels. They will be a safe option because you can let your child learn the balance and then move on to two-wheelers. For instance, if your child has learned to balance a bicycle on training wheels, you can remove those wheels later. In this way, your child can ride the same bike for school without the support of training wheels.
Some kids are introverts, and some are extroverts. Likewise, extroverted kids are likely to be adventure seekers. This factor also affects the selection process for balance bikes vs. training wheels. This means if a child has a fast-learning mind, they might go for training wheels. On the other hand, some kids have low confidence, and they prefer to go for balance bikes.
If you select it for a girl, ensure it has side wheels. Girls need more support from training wheels. However, boys switch from training wheels to basic two-wheel bikes faster.
Then comes the learning part: a guardian must know the initial part of encouraging their child. Some children are scared of riding bicycles. It is a fear of accidents, which is normal in most kids. A guardian has to ensure physical and mental support to help their child learn bicycling. Here are a few tips if you want to learn how to help a child learn to ride a bike.
1. First of all, make the proper selection of bikes.
2. Select a place where there is no risk of accidents or traffic.
3. Then, encourage your child to start with short steps.
4. Make the child ride a bicycle on a flat track to avoid balance problems.
5. Give them a little push and hold their bikes from the back in the initial moments.
6. The best way to teach a child to ride a bike is to empower them.
7. Avoid overprotecting them because they will learn if they make mistakes.
8. Even if they fall, let them get on the bike again to keep trying.
Don’t ignore your child or let them get out of your sight. Since they are unaware of their surroundings, allowing them to cross the road on a bike can be dangerous.
There are pros and cons to everything. You will also find advantages and disadvantages when you look at balance bikes.
● They offer more benefits because of their design and safety levels. This is why they have the simplest structure.
● They are without drivetrains and paddles, so children must use their legs to push the bike.
● Some balance bikes have brake systems, which help a child to stop the bike easily.
● Since there is no drivetrain and paddle, there is no risk of speeding in them.
● They are the best choice for children who need to learn bike balance.
● Due to their simplicity, they are also available in wooden frames.
● They are suitable for kids from ages 3 to 5 only. If a child is older and taller, they will need a different type of bicycle.
Then you have the pros and cons of this type, too. Bicycles with training wheels are also good and bad for some children, depending on their circumstances.
● They offer more stability because both training wheels keep the bike standing.
● Kids who want to learn pedaling get support from the side or training wheels.
● You can remove those training wheels once your kid learns to ride on two wheels.
● They are not suitable for uneven tracks. The training wheels need a flat surface to maintain balance with the main wheels.
The main factors in the selection process are a child's age, height, and mindset. Considering them will help you choose the right type of bicycle. Also, look for additional features like wing mirrors, horns, and reflectors to add safety factors. Choosing the right colors and designs is also important. Also, inspect the seat’s thickness and softness. A comfortable seat has a significant impact on the mind.