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The Ultimate Balance Bike Buyer's Guide

Kids under five need balance bikes to learn balance and coordination. They can not ride a pedal bike easily unless they learn the basics. That also raises safety concerns because one can’t ride a bike properly without balance. So, guardians have to choose a balance bike to give a safe start to kids who are about to start bicycling. Here are some tips you need to read before selecting the right type.

Seat Height Selection

Measure the child's inseam length before you go for the selection process. That will decide the height of the bike’s seat. Then, you can easily decide how large the balance bike should be for your child. There is a basic rule for easy selection, and that is the 2-inch difference. The seat’s hei ght should be 1.5 or 2 inches shorter than a child's inseam.

To illustrate, if the inseam is 16 inches, the seat’s height should be 14 inches. In that way, the child can ride the bike and maintain balance perfectly. Here is how you can measure your child’s inseam. 

1. Make your kid stand straight against the wall. 

2. Vertically place a book between their feet.

3. Now, slide the book from the feet to the crouch, and then measure the outer end of the book at the crouch. 

4. Then, you can accurately measure the inseam from the flat feet to the crouch.

Wheel Size Selection

Now, you must select the correct wheel size for the balance bike. Since the market has different sizes, you must select the right one. Your child’s height and age will help you decide the best. Their wheels are available in 12 inches, 14 inches, and 16 inches mostly. The size could go beyond that range. 

●  12 inches for those below 3 years old

●  14 inches for 3 and 4 years old

●  16 inches for 4 and 5 years old

Remember, choosing the wrong wheel size can cause problems when riding. Either the wheel size will be smaller or larger than the correct one, and the kid will not be able to ride a balance bike easily.

Must be Light in Weight

The weight of the balance bike depends on the material that you will discuss in the upcoming section. Before that, keep in mind that the weight must be light. It will help your kid to ride a balance bike with more maneuverability. Also, it will be easy to pick and place for a kid based on their weight. 

Turning Limit

There must be a turning limit of balance bike handles. This is a key element that contributes to the safety of children. If the turning limit is too high, it will lead to sharp turns. Those sharp turns can make the bike slip on the ground. As a result, that kid will suffer injuries. So, 135 degrees is the optimum turning limit you should decide. That will save the kid from sharp turns when riding a balance bike.

Inflated Rubber Tires or Foam Tires

Then, you choose between rubber tires and foam tires. These two types are common in balance bikes with pros and cons. However, some factors can help you make better decisions. Since a child does not know well, you are supposed to decide on the basics of these four factors.

●  How much cushioning is optimum?

●  Do you need traction?

●  What terrain type will the bike ride on?

●  Can you handle puncture risks?

If you choose inflated rubber tires, they will provide better cushioning, traction, and a multi-terrain ride. However, this type has a risk of puncture. Conversely, the foam tire is puncture-free but offers less cushioning, traction, and terrain performance.   

Aluminum, Steel, or Wood Body? 

These three materials are available on the market when selecting a balance bike's body. Aluminum is lightweight, corrosion-free, shiny, and durable. If you go for a steel body, there will be heavier weight, more durability, corrosion resistance, and a smooth surface. These two metallic bodies give similar results except for the weight difference. 

Most people prefer the aluminum body so kids can move their bikes easily. Here is another option: a wood body. This one is lightweight, less durable, and prone to cracks. However, wood can bear a kid’s weight and is cheaper. Another thing you should remember is that it is prone to water damage. So, protect it from water if you choose it.   

Brakes or without Brakes?

Then you need to decide whether you need brakes in them or not. Since balance bikes are for slow-speed riding, they usually have no brakes. Kids can stop them with their feet whenever they want. Brakes are not mandatory unless a kid is good at speeding or riding in hilly terrain. If a kid can’t manage to slow down a balance bike, you may need brakes on it. That will help reduce the speed if the bike is speeding automatically down the road.  

Fixed or Adjustable Height of Seat and Handle?

If you think the kid may grow faster, you need an adjustable seat and handle height. Then, you can adjust the height of the balance bike to make riding easy. That will add just a few inches in height, which will be essential for a kid. However, you can use a fixed seat and handle height if your kid grows at normal speed. 

Lastly, the Price

You can find many online retailers if you purchase a single unit of balance bike. There will be discounts and many features available. However, some options are also available if you purchase in large volume as a retailer. Many B2B websites are available where you can buy large quantities of balance bikes with customized options. You will find wholesale prices that are suitable for your company’s budget. 

Conclusion

So, you must select each feature, from the size of seats and handles to the type of tires. That includes the material type and weight of the frame. After carefully considering all the elements, you must also consider the delivery options. Whether retail or wholesale, procurement, delivery, and post-sales service are mandatory, so don’t forget to do a complete analysis of them. 

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