Bikes for Kids between 4 and 5 years old
girl around 4 1/2 - 5 yrs on FirstBIKE Street
Bikes for Kids between 4 and 5 years old: Here is where things can get alittle dicey. This is still a great age for a balance bike and can get kids who are stuck on training wheels or afraid of biking out there on a pedal bike several years sooner in some cases.
But there aren't necessarily as many options to choose from - so measuring your child's inseam and finding the right size bike will make this adventure a successful one!
This category will show you balance bikes with higher seat ranges and larger room in the body of the bike for growing preschoolers!
Things to think about:
1. Measure your child's inseam to determine if they need a 12" or 16" balance bike (and now there is a new 14" XL by Ridgeback!). Measuring their height may also be helpful. Do both with shoes on from floor to crotch.
2. Don't shy away from a balance bike because your child "could" pedal bike or fit on a pedal bike at the store. If they are stuck on training wheels or hesitant with biking - the fastest way to getting on a pedal bike is by starting on a balance bike. 6 months on a balance bike can take away 2 extra years on training wheels! It is worth the investment!
3. Kids in this range are usually still under 45" tall. If you child is over 45" tall with shoes on, you should look at the next category, Best balance bikes for older kids ages 5 - 10. Kids over 44" tall are usually too tall for a 12" balance bike. We have found the "in-betweeners" fit great on the Tykes Bykes 16" balance bike which is a smaller 16" bike with a low starting seat height or the XL Scoot by Ridgeback.
Here is a list to start you off:
1. New! XL Scoot by Ridgeback: Just out Spring 2014, this is the only 14" Balance bike on the market. With a seat range of 16 - 22" and and XL post available, this is the cadillac of all balance bike, made like a regular bike by the well known bike company in the UK. Top quality parts all around.
2. Tykes Bykes 16" balance bike. This has been a great option for kids between 4 - 5 yrs old - especially those alittle too big for the 12" bikes but not ready for the larger 16" balance bikes. The frame is alittle more consitant with a 14" frame and has the lowest starting seat height of all the 16" balance bikes - starting at 16". Children with a 17" inseam can comfortably start on this bike. Air tires and a handbrake make this bike very appealing!
3. Mini Glider: Seat range 12" - 17.5 with XL seat up to 19" available. The Mini Glider has a great seat range and is one of the more roomy bikes in the 12" range (xl seat available bringing seat up to 19"). The higher up and wider handlebar width is also more comfortable for older preschoolers. This bike has been great for kids 3 and 4 years old and even taller 2 year olds (great hand me down).
4. Scoot Regular by Ridgeback: This high end bike by the well known bike company in the UK is great for the older preschoolers with a seat range of 14" - 20". Comes with high quality air tires and steel spokes and a handbrake and appealing style and colors. Generous adjustability of handlebars and seat and would make a great hand me down for younger siblings.
5. FirstBIKES: (for very small 4 yr olds who are short but have longer legs) This bike is of high quality with a generous seat range up to 18". Handlebars are fixed in a lower position, however, we haven't found this to be an issue with the 4 year olds who are still under 44" tall. Comes in some exciting color schemes and all the parts are top of the line. Air tires and handbrake on all models. Lowering kit available for younger siblings to start as young as 2 1/2.
6. Tykes Bykes 12" balance bike: (for smaller early 4 yr olds) Seat range 13" - 17.5" . Smaller than their 16" - and for kids closer to the turning 4 or who are alittle on the smaller side who cannot get on the 16" Tykes Byke yet . Higher handlebars with air tires and handbrake make this a fun and fast ride.
7. Kazam: (for smaller early 4 yr olds) As seen on Shark Tank, this 12" balance bike has a generous frame size, with an easy step through. Seat range of 14 - 17.5". Seat angle not as comfortable for taller kids.
8. Early Rider Evolution: This is one of the largest wooden balance bikes on the market with 14" wheels and frame and wooden foot pegs for gliding. A real piece of art and very high end parts - this bike is really a classic. XL seat available for purchase and suggested for use to 5+ yrs.