The Best First Pedal Bike

One of the most memorable milestones in a child’s life is when they master the art of riding a bike. It’s a skill that stays with them for a lifetime, and you can ensure their success by equipping them with a comfortable and easy-to-ride first pedal bike.

While every child learns at their own pace, typically, most kids are ready to start pedaling on their own between the ages of 4 and 6. Therefore, we concentrated on bikes equipped with 16-inch wheels, as they are ideal for this age group. Whether your child will be tearing up the local pump track or cruising city sidewalks, a fantastic first “big kid” bike will not only keep them safe but also build their confidence and bring lots of joy to the learning process.

Over the course of more than 24 hours, we meticulously evaluated 11 pedal bikes across various terrains, including pavement, grass, and an indoor BMX track, during late 2023 and early 2024. After extensive testing, we are confident that the Guardian Ethos 16 Inch Bike stands out as the best first bike for most kids.

If you’re in search of a slightly larger bike suited for an older child, we’ve also conducted testing on a smaller selection of 20″ bikes and have some recommendations to offer.

Everything we recommend

The Guardian Ethos 16 Inch Bike, weighing just 18 pounds, is engineered with a lightweight steel frame, offering ample size adjustability in both the seatpost and handlebars. Its standout feature is the innovative braking system, which activates both front and rear brakes with a single hand lever press by the rider. This unique design ensures the braking power is evenly distributed, preventing the front brakes from locking up and reducing the risk of flipping over the handlebars. This feature instills confidence in young riders, enabling them to ride with greater speed and adventurous spirit, knowing they can easily stop when necessary. Moreover, the bike’s kid-friendly geometry places the rider in an upright position, slightly leaning forward, promoting comfort while providing ample power for conquering hills.

• Bike weight: 18 pounds

• Standover height: 16.75 inches

• Brake type: single hand brake

Weighing in at 18 pounds, akin to our top pick, the REI Co-op Cycles REV 16 Kids’ Bike boasts geometry that garnered positive feedback from our testers. However, it falls slightly short in terms of compactness and maneuverability compared to our other selections. While the coaster brake offers simplicity and low maintenance, we favor hand brakes for their enhanced control and braking power. Despite recent buyer complaints regarding the training wheels’ ease of removal, they come included with the bike. Moreover, the highly adjustable seatpost and handlebars ensure continued suitability as children grow, mirroring the versatility of our top pick.

• Bike weight: 18 pounds

• Standover height: 17.5 inches

• Brake type: coaster brake

The Woom 3 16-inch pedal bike stands out as a stunning choice, adored by both kids and parents alike. Its aluminum frame boasts optimal geometry for young riders, characterized by a lower standover height than any of our other selections, coupled with standard BMX-style raised handlebars. Weighing in at just 13 pounds, it is notably the lightest among our picks and offers exceptional maneuverability. During testing, our riders effortlessly zipped around on it, swiftly gaining speed while maintaining confidence, thanks to the dual hand brakes. These brakes feature color-coded levers, aiding in teaching riders to brake with both hands while favoring the rear brake.

• Bike weight: 13 pounds

• Standover height: 16.5 inches

• Brake type: two hand brakes

The Joystar Totem Kids Bike emerges as the top choice among the sub-$200 bikes we put to the test. Its coaster brake system ensures simplicity and hassle-free maintenance, while its robust steel frame promises durability to withstand multiple users. Although its geometry provided ample comfort for our younger testers, it also facilitated rapid acceleration and hill climbs for our more experienced 7-year-old tester. However, weighing in at 20.5 pounds—the heaviest among our selections—this model may pose challenges for smaller children to maneuver easily.

• Bike weight: 20.5 pounds

• Standover height: 17.5 inches

• Brake type: coaster brake

Who this is for

When children outgrow their balance bike or tricycle, it’s typically a sign that they’re ready to transition to their first pedal bike. This milestone commonly occurs between the ages of 4 and 6. A single-speed, 16-inch bike—denoting the diameter of the wheel—proves to be an excellent choice for the majority of children within this age range.

Outstanding first bikes are characterized by a lower standover height, offering easier mounting and dismounting, along with generous seatpost and handlebar adjustments. These features ensure that the bike can adapt and grow with your child as they continue to develop and improve their riding skills.

Many experts advise against using training wheels because while they assist children in pedaling, they fail to teach the crucial skill of balancing, which is paramount in learning to ride a bike. Additionally, training wheels can pose safety risks as they do not encourage the essential technique of leaning into turns; instead, they promote the opposite, potentially leading to falls when navigating corners with momentum. Consequently, when training wheels are removed, children essentially revert to square one in their learning process. However, some parents and children prefer the added stability that training wheels provide, and most of our recommended bikes either come with training wheels or are compatible with them. Ultimately, the approach that best suits your family’s preferences and needs may influence your choice of bike.

How we picked and tested

With each bike we considered the following features and attributes:

When considering the geometry and Q factor of a kids’ bike, it’s important to recognize that it shouldn’t merely be a scaled-down version of an adult bike. Young riders feel most at ease on bikes with geometry specifically tailored to their needs, featuring a frame and handlebars that position them in an upright stance. Given that children’s growing organs are protected by their round bellies, they often prefer bikes with raised, BMX-style handlebars. The wheelbase, referring to the distance between the center of the front and rear wheels, should offer ample room for the rider to lean slightly forward, ensuring plenty of space between the handlebars and their knees for enhanced stability. Moreover, the Q factor, which denotes the distance between the outside of the pedal crank arms, should ideally fall within the range of 5.5 to 7 inches, allowing the rider’s legs to remain close together for increased control. Lastly, a 16-inch bike should feature a low standover height—also known as step-in height—which refers to the height of the bike’s main tube or top tube. A low standover height contributes to a lower center of gravity, facilitating better balance and effortless dismounting for young riders.

Gain ratio: Gain ratio is a crucial metric used to determine the distance a bike covers with each turn of the pedals. For a good first pedal bike, the gain ratio should typically fall within the range of low twos to high threes. Given that first pedal bikes are single-speed models, lacking gear shifting capabilities, an appropriate gain ratio ensures that the bike is both easy to start and quick to accelerate to speed.

Adjustability: The finest pedal bikes are designed to evolve alongside a child. The extent of adjustability in a bike’s seatpost and handlebars directly correlates with its ability to accommodate a growing child over an extended period.

Brakes: Our experts concur that hand brakes are the optimal choice for most children. Hand brakes should feature small levers that are easy for even the smallest hands to operate. While coaster brakes, also referred to as back-pedal brakes or foot brakes, offer simplicity and quick learning for our testers, many children rely on the ability to pedal backward to balance while coasting or riding at slow speeds—something not feasible with coaster brakes. Additionally, hand brakes provide superior stopping power compared to coaster brakes.

Weight and frame material: In an ideal scenario, a bike should not surpass 30% to 40% of a child’s weight. Aluminum-framed bikes are renowned for their lightweight construction and are typically among the lightest options available for kids. However, they often come with a higher price tag. On the other hand, steel-framed bikes are generally more budget-friendly but may be substantially heavier than their aluminum counterparts. It’s worth noting, though, that this weight differential is not universally true, as there are exceptions where steel-framed bikes are relatively lightweight.

Tires and wheels: The most adaptable bikes come with tires that have moderately knobby treads, allowing them to be used both on and off-road while reducing the risk of losing traction in wet conditions.

Assembly and maintenance: Assembling a pedal bike should be relatively simple, with clear instructions and ideally including all necessary tools. The best bikes can be ready to ride in about 20 minutes from unboxing. There should be no need to adjust the alignment or brakes.

Visual appeal: Lastly, a kids’ bike should ideally have bright colors or a fun design. Our young testers consistently emphasized that the color is, without a doubt, the most important factor.

We put the bikes through rigorous testing during numerous neighborhood outings, then gathered a diverse group of kids aged 5 to 6. We observed as they navigated ramps, tested the brakes, and vied for the bike with the coolest design. Models with the most child-friendly geometry immediately sparked courage on the ramps, while those with knobby tires instilled confidence. Witnessing some 5-year-olds take off for the first time with the help of training wheels was particularly gratifying. Additionally, we removed pedals from certain bikes to allow children to experience them as balance bikes.

Our pick: Guardian Ethos 16 Inch Bike

Our testers, along with their parents, were thoroughly delighted by the Guardian Ethos 16 Inch Bike, thanks to its comfortable geometry, vibrant designs, and innovative brake system. This system, featuring a single hand lever that activates both rear and front brake pads simultaneously, garnered particular praise. Guardian’s founders showcased their product on Shark Tank in 2016, persuading investors that their revolutionary braking system would distinguish them in the bike manufacturing industry. (Additionally, the company’s balance bike secures our top recommendation in its category.)

With its kid-friendly geometry tailored for most 4- to 6-year-olds, the Guardian Ethos 16 Inch Bike embodies the essence of a perfect first pedal bike. Featuring a low standover height of 16.75 inches and upright, BMX-style handlebars, riders can comfortably navigate their journey. The narrow Q factor, measuring at 5.5 inches (the distance between the pedals), ensures enhanced control, particularly beneficial for those kids who are still growing into their limbs. Adjustability is key, with the seat height offering a range of 7 inches, the most among our selections. With a minimum seat height of 18.5 inches and a maximum of 25.5 inches, this bike caters to a broad spectrum of children. Moreover, it includes an easily adjustable, quick-release clamp for swift customization. The handlebar stem boasts a typical adjustment range of 1.5 inches, allowing for further fine-tuning to accommodate each rider’s preferences.

Guardian offers the convenient RideSizer tool, aiding parents in selecting the perfect-sized bike for their child, considering both height and experience level. For an extra $40, Guardian also provides training wheels, although we suggest opting for the balance-bike approach if your child is up for it. With the 16-inch bike, you have the flexibility to remove the pedals and lower the seat entirely (removing the rear reflector may be necessary) to fashion a makeshift balance bike. Then, when your child feels ready, you can effortlessly reattach the pedals.

Featuring a sturdy yet lightweight steel frame, the Guardian Ethos 16 Inch Bike boasts durability and maneuverability. Unlike its aluminum counterpart in the company’s balance bike range, Guardian opted for steel for this model, prioritizing longevity over weight. Despite weighing in at 18 pounds, this 16-inch bike is more compact and thus easier to handle compared to our runner-up and budget options. With my 6-year-old weighing 50 pounds, this bike accounts for 35% of her body weight, falling within the recommended range for optimal control and safety. Upon unboxing, the bike’s high-quality construction is immediately evident, showcasing smooth welding and no protruding nuts or bolts. Guardian goes the extra mile by including a steering limiter—a simple rubber O-ring that attaches to a bolt on the fork tube—preventing the handlebars from rotating a full 360 degrees, enhancing stability and safety. Additionally, the bike comes equipped with a kickstand for added convenience during storage.

Guardian bikes feature an innovative and highly effective braking system, known as the SureStop Brake System, which is at the core of Guardian’s design philosophy. Controlled by a single lever on the right handlebar, this system simultaneously engages both the front and rear brakes. Initially, the rear brake activates, followed by the front brake through a wire connected to the rear brake pad. This sequential activation ensures evenly distributed braking force and significantly reduces the risk of accidents caused by over-enthusiastic squeezing of the brake lever, which can lead to over-the-handlebar incidents. While traditional dual hand brakes offer the utmost control, Guardian’s simplified approach provides children with a safe and efficient braking system.

Assembly is a breeze with clear instructions provided. A convenient QR code printed on the exterior of the box links to instructional videos guiding you through each step of the process. The front wheel arrives pre-attached to the frame, simplifying the assembly of the handlebars, seatpost, pedals, and O-ring. All necessary tools are included, except for a Phillips-head screwdriver required for attaching the front reflector. The bike is securely packed in its box, with minimal excess Styrofoam. Overall, assembly typically takes less than 20 minutes. In my experience, no adjustments were needed for the brakes, and the wheels were perfectly aligned right out of the box.

The Guardian Ethos impresses with its versatile rubber tires and optimal gain ratio. During testing, the semi-knobby tires performed admirably across various surfaces, including pavement, dirt, and grass. Comparable to the streamlined tires of our upgrade pick, the Woom 3, but less bulky than those of our runner-up and budget options, they provided a balance of agility and traction. Riders experienced enhanced maneuverability, describing the tires as “grippy” and “strong,” even on the half pipe at the local BMX track. While extensive testing on rugged trails hasn’t been conducted, initial results suggest the Guardian Ethos handles varied terrain smoothly. The tires exhibited stability on wet roads as well. With a gain ratio of 3.55, riders found it effortless to ascend mild hills while maintaining power on flat surfaces.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

While the Guardian Ethos offers numerous benefits, it’s worth noting that it isn’t the lightest bike available. For children who are smaller in size, adhering to the recommended bike-to-kid weight ratio of 30% to 40% may pose a challenge with the 18-pound weight of the Guardian Ethos. In such cases, opting for the 13-pound Woom 3 might be a more suitable choice, ensuring a better balance between bike weight and child size.

While the unconventional braking system of the Guardian bike proved to be a standout feature in our evaluation, it may not be conventional for all parents. Some may prefer their children to learn braking with a traditional setup, featuring separate front and rear brake levers—one for each hand. This allows young riders to gradually develop safe brake modulation skills, with an initial focus on the rear brake lever (typically located on the right side in the US, mirroring Guardian’s single lever setup). Transitioning to a bike with dual hand brakes becomes seamless, as the addition of the front brake lever on the left side offers an easy adjustment for the child. However, some parents may prefer their rider to use both brakes simultaneously from the start.

Runner-up: REI Co-op Cycles REV 16 Kids’ Bike

The REI Co-op Cycles REV 16 Kids’ Bike stands out as a durable and straightforward option, designed to withstand years of use and potentially pass down to multiple children. If you prefer purchasing a bike in-store or have an REI member coupon to utilize for additional savings, this model presents an appealing choice. Sporting a geometry akin to our top pick, it features upright, BMX-style handlebars for comfortable riding. However, children accustomed to starting with a balance bike may encounter difficulties transitioning to a coaster brake, as it doesn’t offer the same level of control as the Guardian Ethos’s innovative braking system.

The REI Co-op Cycles REV 16 Kids’ Bike boasts a lightweight aluminum frame with commendable geometry and adjustability. Weighing in at 18 pounds (excluding training wheels), it matches the weight of our top pick, making it one of the lightest options within its price range. The upright, BMX-style frame and handlebars received positive feedback from our testers, who found them comfortable and conducive to easy acceleration, even uphill. With a slightly lower gain ratio of 2.9 compared to the Guardian Ethos and the Woom 3, which boast ratios of 3.5 and 3.8 respectively, the REV 16 may not offer the same level of speed. However, its wider Q factor of 7 inches (contrary to our top pick and upgrade pick, which have a Q factor of 5.5 inches) may result in some instability for young riders. Despite this, the REV 16’s seat-height range of 20.5 to 25 inches, standover height of approximately 17.5 inches, and 1.5 inches of adjustability on the handlebar stem ensure a comfortable fit for a wide range of riders, albeit slightly narrower than our top pick and upgrade pick.

While the traditional coaster brake on the REI Co-op Cycles REV 16 Kids’ Bike may not be the most optimal choice, it does offer simplicity in operation. If your child has already mastered riding with hand-operated brakes, we suggest continuing with that setup for their next bike. However, for children who learned or are still learning with training wheels, a coaster brake should suffice. Despite this, the bike’s fat, semi-knobby tires performed admirably on both dirt and pavement surfaces. Nevertheless, they did slightly impede the efforts of our speed-focused testers when compared to the tires on our top pick and upgrade pick.

Home assembly of the REI REV 16 is a straightforward process, and opting for in-store pickup makes it even more convenient. When ordering for home delivery, the bike arrives almost fully assembled, requiring only the attachment of the pedals to their cranks (and installation of the training wheels, if desired). However, if you choose to pick up the bike from an REI store, it will be fully assembled and ready to ride, including the installation of training wheels, all without incurring the $30 oversize shipping fee.

REI’s renowned commitment to exceptional customer service extends seamlessly to its bike department. With a purchase from REI, customers can expect free tune-ups for a year at any of its locations. Additionally, REI Co-op members enjoy the added benefits of a lifetime warranty and free returns for a full year after purchase, while non-members benefit from a 90-day return window.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

Recent reviews have raised concerns regarding the functionality of the training wheels included with the REV 16. While the installation process is straightforward and tool-free, with the arm of the training wheel attaching to the frame via a simple screw-on knob, there have been reports of issues over time. Some buyers have noted that the mechanism may become stripped of its threading, resulting in the training wheels unexpectedly falling off. Despite the convenience of easy on-and-off installation, it’s important to consider these potential durability issues, particularly for children who are undecided about their preferred learning method.

We find it unfortunate that the seatpost lacks a clamp for convenient adjustment. Unlike our other selections, adjusting both the seat and handlebars on this model requires the use of your own hand tools. This can result in frustration for young riders who are eager to get moving but must wait for adjustments to be made.

This bike does not include a kickstand, unlike our top pick and upgrade pick. Without the aid of training wheels, this model cannot stand upright on its own, a feature that several reviewers have lamented.

Upgrade pick: Woom 3

The Woom 3 boasts an exceptionally lightweight aluminum frame, with the entire bike tipping the scales at a mere 13 pounds. Coupled with top-notch components, versatile geometry suitable for a broad spectrum of children, and meticulous attention to detail from the manufacturer, the Woom 3 stands out as a premium option in the market. While the price tag may be substantial, Woom bikes garner admiration from biking enthusiasts and families alike, renowned for their exceptional quality and durability. Moreover, they hold excellent resale value on platforms such as Facebook Marketplace. Additionally, the company offers a trade-up club, allowing customers to return their old bikes and receive a discount on the next size up, further enhancing the value proposition for loyal customers.

The Woom 3 impresses with its exquisite craftsmanship and ultralight construction. Every aspect of the bike, from its proprietary cranks and brakes to its sleek frame and recessed bolts, exudes high quality. Notably, the recessed bolts are designed to protect tender skin from any protruding metal, showcasing the manufacturer’s attention to detail. Weighing in at a mere 13 pounds, this 16-inch pedal bike stands as the lightest among our selections by nearly 5 pounds. This featherlight design ensures that even the smallest riders can effortlessly maneuver the bike, both on and off-road. Furthermore, the innovative wheels, featuring only 16 spokes compared to the average 28-spoke rims, contribute to weight reduction and enhance acceleration, as lighter wheels spin faster.

The Woom 3 is perfectly tailored for the youngest riders, boasting standard upright, BMX-style handlebars, an exceptionally low standover height of 16.5 inches, and a narrow Q factor of 5.5 inches. With a seat-height range spanning from approximately 19.5 to 25 inches, it offers ample room for inseam growth, second only to our top pick, the Guardian Ethos. Despite its slightly higher gain ratio of 3.88, indicating a bit more effort required to get started, riders in our tests quickly achieved and maintained an exhilarating speed once in motion. For parents seeking even higher top speeds, the Woom 3 Automagic model offers automatic 2-speed shifting. Similar to Guardian bikes, Woom bikes feature a simple steering limiter to prevent overturning and ensure straight riding for young cyclists.

Featuring separate hand brakes for the rear and front wheels, akin to those found on adult bikes, the Woom 3 prioritizes safety and control. Woom’s thoughtful design includes color-coded brake levers—black for the front brake lever and green for the rear brake lever—making it easy for small hands to distinguish between them. Additionally, the levers are adjustable via a small knob, ensuring optimal reach and usability for young riders. Another noteworthy design aspect is the composition of the brake pads: the rear brake pads are crafted from a softer, grippier material, facilitating quick stops, while the front brake pads are made from a harder, less adhesive compound. This design minimizes the risk of front brake lock-ups, thereby preventing potential accidents such as flipping over the handlebars.

The Woom 3 is conveniently delivered mostly assembled, streamlining the setup process for parents. Upon arrival from one of the three Woom assembly facilities in the US, the bike is securely packaged in a box large enough to accommodate it with the wheels already mounted. Additionally, the brakes come preadjusted, minimizing the need for further adjustments. Assembly primarily entails attaching the seatpost and saddle, tightening the quick release, and securing the handlebars using the included Allen wrenches. Furthermore, the pedals can be easily installed using the provided pedal wrench. While the printed instructions in the manual are concise, the Woom website offers helpful assembly videos for additional support. In our tests, the entire assembly process took approximately 20 minutes from start to finish.

Featuring a selection of eight vibrant colors, the Woom 3 offers children the opportunity to ride in style while cruising around. When the adventure winds down and it’s time to head indoors, the bike’s exclusive kickstand ensures effortless storage, allowing for easy placement until the next outdoor excursion.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

Your child may find themselves outgrowing the Woom 3 relatively quickly. Unlike our other picks, this bike’s handlebars are adjustable only forward and backward, lacking the ability to adjust up and down. Consequently, the Woom 3 offers a somewhat more limited capacity to adapt to your child’s growth. In contrast, the original models of Woom 4, Woom 5, and Woom 6 feature adjustable handlebar stems, providing extended usability and accommodating longer periods of growth for your child.

Woom bikes are not compatible with training wheels, reflecting the brand’s staunch dedication to the balance bike approach to learning. In fact, Woom has specifically engineered its bikes to exclude provisions for training wheels. (Incidentally, the Woom balance bike is our top pick in our guide to the best balance bikes.) However, the Woom 3 offers versatility in its design, allowing it to be used as a balance bike initially. By simply removing the pedals and lowering the seat all the way (which requires the removal of the rear reflector), the Woom 3 can serve as an effective balance bike. When your child is ready, the pedals can be easily reattached, facilitating a seamless transition to pedaling.

Budget pick: Joystar Totem Kids Bike

After testing several bikes priced below $200, the Joystar Totem Kids Bike emerged as the standout choice for its solid construction and reliability within the group. Typically, in the realm of budget bikes, heavier weights are common, and the steel-framed Joystar Totem, weighing 20.5 pounds, falls in line with its low-priced counterparts. While it may not adhere to the ideal 30% to 40% weight ratio, unless your child exceeds 54 pounds, we’ve found that many children still perform well with a slightly heavier bike. Despite this, the Joystar Totem remains the best option among its less expensive peers. Its robust steel frame ensures durability, capable of withstanding multiple riders, while its versatile geometry accommodates a wide range of rider sizes.

The Joystar Totem boasts satisfactory geometry, featuring a standover height of 17.5 inches—1 inch higher than our top pick, upgrade pick, and on par with our runner-up. Additionally, with ample seat-height and handlebar adjustability, this bike proved suitable for both our petite 5-year-old tester and our tall, experienced 7-year-old tester. In contrast to other budget-friendly bikes we assessed, which often exhibited awkward geometry resulting in rider discomfort, the Joystar Totem facilitated smooth movement and ample acceleration power. While the welding on the frame may not be as seamless as our other selections, there are no rough edges to cause concern. However, it’s important to note that this model lacks a steering limiter, potentially leading to accidental jackknifing.

While the coaster brake on the Joystar Totem may not be the most ideal braking system, it stood out as the best option among budget bikes during our testing. Many of the other inexpensive bikes we evaluated featured a combination of a coaster brake and a front hand brake. While this setup can provide the rider with more braking power, it also introduces the risk of inadvertently locking up the front wheel if excessive pressure is applied to the single lever. Moreover, inexpensive bikes often come equipped with cheaper brakes that are more challenging to use and maintain. Therefore, opting for the Joystar Totem with its simple coaster brake, devoid of any additional hand brake, remains the most reliable choice for those seeking a budget-friendly bike.

Assembly of the Joystar Totem is relatively straightforward, although the accompanying manual may be somewhat confusing. During our tests, assembling this bike required a similar amount of time as our other selections, approximately 20 minutes. While the manual provided covers all Joystar juvenile-bike models and may seem complicated, a suggestion on the box directed us to a helpful assembly video on Joystar’s YouTube page. Additionally, for added convenience, this bike can be purchased fully assembled at big-box stores.

The Joystar Totem is readily accessible, with availability spanning both online platforms and prominent retailers like Target and Walmart. If you prefer the hands-on approach of trying out a bike before making a purchase, the Joystar Totem offers this option as it is widely stocked at big-box stores. Additionally, you can find it on various online platforms and the manufacturer’s website, ensuring convenient access for potential buyers.

Offered in a selection of six vibrant colors, the Joystar Totem comes packed with additional features. In addition to its variety of color options, the bike includes training wheels, a parent-friendly handle attached to the seat, a bell, and a sticker pack complete with letters for personalizing the bike. However, akin to the REI REV 16, the Joystar Totem does not include a kickstand.

When purchasing from the Joystar website, customers can benefit from the company’s favorable policies. These include a 30-day return window and a limited lifetime warranty covering the frame. Additionally, there is a warranty against defective materials and workmanship for one year from the date of purchase by the initial consumer purchaser.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

Weighing in at 20.5 pounds, the Totem stands out as the heaviest among our selections. This weight may exceed the recommended maximum of being more than 40% of your child’s weight. However, many children manage well with heavier bikes. In our observations, a child’s comfort with handling a heavier bike often hinges on their level of energy and enthusiasm rather than their size alone. Nonetheless, if your child is petite or prefers to avoid physical challenges, opting for a lighter alternative may be more appealing.