Types of Bikes for Kids

Kids like their bicycling activity and want to have a bike that they can proudly show off among their friends. So, while purchasing one for your child, do keep in mind his expectations and likes. Children need different types of  bikes throughout their developmental phases according to the specific needs of their relevant age. From top to bottom, the list of kid’s bikes is:

Two-wheeled

A two wheeled bike is the ultimate goal of the child, and his parents, to get the most enjoyment enjoy of bicycling. A child can actually start using two-wheeled bike from the age of 6 to 12. However it is recommended to not let your child ride the bicycle on roads before he is 10. He may know how to operate a bike but he would not be able to understand and respond to any unusual situation. During this period tell them about the safety rules and practices needed to ride on the road. Get them familiar with the rules and regulation of bicycling.

Three-wheeled

Three-wheeled bikes, also called tricycles, are commonly used by the parents for their children as a first step to learning the basics of bicycling. While using a three wheeler the child learns to sit straight on the cycle, how to control the steering to change the direction in which he is moving, how to pedal. Children should use their tricycles indoors only and it would be better to also get them familiarize with the safety issues from their first step of biking. So, while buying these types of bikes for kids make sure to buy a good helmet for her too. It would be better and easier to incorporate the usage of helmet with the learning of biking. Helmets are essential when riding a bike.

(Authors Note: As an adult I was involved in a collision with a moving vehicle. My head struck the passenger side window of a van. The window exploded into untold pieces. I was wearing a proper helmet. The next day everything hurt…except…my head. The helmet had protected my head and neck from severe, possibly fatal, injuries.)

Training wheel cycles

From tricycles don’t directly shift your child to the bicycle it would be better to add one more step between these two like bikes with training wheels. This would let your child master some other techniques of biking before actually starting to ride. Training wheels will provide balance to the child and let him learn steering, pedaling and braking. As soon as the child is familiarized with training wheels, try to lift the wheels a bit upwards and finally remove them.

Scooters

Scooters are an alternative to training wheels. If the child is taking too long to settle without training wheels then shift him to scooters. In using a scooter one foot is more often on the ground and second foot is on scooter. Child has to push it forward by his foot on the ground and steer with handles. Brakes can be an added advantage.

Throughout the different steps of teaching cycling to the child, also tell him about the safety kit for cycling: helmet, footwear, gloves, knee pads etc. Secondly, tell the child how to handle the unusual situations and teach him about the rules, regulations and especially laws about cycling.

During the journey of learning bicycling the encouragement and interest of the parents make the child learn quickly and confidently.

Tagged As: Types of Bikes, Types of Bikes for Kids, Types of Kids Bikes