Regular and/or observant readers will know that in addition to writing this blog I own an online bike accessories store called CycleStyle. As a result, I get asked a lot of questions about kids cycling and cycling with kids.

As bikes and bike accessories are some of the most popular Christmas presents for children I thought this list of top tips and FAQs would be a handy guide for parents who are considering cycling with kids or buying a kids bike for Christmas.

Note that some of the products mentioned are available on CycleStyle, but this is blog post is not an advertorial. I recommend specific products because I have researched them, use them, and love them, and not just because I sell them. 

Buying a kids bike

1. Balance bike vs training wheels

The most common question I get asked is whether it’s better to buy the first bike as a balance bike i.e. a bike with no pedals or a bike with training wheels.

I learnt to cycle using training wheels, as most of my generation did, so there’s nothing wrong with using them. BUT the research is pretty universal in concluding that using a balance bike is a better option as a first bike.

Balance bikes promote increased balance, stability and control, and thus increase confidence. Kids can learn about balance, balance speed (ie the slowest speed at which a bike will travel and still stay upright) and turning corners without having to worry about pedals. Allowing both feet to touch the ground helps them feel more secure and confident.

Using a balance bike will generally mean that your child progresses more quickly to pedals and will be a cautious yet skilled rider on a pedal bike.

Another thing – if you want your child to learn to ride a bike then don’t get them a scooter as a first vehicle! A scooter is easier to master and to handle so then there’s no incentive to learn to ride a bike too.

If you don’t want to buy a balance bike then another option is to remove the pedals from a pedal bike, although for some bikes the ergonomics won’t quite work for a first bike.

Both Lady AB and Baby 2.0 started with the ByK Bike E-200L balance bike at around 2 years old. Baby 2.0 (4.5yo) is currently using a ByK Bike E-250 but will need to move up a size soon. Lady AB (6.5yo) has just recently learnt how to pedal the ByK Bike E-350 but will also need to graduate to the ByK Bike E-450 in a few months. 

2. What to look for when buying a kids bike

When choosing the right bike my advice is to consider:

• Size. A bike needs to be comfortable now so don’t think you should buy a bigger bike that the child will ‘grow into’. If it’s too big for them it won’t be fun or comfortable to ride. Getting the right size is particularly important for a balance bike as it will be their first experience of bike riding. In general, if it’s a choice between two sizes then smaller is better. A child is far more likely to ride a smaller bike, and ride more often, plus they learn bike-handling skills far quicker and to a higher standard.
• Frame size: Bikes are often sold by tyre size (eg balance bikes are often 12” or 14” tyres) which doesn’t indicate the frame size and seat height, which is what’s important. Basically, the bike should be sized so that the child can sit on the saddle and rest the balls of both feet on the ground, easily stand over the bike with feet flat on the ground and have their arms at a comfortable angle with a slight bend when holding the handlebars (ie not leaning forward).
• Seat height: Consider the maximum seat adjustment. If you can’t test whether your child can easily stand over the bike then a rule of thumb is to measure their inseam (without shoes) then minus about 4-5cm to allow for the seat.
• Pneumatic tyres: Go for a bike with standard pneumatic tyres rather than foam tyres that don’t provide the same cushioning and grip.
• Material: My recommendation is to go with an aluminium frame as it is lightweight, durable and rust-proof. I personally dislike wooden or plastic frames. Wood looks stylish but it warps, deteriorates and does not tend to allow for seat adjustment. Plastic is cheap and breakable. As an adult you probably wouldn’t ride a wood or plastic bike (with the exception of maybe bamboo), so your kids shouldn’t either.
• Weight:  The heavier the bike is, the harder it is to ride and the less likely your child will enjoy it. Also, it’s almost certain that at some stage you’ll need to carry your kid’s bike home!

3. What to look for when buying a secondhand kids bike

If you decide to buy a secondhand bike here are 4 things to consider:

• Frame – is there rust? Cracks on the frame? Dented? Paint scratched?
• Wheels – Bent cranks? Buckled wheels? Do the wheels run true? Are any of the spokes broken?
• Brakes – Worn brakes? Working brakes?
• Chain – Is it rusty? Can the chain be pulled nearly clear of the teeth?
• Tyres – Are the tyres bald and cracked or in good condition? Obviously worn tyres can be replaced easily so it’s just mostly to note how much the bike has been used and how well it’s been taken care of.

Generally a bike that needs a lot of fixing will cost more money, so consider whether the saving of buying secondhand is worth it.

4. When should kids start using gears?

Confidence and ability are the important factors to consider – but most kids will progress to multi-gear bikes between 5-9 years old. For more extensive information about how many gears to choose and the difference between internal and external gears click here.

Transporting children on bikes

5. Child Bike seats – front or back seat?

There are many child bike seats on the market and whether you want to use a front or back seat depends on your personal preference.

I rode with Lady AB from 9 months old on a Yepp Mini Front Seat because I liked having her in front on me. I could see what she was doing and I could converse easily with her while I was riding.

However, a front seat will only hold a child to approximately 3 years old, whereas a back seat can still fit a child up to approximately 5 years old.

A front seat may also not fit all Australian-style bikes as they tend to have lower head stems that don’t allow a child to sit comfortably in front. You may also find that you have to cycle with your knees apart (like a clown!) to accommodate the width of your front seat. Front seats are better designed for bikes with an upright sitting position ie a Dutch style step-through bike like those from Lekker Bikes.

When choosing a child bike seat consider one that can be removed easily and is not permanently attached to your bike. Yepp seats from the Netherlands are top-of-the-range bike seats that allow quick release and use a special coated plastic that is similar to the material used to make Crocs shoes. The moulded plastic is comfortable, doesn’t absorb heat and won’t warp.

You can find Yepp seats at bike stores, but they have stopped Australian distribution (for the moment) so once the current stock is sold out there won’t be any more.

6. Bike trailer

A bike trailer has the advantage of being easily hooked on and off an adult’s bike and can be swapped between bikes too. They are also an economical option, compared to say a cargo bike, and sometimes can even convert into a pram when unlatched from the bike.

I took Lady AB in a bike trailer on trip around the High Country’s bike trails and it was great fun. It was like having a cubby house on wheels!

However, when choosing my mode of bike transport with children I opted against a trailer because I do a lot of on-road, inner city riding. Unfortunately Australian bicycle infrastructure is not always accommodating of bike trailers (ie wide bike lanes that are fully separated from car traffic) and Australian drivers are not used to noticing low-slung bike trailers on the road. I didn’t want the risk of either myself or my trailer doored while riding on the road. I also preferred to have my children in front of me on the bike.

7. Cargo bike

A cargo bike is a bicycle or tricycle with a large box (often timber) at the front where you can seat children, put shopping bags in etc. They are particularly popular in Europe.

We didn’t have a car for the first few years of having children because we relied on our Taga cargo bike (and public transport and car share). The Taga was relatively lightweight, narrow and even transformed into a pram at the end of the journey! Unfortunately the Taga is no longer available for sale in Australia now so you have to buy overseas or secondhand.

We recently upgraded to a Christiania cargo bike because the kids couldn’t fit comfortably together in the Taga anymore. It is also a better bike for my business because I can use it to haul a lot of gear, turn it into a market stall and transforming it into the Book Swap Bike. I installed an electric motor on it and as a result I use it a lot more because I don’t have to avoid hills or heavy loads.

The main prohibitive factor for a cargo bike is cost. The Taga cost around $3000 with all the accessories and a custom-built Christiania is around $5000. There are cheaper versions you can find but for us it is a worthwhile investment because it replaces the need for a car.

7. Cycling on the road with kids

In Victoria you can cycle with kids under 12 years old on a footpath, otherwise you have to cycle on the road/bike lane.

If you’re on the road with children, take up a position behind them. If there are two adults in your group, then have one at the back and one in front of the children.

Also teach some basic road safety rules:

• indicate clearly;
• ride in a position where you can see and be seen;
• make eye contact with other road users so  you know they’ve seen you;
• ring your bell to let others know you are coming.

Accessories

8. When should kids wear a helmet?

Helmets are mandatory in Australia for adults and children alike, including if they are sitting in a trailer or bike seat. The only probable exception is when a baby is strapped into a baby capsule and taken in the box of a cargo bike. (Note there’s no law stating that this is a specific exception).

One of the lightest helmets on the market for babies is the Baby Nutty range by Nutcase Helmets. The helmets are marked as being suitable from 12 month onwards because as a general rule of thumb babies’ delicate spines are only able to steadily and safely hold the weight of a helmet at around 12 months.

However, use your judgement on this – both Baby 2.0 and Lady AB started wearing helmets at around 9 months.

9. How do you fit a kids helmet properly?

Fitting a helmet correctly is a 5 step process:

• Helmets should sit approx 2 finger widths above the eyebrows so approximately in a horizontal position.
• If you have a helmet with a rear wind-up adjustment at the back then open it out to the widest point, place helmet on head, then wind up to tighten so the helmet is firm.
• The straps should fit neatly either side of the ears. Adjust the triangle of the strap with the side buckles to sit underneath the ear lobes.
• The buckle should sit under the chin with no more than 1 finger width of slack when connected.
• Check that the helmet is snug without being so tight it’s uncomfortable. It should not move forward/back or side to side. Girls will need to remove their high ponytails when wearing a helmet.

Here’s a visual guide on how to fit a helmet.

The helmets my kids and I wear, and that I recommend, are by Nutcase Helmets. They are sturdy, comfortable, well-ventilated and come in a range of cool designs. The best features are the rear adjustment dial, the range of padding options so you can adjust within the size to suit the shape of the head, the removable visor for a bit of sun protection and the magnetic anti-pinch buckle so you don’t accidentally pinch your child’s soft skin when buckling the helmet!

10. Bells, lights and reflectors

All bicycles must have at least one effective brake and a working bell (or similar warning device).

If you are riding a bicycle at night you must have:

• white light (flashing or steady) on the front
• red light (flashing or steady) on the back
• a red reflector on the back.

Find a selection of bells and bike lights.

What other questions do you have about cycling with kids or buying a kids bike?