A Wooden Balance Bike for Kids Makes Learning to Ride Fun

By on November 5, 2011 in Generally Out and About
 Parents of young children often think back to their childhoods when purchasing toys for their own children. In the United States, for decades the natural order of a child’s bicycle training progressed from a tricycle to a small bike with training wheels to a larger bike. Visions of mom or dad running along behind the kids to get them started and keep them balanced are clear in the minds of most of us familiar with the process. Unfortunately, so are the mishaps and falls that attended this often difficult and frustrating learning experience. Recently however, the American family has begun to adopt a more European tradition when it comes to a child’s bicycle training: the wooden balance bike.

The likeabike balance bike

There are a number of quality wood balance bikes on the market, sold in bike shops, sporting goods stores and online. Targeted towards kids aged from 2 through 5, there are a variety of sizes and styles, including some that adapt to suit the stages of growth. The Skuut bike is an award-winner, featuring a simple, easy to assemble 3-piece birch wood design and inflatable rubber tires. The steering range is limited to prevent overturning, and the seat adjusts to different heights to accommodate growth. Parents have commented that their kids have been able to progress to riding a pedaled bike with no assistance as early as age three after starting with a Skuut. The same is true for users of LIKEaBIKE, another acclaimed line of wood run bikes. Offering models for the younger range of ages 2 to 3, and a wider range of 2 to 5, they also sell fun accessories such as colored seat covers, saddlebags, a trailer and a wooden handlebar basket. Smart Gear sells a few different styles, with such features as rubber hand grips, adjustable seats, and inflatable tires. Wishbone offers a convertible model that adapts through 3 stages to go from a trike to a small bike, then a higher version by flipping over the frame.
For those of us who feel that a child’s bicycle training should be easier and less frustrating than the one we remember, a wooden balance bike is the perfect solution. With several options to choose from for either boys or girls or both, they can make learning to ride a simple, natural process.

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