Best Toddler Bikes for Your 1 and 2-year-old
Ride-On Toys: Best for 1-year-olds
The ride-on toys we recommend do two things: (1) teach a toddler to push with their feet (AKA, no pedals!), and (2) teach them to maintain their balance while sitting and moving. Basically, bikes that keep things simple and help prepare them for the next step – a balance bike! That’s why we often call them “pre-balance” bikes!
We also consider important features like stability, steering ability, and seat height range. Like any bike, size is key, but not every manufacturer provides seat height measurements! We purchased the bikes and did that for you, so no sad surprises when a delighted toddler opens a brand new bike and it doesn’t fit.
Many babies start using ride-on toys as toddler bikes before they are 1-year-old, but will most likely need a lot of assistance from parents until they develop the skills to move that bike on their own.
MSRP: $79
BEST FIT: Babies and toddlers in size 10 months to 24 months clothing
WEIGHT: 4.3 lbs.
FEATURES: Limited steering, Silent wheels, Indoor/Outdoors, Light and low centre to ground
With a low seat height combined with low handlebars, the Mini Trike is the smallest bike of the bunch and is best suited for the youngest and smallest early walkers.
In order for your baby to get the best use out of this bike, we recommend buying it as young as possible. That’s why we call it a “Balance Bike for Babies“!
The Mini Trike was a great fit for our 10-month-old baby and our 15-month-old rider in size 12 month clothes, but our 10-month-old was still too young to ride it unassisted. Our 2.5-year-old in 2T clothes could ride it.
In addition to being completely adorable, the Mini Trike features a lightweight, extremely low step-through frame that makes it easy for your little one to move around and get on and off. As an added bonus, the Mini Trike is available in 5 colors!
PROS
- Low center-of-gravity design for better stability
- Low step through frame makes it easy to get on and off
- Soft, cushioned seat
- Simple assembly takes just a few minutes
- Available in seven colors
- Stiff steering is actually a benefit for the very young riders this bike fits
