Riding a bike is a skill that stays with you forever once etched in your mind. One of the earliest childhood memories for most people revolves around their first bike. However, though most millennials learned how to ride a bike using training wheels, the trend has shifted to a balance bike.
What are Balance Bicycles?
Balance bicycles are bikes without the components of a traditional bike, such as its additional brakes, pedals, and chains. Unlike conventional cycles, which prioritise pedalling over balancing, balance cycles take the opposite route. Where pedalling is a complex and time-taking process, balance cycles offer a quicker approach to developing and maintaining balance.
Additionally, since traditional bikes involve a step-by-step process, the child may feel discouraged if it takes them longer to strike a balance than their peers. However, balance bicycles are faster and thus, boost a child’s esteem.
What Do Balance Bicycles Offer?
Balance bicycles are a popular starting point to teach kids cycling for various reasons, such as:
No More Training Wheels
Training wheels, also known as stabilisers, slow a child’s bike learning journey since figuring out how to operate the pedals takes up most of the time. On the other hand, balance bicycles do not involve additional bike parts and jump straight to developing a child’s balance skills.
Safety First
Traditional cycles have stabilisers, which cause the vehicle to wobble, resulting in your child falling. Chances of a balance bike wobbling and tumbling are fewer, preventing your child from losing their balance. In addition, balance bicycles have a low seat, reducing the fall impact.
Lightweight
Cycling is an enjoyable recreational activity and provides children with an outlet to channel their energy. Since biking can tire children out, you can easily lift your bike and carry it back once your kid has ridden it for the day.
Motor Development
Balance bicycles improve a child’s motor skills, awareness, and balance. Kids learn to navigate their cycles around corners and dodge obstacles with balance bicycles. Balance cycles also help in building stamina.
Guide to Choosing Balance Bicycles
It is essential to pick the right balance bike for your child. Various factors determine which bike suits your kid the best, including:
Child’s Height
Balance bicycles are close to the ground to prevent children from injuring themselves if they lose their balance and fall. Ensure that your child can plant their feet on the ground to drag the bike along when the cycle is in a standing position. Avoid purchasing a bike that cannot accommodate your child’s height, as it might hinder their motor development and pose a risk to their safety.
Bike’s Weight
Purchase a bike that is neither too heavy nor too light. The cycle should have enough weight to allow children to carry or drag it themselves. Not being able to pick up the bike if it falls could be a hassle for the kids, so ensure the balance cycle you buy is easy to lift. Moreover, if the child is tired, you can carry a lightweight bike easily and attach it to your car on your way back home.
Location
Pick a bike according to where your child will ride it. For instance, if you live in a region prone to rainfall, make sure the cycle does not get rusty or skid on slippery surfaces.
Wrapping Up
A balance bike is the finest way to teach cycling to children. It is safe, fun to ride, and enhances your child’s physical skills. Balance bicycles are the key to a happy riding experience!
