Why use a balance bike and when to start riding it?

There is a wide range of different children’s vehicles on the market today. The balance bike is unique in that it has two wheels and thus helps children develop balance and coordination, which is key to their motor development. Essentially, it is a bicycle without pedals that allows children to push off with their feet, maintain balance, and develop skills that are important for riding a bike later on.

Children’s vehicles with more than two wheels, such as tricycles or motorcycles, do not require the same kind of coordination and balance. Children who learn to ride a single-wheel balance bike find it very easy to transition to a bicycle. Balance bikes have almost completely replaced the training wheels that were once commonly used on children’s bicycles, which do not teach children balance because they rely on support. On a balance bike, the child starts with their feet on the ground and, over time, smoothly and naturally transitions from short steps to riding with long strides.

A child can start riding a balance bike as soon as they can walk well and move confidently in open spaces. This stage occurs individually for each child – usually around 1.5 years of age at the earliest. Experts generally do not recommend starting earlier, as using a balance bike too early could disrupt the child’s natural development. The child should also show an interest in this new way of moving around.

• Developing balance and coordination: Riding a balance bike helps children strengthen their muscles, improves their posture, and promotes proper motor skills.
• Health and fitness: Riding a balance bike is a great aerobic activity that improves the cardiovascular system and increases lung capacity.
• Outdoor exercise: Balance bikes motivate children to exercise in the fresh air, which is essential for physical and mental health. Studies confirm that regular outdoor activity reduces the risk of obesity, improves immunity, and reduces stress.
• Faster travel with your child: Sometimes you need to get to your destination with your child on time. If walking is too slow or your child doesn’t want to walk, traveling on a balance bike can be the optimal form of active movement.
• The best preparation for riding a bike: Learning to balance and pedal at the same time on a bike is difficult for children, and training wheels are not a suitable solution. However, if a child learns to balance on a balance bike and also pedals on a pedal tractor or tricycle, the transition to a bike is very easy.
• Promoting independence and self-confidence: Riding a balance bike develops spatial awareness and a sense of control over one’s own movements. Children develop a positive relationship with exercise that lasts into later life.

Although using a balance bike is an excellent way for children to develop their motor skills, it is important to be aware of certain risks. Some experts warn of possible negative effects on child development. However, opinions are divided and there are no studies proving any negative effects. The most criticism is directed at the poor ergonomics of push bikes for the youngest children, which often do not have adjustable seat heights and are too wide, leading children to make unnatural movements such as external rotation of the lower limbs and riding with both feet together.

It always depends on how long the child spends making unnatural movements. Children who are not yet confident walkers should develop naturally without the use of mobility aids. Balance bikes can be recommended for older children, but they should be ergonomic and riding a balance bike should be alternated with natural physical activities such as walking and running.

Another risk is the high speed that a child can reach on a balance bike, especially when riding downhill. Therefore, it is important to use a helmet from the very first ride to create a natural habit. The risk of injury is significantly reduced by a speed limiter. The SPLIM balance bike is the only one on the market that offers this safety feature, setting a new level of safety. The speed limiter is adjustable in 7 levels, so you can start at a slow walking speed and gradually increase the speed as your child learns and gains more control over riding.