Our Top Picks For Balance Bikes For Toddlers And Kids Of All Ages And Sizes.

Kidvelo

Rookie 12"

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Cruzee

12″ Balance Bike

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Torker

12" Balance Bike

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Hornit

Airo Balance Bike

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Kidvelo

Rookie 14 Balance to Pedal Bike

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Kidvelo

Rookie 18 Balance Bike with Pedals

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Kidvelo

24 Balance Bike with Pedals

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Learning to ride a bike is such a pivotal experience in any child’s life. It can also be one that is fraught with frustration and fear.

While most of us were encouraged to learn using training wheels and then still struggled to transition to two wheels, today’s kids are more fortunate. This is thanks to balance bikes.

The rising popularity of balance bikes is not only down to how much fun they are for little learners, they also support easier graduation to a pedal bike without the need for training wheels.

To help you find the perfect fit and understand more about why balance bikes are such a great option for your child, we’ve prepared this in-depth buyer’s guide to kids’ balance bikes.

So let’s get to it.

TOP 10 Best Balance Bikes In Australia For 2024 At A Glance

Brand	What Makes It Great	MSRP
Kidvelo Rookie 12”	Best all-rounder, great colour range, lightweight and plenty of adjustment capacity	$229.00
Cruzee 12”	Best for longevity with plenty of adjustment capacity in the seat and handlebars	$249.00
Torker 12”	Best for little learners, can be used by children as young as 18 months	$149.00
Strider 12” Sport	Best colour range, puncture-proof tyres	$179.00
Hornit Airo 12”	Best lightweight balance bike for beginners, great colour range	$269.00
Little Nation 12”	Best kids balance bike on a budget	$79.95
Kidvelo Rookie 14”	Best for preschool-aged learners or taller toddlers	$409.00
SmartTrike 14”	Best for adventurous, confident kids: braked option	$299.99
Kidvelo Rookie 18”	Best for timid learners who are not quite ready to pedal. Pedals can be added later to this model.	$429.00
Kidvelo Rookie 24”	Best for tweens and adults learning to ride or prefer a balance bike. Converts to pedal bike as needed.	$569.00

WHAT IS A BALANCE BIKE?

Looking much like a standard bicycle at first glance, a balance bike or run bike is a two-wheeled bicycle without pedals. It is instead propelled by the rider pushing their feet against the ground.

THE BEST AGE TO RIDE A BALANCE BIKE

Unlike pedalled bikes, there is no real age limit to when a child can begin learning to ride using a balance bike.

Typically, most children are able to manage and enjoy a pedal bike from around two years of age.

Between the ages of five and eight, children will then graduate to a pedal bike, though many will still enjoy the fun of a balance bike at these ages.

WHY SHOULD I GET MY CHILD A BALANCE BIKE OVER A BIKE WITH TRAINING WHEELS?

While there is no right or wrong choice, balance bikes are known to support the better development of balance, coordination and gross motor skills than a bike with training wheels.

Where training wheels give a child a false sense of balance and confidence, a balance bike teaches them how to navigate this more effectively and builds their resilience.

BENEFITS OF BALANCE BIKES

There are several benefits to introducing a balance bike to your child over a bike with training wheels, these include:

1. A 12” balance bike fits a toddler or preschooler much better than a pedalled bike of the same size.
2. Balance bikes are much easier to manage over uneven surfaces, unlike bikes with training wheels.
3. Incredibly lightweight, even the littlest legs can push the bike for much longer than if they were pedalling a heavy bike.
4. Supporting the development of coordination, balance and gross motor skills.
5. Being more inclusive of children with intellectual disabilities or reduced mobility as they are much easier to use.
6. Most children easily transition from a balance bike to a pedal bike. Eliminating the need to use training wheels.

WHEN ISN'T A BALANCE BIKE RECOMMENDED?

While we absolutely recommend balance bikes over a pedal bike for younger children just starting to learn, there are times they may be less well suited.

If your child is already over the age of five, well-coordinated and demonstrating good gross motor skills and strength, they may be ready to go straight to a pedal bike.

TYPES OF BALANCE BIKES

The most obvious defining feature of a balance bike is what it is made of. Kids balance bikes can be made using a variety of materials including:

Wood

Wooden balance bikes tend to be less durable and heavier than other alternatives, being easily scratched or damaged if left outdoors.

They may require maintenance such as sanding, painting or re oiling to keep them free of splinters and looking their best.

Aluminium/Alloy

Lightweight and tough, aluminium or alloy-framed balance bikes are easily ridden and maneuvered around by little hands.

Aluminium won’t rust or corrode if left in the rain and is easy to clean and care for should it regularly fall in puddles or end up in the mud.

Steel

Offering exceptional durability but with the downside of being heavier than aluminium, steel balance bikes are still a good option, but for bigger children.

If not kept undercover, steel balance bikes may display signs of surface rust or corrosion, so be sure to find them a safe spot out of the weather.

BALANCE BIKES SIZES

Balance bikes are generally available in these wheel sizes:

- 12-inch, intended for ages 2 to years
- 14-inch, for 3 to 6 year olds and
- 18-inch for 5 to 8 year olds
- 20-inch for 6-8 year olds
- 24 inch for 9 year olds to small adults

Choosing The Right Size Of Balance Bike

To ensure you are selecting the right size bike, you must measure your child’s inseam. This is done by having your child stand straight against a wall or door with their bare feet shoulder-width apart and flat to the floor.

Then, using a tape measure, note the inches from the floor between their feet to their groin. Make sure the measuring tape is firmly against the child and not their pant seam.

Using this measurement and their height, you can then compare to the below chart to determine the right size bike.

If you are in between sizes, we suggest sizing up as this will give you greater longevity of the bike rather than risking quickly outgrowing it.

TOP FEATURES TO LOOK FOR IN A BALANCE BIKE

Once you know the size of bike you need, there are a few extra things to check before you commit to buying one.

Price Vs Quality

Just as with any bike, purchasing a balance bike is an investment. A quality balance bike will last for many years and be used by numerous children without issue.

While you may spot a cheap balance bike for a toddler at Kmart or Target or Big W, it cannot deliver the same longevity or thoughtful design that a quality alternative can.

Size

As mentioned above, always check the size of a balance bike carefully and measure your child to ensure it is appropriate for them.

Do not simply rely on age recommendations, especially if you think your child may be below or above average height for their age.

Weight

Wherever possible, opt for the lightest balance bike available in the required size. This will usually mean an aluminium bike.

If the bike is too heavy for your child to manage, they are less likely to use it and will struggle to learn to ride it.

Tyre Type

Balance bikes are manufactured with a variety of tyre types. Depending on the brand you are looking at this could include rubber tyres, foam EVA tyres, pneumatic air tyres or plastic tyres.

Convertible bikes and those for older children may use pneumatic air-filled tyres while smaller sizes tend towards rubber foam or plastic tyres. For best comfort, pneumatic tyres are preferred.

Brakes

Most toddler balance bikes are not going to offer brakes, just as your child uses their feet to accelerate, the same is intended for braking.

Larger balance bikes may incorporate hand brakes for added safety, though this is more common on convertible bikes.

Handlebars, Hand Grips & Headset

Your chosen bike should have comfortable hand grips and ideally, the option to adjust the height of the handlebars as your child grows.

The best kids’ balance bikes will have a quality headset with cartridge bearing or ball bearing to ensure smooth turning. Avoid plastic headsets which are more prone to breakage and stiff steering.

Saddle/Seat

Your child’s bike saddle (seat) should be well-padded, not too long and not too narrow. This allows them to easily jump on and off the bike and keeps their bottoms adequately supported as they ride.

Frame Material & Construction

As outlined in detail above, look at what the bike is made of and where possible, opt for durable and strong materials such as aluminium.

In terms of construction, the bike should have a single, solid frame and very few added attachments outside of its wheels, saddle and handlebars.

This makes it easy to assemble while also keeping things lightweight and compact.

Convertibility

A convertible balance bike gives you the option to add pedals to your bike once you are ready to transition. This can give you longer use of the bike and support an even easier graduation to a pedal bike for your child.

Warranties

Prioritise choosing a bike that comes with a minimum 2-year manufacturer’s warranty, this protects you against any faults or problems that may arise with the bike.

Appearance

Last but not least, every kid wants a bike that looks great! Balance bikes come in a wide selection of bright colours and metallic finishes to suit every child’s preferences.

TOP 10 BALANCE BIKES YOU CAN BUY IN AUSTRALIA ONLINE IN 2024

Our Top 10 Balance Bikes For 2024 That You Can Buy Online Australia.

Riding a balance bike is a great way to get your kids outside and active while having lots of fun. With tons of benefits including improving balance and coordination, there’s no wonder why balance bikes are becoming increasingly popular with kids of all ages.

However, with so many different balance bikes on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for your child. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best balance bikes for toddlers and kids in 2024, to help make your decision a little easier.

Kidvelo Rookie 12 inch Balance Bike

★★★★★ 5/5

Buy for $229.00

Kidvelo Rookie 12 inch Balance Bike

★★★★★ 5/5

The Kidvelo Rookie 12 Balance Bike in Neon Red is designed in Sydney, Australia, to provide your child with the perfect foundation for a lifetime of riding.

We designed the Rookie 12″ bike to be easy to ride and learn how to ride with a super lightweight aluminium frame, fully adjustable seat height and handlebar height, a real headset, and durable air-filled tires.

Weighing in at 2.93kgs, our Rookie 12 is the lightest balance bike with REAL air tyres in Australia.

Cruzee 12 inch Balance Bike

★★★★★ 5/5

Buy for $249.00

Cruzee 12 inch Balance Bike

★★★★★ 5/5

A Cruzee Balance Bike is a lightweight, durable, safe, adjustable, and fun bike for your child. Since it is made with an aluminum frame, a Cruzee Bike weighs in at just 1.9 KG, and it will not rust.

A Cruzee 12″ Balance Bike will survive no matter where your child leaves it for the night, while the punctureless tires ensure durability and hassle-free riding.

The adjustable handlebar and seat height mean a Cruzee Bike will grow like your child.

It even has a long seat post to extend the sizing options. Suitable for children aged 18 months to 5 years of age.

Torker 12 inch Balance Bike

★★★★★ 5/5

Buy for $149.00

Torker 12 inch Balance Bike

★★★★★ 5/5

If you’re after an affordable balance bike to get your child used to two-wheels, this popular model from kids’ brand Torker is a great choice.

Coming in at less than $150, it’s a pretty basic design but still has plenty going for it.

It’s on of the lightest model in our round-up – an ultra-light 2.5kg, thanks to its aluminium frame – which makes it really easy for toddlers to get to grips with and move around on.

Both the handlebar and non-slip, padded saddle are easy to adjust, and the small frame size means you can stick it in the boot of your car to take with you when travelling.

The puncture-resistant tyres mean you’ll never be caught out; however, they are more suitable to riding on flat ground rather than grass or really uneven surfaces.

The streamlined racer-style aesthetic appeals to all kids and, despite being one of the simpler models in the market it’s a bike that kids will love to ride again and again.

Strider 12 Sport Balance Bike

★★★★★ 5/5

Buy 12 inch Balance Bikes

Strider 12 Sport Balance Bike

★★★★★ 5/5

We believe in raising kids who excel at life and always have the courage to tackle whatever comes next.

That’s why the Strider 12 Sport Balance Bike has become the ultimate vehicle for kids as young as 18 months.

Your tiny-legged toddler is ready to ride, thirsting for freedom, and craving adventure.

Give your child the bike that set the world on fire and encourages them to experience the thrill of riding while developing confidence and coordination…before they’re even out of diapers.

The Sport is our best all-around model. Mini-grips mean little mitts can easily take control and make this lean, mean, durable bike the biggest bang for your buck, which is probably why it’s our best seller.

The 12 Sport is the perfect bike to take your child from baby steps to big strides, all without busting out a toolkit (tool-free seat and handlebar adjustment AND tires that never go flat).

The Strider Sport has a seat height range from 28-48 cm (11-19 in.), which means it fits a huge range of inseam lengths (30-51 cm [12-20 in.]). The cushy, padded seat and an additional extra-long seatpost means your child will get years out of their Strider.

Hornit Airo Balance Bike

★★★★★ 5/5

Buy For $269.00

Hornit Airo Balance Bike

★★★★★ 5/5

The AIRO, from the British brand Hornit, is far superior to other lightweight balance bikes.

Weighing only 2.95kg, it is an excellent choice for toddlers who may struggle with heavier models.

Despite its lightweight, the AIRO is incredibly durable.

The magnesium alloy frame is extremely hard-wearing, which is why AIRO offers a lifetime warranty on the frame and forks.

The scooped saddle provides extra stability for young riders and is adjustable to accommodate children with an inside leg measurement of 30-48cm.

This ensures that you can make the most of this balance bike as your child grows.

The tires are chunky yet lightweight, allowing them to handle bumpy terrain effortlessly.

Additionally, the frame features built-in footrests, contoured for kids to rest their feet on while freewheeling.

We adore the cool matte yellow and black styling. Our five-year-old tester even said it looked like a motorbike, which is truly the highest praise for a balance bike.

Little Nation 12 inch Balance Bike

★★★★★ 5/5

Buy 12 inch Balance Bikes

Little Nation 12 inch Balance Bike

★★★★★ 5/5

At just 1.9kg, the Little Nation Balance Bike ensures effortless maneuverability, promoting confidence in your child’s riding skills.

The wheels are crafted from EVA foam rubber, offering a smooth and comfortable ride while being puncture-proof for ultimate peace of mind.

The adjustable seat accommodates your child’s growth, ensuring a perfect fit from the toddler years through preschool age.

With EVA foam rubber wheels and a rust-resistant aluminium frame, this bike is virtually maintenance-free, offering hassle-free fun.

Kidvelo Rookie 14 inch Balance to Pedal Bike

★★★★★ 5/5

Best Convertible Balance Bike
Suitable for ages: 3 to 6 years
Colours: Neon Red, Neon Green, Neon Pink, Azure Blue
Main Specs:
✔️ WHEEL SIZE: 14 inch
✔️ BIKE WEIGHT: 6.6kg
✔️ MAX RIDER WEIGHT: 50kgs
✔️ SEAT HEIGHT: 40cm - 56cm
✔️ LEG INSEAM: 41cm - 58cm
✔️ FRAME: Aluminium
✔️ TYRE TYPE: Air Filled
✔️ RIMS: Aluminium
✔️ BRAKES: 2 x V-Brakes with Rear Coaster
✔️ PEDAL KIT: Easy-ride Pedal Kit included
✔️ FOOTREST: Yes Integrated
✔️ ASSEMBLY: Easy 15 minutes
Warranty: 5 Years

Buy For $409.00

Kidvelo Rookie 14 inch Balance to Pedal Bike

★★★★★ 5/5

The Rookie 14″ Balance Bike with Pedals is a revolutionary training bike from Kidvelo that allows kids to learn how to balance and ride without the use of stabilizers or training wheels.

Featuring an ultra-lightweight 6061 aluminium frame and alloy components, the Rookie 14 quickly converts between a balance bike and a first pedal bike by adding the included easy-ride pedal kit.

This transition is made simple and fast, allowing kids to have instant success in riding and retain the same geometry when switching modes.

Parents will love the convenience of this 2-in-1 bike that is sure to please even the most discerning of them.

SmartTrike 14 inch Balance with Pedals

★★★★★ 5/5

Buy 14 inch Balance Bikes

SmartTrike 14 inch Balance Bike with Pedals

★★★★★ 5/5

The Xtend balance-to-pedal bike was designed to give your child the skills and confidence they need to ride a pedal bike without training wheels.

Thanks to the easy pedal installation system, you can take your child from balance bike to pedal bike in seconds, with three simple screws.

The innovative design of the Xtend Mg+ means that you get three products for the price of one.

Start your kids off with a fun sturdy balance bike, when they are ready add pedals and teach them to ride, and finally extend their bike and let it grow with them.

The innovative design of the Xtend Mg+ means that you get three products for the price of one.

Start your kids off with a fun sturdy balance bike, when they are ready add pedals and teach them to ride, and finally extend their bike and let it grow with them.

For a bike to grow with a child, it needs to last with a child.

We built the Xtend Mg+ out of the highest quality materials so that you can hand it down from child to child as your kids get older, allowing the whole family to enjoy their bike for years.

Kidvelo Rookie 18 inch Balance Bike with Pedals

★★★★★ 5/5

Best Balance Bike For Older Kids
Suitable for ages: 5 to 8 years +
Colours: Neon Red, Neon Green, Neon Pink, Azure Blue
Main Specs:
✔️ WHEEL SIZE: 18 inch
✔️ BIKE WEIGHT: 7.6kg
✔️ MAX RIDER WEIGHT: 100kgs
✔️ SEAT HEIGHT: 48cm - 64cm
✔️ LEG INSEAM: 49cm - 68cm
✔️ FRAME: Aluminium
✔️ TYRE TYPE: Air Filled
✔️ RIMS: Aluminium
✔️ BRAKES: 2 x V-Brakes with Rear Coaster
✔️ PEDAL KIT: Easy-ride Pedal Kit included
✔️ FOOTREST: Yes Integrated
✔️ ASSEMBLY: Easy 15 minutes
Warranty: 5 Years

Buy For $429.00

Kidvelo Rookie 18 inch Balance Bike with Pedals

★★★★★ 5/5

The perfect balance bike for older kids from 5 to 8 years of age, the Kidvelo Rookie 18 is the largest in the 2-in-1 range.

Created with an aluminum frame and alloy components, it’s lightweight and durable enough to never rust.

The balance bike quickly converts into a first pedal bike, simply by adding the included pedal kit.

This conversion process only takes a few minutes and since it still has the same geometry and handling during both modes of operation, it will be easier for your child to transition from balance to pedals.

If you’re looking for the perfect gift for your young one, then look no further than this revolutionary Rookie 18 Balance Bike with Pedals from Kidvelo!

Kidvelo Rookie 24 inch Balance Bike with add-on Pedals

★★★★★ 5/5

Best Balance Bike For Teenager & Adults
Suitable for ages: 9 years +
Colours: Gun Metal Grey,
Main Specs:
✔️ WHEEL SIZE: 24 inch
✔️ BIKE WEIGHT: 10.6kg
✔️ MAX RIDER WEIGHT: 120kgs
✔️ SEAT HEIGHT: 62cm - 82cm
✔️ LEG INSEAM: 64cm - 84cm
✔️ FRAME: Aluminium
✔️ TYRE TYPE: Air Filled
✔️ RIMS: Aluminium
✔️ BRAKES: 2 x V-Brakes stop on a Dime
✔️ PEDAL KIT: Easy-ride Pedal Kit included
✔️ FOOTREST: Yes Integrated
✔️ ASSEMBLY: Easy 15 minutes
Warranty: 5 Years

Buy For $569.00

Kidvelo Rookie 24 inch Balance Bike with add-on Pedals

★★★★★ 5/5

The Rookie 24″ is our largest-sized 2-in-1 balance bike that truly grows with you like no other balance bike on the market.

The Rookie range of balance bikes from Kidvelo will revolutionize how boys and girls of all ages and abilities learn to balance and ride a bike, without ever needing stabilizers or training wheels.

Like all of our top-rated balance bikes, the Rookie 24 is incredibly lightweight and durable compliments of a 6061 aluminum frame and alloy components that will NEVER rust.

But, it goes a step further: The Rookie 24 quickly and easily converts from a balance bike to a first pedal bike by simply adding the included easy-ride pedal kit.

Transitioning from balance mode to pedals, and back again is accomplished in mere minutes for instant riding success! Plus, since it retains the same learn-to-ride geometry and handling between modes of operation, the learning lag from balance to pedal is virtually non-existent.

The Rookie range of 2-in-1 balance bikes that easily converts into a pedal bike is sure to please even the most discerning of parents.

COMPARISON CHART: BEST BALANCE BIKES IN AUSTRALIA COMPARED

	Kidvelo Rookie 12 Inch Balance Bike (Neon Red)	Cruzee 12″ Balance Bike – Blue	Torker 12" Balance Bike - Neon	Hornit Airo Balance Bike (Hammer Yellow)	Kidvelo Rookie 14 Balance to Pedal Bike - Azure Blue	Kidvelo Rookie 18 Balance Bike with Pedals - Neon Red	Rookie 24 Balance Bike (Gun Metal Gray)
Model	Kidvelo Rookie 12 Inch Balance Bike (Neon Red)	Cruzee 12″ Balance Bike – Blue	Torker 12" Balance Bike - Neon	Hornit Airo Balance Bike (Hammer Yellow)	Kidvelo Rookie 14 Balance to Pedal Bike - Azure Blue	Kidvelo Rookie 18 Balance Bike with Pedals - Neon Red	Rookie 24 Balance Bike (Gun Metal Gray)
Price	$229.00	$249.00	$159.00	$269.00	$409.00	$429.00	$569.00
Size	12-inch	12-inch	12-inch	12-inch	14-inch	18-inch	24-inch
Recommended Age	2 – 4 years	2 – 5 years	1 – 4+ years	2 – 5 years	3 – 6 years	5 – 8 years	9 years to adulthood
Weight	2.93 kg	1.9 kg	2.5 kg	2.95 kg	5.2 – 6.6 kg	6kg – 7.6 kg	8.7 kg
Frame Material	Aluminium	Aluminium	Alloy	Magnesium Alloy	Aluminium	Aluminium	Aluminium
Tyre Type	Air-filled	Foam	Foam	Air-filled	Air-filled	Air-filled	Air-filled
Adjustable Seat	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

Kidvelo

Cruzee

Torker

Hornit

Kidvelo

Kidvelo

Kidvelo

Table of Contents

TOP 10 Best Balance Bikes In Australia For 2024 At A Glance

WHAT IS A BALANCE BIKE?

THE BEST AGE TO RIDE A BALANCE BIKE

WHY SHOULD I GET MY CHILD A BALANCE BIKE OVER A BIKE WITH TRAINING WHEELS?

BENEFITS OF BALANCE BIKES

WHEN ISN'T A BALANCE BIKE RECOMMENDED?

TYPES OF BALANCE BIKES

Wood

Aluminium/Alloy

Steel

BALANCE BIKES SIZES

Choosing The Right Size Of Balance Bike

TOP FEATURES TO LOOK FOR IN A BALANCE BIKE

Price Vs Quality

Size

Weight

Tyre Type

Brakes

Handlebars, Hand Grips & Headset

Saddle/Seat

Frame Material & Construction

Convertibility

Warranties

Appearance

TOP 10 BALANCE BIKES YOU CAN BUY IN AUSTRALIA ONLINE IN 2024

Kidvelo Rookie 12 inch Balance Bike

Kidvelo Rookie 12 inch Balance Bike

Cruzee 12 inch Balance Bike

Cruzee 12 inch Balance Bike

Torker 12 inch Balance Bike

Torker 12 inch Balance Bike

Strider 12 Sport Balance Bike

Strider 12 Sport Balance Bike

Hornit Airo Balance Bike

Hornit Airo Balance Bike

Little Nation 12 inch Balance Bike

Little Nation 12 inch Balance Bike

Kidvelo Rookie 14 inch Balance to Pedal Bike

Kidvelo Rookie 14 inch Balance to Pedal Bike

SmartTrike 14 inch Balance with Pedals

SmartTrike 14 inch Balance Bike with Pedals

Kidvelo Rookie 18 inch Balance Bike with Pedals

Kidvelo Rookie 18 inch Balance Bike with Pedals

Kidvelo Rookie 24 inch Balance Bike with add-on Pedals

Kidvelo Rookie 24 inch Balance Bike with add-on Pedals

COMPARISON CHART: BEST BALANCE BIKES IN AUSTRALIA COMPARED