1. Shoes on, stand tall
Use the shoes they will ride in. Stand upright against a wall with feet slightly apart on a flat floor.
Measure. Match. Ride.
Kids bike size guide
A bike they can control today helps build confidence for tomorrow. Start with their leg inseam, then choose for how they ride.
Find Their Fit
Which Bikes Match Your Child?
Enter their inseam in riding shoes and choose their current riding stage.
A few minutes well spent
Measure their inseam in three steps
You need a firm book, a tape measure and their riding shoes.
2. Use a book as a saddle
Hold a firm book snugly between their legs, with its top edge level. It should feel like sitting on a bike saddle; keep both feet flat.
3. Measure floor to book top
Measure vertically from the floor to the top edge of the book. Record centimetres, repeat, and check any inconsistent readings.
Book-position and measurement illustration: Strider size guide. The standing-position photo is illustrative.
Make the differences clear
Compare your shortlist
Select up to three bikes from your finder results to compare size, weight and pedal setup.
Select bikes in the finder to begin.
Check the rider, not just the chart
A good fit feels manageable
Inseam narrows the options. Check the child on the bike before deciding.
Learning balance
With the saddle adjusted for learning, they should be able to place both feet flat, bend their knees slightly and push along comfortably. They should reach the bars without stretching.
Moving to pedals
Choose a bike they can start, stop and control confidently. A first-time pedaller may need easier ground contact than an experienced rider. Check reach and brake operation wherever brakes are fitted.
Riding independently
Have a knowledgeable fitter check saddle position, comfortable knee bend through the pedal stroke, standover clearance and control. Follow saddle insertion limits and the model’s rider limit.
Confidence comes first
Between sizes? Choose control today.
A larger wheel is not automatically a better next step.
Do not buy growing room at the cost of fit
If they stretch for the bars, cannot support the bike or struggle to stop, choose a more manageable option. Where ranges overlap, compare the whole bike and arrange a fit check.
Older beginners deserve a balance-first option
A taller child can still benefit from learning balance before pedals. Choose a frame that fits their inseam and ability rather than assuming their age means they should already pedal.
One familiar bike, a new skill
Balance first. Pedals when they are ready.
Kidvelo Rookie 14, 18 and 24 convert from balance mode to pedals with the included kit.
Build balance and steering
Practise pushing, gliding and controlled stopping before adding another skill.
Add pedals to a familiar fit
Progress when they can balance and steer confidently. Rookie 24 also has a two-speed automatic hub. Rookie 12 remains a dedicated balance bike.
Model-by-model sizing
Kids bike inseam size chart
Wheel size describes the wheel, not the child’s fit. Use the exact model’s range.
| Model | Wheel | Inseam | Type | Pedal setup |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kidvelo Rookie 12 | 12″ | 30–46 cm | Balance | Balance only |
| Kidvelo Rookie 14 | 14″ | 40–58 cm | Convertible | Pedal kit included |
| Kidvelo Rookie 18 | 18″ | 48–68 cm | Convertible | Pedal kit included |
| Kidvelo Rookie 24 | 24″ | 62–84 cm | Convertible | Pedal kit included |
| Hornit AIRO 12 | 12″ | 30–46 cm | Balance | Balance only |
| Hornit AIRO 14 | 14″ | 40–53 cm | Balance | Balance only |
| Cruzee Ultralite 12 | 12″ | 28–46 cm | Balance | Balance only |
Your questions, answered
Frequently Asked Questions of Kids Bikes
Practical answers before you choose.
Can I choose a bike by age?
Age is a rough starting point. Children of the same age have different inseams, confidence and strength. Measure first, then assess riding ability and on-bike control.
Is inseam the same as trouser size?
No. Measure the child directly using the book method above. Clothing labels are not a reliable bike-fit measurement.
Do they need training wheels?
Balance practice can help a child learn steering and gliding before adding pedals. Choose a learning approach that suits the child and a bike they can control.
What if no bike matches?
Repeat the measurement in centimetres and check the selected riding stage. This is a curated model list. Contact us for help instead of rounding the measurement into a size.
Why are two sizes shown?
Published ranges can overlap. Compare saddle adjustment, reach, weight and handling; do not automatically choose the larger bike.
Is a lighter bike always best?
Weight matters when lifting, steering and starting, but fit, braking, handling and suitability matter too. Compare complete bikes in the same balance or pedal configuration.
Buying a surprise gift?
Ask a parent or carer to measure the child’s inseam and describe their riding ability. Share this page before choosing; age alone cannot confirm the size.
Let’s get the fit right
Still unsure? We can help.
Tell us their inseam, current riding ability and the models you are considering. We can help you narrow the choice.
