Kids Balance Bikes

A balance bike is a pedal-free, footrest-free first bike that lets your child scoot along with their feet on the ground while they work out steering and balance. You'll find kids balance bikes here for riders from around 18 months through to 5 years, in wooden, lightweight aluminium and 2-in-1 convertible styles. Browse by age or frame material below, or have a look through the wider bikes and riding toys range.

Balance Bikes for Toddlers (Ages 1–3)

If your toddler's just found their feet, a balance bike is the natural next step. For the smallest riders, aim for a seat height starting around 28 to 32cm. Their feet need to sit flat on the ground with a slight bend at the knee. Frame weight matters more at this age too. A bike that's too heavy is hard for a small child to pick up, steer, or right after a tip.

Foam or EVA tyres are a common pick for toddler bikes. They're puncture-proof, low-maintenance and roll well on footpaths and smooth park paths. Models like the Yvolution Velo Junior, Kinderfeets and the Tiny Tot Plus sit in this age bracket. As a rough guide, if your child walks confidently on their own, they're usually ready to try one. You can also pair a balance bike with other infant and toddler toys that build coordination.

Balance Bikes for Preschoolers (Ages 3–5)

Preschoolers need a bigger frame with a taller adjustable seat post, generally in the 33 to 43cm range so the bike grows with your child. Kids this age tend to move quickly on a balance bike and pick up steering, cornering and gentle braking with their feet in no time.

This is also the stage where many kids skip training wheels altogether. Because they've already sorted the balance side of things, the shift to a pedal bike often comes down to learning the pedalling motion itself. The Yvolution Velo Pro and Strider models suit this age well. When they're ready for the next step, our kids bikes range picks up from here.

Wooden vs Lightweight Balance Bikes

Both wooden and aluminium balance bikes do the same job. Neither is better. It really comes down to how and where your child will ride. Here's a quick side-by-side to help you understand.

Wooden balance bikes from Trybike and Kinderfeets have a real gift-ready feel to them. Aluminium options from Yvolution, Cruzee and Strider tend to be a little lighter and handle wet weather better.

2-in-1 and Convertible Balance Bikes

If you'd rather one bike cover a couple of stages, a 2-in-1 or convertible model is worth a look. The Trybike 2-in-1 wooden bikes start as a stable three-wheeled balance trike for younger riders, then convert to a two-wheeled balance bike once your child is steady. The Lifespan Scout 2-in-1 works on a similar idea, moving from trike mode to balance bike mode as your child grows. If a trike is where you want to start, the kids trikes range has more options.

Tip:  If you've got younger siblings to think about, or you'd rather buy one bike that lasts a few years, convertible models can make good financial sense.

How to Choose the Right Balance Bike

Getting the fit right is the single most useful thing you can do. Here's a practical approach.

Measure the inseam.

Stand your child against a wall in flat shoes and measure from the floor to their crotch. The minimum seat height on the bike should be about 2 to 3cm less than that inseam, so they can plant both feet flat.

Match seat height to age.

Around 28 to 32cm suits most 18-month to 2-year-olds. 33 to 40cm covers three to five-year-olds. Adjustable posts extend the useful life. 

Pick the right tyres.

EVA foam tyres are puncture-free and low-maintenance, ideal for footpaths and smooth parks. Pneumatic air tyres give more cushioning on grass, gravel and rougher ground.

Watch the weight.

As a general rule, a balance bike shouldn't weigh more than about 30% of your child's body weight.

Add a helmet.

A properly fitted helmet is essential. Have a look at our kids helmets and accessories to sort it in one go.

 Know when to move on.

If your child is lifting both feet, coasting for long stretches and cornering with confidence, they're likely ready for pedals.

Shop Kids Balance Bikes at Toys R Us Australia

You'll find trusted brands here including Strider, Yvolution, Kinderfeets, Trybike and Lifespan, covering wooden, lightweight and 2-in-1 styles. They make a classic 1st or 2nd birthday gift and sit neatly alongside our other kids ride-on toys. Australia-wide delivery and click-and-collect are available.

Balance Bike FAQs

What age can a child start on a balance bike?

Most kids can start between 18 months and 2 years, once they're walking confidently on their own. Check the seat height matches their inseam before you commit to a size.

Are balance bikes better than training wheels?

Balance bikes teach balance first, which is the trickier skill. Kids who start on one often skip training wheels altogether when they move to a pedal bike.

What size balance bike does my 2-year-old need?

Look for a minimum seat height around 30 to 33cm. Measure your child's inseam and subtract 2 to 3cm to find the lowest seat position they can comfortably use.

How long will my child use a balance bike?

Two to three years is common, especially with an adjustable seat post. Many kids ride from around age two through to four or five.

When should we move to a pedal bike?

When they're gliding with both feet up, steering confidently and slowing themselves down without stopping suddenly, they're ready to try pedals.

Wooden or aluminium, which is better?

Neither is objectively better. Wooden bikes look classic and feel sturdy. Aluminium bikes are lighter and handle wet weather more easily. Pick the one that suits how and where your child will ride.