Best Bike for 4 Year Old in 2022 (+Buying Guide)

You’re passionate about cycling. Now that your toddler just turned 4, you can’t wait to introduce them to the sport you love so much! Perhaps you’ve already piqued their interest by showing them how cool it is to ride outdoors. The only thing left now is to get them a similar 2-wheel that they too can enjoy riding.

But how do you go about choosing the best bike for 4 year old? In this post, we’ve provided a detailed guide to help you find the perfect bike for your toddler. We’ve also recommended top-rated bikes that are suitable for 4 year olds.

Our Top Picks

How to Choose the Right Bike For Your 4 Year Old

Shopping for your 4 year old’s bike can be daunting, to say the least. There are so many different sizes and dozens of brands to pick from. In this guide, we’ll highlight the key points you should take into account to make the selection as easy as possible.

Size

The most crucial factor to consider is size. Kids’ bikes are usually differentiated using the size of their wheels. This differs from adults’ bikes that are distinguished based on the sizes of their frames.

Most kids’ bikes will have wheels ranging from 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 to 24 inches. The rule of thumb here is that the taller your child, the bigger the wheels should be. Below is a chart indicating the age and height that correlates to specific bike wheel size.

 

Wheel Size in inches	Age in years	Height	Inseam
12	2 – 4	2’ 10” – 3’ 4”	14 – 17” 35 – 42 cm
14	3 – 6	3’ 1” – 3’ 7”	16 – 20” 40 – 50 cm
16	5 – 8	3’ 7” – 4’	18 – 22” 45 – 55 cm
18	6 – 9	3’ 9” – 4’ 3”	20 – 24” 50 – 60 cm
20	7 – 10	4’ 0” – 4’ 5”	22 – 25” 55 – 63 cm
24	9 – 11	4’ 5” – 4’ 9”	24 – 28” 60 – 72 cm

 

Estimate your child’s inseam

The easiest way to find a bike that fits your 4 year old perfect;y is to measure their inseam. A lot of parents skip this step, but we recommend that you don’t. This is the distance between the from the crotch of your toddler’s pants down to their ankle.

To estimate this distance, look for a tape measure and ask your child to stand up straight then take the measurement. Once you have this measurement, you can start searching for bikes with the appropriate inseam length.

When looking for the right bike, choose one within the low end of the inseam range. This is to allow a bit of wiggle room to grow.

Choose a lightweight bike

Another factor you should consider when getting a bike for your 4 year old is the weight. Most children’s bikes are ridiculously heavy, and they make it difficult for young riders to steer properly. Furthermore, your child won’t be able to ride a heavier bike for long, and they’re likely to lose interest in the sport overtime.

To a great extent, the weight of the bike is determined by the material used to construct its frame. The most common materials are plastic, steel, aluminum and titanium. The lightest and most economical option is plastic. However, we don’t recommend plastic frames because they tend to break easily.

A steel frame is the most durable, but it’s also quite heavy. As such, we recommend bikes equipped with aluminum or titanium as they provide the best of both worlds, that is, durability and lightweight. But don’t write off steel completely. If only the frame is made of steel and the other elements are made of lightweight materials, you can still opt for such a bike.

Choose the brakes

An important choice you’ll have to make when buying your kid’s bike is whether to go for hand brakes, coaster brakes or a hybrid model that has both. Let’s delve into the different types of braking mechanisms:

1. The Coaster Brake

Also known as a foot brake, this mechanism allows your child to come to a halt by pedaling backward. This is contrary to a regular freewheel that allows the rider to backpedal easily. The concept behind the coaster brake’s invention is that it allows younger cyclists to stop with very minimal coordination.

The only difficult part of operating a coaster brake is when you’re training the rider for the first time. Usually, a child learns to cycle by pedaling backward and forward. But with a coaster brake, the toddler has to learn how to come to an abrupt stop while they’re backpedaling. This can be a risky and challenging skill to master, especially for new cyclists.

Another hurdle that coaster brakes present is that they’re heavy. They can add massive weight to a kid’s bike that’s already heavy.

Pros

• Requires minimal coordination to operate
• Fairly easy to learn
• Functions well in all weather conditions

Cons

• There’s no modulation, which poses the risk of skidding
• Heavy
• Makes learning how to pedal a little difficult

2. Hand Brakes

Hand brakes comprise of brake levers that are installed on both the right and left handlebars. They work by controlling the calipers on both the front and back wheels. In bigger and higher-end models, the hand brakes may be designed to control the disc rotors as opposed to the calipers.

The greatest challenge with hand brakes is that they’re really difficult to learn, especially for a 4 year old or younger. Plus, some brake levers are just too large for a toddler to grip with their little hands and control effectively.

Thankfully, manufacturers have taken note of this, and are now equipping kids’ bikes with small-sized hand levers that are also easy to reach and pull. If you’re planning to buy your 4-year-old a bike that relies solely on hand brakes, then ensure that the levers are well-designed.

Some proponents of coaster brakes argue that toddlers don’t have enough coordination ability to use hand brakes. In our opinion, we feel that any child can learn how to operate hand brakes as long as the levers are are kid-friendly.

Pros

• Ultimately, your child will have to learn how to use hand brakes, so the earlier the better
• Provide a wide scope of modulation- there’s no risk of skidding
• Offer better braking power

Cons

• Levers should feature a kid-friendly design to allow for ease of operation
• Require a little more skill than coaster brake
• Difficult to use in wet conditions

Choosing between coaster brakes and hand brakes boils down to your child’s preferences. If you’re not able to pick between the two, then look for a bike that offers both. This way, your toddler can learn different techniques to stop.

Get the right type

The type of bike your toddler needs will depend on their age and cycling capability. Perhaps you want your child to start riding on biking trails. Ensure you allow them to learn at their own pace as pushing them too hard can cause them to resent the sport entirely. Here are the main types of kids’ bikes to choose from:

1. Balance bikes

For children aged between 2 and 5 years, the most suitable bikes to introduce the sport to them are balance bikes. It has no brakes or pedals. It’s mainly designed to help your young rider coordinate effectively between balancing and steering.

While some manufacturers design toy bikes for 2 to 5-year-olds, we recommend getting actual bikes like the balance models as they’re fairly easy to operate. Plus, they’ll help your young one master the true art of cycling.

2. Training wheel bikes

Once your child has learned how to balance and steer, upgrade them to a training wheel bike. This is meant to help them learn how to pedal.

In addition to the pedals, training wheel bikes will also have braking system. Some have coaster brakes that work by pedaling backwards while others include both a rear brake and a hand lever. With this type of bicycle, your child can learn how to cycle independently. Its simplicity enables them to focus on riding safely while also boosting their confidence of riding on the road.

3. Trailer bikes

These are perfect for kids aged between 4 and 7. With trailer bikes, your child can start learning the real-world cycling and safety skills. These bikes work well for starting road trips. Essentially, the cyclist will be able to ride a longer distance than they usually would when using less-advanced types of bikes.

Best First Bike for 4 Year Old

Woom 2 Pedal Bike

Overview

If you’re purchasing a bike for a beginner, the Woom 2 Pedal Bike is a great option. It’s equipped with features that make it easy for any 3 to 4 ½  year old to learn cycling.

One of the things that makes the Woom 2 stand out from the crowd has to do with how it’s engineered. If you examine it keenly, you’ll notice that the manufacturer paid attention to every detail. For instance, the bike comes with a low bottom bracket and long wheelbase. Both of these features significantly improve its stability.

Furthermore, the standover height is reasonably low. This makes it easy for your 4 year old to hop onto and off with ease. They’re also able to step on the ground with both feet whenever they come to a stop.

In addition, the Woom 2 sports a kid-friendly geometry and wide upswept handles that make it easy for the rider to sit in an upright position when they’re cycling. This gives your kid optimal control of the bike; hence making it easier to steer.

Also important to note is the bike’s incredible lightweight design. It tips the scales at less than 12 pounds, meaning it’s manageable for the majority of young cyclists. So even if your child gets a flat tire, they can walk the bike home without experiencing too much fatigue.

Lastly, the bike is equipped with 14-inch wheels. These make it easier to navigate, especially when the rider encounters obstacles along the way.

Pros

• Lightweight and sports a child-appropriate geometry
• Color-coded dual hand brakes for ease of operation
• Made of quality components; hence durable

Cons

• Pricey
• Does not provide information on the maximum weight limit that the bike can accommodate

 

The Woom 2 is certainly a quality bike for a 4 year old. It’s equipped with features that make it ideal for kids in this age bracket such as: low standover height, kid-friendly geometry, and a quality build.

RoyalBaby Freestyle Kid’s Bike

Overview

If you’re looking for a bike that strikes a good balance between design and function, the Freestyle Kid’s Bike by RoyalBaby is your best bet. The bike is designed in a chic look that any 4 year old will love and it offers some additional cool features to complement its sturdy build.

One of the key highlights of this bike is its solid build. It’s equipped with a steel frame that provides maximum durability and support. The downside to this is that it adds significant weight to the bike.

The RoyalBaby Freestyle Bike is also fitted with training wheels. These are an essential component for toddlers who are just getting started on cycling as they make it easier to balance. Also, training wheels have rubber on the base to reduce noise when riding.

The braking mechanism on this kid’s bike is another feature worth pointing out. It consists of caliper and rear coaster brake. The integration of these two brakes provides the rider with a safe and convenient way of stopping.

That said, there are a couple of shortcomings with this bike, one of which is the quality of the pedals. In some cases, the pedals crack too easily. Thankfully, they can be replaced with standard size pedals.

Also, some kids find the sticker decals a bit much. Fortunately, it’s possible to remove them if your toddler is conscious about them.

Pros

• Available in a wide range of sizes and colors
• Equipped with training wheels for easier balancing
• Combination of different braking systems provides excellent stopping power
• Comes with an array of accessories such as a water bottle, cage and assembly tools

Cons

• Pedal quality can be better
• Heavy due to the steel frame

The RoyalBaby Freestyle is another great bike for 4 year olds. It has training wheels to help your toddler learn how to balance. It also has a decent number of accessories that include a water bottle.

Best Bike for 4 Year Old Boy

Joovy Bicycoo Balance Bike

Overview

If you’re looking for a kid’s bike that has been tested and found to be highly effective and reliable, the Joovy Bicycoo Balance Bike is just what you need.

Manufactured by a company with a long standing reputation, this bike comes in a stunning design and color combinations. More specifically, you can get the bike in all-black, blue/black, red/black. Our favorite is the red unit that has a few accents of both white and black.

This is an example of a balance bike, meaning it doesn’t have any pedals, crankset or training wheels. The beauty about it being a balance bike is that it will help your toddler learn how to balance and steer like a pro in no time.

The Bicycoo is a reasonably-sized bike measuring 33.5 x 16.25 x 21.5 inches. Plus, it weighs a measly 8.75 lbs., making it easy to carry and maneuver.

But the one thing that makes this bike really stand out is the aluminum-made frame. Other manufacturers use plastic frames, which don’t last. Others opt for steel, which though durable, adds too much weight to the bike. Aluminum provides the best of both worlds- it’s highly durable and incredibly lightweight.

Also worth noting are the extra wide pneumatic tires that measure 12 x 2.5 inches. Their wide design makes balancing a breeze. Also, these wheels provide excellent suspension, which is essential for a smooth and comfortable ride.

According to the manufacturer, this bike is suitable for children who are as young as 18 months. The fact that it has an adjustable seat height enables it to grow with your child. Thus, your child can use it until they reach 5 years or until they weigh 55 lbs.

Pros

• Quality build consisting of aluminum
• Ultra wide tires to help with balance
• Great suspension for a smooth ride

Cons

• Minimal seat height adjustment

The Joovy Bicycoo Balance Bike has a fantastic design that any 4 year old will love. It’s also well-built so you’re certain that it will hold up to extended use. It also has wide wheels, which make it easier for the rider to balance.

Strider – 12 Sport Balance Bike

Overview

If your 4 year old doesn’t like the design of the Joovy Bicycoo, the Strider 12 Sport Balance Bike will make an excellent alternative. This one comes in more color options, so your toddler is bound to find one they like. It’s available in colors such as silver, black, blue, green, red and more.

Right off the bat, you’ll notice that the Strider doesn’t have too many features built into it. But its performance and reliability have certainly earned it a position in the best-selling kids’ bikes. One of the things we love about this bike is that it has an aluminium alloy frame.

As with the Joovy, this makes it very light without compromising on its sturdiness or durability. In fact, this makes it the lightest model in our review, tipping the scales at just 5.3 lbs. This means that your 4 year old can comfortably lift it if they need to. Plus, they will have an easier time maneuvering it.

Also worth noting is that the Strider 12 comes with two saddles. The first is the standard seat-post that ‘s suitable for kids ages 1 ½ to 3 years. For your 4 year old, you’ll want to install the XL seat-post that’s customized for kids ages 3 to 5 years.

For the best performance, the manufacturer recommends that you train your child to sit on the saddle with both feet flat on the ground while flexing their knees slightly. The fact that your toddler can place both of their feet on the floor is an important safety feature. It means that they can keep track of their speed and stop when they want to.

The handlebars on this bike are perfectly sized for a 4 year old. They provide a firm grip, helping your young rider avoid obstacles in time. Even if they tip over accidentally, they won’t suffer severe injuries since they’ll be very low to the ground.

Pros

• Lightweight design; hence easy to navigate
• Allows for several adjustments meaning it grows with your child
• Easy to assemble
• Well-designed handlebars for a secure grip

Cons

• Expensive

A light and durable bike, Strider 12 is a bike that will grow with your child. It allows for multiple adjustments and comes with two saddles to suit kids of different ages.

Best Bike for 4 Year Old Girl

Huffy Disney Frozen Elsa Girls Bike

Overview

Does your little princess love the movie ‘Frozen’? If they do, this Huffy Disney Frozen Elsa Girls Bike is one of the best gifts you can get them.

From the stylishly-decorated saddle to the snowflake-patterned pedals and the shining handlebar streamers, every single component features a decoration borrowed from their favorite film. Best part is, it comes with a basket and is available in numerous color options. These include sky blue, deep blue, sky blue, frozen 2 ice blue, frozen 2 wonderland white and sea crystal.

Looks aside, this kids bike also offers a superior performance. For starters, it has a combination of brakes to help your child learn how to stop effectively. These are the handbrake and rear coaster brake.

It’s also one of the most durable 4-year-old bikes thanks to the steel frame construction. Besides, the chainguard is fully enclosed to prevent the ankle from being caught.

If you’re on the fence about purchasing this bike, you can rest easy knowing that it’s backed by a limited lifetime warranty. What this means is that if the bike arrives with defects caused by poor workmanship or the use of low-quality materials, the manufacturer will cater the cost of repair or replacement.

Another thing you’ll love about this bike is that it comes partially assembled. Plus, the manufacturer has provided tools to make the rest of the installation easy on your part.

Pros

• Chic design that’s perfect for your little girl
• Easy to assemble thanks to the provision of tools
• Designed to last due to the steel frame
• Available in numerous color options
• Backed by a limited lifetime warranty

Cons

• The pedals can be improved
• Expensive

If you have a 4 year old girl, the Huffy Disney Frozen Elsa Girls is a pretty good option for a bike. It comes in numerous color combinations so you’ll find one that your toddler likes. Plus, it’s backed by a limited lifetime warranty.

RoyalBaby Stargirl Girls Kids Bike

Overview

When it comes to kids’ bikes, one of the most trusted brands is RoyalBaby. As such, it comes as no surprise that another one of their products has been featured in our list. However, the Stargirl Girls Kids Bike is designed specifically for the girl-child.

What sets this apart from the first RoyalBaby bike is its design. To be specific, this one comes equipped with stylish features that your baby girl is sure to love.

RoyalBaby makes this bike in 4 different sizes: a 12-, 14-, 16- and 18-inch. But for your 4-year-old toddler, we recommend the 12-inch or 14-inch models depending on their height. For a child who is 36 to 47 inches tall, the 14-inch is the perfect fit. On the other hand, girls who are 33 to 41 inches tall will find the 12-inch more comfortable.

A key highlight of this bicycle is its ease of assembly. While other models take up to an hour to piece together, this one takes only 30 minutes. Once it’s shipped to you, it arrives when it’s 95% assembled so it requires very minimal assembly.

What’s more, this bike doesn’t require much in the way of maintenance. This is made possible by the one-piece design of the crank, non-slip pedals and enclosed chainguard.

The frame is made of HI-TEN steel to provide durability. Also, this Stargirl bike features two braking mechanisms to provide safe stopping power. These include the hand brake at the front and the coaster brake on the rear.

Pros

• Designed in an elegant style
• Includes a beautiful woven basket
• Has a soft and adjustable saddle to enhance comfort
• Equipped with training wheels for the novice rider

Cons

• Heavy; hence not suitable for long rides

If your toddler prefers a bike equipped with a basket for extra storage, the Stargirl Girls Kids Bike is a superb option. It also has training wheels and a soft saddle to provide maximum comfort to the rider.

Bike Safety Tips for 4 Year Olds

Learning how to ride a bicycle is a major accomplishment for many toddlers. But as this study by Stanford Children’s Health reveals, nearly 12,000 children aged between 1 and 19 years die every year as a result of injuries and 100 of them die from bicycle-related accidents.

So before you allow your child to hop onto their bike and ride away, ensure they’re following safety tips. The good thing about bike safety rules is that they’re very simple to follow. They fall under two core categories as shown below:

Having the Right Gear

1. Wear a bike helmet

Considering that head injuries are the most common from bicycle-related accidents, you should train your child to wear their helmet every time they go riding. On the surface, it may seem like this piece of gear has very little impact. But current studies show that wearing a helmet reduces the risk of head injuries by up to 85% and brain injuries by 88%.

Remember, your child shouldn’t wear just any helmet; it should fit them snugly for it to be effective.

2. Choose the right bicycle

One of the most crucial things that you should get right when purchasing a bicycle for your child is the size. Sure, you want them to like its design, color and style, but these factors don’t matter as much as the size.

In addition to making it easier for your toddler to learn cycling, the right-size bike enhances your child’s safety. It ensures that the rider is comfortable on their seat and this makes it easier to adhere to all riding principles.

3. Inspect the bike regularly

As a parent, you should get into the habit of inspecting your child’s bike on a regular basis, and particularly before they hit the road.

During inspection, ensure that the tires are well-inflated, the brakes are working properly, saddle is set to the right height and the position of the handlebar is correct. The chain should also be well-lubricated.

4. Wear the right clothing

In addition to a helmet, your child should wear the right cycling clothes. For one, closed-toe shoes like sneakers are better than those with open-toe designs. In the event of an accident, the closed-toe design can protect your child’s feet.

Secondly, they should not wear long or loose garments as these are likely to get caught in bike chains and wheel spokes. Most importantly, they should wear bright or reflective clothing regardless of whether they’re riding during the day or in the evening.

Practicing Safety While Riding

1. Pay attention to the weather

Even though your 4-year-old has experience riding their bike when it’s snowy or rainy, the best time for them to cycle is when it’s sunny and completely dry.

In situations where they’re forced to ride in inclement weather, ensure they’re wearing brightly-colored clothes and that their bikes have headlights and reflectors. This way, motorists and pedestrians will be able to see them from a distance.

2. Choose child-friendly routes

If you’re an experienced cyclist, you probably don’t give much thought to the routes you take when biking. But when it comes to your 4 year old, you should be very mindful of the paths they cycle on.

So before your toddler heads out, ensure you’ve checked their route. In fact, for the first couple of days, you should ride alongside them until they’re familiar enough with the route that they can cycle by themselves.

When mapping out a route for your child, make sure it’s not comprised of hilly terrains, busy roads and other elements that make it more difficult for your 4 year old to navigate. The ideal route for a child involves quiet and safe paths.

Another point worth considering when it comes to the routes is the distance. It’s not advisable to choose a very long cycling route for a 4 year old. Even if they have enough experience to take long routes, these are riskier.

There are several reasons why we recommend choosing shorter routes for a child at this age. For one, they’re less likely to get lost. Secondly, they can walk their bikes home in case they get a flat tire along the way. Thirdly, it’s easier to monitor your child’s whereabouts.

If your child insists on taking a longer route, then ensure they don’t go cycling alone. You can bike with them or have their older siblings accompany them.

3. Walk bikes across streets and intersections

One aspect that your child might find challenging when they start biking is how to navigate when they’re crossing a road or when they reach an intersection. The safest way to navigate these areas is to have them walk their bikes.

Another thing you should train them is to make eye contact with motorists. This way, they’re sure that these drivers can see them as they’re crossing the road.

4. Ride with traffic

Also important to note is that your child should never ride against the traffic. Not only does doing so jeopardize their safety but it’s also illegal in a majority of states. In states like California, Texas and New York, cyclists- including kids- are required to cycle in the same direction as all the other traffic.

In addition, train your child to ride on the far right side of the road. Whenever possible, they should ride on bike paths and in parks. Once they’re a little older and understand traffic rules, they can start cycling on roads.

But if you live in an area where the only place your child can cycle is on the road, then train them to stick to the right side. Teach them to utilize the bicycle bell or horn to notify pedestrians of their presence.

5. Be alert

Although we’ve ranked this tip in last place, it’s one of the most important. Train your child to maintain focus whenever they’re riding their bikes. They should pay attention regardless of whether they’re cycling on busy roads or in areas that have zero traffic.

This way, they’ll be able to spot on coming cars, trucks and other bikers. They should also watch out for parked cars and for vehicles that are coming out of driveways.

Moreover, being alert enables your child to spot road hazards in time. Hazards that they’re likely to come across are:

• Uneven, rough surfaces like potholes that can trigger falls
• An object in the middle of the road such as gravel, puddle, broken glass or pet. The problem with such hazards is that they can cause the cyclist to lose their balance and fall. Also, if they end up riding over an obstacle like broken glass, they might get a flat tire.
• Slippery terrains that cause loss of traction, and subsequently loss of control of the bike. Train your child to slow down whenever they’re cycling on such surfaces. Alternatively, they can stop and walk their bikes across these sections.

6. Adhere to traffic rules

Riding in the same direction as other motorists, isn’t the only traffic rule that your young rider should know. There are a dozen others such as obeying traffic signals and signs. For instance, you should train your child to stop when they see a stop sign or red light. If they’re entering a crosswalk, they should be careful not to hit any pedestrians.

Your child should also learn how to use hand signals. While automobiles come equipped with blinkers and brake lights, bikes don’t have any of these. As such, your child will have to use hand signals to notify other road users of their intentions. Learning to use hand signals correctly enhances their safety and helps them avoid unnecessary collisions.

Other tips that you should teach your 4 year old are:

• Avoid wearing headphones when biking
• Use both hands to hold the handlebars. The only exception to this rule is when they’re giving hand signals
• Similarly, both feet should be kept on the pedals
• When riding in a group, cycle single-file with the flow of traffic

FAQs

1. What is the difference between a balance bike and a pedal bike?

The primary difference between these two models is that balance bikes neither have pedals not the front/rear brakes.

All your child needs to do is sit on the bike, and maneuver using their feet. The advantage of using balance bikes is that they’re lighter since they have fewer parts. This means they’re also easier to carry. If your 4 year old is learning to cycle for the first time, a balance bike is a good option.

Nonetheless, pedal bikes also have their place. If your toddler is well-versed in steering and balancing, consider getting them a pedal bike instead. Using this bike helps your child develop muscles they need to propel the bike forward. This means they get a better work out on pedal bikes.

2. Is it possible to add pedals to a balance bike?

No, balance bikes are not designed to be used with pedals. If you want your 4 year old to get the most out of this activity, you can simply upgrade to a pedal bike.

3. How do I know that a bike fits my 4 year old rider?

As we mentioned earlier, kids’ bikes are measured using the diameter of their wheels. The recommended wheel size for a toddler’s bike is 12, 14, 16 and 20 inches. For a four year old, we found the 12-inch and 14-inch wheeled bikes to be the ideal fit.

Often, manufacturers will highlight the specific age groups that can use a particular model, so you can also use this as a guide. In instances where the specifications of a particular bicycle seem to overlap, you can use your child’s height to determine if it’s the right fit.

4. How long does it take for a child to outgrow their bike?

In the majority of cases, a child will outgrow their bike within 1 to 2 years. So if you buy them a bike when they’re 2 years old, they’ll probably continue using it until they reach 4. You can then look for a bike suitable for a 4 to 6 year old. Remember to check the maximum weight limit before choosing to buy a particular bike.

5. Can I purchase a larger bike?

It’s not advisable to buy an overly big bike just so that your child can use it for a long time. Bigger bikes are not only more difficult for your 4 year old to maneuver but they also jeopardize your child’s safety. Chances are, your child won’t be able to make turns or control their speed with ease on a bigger bike.

6. What makes a good bike for a 4 year old?

The bikes we’ve reviewed have several features in common. Most are lightweight, single gear bikes. They also have kid-friendly attributes like small and easy-to-reach brakes, small-sized saddles that are cushioned to enhance comfort. A few are equipped with essential cycling accessories such as water bottles and baskets.

7. When can your child transition to a multi-speed bike?

Different children develop their cycling capabilities at different paces. So it all depends on how fast your toddler learns the basic cycling skills of balancing, steering and pedaling. Once they’ve mastered these actions, and they have a good sense of traffic rules, they can upgrade to a multi-speed gear anytime they want.

The benefit of progressing to a multi-speed bike is that it challenges your child’s cycling capabilities. With this model, they have to learn how to switch gears using the handbrake and this adds complexity. It also helps to promote coordination.

The good thing about a multi-speed bike is that once your child learns how to cycle with it, they can climb inclined terrain and maneuver roads and sidewalks at higher speeds.

Wrap Up

Want your 4 year old child to develop a passion for cycling? Well, the first step is getting them the right bike. There are two main models to choose from: balance and training wheels/pedal bikes. A balance bike is perfect for a beginner. It helps them develop basic cycling skills of balancing and steering. On the other hand, a pedal bike helps to boost your child’s skills of pedaling.

Other than the type of bike, there are other factors you’ll have to take into account such as size, weight, type of frame and braking system. Once you narrow down on these specifications, you’ll be able to find a bike that suits your child’s skills and ability.

One bike that we recommend for a 4 year old is the Woom 2 Pedal Bike. It has kid-friendly features that include a long wheelbase and low bottom bracket that enhance stability. Plus, it’s equipped with 14-inch wheels, allowing your toddler to comfortably ride on uneven terrain and navigate around obstacles.

Once you purchase the best bike for your child, it’s important to teach them basic safety tips. For instance, they should wear the right gear, and that includes a helmet, closed-toe shoes and reflective clothing. They should also ride with both hands on their handlebars and stay alert.