Australia’s Online Bike Shop For Kids

A properly fitting bike should allow your child to touch the ground with their feet when sitting on the saddle. For balance bikes, kids should be able to sit comfortably with both feet flat on the ground. For pedal bikes, they should reach the handlebars without stretching and pedal without overextending their legs.

The best type of bike depends on your child’s age, skill level, and riding preferences:

• Balance bikes: Ideal for toddlers learning to balance.
• Single-speed bikes: Great for casual riding and younger children.
• Geared bikes: Better for older kids who ride on varied terrains or longer distances.
• Mountain bikes: Suitable for adventurous kids who enjoy off-road riding.
• Full-Suspension bikes: Suitable for older kids looking for a more capable off-road experience

Children typically transition from a balance bike to a pedal bike around the age of 4 to 6 years old. Signs that your child is ready include being able to balance confidently on a balance bike and showing interest in pedalling. A pedal bike with training wheels can help in the transition if needed.

Essential safety gear for your child includes:

• Helmet: A properly fitting helmet is crucial for protecting your child’s head in case of a fall.
• Knee and elbow pads: Provide additional protection.
• Gloves: Help protect their hands and improve grip.
• Bright or reflective clothing: Increases visibility to others.
• Bike reflectors and a bell or horn: Ensure that the bike is equipped with reflectors and a bell or horn to alert others. Most if not all bikes will be supplied with reflectors and bells within Australia.

Teaching your child to ride a bike can be a fun and rewarding experience. Here’s how to start:

1. Begin with a balance bike: Helps your child learn to balance without worrying about pedalling.
2. Transition to a pedal bike: Start in a flat, open area. Hold the bike while your child practices pedalling and balancing.
3. Encourage looking ahead: Teach your child to look forward and not at their feet. This will help their awareness and prediction of dangers ahead.
4. Gradually reduce support: As they gain confidence and balance, gradually reduce your support until they can ride independently.

Regular maintenance is key to ensuring your child’s bike remains safe and functional:

• Check tyre pressure: Ensure tyres are properly inflated.
• Inspect brakes: Make sure the brakes are functioning correctly.
• Lubricate the chain: Regularly apply lubricant to the chain to keep it running smoothly.
• Check for loose parts: Inspect the bike for any loose bolts or parts.
• Professional servicing: Regular professional services can also keep the bike in top condition.

Regular maintenance is key to ensuring your child’s bike remains safe and functional:Training wheels can help some children learn to pedal without worrying about balance. However, they can also delay the process of learning to balance. Balance bikes or removing the pedals from a pedal bike (to create a makeshift balance bike) can be more effective in teaching balance before transitioning to a regular bike.

• Check tyre pressure: Ensure tyres are properly inflated.
• Inspect brakes: Make sure the brakes are functioning correctly.
• Lubricate the chain: Regularly apply lubricant to the chain to keep it running smoothly.
• Check for loose parts: Inspect the bike for any loose bolts or parts.
• Professional servicing: Regular professional services can also keep the bike in top condition.

The main differences are often in the design and colour schemes rather than functionality. Some girls’ bikes have a lower top tube for easier mounting and dismounting. Ultimately, any child can ride any bike as long as it fits them properly and they feel comfortable with it.

Choosing the right helmet is essential for safety:

• Fit: The helmet should fit snugly without being too tight. It should sit level on your child’s head and cover the forehead.
• Straps: The straps should form a “V” shape under the ears and fasten securely under the chin.
• Safety standards: Look for helmets that meet safety standards such as CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) certification.

We would advise helmets from well-known manufacturers such as Nutcase Helmets.