Kids' bike: balance bike, 16, 20 or 24 inches

Which children's bike for which age?

Children's bikes go through four stages. The balance bike, which has no pedals, helps the child learn balance as soon as they walk confidently: they move by pushing with their feet and put them back on the ground to stop. Next comes the first pedal bike, either 14 or 16 inches, with a single gear and a low frame. The 20-inch bikes, for around 6 years old, often add gears and more powerful brakes so they can keep up with parents on rides. Finally, the 24 and 26-inch bikes are designed for children aged approximately 8 to 14 years and incorporate features from adult bikes: multiple gears, suspension forks on some mountain bikes, and disc brakes. The tricycles featured on this page entertain the youngest before they move on to balance bikes.

What size children's bike based on height in centimetres?

The inches of a children's bike refer to the diameter of its wheels, not the height of the frame. According to the size guides from woom and Puky, two brands sold on this page, the size ranges are as follows:

• 12-inch balance bike: from approximately 82 to 100 cm, for ages one and a half to three and a half.
• 14 inches: from 95 to 110 cm, for ages 3 to 4 and a half.
• 16 inches: from 100 or 105 cm up to 120 cm, for ages 4 to 6.
• 18 inches: an intermediate size that Puky offers starting from 105 cm.
• 20 inches: from 115 to 130 cm, for ages 6 to 8.
• 24 inches: from approximately 125 to 145 cm, for ages 7 to 11.
• 26 inches: from 140 cm, for ages 10 to around 14.

The size ranges overlap from one brand to another, as each frame has its geometry. A child who is just starting and is at the limit between two sizes will be more comfortable on the smaller one: woom advises against buying larger to make the bike last longer.

Inseam and saddle height: checking on the bike

Height gives a first estimate, while inseam refines the choice. Measure the inseam on the child barefoot, with their back against the wall, and a book held horizontally between their thighs like a saddle: the distance between the ground and the top of the book is the measurement to compare. Frog Bikes has made it the name of its urban bikes: the City 53 and City 67 are specified for inseams of 53 and 67 cm. For a first bike, the child sitting should be able to place both feet on the ground, saddle set low, and maintain space between their legs and the top tube when standing over the frame. When they pedal confidently, raise the saddle until their leg is nearly extended at the bottom of the pedal stroke.

MTB, city bike or BMX: which children's bike for which use?

For trails and outings in the woods, a children's MTB comes with wider, knobbly tires, and sometimes a suspension fork on larger sizes. The Cannondale Trail Plus 20 follows this logic with 2.6-inch wide tires and mechanical disc brakes. To get to school, a children's city bike comes equipped: the City Light range from Bemoov adds racks, mudguards, and an easy-to-step-over low frame. The children's BMX, with a single speed and a compact frame, is used on dirt tracks and at skateparks; it is also chosen based on wheel size and the child’s height.

Weight, brakes and gears: the details that matter

A child weighing 20 kg using a 10 kg bike effectively moves half their body weight: lightness aids every start, every push-off, and whenever they need to lift the bike. Therefore, specialized manufacturers focus on the aluminium used in the frame, fork, and components, like Puky does in its LS-PRO range. In terms of brakes, two systems coexist: the back-pedal brake, which activates when pedalling backward, as seen on the Cannondale Trail 12, and two short-lever hand brakes, as found on the woom GO 3, where the lever for the rear brake is green to help the child spot it. Gears generally come with the 20-inch bikes. The Early Rider Belter 16 replaces the chain with a belt, providing a clean and low-maintenance solution.

Helmet: what the law says for those under 12

In France, a child under 12 years old must wear a helmet while cycling, whether they are riding or are a passenger, for example in a bike seat. The helmet must be fastened and have the CE marking, and the adult transporting or accompanying the child must ensure that they wear it, as noted in the “Mandatory Equipment for Cycling” document on service-public.gouv.fr. Beyond 12 years, wearing a helmet is no longer compulsory, but it is still strongly recommended. Choose it based on the head circumference and adjust it so it covers the forehead without slipping.

When the child grows: other bikes

Between 140 and 165 cm, the child hesitates between a 26-inch bike and a small frame adult bike. The MTBs in XS or S sizes then take over on the trails, BMXs suit those who have taken a liking to jumps, and road bikes or gravel bikes in small sizes open the door to club outings. All models, for both adults and children, can be found in the bikes.

Which children's bike brands to choose?

woom, founded near Vienna, Austria, by two fathers who couldn’t find a suitable bike for their children, manufactures only bikes for children and adolescents: the GO range goes from the GO 1 balance bike to the GO 4 20-inch bike, while the Explore range goes up to 26 inches.

Bemoov names its models according to the wheel diameter, from M14 to M26; its City Light range, like the CL24, combines an aluminium frame and fork with a rack, mudguards, and an 8-speed MicroSHIFT derailleur for city trips.

Frog Bikes covers the whole spectrum, from the 12-inch balance bike to the urban bike City 67 in 26 inches, including the Frog 44 in 16 inches and the City 53 in 20 inches.

Cannondale offers its children's Trail range from 12 to 26 inches: the Trail 12 retains a back-pedal brake and tool-free removable training wheels, while the Trail Plus 20 shifts to 7 speeds and 2.6-inch wide tires.

Puky, a German manufacturer of balance bikes and children's bikes, builds the frame, fork, rims, crankset, seat post, handlebars, and stem of its LS-PRO range from aluminium, available from 14 to 26 inches, with an 18-inch option.

Early Rider equips its Belter 16 with a belt drive and a brushed aluminium 6061 frame and offers the Seeker 16, more geared towards trails, for children aged 4 to 6.

Discounted children's bikes

A child changes bikes every two or three years of growth: the clearance helps transition to the next size while reducing the cost. To discover the newly arrived children's bikes, browse the new arrivals; summer sales like Black Friday are also great opportunities to buy a first bike.

Frequently asked questions

What bike for a 3-year-old child?

First check their height. Below 95 cm or so, a 12-inch balance bike is suitable; between 95 and 110 cm, a first 14-inch bike becomes possible. If they have never ridden before, start with the balance bike: they will learn balance and can then transition to pedals without stabilisers.

What bike for a 6-year-old child?

At 6 years old, the child often finds themselves between the 16-inch and 20-inch options. Rely on their height: up to 115 or 120 cm, the 16-inch remains more manoeuvrable; beyond that, the 20-inch gives them a bit of style and often includes gears for climbing.

What bike for a 10-year-old child?

The 24-inch is the most common size between 8 and 11 years, for children approximately 125 to 145 cm tall. A tall 10-year-old who exceeds 140 cm can already switch to the 26-inch. Then choose between an MTB for trails or a commuter bike for daily trips.

What does the inches measure on a children's bike?

The approximate diameter of the wheel, with an inflated tire, and not the height of the frame. Two 20-inch bikes can therefore have different frames and saddle heights: this is why each brand indicates, for each model, a range of child sizes and sometimes a minimum inseam.

Does a children's MTB need a suspension fork?

Not on the smaller sizes: a suspension fork adds weight, and a light young child doesn’t put it to much work; wide, low-pressure tires already cushion the paths. It is more justified on a 24 or 26-inch bike, for a child who often rides on rough trails.