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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a "balance bike"? Where are the pedals and training wheels?
A: A balance bike is a miniaturized children's bicycle with no pedals and no training wheels, designed to be a developmental toy rather than a mode of transportation for kids aged 2 to 5. For parents, balance bikes are used as a training tool, putting kids on the fast track to enhanced motor skills, improved coordination and advanced balance. To kids, balance bikes are the favorite "toy" that they will hate to put down.
Q: How does it work?
A: Balance bikes are small and low to the ground, making it possible for even a 2 year old to sit on it with feet flat on the ground- the most confidence-building position possible. Using their feet as stabilizers, and to propel themselves and to slow themselves down, kids experience total control of their bikes, their speed and their direction. Balance and cornering skills are quickly and naturally mastered when self-confidence is high. You will notice their success before they do! Don't forget: training wheels prohibit them from detecting the sensation of successful balance, and they make it impossible to lean into the direction of a turn (training wheels fix a bicycle perpendicular to the ground). With balance bikes it's unavoidable for kids to feel that wonderful sensation of balance and master it.
Q: How do I choose between the different brands and models?
A: It's best to consider the features which are most valuable to you, such as: Safety. Durability. Materials. Quality. Price. All bikes score differently in these subjects, and it's best to pick your top three criteria and proceed from there. As with any competitively marketed product, you tend to get what you paid for. Here's a general guide for parents to follow:
- Not interested in fixing flats or inflating tires? Consider a model with maintenance free, solid rubber tires such as the FirstBIKE Track, the Ybike, or the BootScoot Zoomer.
- Live in a rural setting without a lot of sidewalks? Consider the FirstBIKE Cross, which has knobby motocross tires for good grip on dirt/gravel.
- Apartment dweller? Consider the wooden Wishbone Bike since you are not likely to leave the bike outdoors overnight. Wooden bikes are sensitive to the elements.
- Live in a neighborhood with some steeply inclined streets? Choose a FirstBIKE, FUJI or Kinderbike with optional hand brake for added stopping power.
- Is your toddler small for their age? Choose a FirstBIKE with an optional lowering kit, with a seat as low as 11.5" from the ground.
- On a limited budget? Consider the Ybike- our lowest priced model.
- Expect your child's bike to be abused and possibly left out (even in the rain) overnight? Choose a YBIKE or any FirstBIKE product, made from a rust proof composite resin.
- Want to get a bike with tool-free seat adjustment? Any FirstBIKE, the KaZAM, and the Kinderbike Morph have it.
- Interested in a bike with a foot rest? Choose the KaZAM balance bike. It has a platform for tired feet to rest when gliding for long distances.
- Concerned about the bike accidentally jack-knifing and causing injury? Choose models with a steering limiter such as the FirstBIKE balance bikes.
- Looking for the lightest bike you can find? Consider the aluminum Kinderbikes or the composite resin FirstBIKEs.
- Wondering if we have a bike that can have pedals added to it later on? Look no further than the Kinderbike Morph.
- Want to equalize your bike path rides with your child so that they can keep up? Check out our brand new line of pedal free scooters for adults by FootBIKE.
Q: What are some of the top features found on the best bikes?
A: Bikes with a steering limiter on the front fork are preferred because they make it impossible for your child to jackknife and flip over the handlebars. Bikes with [tool-free] easily adjustable seat heights are popular for their convenience, especially when siblings are taking turns on a bike. Bikes with pneumatic (air-filled) tires are popular for their superior grip and their ability to control the hardness of the wheels (where a bumpy ride will be safer with tire pressure is reduced, or a smooth ride will be more enjoyable with some extra tire pressure.)
Q: What ages of children can use a balance bike?
A: Many balance bikes are sized so that a 2 year old toddler can sit on the seat with both feet flat on the ground, others are not so small, and still others are low enough for kids younger than 2. For older kids, the only limiting factor is the weight capacity of the bikes. Typically, older 5-7 year old children who have graduated to a "real two-wheeler" will often go back to their balance bike for a fun taste of "the good old days".
Q: Shouldn't we just buy the cheapest bike and helmet available since they might not use it for very long?
A: At WeeBIKE we believe that safety is priority one, and we encourage you to reflect on previous buying decisions where price was insignificant relative to quality and safety. If you refrained from buying the very cheapest stroller, car seat, high chair and crib, then we would encourage you to continue avoiding low-end products. Bicycling is inherently dangerous and buying a first bike is the last place where a parent should skimp on quality. Helmets too! Don't let a $20 price difference between helmets mean the difference between life and death. You get what you pay for!
Q: Can a balance bike take the place of a stroller?
A: Absolutely! A skilled balance biker can easily roll at speeds in excess of your running pace, not to mention they will pass other kids on training wheels like they were standing still. A stroller limits your range, limits the amount of exercise kids get, and limits the confidence-building freedom that they can only get from a balance bike.
Q: Why should we buy our balance bike at WeeBIKE?
A: WeeBIKE has been selling the best balance bikes since 2007, and we have a history in the sport of bicycle racing that reaches back 50 years. WeeBIKE is in the balance business for the love of the sport, and for the long term. WeeBIKE also sponsors several elite bike racing teams and clubs in New England. We give thousands of dollars of merchandise, apparel, and cash to hundreds of athletes so that they can focus on training to win instead of worrying about the high cost of the sport.
Q: Does WeeBIKE sell kid's cycling apparel and helmets?
A: Absolutely! WeeBIKE offers the best helmet and apparel brands available for children such as Uvex and Louis Garneau. One stop shopping for your child's cycling, only at WeeBIKE.
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