How to Buy a Training Bike

Bikes with training wheels help children learn to ride. They come in different sizes and designs to fit any child.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bicycle Streamers
• Bicycle Bells
• Bicycle Helmets
• Bicycle Horns
• Bike Baskets
• 10-inch Barbie Training Bikes
• 10-inch Sesame Street Training Bikes
• 12-inch Barbie Training Bikes
• 12-inch Elmo Training Bikes
• 12-inch Hot Wheels Training Bikes
• 16-inch Hot Wheels Training Bikes
• 16-inch Spice Girls Training Bikes

1. Know that a training bike is one that comes with training wheels and is designed for a child who is learning to ride a bike. Training wheels can be removed after the child has gained confidence.

2. Understand that training bikes come in different heights that correspond to certain ages. A 10-inch bike is for a 1- to 3-year-old, a 12-inch bike is for a 3- to 5-year-old, and a 16-inch bike is for a 5- to 7-year-old.

3. Remember that it's important to buy the right-size bike. A child must be able to sit on the bike, hold the handles and touch the ground with his or her feet.

4. Don't get caught up in the recommended ages too much. If you have a large 4-year-old, you might want to get a 16-inch bike. You want the bike to last more than a year if possible.

5. Know that most bikes have seats and handlebars that can be adjusted up or down to fit the child.

6. Notice that training bikes come in many designs. There are Barbie bikes, Spice Girl bikes, Hot Wheels bikes and "Sesame Street" bikes.

7. Expect to pay between $30 and $100 for a training bike.

8. Shop for your bike from the Shopping List below or at your favorite online or local store.

Tips & Warnings

• It may be helpful to go into a local store and look at training bikes even if you're going to buy online. By seeing the bikes in person, you'll get a good sense of their sturdiness and exactly how high each one is.
• Always have your child wear a helmet when riding any type of bicycle.
• Purchase a basket, bell, horn and streamers to dress up the bike.

[ralphdesmond]

on 2/14/2008 I agree with that, ESPECIALLY the last statement. I previously had taken this information to mean training wheels are bad. But taking the last sentence literally, I DO want my son to take an additional year or two to learn how to ride - he's only 4 and has plenty of time later for the dangerous responsibility of that kind of riding. I want him to enjoy his childhood, pedalling around on the driveway without a care in the world. I think I'm going to get him a bike with training wheels. (if he were 6 or 7 and getting his first bike, I would not get training wheels)

[ralphdesmond]

on 2/14/2008 I agree with that, ESPECIALLY the last statement. I previously had taken this information to mean training wheels are bad. But taking the last sentence literally, I DO want my son to take an additional year or two to learn how to ride - he's only 4 and has plenty of time later for the dangerous responsibility of that kind of riding. I want him to enjoy his childhood, pedalling around on the driveway without a care in the world. I think I'm going to get him a bike with training wheels. (if he were 6 or 7 and getting his first bike, I would not get training wheels)

[gardenvariety]

on 5/21/2007 Interesting article, but for the wrong reason. The fact is, training wheels DO NOT help children learn to ride a bike. In fact, most experts (if not all) agree that training wheels are counter productive. Rather, training wheels teach a child to "cheat". If you want to truly teach your child to ride, you should either remove your child's pedals, crank, chains, etc and let them learn by first pushing their bike around or buy one of the many balance trainer bikes on the market. Never, never subject your child to a training bike with training wheels, unless you want your child to take an additional year or two to learn to ride.

[gardenvariety]

on 5/21/2007 j