Balance bikes are a great way to get little toddlers
out and about.
And they're the perfect first step to a real bike.
The good news is that they can only go as far and as fast
as their little legs can push them.
So they're not going to be able to get too far away from you
either.
There is a huge range to choose from for something
that is essentially two wheels and a seat.
And there's some important things
you should think about when buying your balance bike, which
we will touch on later.
After 30 hours of testing, we have researched all the balance
bikes on the market, listened to Mumsnet users' opinions,
and sent one of our testers out on the run with their toddler.
We have come up with the eight top balance bikes currently
available to buy on the market.
First up, we have the functional but elegant Islabike Rothan,
which has been crowned Mumsnet's best balance bike for 2019.
It's exceptionally light, which is really important
for little toddlers but also for parents
who are inevitably going to end up carrying the thing.
Got wide handlebars, puncture-resistant tyres,
and a handbrake that even the tiniest of little hands
will be able to operate.
It does have a limited age span, which
will be off-putting for some parents.
But they do retain their value.
And you can always sell them and then buy the next size
up second hand.
And all in all, it's a really great bike.
Next up is the Frog Bikes Tadpole,
which is more of a mountain bike style balance bike built
for strength and speed.
If you live in the countryside or if you're more adventurous
and enjoy an off-road trail at the weekend, which is something
that will definitely affect the balance bike you buy,
this could be a great option for you.
It is a bit on the pricier side.
And it's a little bit heavier than some as well.
If you're after a bike with more of a BMX aesthetic,
then look no further than the HOY Napier 2020.
Suitable for children ages two to four,
it means it will span those toddler years really
comfortably.
And it was designed after Chris Hoy's BMX bikes, apparently.
The Napier might be a bit bulkier than some of the bikes
on the market.
But it's really sturdy.
And it doesn't have a price tag that will make you flinch.
Weighing in at just 2.9 kilos is this Strider 12 Sport one,
of the lightest bikes we put through testing
and a great option for curbside cycling.
With quick release adjusters, a small aluminium frame that
makes it easy for your toddler to hop on and off,
and the handy foot rest that's going
to encourage some serious coasting,
the Strider is a well-built balance bike
that both toddlers and parents will love.
And it can be used from 18 months
all the way to five years old, which
is a huge plus and definitely something you should consider
when buying a balance bike.
The Carrera Coast is another great example
of a budget balance bike.
It gives its pricier competitors a real run for their money.
This is a really practical bike that can go easily
across different terrain.
And for older, slightly more confident toddlers,
they're going to be able to cover quite a bit
ground with this one as well.
How easy a bike brakes is definitely
something to look for in a balance bike.
And it's worth noting that the Carrera's Tektro handbrake does
need a good squeeze.
But all in all, the Carrera Coast
is a great budget-friendly bike that most parents will love.
Next up is the Early Rider Classic,
which, as the name would suggest,
is a very classic looking balance bike.
It has a wooden frame beautifully crafted
from sustainably sourced birch wood.
This one has chunky wheels that just glide over
different types of terrain.
But it's made of wood, which makes it that bit heavier.
So if your child is slightly smaller
or if you've got a younger toddler,
this might not be the easiest bike for them to ride.
So with that in mind, we would recommend this bike
from age three onwards.
For children who need a confidence boost
while learning to ride a bike, the Ridgeback Scoot
could be a real winner.
It features a hand grab on the saddle
so you can assist your child if they need
a little bit of extra support.
And the handbrake also means that they can slow down
more easily as well, which if you live in an urban area,
is definitely something worth considering.
Again, this bike is on the heavier side.
So it might be more suitable for ages three and up.
But it is a neat little bike.
And it's got plenty of room for growth as well.
Finally, we have the Micro 2-in-1 balance bike,
which can be used as a balance bike
or as a bike with training wheels.
This bike will definitely get your toddler from A to B.
But it does have smaller wheels, so it's better
suited to life on pavements or slightly smoother surfaces.
If you think your toddler is going
to be more of the occasional rider
rather than a serious balance biker,
then the Micro 2-in-1 is probably
the best option for you.
That's it from us.
For more buyers guides and product reviews,
head over to mumsnet.com/reviews.