Knowing when to switch from a balance bike to pedals isn’t always easy.
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There are three key indicators needs to satisfy make the balance bike to pedal bike transition. So if you're wondering, "Is my child ready for a pedal bike?" then this video will help you know when to switch from a balance bike to pedals.
0:54 1. Balance Bike Mastery
2:35 2. Good Hand/Eye Coordination; Developmentally Ready.
3:38 3. Asking for a Pedal Bike
4:53 Reasons NOT to Transition Your Child to Pedals
1. Balance Bike Mastery
Mastering a balance bike goes beyond just riding down the driveway and up and down the sidewalk. Observe your child and see if they commonly display these skills:
a. Riding up and down an incline, ramp, or curb
b. Riding long distances (about a mile)
c. Zig-zagging their way through cones or people and weaving in and out of obstacles
In addition to learning how to balance while seated on a bike, true balance bike masters have also developed advanced skills that make the transition to a pedal bike pretty seamless. Kids that are the best prepared to tackle a pedal bike can do the following:
a. Shift their weight in and out of a turn
b. Lean forward or back while going up or down a hill
c. Make a sharp turn without jackknifing
d. Steer into a fall to prevent themselves from falling
2. Good Hand/Eye Coordination; Developmentally Ready
There really isn’t a clear developmental milestone to look for to ensure your child is ready.
A few potential signs could be:
a. Your child can use a hand brake effectively,
b. Displays athletic confidence
c. Can confidently catch or kick a ball
d. Appears coordinated when getting dressed or putting on their shoes
When your child is developmentally ready, they will learn to pedal. You can’t rush a child’s development. It’s usually the parents that need patience, rather than the child! If your child is transitioning young (around 2 to 3 years old) they are more likely to need a little help learning the motion of pedaling.
3. Asking for a Pedal Bike
Balance bikes are simple machines that are fun to ride and easy for kids to explore on. Pedal bikes are also amazing, but for young kids, the additional coordination it takes to pedal while riding limits their ability to be adventurous on the bike.
A three or four-year-old master balance bike rider can typically do much more on a balance bike than on a 12″ or 14″ pedal bike. Even once a child has mastered their pedal bike, bike parks, single-track trails, pump tracks and jumps are often much more fun on a balance bike.
So if your child is not asking for a pedal bike, just let them enjoy their balance bike journey!
In a nutshell, DON’T RUSH IT! Once your child is ready to move up to the more challenging task of pedal bike riding, they’ll usually let you know.
And now… just to cover all of our bases… here are a few reasons NOT to transition your kid to a pedal bike… no matter how tempting it is!
1. You want them to learn to ride a pedal bike by a certain age.
2. You want them to keep up with your family on bike rides.
3. They’ve outgrown their balance bike.
If you think your child is ready for a pedal bike, check out our videos of our favorite 14” and 16” pedal bikes right here!
Happy riding!
Reviewer: Natalie Martins
Videography & Production: Fressia Eames
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Music: www.bensound.com
