How to move from a balance bike to a pedal bike

Words by Micro Scooters

June 05, 2023

3 minutes

How to move from a balance bike to a pedal bike?

Micro is all about everyday adventures, and, along with scooting, getting out for a bike ride is one of the best ways to explore new and exciting places. Traditionally, learning to ride a pedal bike comes with many bumps and bruises, and it can be off-putting for a small child (and their parents) to try and learn to cycle when faced with that prospect. Balance bikes are the perfect way to introduce a child to cycling without the fuss and palaver of pedals and gears, but how do you move from balance bike to pedal bike? This short blog will advise you on the easiest and safest way to transition between the two.

What's the average age to learn to ride a pedal bike?

The average age for a child to learn to ride a pedal bike is between 3 and 7 years old. Balance bikes, therefore, tend to cater for ages 2-5 years, operating as a precursor to a pedal bike.

Balance bikes come in all shapes and sizes and are available from almost all children's toy retailers and specialist bike shops such as Halfords. Micro offer two different balance bikes:

• The 2in1 Chopper with the option of putting training wheels to offer more support.
• The Dino combines Micro quality with a fun dino design.

When you switch from a balance bike to a pedal bike, there is also a vast selection of children’s bikes available through many retailers. Whether you purchase a bike from a bike specialist like Halfords or a high street giant like John Lewis moving from a balance bike to a pedal bike shouldn’t be difficult.

What age to move from a balance bike to a Pedal bike?

The short answer is ‘when your child is ready’. As parents know all too well, push a child into doing something before they are ready, and it doesn't usually end well. Most advice, however, tells you that the best time to teach a child to ride a pedal bike is before they are about 7 or 8.

Balance bikes are a great introduction to cycling for smaller children instead of moving straight onto a pedal bike with stabiliser wheels. Often, once a child is whizzing along on a balance bike, there is no need for heavy clumpy stabiliser wheels when they move onto a pedal bike because they have already found their centre of balance and can transfer the technique from one bike to the other.

How to transition from a balance bike to a pedal bike

Once your child is confident and balanced on a balance bike, they will soon be ready for their first pedal bike, but mastering those skills is not always easy, even when whizzing along on a balance bike is second nature. Let your child lead you as to when they are happy to move to a pedal bike. When practising, tempting as it is to hold on to the seat or handlebars of the pedal bike when the child is learning, try not to, as it undoes all the excellent balance work done previously on the balance bike. Instead, try supporting the child gently by supporting their upper back, lower neck or under the arms. Remind them to keep their chin up and look where they are going, helping with balance, steering and less wobble.

Remember to wear a helmet!

Make sure your child has the appropriate safety equipment and that their bicycle or balance bike is set up correctly and in good condition before they start cycling. Any bike shop can give your child's bike a service. Helmets can also be purchased from bike shops and other sports and toy retailers. Why not look at Micro's range of helmets and accessories . We also offer a super handy 'how to fit your helmet' guide to help you make sure your child is as safe as possible while on their scooter or bike.

Make it a family adventure.

Once your child has found their wheels and is a confident pedaller, a whole new world of cycling adventures can begin for your family. It's a great way to explore the open countryside and get fresh air. Enjoy!