Choosing the best children's bike is an important decision that will affect your child's comfort, safety, and enthusiasm for cycling. A bike that is the right size and suitable for your child's skill level makes cycling fun and educational, while the wrong choice can discourage the entire hobby. This article will go over what to consider when looking for the best bike for your child, and will also look at the increasingly popular children's electric bikes.

Wheel size is the most important selection criterion

The best children's bike is, above all, the right size. Children's bikes are not chosen based on the frame size, but on the diameter of the tires. The most common sizes are 12”, 16”, 20” and 24”. A bike that is too big is difficult to control and can be dangerous, while a bike that is too small will quickly become uncomfortable.

A good rule of thumb is that a child’s feet should reach the ground with the seat in the lowest position. As the child grows, the saddle can be raised, but the bike should not be too big to “grow” in the beginning.

Weight and control are crucial

Many parents pay attention to the number of gears or the appearance, but for a child, the lightness and easy handling of the bike are often more important. A lightweight frame makes it easier to start, brake and steer, especially for smaller children.

The best bike for a child is often simple: one gear or a few easy-to-use gears are enough to start with. Overly complicated gears can make riding difficult and frustrating. It is also a good idea to first discuss the correct care of the bike at home and practice it with an adult. Multi-gear bikes can easily break when used by children if they have not been trained properly.

Brakes and safety

Children's bikes usually use hand brakes and sometimes, on smaller models, also a foot brake. Some models have both brakes.

The best children's bike is one with brakes that are easy to operate and comfortable for a child's hands. Brakes that are too stiff can prevent a child from stopping in time. A handbrake makes it easy for a child to practice controlled stopping.

Safety also includes good reflectors and the ability to install a bell and lights. A helmet is not part of the bike, but it is an essential part of safe cycling.

The best bike for a child depends on the intended use

It's a good idea to think about where you'll be using your bike the most. A lightweight and comfortable basic bike is best for city riding and school trips. For forest trails and uneven terrain, it might make sense to choose a children's mountain bike with wider tires and a suspension fork.

In all cases, the best children's bike is one that feels comfortable and encourages the child to go outside. It is not worth ignoring the child's opinion, as children are more likely to become attached to their bike when it feels "theirs".

It is also important to ensure that the child learns the traffic rules as quickly as possible. It is a good idea to practice cycling and crossing roads with an adult. The Finnish Transport Agency has compiled good instructions for cycling with a child on its website.

Children's electric bikes - who are they suitable for?

Children's electric bikes have become more popular in recent years, and they raise a lot of questions. An electric bike can be especially helpful on longer trips, in hilly terrain, or in situations where a child is cycling with an adult.

On children's electric bikes, the assistance is usually moderate and designed to support pedaling, not replace it. It is important that the child has a good command of riding a regular bike before using an electric bike. The heavier frame and higher speeds require more riding skills and responsibility.

Things to consider when choosing an electric bike

The best bike for a child is not automatically an electric bike. An electric bike is best suited for older children and young people who already have experience riding a bike. Reliability, battery life and safety features are key issues, as are local rules and recommendations for the use of electric bikes.

With an electric bike, safety equipment and knowledge of traffic rules are also emphasized. The bike should always match the child's physical and mental capabilities.

How to choose a bike for your child

Here are five important things to consider when choosing a child's bike:

1. The right size – The bike's tires and frame should fit the child's height to ensure a safe and comfortable ride.
   
   
2. Bike weight – The child should be able to control the bike easily, and especially in the early stages, a light bike makes learning to ride a bike easier.
   
   
3. Safety – Make sure the brakes are working and the child knows how to use them. Also remember the helmet, reflectors and lights.
   
   
4. Intended use – Consider whether the bike will be used for city riding, off-road riding, or for school trips.
   
   
5. Ease of use – The gears, brakes, and saddle adjustments should be suitable for the child.
   

The best kids' bike is a personal choice that depends on the child's age, height, skills, and intended use. A light, properly sized, and safe bike is almost always a better choice than a heavy, overly complicated model. Kids' electric bikes can be a good option in certain situations, but they're not necessary for everyone.

When a bike is chosen carefully and the child is involved in the decision, cycling can become a long-term and joyful part of everyday life.