Do you remember learning to ride a bike? Most of us will have shakily started out using a pedal bike with stabilisers – but times have changed, and getting your little one in the saddle has never been easier (and more fun!) with a balance bike.
If you haven’t come across one before, a balance bike is a small bike designed for young children that doesn’t have pedals. Instead of pedalling, little ones sit on the seat and push themselves along with their feet, then lift them to glide around.
Balance bikes are great for learning to ride for the following reasons:
- Easy to balance
- Easy to use
- Lightweight for easy handling
- Versatile
- Low maintenance
Keep reading as we go into more detail below!
Why are balance bikes good for kids?
Balance bikes help children learn balance naturally
The main purpose of a balance bike is to teach children how to balance on two wheels.
Because balance bikes do not have pedals or stabilisers, children must use their feet to push forward and keep themselves upright. This encourages them to develop balance gradually and naturally.
If they lose balance, they can simply put their feet down to steady themselves.
This approach helps children rely on their own coordination rather than stabilisers, which can make moving to a pedal bike easier later.
Balance bikes are easy for young children to use
Balance bikes are designed to be simple and child-friendly.
Unlike pedal bikes, they usually have:
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No gears
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No chain
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Fewer moving parts
This makes them easier for young children to understand and use.
Some models also include hand brakes, which allow children to practise slowing down and stopping using their hands. Learning how to brake is an important cycling skill that helps build control and confidence.
Balance bikes are lightweight
Most balance bikes are designed to be lightweight and easy to handle.
This makes them easier for children to:
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Steer and control
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Pick up if they fall over
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Move around independently
Many models also include an under-seat carry handle, making it easier for parents to carry the bike when children get tired.
Balance bikes can be used almost anywhere
Children don’t need a lot of space to start using a balance bike.
Because beginners usually ride slowly at first, they can practise in places such as:
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The garden
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A driveway
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Quiet pavements
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Local parks
This allows children to build confidence gradually before riding further distances.
Balance bikes require very little maintenance
Balance bikes are simple machines, which means they require very little maintenance.
Without gears or chains, there are fewer parts that can wear out or break. This makes them durable and practical for young riders.
Balance bikes available at Halfords
With balance bikes now one of the most popular ways to help children learn to ride, Halfords offers an excellent range designed to give your little one a confident and enjoyable start on two wheels. From fun designs to sturdy builds, these balance bikes are sure to delight your child and set them up perfectly for their first pedal bike.
Boardman – 12″ Wheel
Designed for young riders who are ready to take the next step, the Boardman JNR 12” brings the performance DNA of the adult Boardman range to a perfectly proportioned first pedal bike.
Expertly engineered for lightweight efficiency, control and durability, it’s built to help your child ride forwards, faster and further — all while developing confidence on two wheels. Featuring the same vivid sunrise-inspired design, this bike is guaranteed to stand out on every adventure.
Apollo Wizzer – 10″ and 12” Wheel
Apollo Wizzer Balance Bikes are not only robust, but they also feature a built-in brake (12” only). This gives children time to practise using brakes to slow down and stop, rather than using their feet. Built to last, this bike can really take some knocks as your child learns, with light, puncture-proof EVA tyres and a strong, sturdy frame. Kids will be well set up to move on to a pedal bike after some time on their Wizzer.
With the Apollo Wizzer, your little one will have a choice of plenty of fun designs, including sweet pink strawberries and funky green robots (12”), yellow flowers and bright blue dinosaurs (10”).
Carrera Cosmos – 12”
Made for energetic kids who are ready to take their first steps into the world of cycling, but aren’t quite ready to tackle pedals, the Carrera Cosmos 12” Balance Bike is the perfect place to start. The Carrera Cosmos – 12” comes in two eye-catching colours: red and purple.
With 12” wheels and air-filled tyres, this sporty ride lets small feet reach the ground easily. The small saddle and bright handlebar grips have been designed to let kids see their touchpoints easily.
Voodoo Bizango – 12″ Balance Bike
Inspired by Voodoo’s award-winning adult mountain bikes, the Voodoo Bizango 12” Balance Bike is ideal for adventurous little riders.
Featuring scaled-down MTB geometry and a lightweight yet robust frame, it’s designed to handle bumps and uneven terrain as confidence grows. Unlike some balance bikes that use solid EVA tyres, the Bizango features air-filled tyres for a more comfortable, cushioned ride and improved grip across different surfaces. The tan sidewalls add a premium finishing touch, matching the styling of Voodoo’s adult bikes for a true mini-MTB look.
It also comes equipped with durable spoke wheels, offering a higher-quality feel and performance compared to plastic alternatives — perfect for little riders who are ready to take on bigger adventures. With its black frame and neon-green accents, this mini mountain-bike style ride is ready for off-road fun.
Pendleton Somerby Balance Bike – 12” Wheel
Based on the best-selling adult Pendleton Somerby Bike, the Pendleton Somerby Balance Bike is an eye-catching little bike that will be sure to turn heads in the park. The Pendleton is known for its classic style and a lightweight, aluminium step-through frame to help little ones get on and off the bike with total ease.
There’s even a miniature wicker-style basket for extra cuteness, and to let kids carry around their favourite toys and teddies. Kids certainly learn to balance in style on their Pendleton bike.
Indi Balance Bike – 10” Wheel
The Indi Balance Bike is a great choice if you’re shopping on a smaller budget, offering a simple and reliable introduction to riding.
It’s an ideal starter bike, giving kids a safe and confidence-building way to explore life on two wheels. Strong, puncture-proof EVA tyres mean little bumps won’t interrupt the fun, making it a practical option for everyday adventures.
To shop our full range of balance bikes, head over to Halfords.com. Plus, you can pick up accessories such as helmets, kneepads and gloves to keep them well protected while they explore.
