Sizing 101: Balance bikes for toddlers

Once your kid is toddling around and getting into knee-high mischief they’re more than ready for their first balance bike. It’s important when choosing the best balance bike for your kid that the size is spot on, so they’re able to confidently enjoy their bike from the get-go.

Sizing balance bikes for toddlers is less about age and more about measurements. Trust your tape, and you’ll be sure to pick the perfect ride for your child. 

It starts with taking their inseam measurement, which is definitely the trickiest part, given that toddlers are rarely fans of standing still. Measure the distance between the highest part of their inner thigh down to their ankle and scribble that figure down (check out this handy video from Two Wheeling Tots). 

The next step is to look at our size chart below and pick a balance bike for your toddler that has a minimum seat height (at its lowest position) that's about an inch shorter than your child's inseam measurement (we also have a whole page dedicated to finding the right size bike for any child). This ensures your little one can comfortably plant both feet flat on the ground with a slight knee-bend while sitting in the saddle. You’ll then be able to adjust their seat height as they grow.

When the bike arrives, or if you’re buying in-store from one of our dealers (such as Bicycles NYC, Louisville Cyclery), make sure your child can comfortably reach the handlebars. If you're considering the Bigfoot, they should also be able to easily reach the brake lever. If you're a little unsure and think the bike might be a bit too large, it's a good idea to choose a smaller size when it comes to balance bikes. Feeling fully in control and safe is crucial as they develop and refine their skills. 

Don’t worry if they’re not quite up on their feet yet, because you can start them even earlier than you might imagine with a Velio bike, that’s been designed to kickstart their confidence and coordination. If your little one is anywhere between 8 and 15 months old it’s a great place to start their journey.

If you’re only just starting to look into balance bikes visit our complete guide on what to look out for, plus our approach to crafting balance bikes.