How to choose the right balance bike?

All parents at some point are faced with the need to teach their baby to ride a bicycle, but such attempts do not always end in success, and they begin to look for a replacement for this type of transport. In this case, a balance bike is the best alternative. This article will tell you in detail about this product, consider popular models, and give advice on choosing.

A runbike is a transport for children, usually on two wheels. For the first time such a product was presented almost 200 years ago, and the design of modern bicycles was borrowed from balance bikes. The structure of the unit is as primitive as possible. In appearance, it resembles something in between a scooter and a bicycle, but there is no chain and a pair of pedals... The frame is open and weighs quite a bit, but it boasts durability. The design provides for two stable wheels, in appearance they are slightly wider than bicycle wheels.

He sits on horseback, holds the steering wheel and, pushing off the ground with his legs, begins his movement. The baby will be able to learn how to balance in just a few days. Do not worry, at first the child can just walk next to the transport, but after a week you will notice that every day the distance that he travels on the balance bike only increases.

There are several criteria a balance bike must meet. This way you can be sure that your baby is safe.

This is the first and foremost criterion for good transport.When buying, try to stop your choice on products with an aluminum frame on two wheels... Usually, such decisions are very easy, even a 2-year-old kid can handle them.

In the modern market, in addition to metal products, you can find wooden and plastic. But such solutions have a fixed seat and steering wheel, which creates great discomfort while driving. In addition, such models are not intended for long-term use, since the baby is growing rapidly.

The tires of all balance bikes are divided into two types: plastic and inflatable. The first option is considered more practical, since plastic does not require much personal care. However, in this case no depreciation at all, which means that when hitting a minimum bump, the child will feel severe discomfort.

But such wheels excellent shock absorption with the surface, so it will be much more pleasant to ride on such transport. A runbike with inflatable tires will cost a lot more than its competitor with plastic wheels, but it will cope well with rides on bumps.

Not all models are equipped with a braking system. But it is not needed for children under 3 years old, because babies already know how to brake perfectly with their feet. If you bought a balance bike for a child over 4 years old, then most likely it will be interesting for him to ride faster, and in this case, you simply cannot do without a brake on the steering wheel. Some types of balance bikes have special supports for the legs, on which the baby can place his feet so that they do not touch the ground during a fast ride.

In preschool age, children grow up very quickly and often do not fit into clothes that were recently in size. The same applies to balance bikes. It is desirable that owners be able to control the height of the steering wheel and seat so that the growing child feels comfortable while walking on the transport. Besides, If the seat and handlebars are adjustable, then as the baby grows, parents do not have to buy a new balance bike every year.

As soon as the child grows up, he can be immediately transplanted onto a two-wheeled bicycle, and the need to teach a preschooler to ride completely disappears, because he already knows how.

Before going to the store to buy a balance bike, parents should have an idea of ​​what varieties of this product are on the market. All designs are subdivided into 3 types.

• Treadmill bike... Such transport is designed for children under two years of age. As a rule, it is recommended to buy such products for children who do not yet know how to walk confidently. In such units, a plastic frame is usually provided, thanks to which, the unit weighs very little and the child can easily hold and turn the steering wheel, he has enough strength to push off the ground.

• Velobalancer... Such transport is designed for children who already know how to walk and can independently ride on an ordinary gurney, leaning on their feet. Note that there are only two wheels instead of three. At first, parents should monitor the speed at which the child is driving, and after that he will learn to control the driving speed himself with the help of the hand brake, which is in all models of bicycle balancers.

• Transformer... Such a gurney can be suitable for both preschoolers and very little ones.

If we compare a conventional two-wheeled balance bike and a convertible balance bike, the latter, in turn, has many additional components. For example, adding a chain and pedals can transform a product into a complete bike. This is a very practical and multifunctional design, but you will have to overpay for such features.

If you are sure that your child needs such a transport, then in the store you are likely to run up your eyes from the range of goods. Below you will find the top manufacturers that have proven themselves in the Russian market.

• Puky. The country of origin is Germany. The runbikes of this brand are made in bright colors, the manufacturer carefully thinks over every detail: there are ergonomic footpegs, the steering wheel is covered with rubber, and inflatable wheels are installed.

• Strider. This American company specializes in the production of a wide variety of bicycles, including balance bikes. Unlike the brand described above, here all the frames are steel, which has a positive effect on the strength of the product. As you may have guessed, it is recommended to buy such transport for preschoolers, because kids simply cannot cope with its management due to the severity.

• Kokua. Such designs are lightweight. The manufacturer provides for the presence of an elastomer, which is responsible for shock absorption; inflatable tires are installed here. In this case, you will have to pay a lot for high quality, balance bikes from Kokua are among the most expensive on the market.

• Giant. The country of origin is Taiwan. The company produces two-wheeled vehicles of all types. Balance bikes appeared in the assortment only a few years ago and immediately took one of the leading positions in the market. Of the features, we can note the cheapness and availability of spare parts.

• Rennrad. The assembly of the units is carried out in Germany under the strict supervision of orthopedists and pediatricians. The company specializes in the production of transformer balance bikes, therefore, such designs will serve for a very long time with careful use.

• Micro... The company has been on the market for over 60 years. Throughout the entire time, they have been producing products in a minimalist style, and the quality of their products has been appreciated by more than one generation of children.

• Yedoo. This brand is engaged in the production of inexpensive balance bikes for children taller than 90 cm. These designs have little difference in their appearance compared to a two-wheeled bicycle. And if in the future you want to replace transport, the child will not even have to get used to it.

Below is an overview of the current balance bike models.

The model has a huge number of positive reviews, stands out for its reference quality and durability. The product weighs about 4 kg due to the metal frame, but this weight does not affect safety in any way, since steel is a very strong metal.

There is a protective insert on the top of the handlebars - if a child hits the steering wheel, this bumper acts as an airbag. The cost in Russia starts at 7,000 rubles, the model is suitable for the smallest.

If we compare this model with the previous version, then it has taken over everything that was in the above-described balance bike, but in addition it is equipped with the function of changing the height of the steering wheel and seat. The steering wheel can be raised by 10 cm and the seat by 13 cm. In the basic configuration, there is a special key for adjusting the height, so, if necessary, you do not have to look for the right tool. The unopened design is designed for children under two years old, but if you raise the steering wheel, then a 4-year-old child will be able to ride on transport.

Rounding out the top three are the balance bikes made in Belgium. Manufacturers pay great attention to structural strength: there is a double frame made of fiberglass reinforced. Such a product can support a child weighing up to 35 kg.

A special footrest is provided, which can be removed if necessary and removed with one movement of the foot. Models are available in pink, red, blue, yellow and green. The design is reminiscent of a sports bike, and the striking design attracts both adults and children.

Here are some tips for parents to find the right balance bike for their child.

• If your child is under 2 years old, it is recommended to buy plastic 3- or 4-wheel balance bikes. Product weight should not exceed 3 kg. It is not necessary to overpay for additional components, all that is needed is a holder for transporting the unit.

• The 5kg balance bike is suitable for children under 4 years of age. Before buying, make sure that the inflatable rubber wheels are installed - so the unit can ride on uneven roads. The hand brake is not required at this age.

• For a child 6-7 years old, it is recommended to take structures with a steel or aluminum frame and rubber wheels. You can overpay a little for a footrest and handbrake. The ideal solution would be a model with adjustable steering wheel and seat heights.

• If your budget allows, then a convertible balance bike is an ideal purchase. Thanks to this solution, the owners will be able to save space in the house and not spend extra money on buying another balance bike in a couple of years. The unit must be made of aluminum.

In the following video, you will learn the specialist's recommendations for choosing the right balance bike.