Teaching your child how to ride their first bike is a big milestone. It can be a bit daunting for parents with the risk of falling, but it need not be with the right preparation. In the guide below we’ll share a few tips on how to get your child riding confidently on their own in no time.
How do you know when your child is ready to ride a pedal bike?
There is no golden rule that determines when a child is ready to ride. However, there are some telltale signs that your little one is ready to take the step to a pedal bike.
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They are physically strong enough
A kid's first pedal bike will be between 12” - 16” and will weigh more than a balance bike due to the more robust materials and extra components. As such, your child will need to be able to be strong enough to manoeuvre the bike. On top of this, turning the pedals requires leg strength.
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They’re tall enough
Pedal bikes are larger than balance bikes, so your child will need to be able to physically fit the bigger bike. Being able to comfortably step over the bike is important but the correct saddle height is key. If your new 14” pedal bike has a minimum seat height of 15”, you should ensure your child has an inseam of at least 16”. Bikes sizes can vary a lot so if possible it is best to test ride the bike in store before purchasing.
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They’re coordinated enough
Learning to ride a bike isn’t a natural process. It’s an unfamiliar motion that requires a complex set of body movements to succeed. Balancing, steering, leaning, using a hand brake - and all at the same time! As a parent you should have an idea on when they would be ready, but if they can catch a ball, climb a jungle gym or pedal a trike, they are likely ready for the next step.
Tips for fostering a kid that loves to ride:
- Start kids on a bike child seat before they are even able to ride a bike themselves. This exposes them to the sensation of riding from a very young age.
- Start your toddler on a balance soon after they are able to walk. This will help them build confidence on a bike as they start to learn the basics of balance and steering. Kids who are confident riding balance bikes will have a much less daunting transition to a pedal bike.
- Keep your child on the balance bike until they have the strength and coordination to pedal the bike. This is usually around 4 years of age. If they can’t power then bike on their own, they aren’t ready.
- Ditch the training wheels. We don’t recommend learning with training wheels (stabilisers) as they prevent natural movement of steering and leaning to turn the bike. They have already learnt this sensation on a balance bike so introducing training wheels is a step backwards in the progression.
- Don’t make it stressful. Riding a bike should always be fun. If they aren’t ready to progress to the next level, try again another day. There is no reason to rush the process, instead focus on making any cycling experience fun.
Top tips for teaching your child to ride a pedal bike solo:
- Pick a big open space with a flat surface. Avoid learning on grass as it actually makes it harder for the rider to maintain momentum and balance. Make sure the space is safe; avoid places with obstacles, pedestrians or vehicles!
- Set the saddle height appropriately. Don’t be fooled into thinking feet comfortably touching the ground is the safest way to ride. A low seat height actually prevents a proper pedalling motion and will make it harder to generate power and balance while riding.
- Hold onto the child (under the armpits or the shoulders) not the seat or handlebars. This allows them to get a feel for the forward pedalling motion without interfering with how the bike leans over and responds to their pedalling.
- Riding solo: As the child gains more confidence pedalling while you support them under the armpits or on the shoulders, slowly test removing your support and gauge how they respond. Stay prepared to catch them if they are about to fall, but at this stage they are starting to ride the bike solo.
- Learning to steer: Once they are starting to pedal solo, help guide their body with your hands on their shoulders into turning the bike. Walk or jog alongside them and guide the turn and be prepared to correct an oversteer or prevent a fall.
- Learning to brake: Introducing braking to the lesson is often easier done by walking with the bike rather than riding. Have the child walk with the bike, squeeze the brake levers and get a feel for how the bike responds to the brake levers being pulled. Once they are comfortable with how it feels, they can trial braking themselves while riding.
- Practice, practice, practice! The more time your child has on the bike, the more confident they will become on the bike.
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At what age should my child learn to ride?
Between 4 - 6 years of age is the right age to learn to ride a pedal bike. In fact, the younger they are when they learn the better, because as the child gets older, the more cautious they become when they start. Older kids typically find it more challenging to learn for two reasons; a heightened sense of fear as you get older and as you grow you get further from the ground, thus you have further to fall.
How long does it take to teach a child to ride a bike?
Every child is different so results will vary, but assuming your child has the physical coordination leg strength to be able to ride, they should be able to learn to pedal and balance within a few hours of practice.
Enjoy the process
Learning to ride a bike opens up a world of adventures for both your child and the family. Don’t pressure them into learning too fast, they get there when the time is right. Instead, focus on the moments and foster a love for cycling from a young age.
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