12 Best Balance Bikes for 2-Year-Olds
Updated 30 June 2021
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Author
Daniel is our primary content producer here at TheToyZone. He is a big kid at heart and a self confessed geek. His mission is to find toys that kids will treasure, researching and writing about toys he wants to play with himself.
2-year-olds love to move...all of the time! Their older siblings may be watching TV or playing video games, but at this age, it’s all about keeping on the move, whether that’s bouncing on a trampoline, swinging on a swing, or riding around on a trike or - even better - a balance bike.
When you were 2 wouldn’t you have loved to be able to ride around in style on a bike just like the bigger kids, but which came without those annoying and complicated pedals. That’s the beauty of balance bikes, and we’ve picked out the 12 best models for 2-year-olds to help them build their confidence while having lots of fun.
Anything that toddlers use to move around needs to be safe of course, so we’ve only recommended balance bikes that have been given the thumbs-up from real parents, filtering out all the fake reviews out there so you can trust our selections to be both secure and exciting.
1Hape Scoot Around Ride On Wood Bike | Award Winning Four Wheeled Wooden Push Balance Bike Toy for Toddlers with Rubberized Wheels, Bright Green
The Hape Scoot Around Ride On Wood Bike is a great go-to choice when you are seeking something that's eco-friendly and reliable. Kids can stay safe while practicing their balance and developing better active motor skills. This bike features four oversized wheels and a simple handlebar that's easy for a child to grip tightly on. In the early stages for younger toddlers, this can even be used as a push scooter so parents can play along with children. It's light in weight too, making it easy for you to push them as well as for them to pull themselves.
What we love
- Wide seat design to help kids feel more secure
- Rubber on the wheels prevents damage to indoor floors
What We Don't Like That Much
- Children might bump into the rear wheels from time to time
2Strider - 12 Sport Balance Bike, Ages 18 Months to 5 Years, Blue
The Strider 12 Sport Balance Bike has the awesome look of a big kid bike with the safety that toddlers require. It adjusts to fit kids from 18 months old to around 5 years of age, so it can be an apt children’s companion as they improve their riding skills. It weighs less 6.7 pounds too, so children can pick it up on their own if they fall. Featuring an ergonomic seat with a little padding to provide comfort during long rides, this balance bike is available in several cool colors. The handlebar has mini-grips as well, so tiny hands can take a solid hold without any problem.
What we love
- Adjusting the height is simple and quick
- Has a little foot rest for when toddlers engage their ‘sports mode’
What We Don't Like That Much
- The seat bar pokes out the bottom which could snack on of-road objects
3smarTrike Toddler Balance Bike 2,3,4,5 years old - Lightweight & Adjustable kids Balance Bike, Blue, Small, Model Number: 105-0300
The smarTrike Toddler Balance Bike is an affordable option to help kids acquire balance skills while enjoying themselves. Available in two different colors, this bike features puncture-free tires that help children handle multiple terrain types. There are two different configuration options, so your child can enjoy this bike for years to come. There's the run-and-ride style and the stride-and-glide style, each one matching your child's height and current skill level. You can individually adapt the bike as well as it has an adjustable seat, a flip frame, and an adaptable handlebar.
What we love
- It has a futuristic spaceship like shape
- It’s from a multi award-winning brand
What We Don't Like That Much
- Might not be the best if you’re living in a snowy or wet landscape
4TheCroco Balance Bike Premium Model 12” Lightweight High-Grade Aluminum to Make Riding Easy for Kids Ages 2, 3, 4 Years. Unbeatable Features: Bell, Handlebar Pad and Adjustable Seat & Handlebar Height
TheCroco Balance Bike Premium Model is manufactured in several cool color designs, and with its aluminum frame, it can hold up to the bumps from accidental falls. It uses foam, non-puncture tires so kids can ride on different types of terrain with ease. With regards to aesthetics, the bike has some similar features to standard bikes, so toddlers can truly feel like big kids. It comes with a bell, gripped footrest, ultra-soft handgrips, and even a padded seat to make those longer biking sessions both enjoyable and comfortable.
What we love
- Ultra-lightweight frame that's easy to lift for kids and parents
- Snap lock adjustment for quick height modification
What We Don't Like That Much
- The hand grips aren’t massively grippy
5XJD 3 in 1 Baby Balance Bike for 18 Months to 4 Years Old Boy Girl Tricycle for Kids Toddler First Beginner Bike Child Trike Infant 4 Wheel Balance Bicycle with Adjustable Seat Detachable Pedal, Blue
With four different colors to choose from, he XJD 3-in-1 Baby Balance Bike is a fun bike that children can use for years to come. There's a safe 135-degree steering limit so babies won't harm themselves. At the same time, it adjusts to accommodate older toddlers as well since the seat presents two height levels. The bike also features detachable training wheels and pedals. This is to suit its design as a four-wheel bike, pedal bike, and balance bike. The non-slip handlebar further helps children maintain control and feel comfortable while riding.
What we love
- Looks like something out of 2001: A Space Odyssey
- Lightweight enough for kids to maneuver and pick up
What We Don't Like That Much
- Handlebars seem a bit low
6allobebe Baby Balance Bike, Toddler Bikes Bicycle for 12-36 Months Perfect boy 1 Year Old Gifts Toys to Scoot Around with Adjustable Seat Smooth Silent 3 Wheels
The allobebe Baby Balance Bike comes in the perfect size for young toddlers and babies to get the hang of balancing. It only weighs 3.85 pounds, so it's not too much for them to handle. Furthermore, it's generally designed in an adorable style, available in multiple colors to be even more appealing for babies to want to hop on. It offers a 50-degree steering limit, preventing babies from falling off to the side. The wheels are also intended to provide a quieter ride, while the seat can adjust to fit children of different sizes, ensuring it is their go-to bike even as they grow older.
What we love
- Comes in 6 adorable different colors
- The seat is super soft
What We Don't Like That Much
- The sterling limit can be...limiting
7Chillafish Bunzi 2-in-1 Toddler Balance Bike and Tricycle, Ages 1 to 3 Years Old, Adjustable Lightweight First Gradual Balance Bike with Silent Non-Marking Wheels,, White/Pink, OneSize
The Chillafish Bunzi 2-in-1 is both a balance bike and a tricycle so older babies and toddlers can ride along successfully. It also has an adjustable seat to better support children of different ages and stature. It's even easy for parents to carry around thanks to the handle attached to the seat. Made from high-quality ABS material, the bike is reliable for long-term use. Children should also ride on it in relative silence thanks to the synthetic rubber tires. They are non-marking and anti-skid, so they work well indoors too.
What we love
- Maneuvers well both forward and backward
- Hidden seat storage area that kids can use for small toys
What We Don't Like That Much
- May not grow with your toddler as much as the others
8Banana GT Balance Bike - 12" Alloy Wheels Air Tires for Girls and Boys 2, 3, 4, 5 Year Olds
Available in either blue or red, the Banana GT Balance Bike is based off the Original LT Banana Bike, featuring the same step-through frame, so it's easy for toddlers to get on and off. This pairs well with the lower saddle design that makes it even simpler for kids just starting out. For adjusting the seat, it has a quick-release system, and it goes from 12.2 inches to 17.3 inches. The seat is also padded and ergonomic. On the handlebars, there are premium, comfortable grips so kids can hold on better.
What we love
- What’s there not to love about a bike bendy like a banana
- Air filled tires offer a smoother ride on different terrains
What We Don't Like That Much
- Unable to adjust the height of the handlebars
9Kinderfeets TinyTot 2-in-1 Wooden Balance Bike and Tricycle - Easily Convert from Bike to Trike | Sustainable and Eco-Friendly | Adjustable Riding Balance Toy for Kids and Toddlers (Sage)
The Kinderfeets TinyTot 2-in-1 is a quality balance bike and tricycle. It starts off as a tricycle so kids can get comfortable and accustomed to it, and then once they are ready to develop their balancing skills further, it transforms into a two-wheel balance bike. You can also adjust the seat itself as it goes from 9 to 11.5 inches. This way, kids can grow with it, or it can better suit children of various heights. Furthermore, the bike comes in four different color styles, so you have a few more options for finding one that your child likes.
What we love
- Doesn’t take a scientist to change from tricycle to balance bike
- Kids can learn how to maneuver quickly
What We Don't Like That Much
- The wheels are smooth and could benefit from some traction
10Chillafish Charlie Lightweight Toddler Balance Bike, Cute Balance Trainer for 18-48 Months, Learn to Bike with 10" inch no-Puncture Wheels, Adjustable seat and Carry Handle., Silver
The Chillafish Charlie Lightweight Toddler Balance Bike is designed in three colors, and is ideal for children from the age of 18 months up to 48 months. It doesn't weigh much so parents can use the integrated carry handle to pick it up and go. Both the seat and the handlebars adjust so that it can be tailored to fit different-sized children or accommodate children as they grow up. Moreover, the tires are a comfortable size to provide more support and help kids ride their bike over a variety of terrains outdoors as well as inside.
What we love
- Simple to put together and adjust
- Big fat tires for those fearless stunt toddlers
What We Don't Like That Much
- Handlebar grips could be more comfortable
11Yvolution Y Velo Junior Toddler Balance Bike | 9 Inch Wheel No-Pedal Training Bike for Kids Age 18 Months to 3 Years (Pink2)
The Yvolution Y Velo Toddler Balance Bike features several color designs, so children will be able to pick the one that suits them most. This one has one wheel in the front and a dual rear-wheel layout. It's made to support children ranging from 18 months to 4 years of age or children up to a maximum of 45 pounds. The balance bike is simple to adjust as parents can change both the seat and the handlebar height, adapting it to the child’s height so they can ride it for as long as they need to. Also, the dual rear wheel can turn into a single wheel once they gain more balance skills and confidence.
What we love
- Wide wheel design helps provide children with more support
- Good minimum height that works well for shorter toddlers
What We Don't Like That Much
- A bit heavy for younger toddlers to lift on their own
12Kids Balance Bike,Toddler Bike with Foldable Training Wheels,Removable Pedal and Parent Push Bar,Foldable Bicycle,Ages 2-4 Years (Blue)
The Kids Balance Bike is a multi-functional bike that will help kids develop their skills while staying safe. There's a parent push bar so you can control your baby's movements. It can also transform into a balance bike, a baby bike, or a baby tricycle. It can support children weighing up to 44 pounds, covering quite a range of different ages and sizes, and ensuring that scores of children can enjoy this bike. Both the handles and the saddle can be modified as required, making it simple to adapt the bike to better fit your child’s needs.
What we love
- You can add pedals when they’re ready to advance
- Foldable design for easy storage and transportation
What We Don't Like That Much
- Difficult to steer from the parent push bar
In Conclusion
When I was 2, I was terrorizing the neighborhood (or my yard) on my little red wagon, but these balance bikes are so much cooler, whether it’s the slick Strider - 12 Sport model or classic Hape Scoot eco-friendly wooden one. There’s a look here for every discerning toddler and if you’re getting jealous we’ve even found one for you too. Check out this fun and stylish Schwinn Shuffle Adult Scooter, which offers an incredibly cool alternative way to get around and keep up with your little Easy Riders. And if you’re buying for a toddler who already has a balance bike but still needs a toy to help keep them on the move, have a look at our 10 Best Toddler Trampolines for some suggestions to put a spring in their step.
