12 Best Balance Bikes for 4-Year-Olds
Updated 29 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.
When I was four I knew for sure that I was indestructible. At that age, you’ve mastered everything that’s important (standing, walking, running, jumping, bouncing, etc) and are ready for great adventures...but maybe not quite ready for pedals. That’s why having the right balance bike is so crucial for 4-year-olds.
They have to look cool. They have to move with style. They have to absolutely not look like something for babies. Instead, they need to look like big kid bikes, because 4-year-olds are big kids.
We’ve picked out the 12 best balance bikes for this age group, taking in all of these very important factors but also making sure we’re only recommending bikes that have been approved by real parents, so we’ve discounted all the fake online reviews.
1Mini Glider Kids Balance Bike with Patented Slow Speed Geometry (Red)
Made for kids who may need a slower approach to learning to ride and balance, the Mini Glider Kids Balance Bike has patented slow speed geometry, which keeps the bike at a 2 MPH speed. This is great for those who may not be ready to hit the high speeds included in learning to ride a bike. Made of aluminum alloy and equipped with an adjustable seat, this bike is perfect for kids to learn with over time. Inflatable air tires with shock-proof wheels are also great for biking on any terrain!
What we love
- Comes with a kickstand installed
- The bike glides very easily, and will even ride smoothly on grass and dirt
What We Don't Like That Much
- The hand brake can be a bit stiff at first
2Vilano Rally Balance Bike Training No Pedal Push Bicycle, Green
Getting kids comfortable and ready to ride a bike is a hard task, but with the Vilano Rally Balance bike, you can get them started on a pushbike with no pedals, designed for a beginner rider. Learning to balance, which can be done on this bike, is the first step before upgrading to a pedal bike. With a frame designed with comfort in mind and never flat foam wheels, this bike is ready for any adventures you and your children may go on. The padded handlebars and adjustable seat are also great, keeping your little rider safe while learning.
What we love
- The frame is very lightweight and easy to carry
- Good for teaching kids confidence with steering and riding
What We Don't Like That Much
- Instructions require a little patience, but the assembly itself is fairly easy
3KaZAM v2s No Pedal Balance Bike, 12-Inch, Green
The KaZAM No-Pedal Balance Bike is created with a special design, including a footrest on the middle of the frame. With this extra piece, kids can not only work on their balance, but by putting their feet in the same place as they would be on a pedal bike, they can learn the correct form and focus on their center of gravity. Air-filled tires help with traction and overall stability, and the handlebars and seat are both adjustable to keep kids learning up to 5 years old.
What we love
- Available in green, pink and red
- Footrest allows for coasting and faster riding
What We Don't Like That Much
- The wheels are small, so they will need to be refilled with air often
4Strider - 14x Sport Balance Bike, Ages 3 to 7 Years, Awesome Blue - Pedal Conversion Kit Sold Separately
Available in bright, exciting colors, the Strider 14x Sport Balance Bike is a great tool for learning how to ride a bike independently. Build confidence, as your kids can ride with ease with the lightweight frame and easy-to-move handlebars. As your kids grow, the bike can as well, as the handlebars and seat are both adjustable that will accommodate ages 3 to 7. If needed, there is also a pedal kit sold separately, if your kids are ready for the skill upgrade.
What we love
- Air-filled rubber tires are compatible with most common air pumps
- Fits 16”-23” inseams, great for taller kids
What We Don't Like That Much
- Footrests are included near the back wheel and may take a little while to get used to
5Bixe: Pink (Lightweight - 4LBS) Aluminum Balance Bike for Kids and Toddlers - No Pedal Sport Training Bicycle - Bikes for 2, 3, 4, 5 Year Old
Available in pink, green, blue, and purple, the Bixe Balance Bike has something for everyone. With an all-aluminum frame, foam tires, and adjustable seat and handlebars, this bike has everything needed for a smooth, safe ride anywhere and anytime. Not only that, but this balance bike is made with safety in mind, being tested and reinforced with tamper-proof clamps, safety washers on the wheels, and a reinforced frame for holding more weight. Learn how to balance and ride on the safe, fully equipped Bixe Balance Bike.
What we love
- Wrench is provided for any adjustments needed
- Very easy to travel with, as it is so lightweight
What We Don't Like That Much
- The handlebars turn 360 degrees around, so requires a bit of extra dexterity
6INFANS Kids Balance Bike, Toddler Running Bicycle, Seat Height Adjustable, Non-Slip Handle (Red)
The Infans Kids Balance Bike is a great way to teach your kids how to balance, as well as train their physical responses through playing and riding. Made from rugged steel, the bike is sturdy and ready for up to 55 pounds. The paint is also covered in a protective coat finish, which prevents wear and tear to the exterior of the bike. With no sharp edges, a nonslip handlebar, and a saddle-shaped seat for stability, this bike has enough safety measures to make sure your kids ride smoothly.
What we love
- Includes EVA foam tires that stay inflated
- The frame is created to be shock absorbent for all-terrain adventures
What We Don't Like That Much
- Seat requires a wrench (not included) to adjust the height
7JOYSTAR Kids Balance Bike for 18 Months 2, 3 4 and 5 Years Old Boys & Girls, 12" Toddler Training Bike for Baby, Lightweight & Adjustable No Pedal Bicycle for Children, Green
Available in many different colors for great customization, the Joystar 12 Inch Kids Balance Bike is a great way to prepare your children for independently riding their own bike. The frame of the bike is curved, making it easier for your child to step on and off. Air-free tires, a quick release, adjustable seat, and padded handles, this bike has everything needed to keep your children safe and learning correctly. Not only this, but the bike also takes only 20 minutes to install with an included basic assembly tool, ready to ride almost immediately.
What we love
- Fantastic customization options available
- Handlebars move very smoothly in order to give children full control
What We Don't Like That Much
- Assembly instruction booklet is on the longer side, but assembly is very simple
8KESAIH Balance Bike for 18 Months - 5 Years Old Boys & Girls, 4-in-1 Toddler Bike with Training Wheels & Pedals
Offering variety for your growing kids, the Kesaih Balance Bike has a 4-in-1 design, offering a classic balance bike, an auxiliary balance bike, a pedal bicycle, and a tricycle. Pedals and extra wheels are included, which also allows you to customize to your child’s strengths and weaknesses as they work their way up. In order to install each piece, no tools are required, and buttons allow you to add and remove the pieces quickly and easily. With an aluminum frame and puncture-proof EVA foam tires, this bike has everything needed to push skill development in your children.
What we love
- Easy to ride both indoors and outdoors on different terrains
- Detailed instructions are included for assembly
What We Don't Like That Much
- Requires a bit of elbow grease to assemble, but it is well worth it!
9HAPTOO Balance Bike 10'' for 2-5 Years Old, Toddler Balance Bike with Adjustable Seat and Handle, Best Birthday Gift for Boys and Girls
Great for building skills such as balance, steering, coordination, and riding confidence, the HAPTOO Balance Bike is a fun way to get your kids out and active. Alongside EVA foam tires that won’t pop or need to be inflated, the frame has a great ability to absorb shock and reduce any difficulties on rough surfaces. Both the seat and the handlebars adjust, making sure your children can grow alongside the bike, continuing their skill-building throughout the years. The entire structure of the bike is also welded and completed with no sharp edges, to maximize safety while riding.
What we love
- Comes in 12 different colors and styles
- Has a short setting, great for smaller children
What We Don't Like That Much
- The kickstand included may get in the way of your child’s feet, but it can easily be removed
10Kids Bike,Dripex 12 14 16 18 Inch Boys Bicycle Girls Bike with Training Wheels and Basket for Kids Ages 2-9,Kickstand for 16 18 Inch Boys Bike Blue Pink (Green, 12 Inch Balance Bike)
The Dripex Toddler Bike is a great bike for teaching kids how to balance and guide a bike all on their own! With a lightweight design and a widened aluminum frame, there is less chance of falling, tipping, bending, or scratching during use. The tires are made of EVA foam that don’t need to be inflated and will easily conquer any terrain. Teach your kids to walk and ride safely with the Dripex Toddler Bike.
What we love
- Can be easily assembled within 20 minutes out of the box
- Easier for a child to maneuver, also due to the weight
What We Don't Like That Much
- Small rocks may stick to the wheels but can be easily removed
11Qiani Balance Bike 2 in 1 for Toddlers,Kids 2 3 4 5 6 7 Years Old,Balance to Pedals Bike,12 14 16 inch Kids Bike,with Pedal kit,Training Wheels,Brakes(Blue,14inch)
Great for those who are looking for a bike to grow with their child, the Qiani Balance Bike 2 in 1 is a convertible balance bike that will adjust to the skill level of any young learner. Starting as a balance bike, working to improve your child’s balance and overall walking and riding skills is easy. When needed, pedals can be attached, as you begin to teach about actually riding a two-wheeler bike. Made of high carbon steel, it is not only lightweight but strong and designed for many years of riding.
What we love
- The handlebar and seat are both adjustable, making it easy to change with your child's growth
- Wheels are inflatable and anti-skid, great for indoors and outdoors
What We Don't Like That Much
- Runs a little small, so sizing up on the seat and handlebar is important
12Albott Balance Bike 12" Toddler Training Bike for 18 Months 2 3 4 5 Year Old Kids Lightweight Contrast Color No Pedal Bicycle with Adjustable Seat and Airless Tire (Green)
The Albott Balance Bike is a lightweight, easy-to-ride bike that will help your kids get the hang of riding independently. Available in green, blue, and pink, the paint style is new and improved, showcased on an aluminum frame. The frame can hold up to 110 pounds, and the seat and handlebars are adjustable, making the bike ready to grow with your kids as they work their way up in skill level. Not only this, but every clamp used for adjustments has a cover and is overall tamper-proof, keeping your kids safe while riding.
What we love
- Everything comes pre-assembled, and just the wheels need to be attached
- On both the seat and handlebar, there is a safety height line, assuring proper adjustment
What We Don't Like That Much
- The bike is a little bigger than it looks in the photo, but not to a fault
In Conclusion
These balance bikes come in all shapes and sizes and colors to meet the needs, tastes, hopes, and dreams of every 4-year-old and give them the perfect way to get around before they move onto pedal bikes. Balance bikes give young kids the ability to get around quickly and safely and if you’ve been inspired to get back to cycling, why not treat yourself to a Schwinn High Timber Adult Mountain Bike and show them how it’s done? And if you’re looking for some more toys to get your kids outdoors and active this summer, check out our 20 Best Sports Toys for Toddlers for some more inspiration.
