12 Best Balance Bikes for 5-Year-Olds
Updated 02 July 2021
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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.
5-year-olds are ready to take on the world, whether they’re wearing a Batman costume, plunging into a swimming pool, or hurtling around a playground like a daredevil. But they’re still five, and as the faint scars on my knees show, 5-year-olds can still struggle with pedal bikes. That’s why balance bikes are still a great option for kids this age.
Luckily there’s a huge range of cool-looking options out there that will have them tearing around without fear. We’ve also picked out balance bikes to suit every budget and some eco-friendly choices as well, like the sleek black GOMO Balance Bike or the cute pink Radio Flyer 800X Glide and Go.
We’ve made sure that you can trust these recommendations by eliminating all of the fake online reviews, narrowing down our list to just those balance bikes that have been approved by real parents and kids out there.
1Strider - 12 Sport Balance Bike, Ages 18 Months to 5 Years, Blue
The balance bike is designed for very young children learning to ride a bike. It is the perfect way for a 5-year-old to experience the freedom and confidence of riding a bike without any hassles. The seat and handlebar adjust to a range of between 12 to 20 inches, so your children can keep riding it as they grow taller. This bike weighs 6.7 pounds and is easy for little ones to control with mini-grips. It has puncture-proof tires that are suitable for carpets, grass, and pavement.
What we love
- The foam wheels run smoothly and you never have to worry about flats
- Encourages 5-year-olds to bike independently in a safe manner
What We Don't Like That Much
- A rear-wheel handbrake would introduce kids to this type of braking system
2Radio Flyer 800X Glide and Go Kids Pedal Free Beginner Balance Bike with Adjustable Seat Height and Bell, Ages 2.5 to 5 Years Old, Pink
This is another classical Radio Flyer bike for slightly older children from 2.5 to 5 years old. Boys and girls love the pink color. The frame is sturdy steel, and it weighs 6.6 pounds. The height of the seat can be adjusted to adapt to the growing child, and there is also a bell included which attaches to the handlebar. While learning balance and improving confidence, this bike will provide hours of enjoyment.
What we love
- It is very easy to assemble
- With the plastic foam tires, it will remain in good enough condition for a hand-me-down bike
What We Don't Like That Much
- The lowest seat setting is not quite low enough for smaller children
3Ace of Play Light Weight Aluminum Balance Bike (Green)
There are four colorful options for this cute little balance bike. It is very lightweight at 4.1 pounds and is easy for kids from 1.5 to 5 years of age to handle. Various height settings are available for the seat and handlebars. It holds a maximum weight of 66 pounds and has non-toxic EVA polymer tires, so you never have to worry about a flat tire no matter how rough the terrain.
What we love
- It has soft rubber handlebar grips
- It’s so lightweight, children can pick it up and carry it by themselves
What We Don't Like That Much
- The bike could have a place for the children to rest their feet on while coasting
4Strider - 14x Sport Balance Bike, Ages 3 to 7 Years, Fantastic Green - Pedal Conversion Kit Sold Separately
The Strider 14x balance bike is heavier than the other options, weighing 13.4 pounds. It can be converted into a real bike by attaching pedals to it, but both the pedals and the conversion kit are sold separately. Children can start using this bike at around 3 years of age, but it will still be great when they are 7 years old, thanks to the adjustable seat and pedals. A backward pedal serves as brakes.
What we love
- It has air tires, which is especially good when the pedals are added and can be used as a regular bike
- The seat and handlebars are adjustable without the need for tools
What We Don't Like That Much
- It comes with tools for assembling, but it would be useful if it included a Phillips-head screwdriver
5GOMO Balance Bike - Toddler Training Bike for 18 Months, 2, 3, 4 and 5 Year Old Kids - Ultra Cool Colors Push Bikes for Toddlers/No Pedal Scooter Bicycle with Footrest (Black)
The Gomo balance bike is truly a sweet ride. Children up to 60 pounds can ride the bike while learning balance as they prepare for a real bike. The plastic foam tires won’t puncture even when the bike is dragged over a rough surface. It is available in seven vibrant colors, weighs just 10.25 pounds, and has a steel frame with a through-wheel axle to ensure a smooth ride. It also has unique GOMO grips that make it easier for small child hands to hold on tightly.
What we love
- The footrests are a great safety feature for fast coasting
- It comes in different color combinations
What We Don't Like That Much
- The tires are very hard plastic
6Swagtron K6 Toddler Scooter, Convertible 4-in-1 Ride-On Balance Trike & Training Bike for 3-5 Year Olds — ASTM F963 Certified (Blue)
This balance bike is a great deal for kids aged 3 to 5 because it is actually four riding toys beginning as a regular balance bike. It can then convert into a stand-up scooter, a stand-up three-wheel balance scooter, and a sit-down tricycle. It is not necessary to use any tools for the conversion from one version to another. It weighs 6.4 pounds and is made of durable plastic.
What we love
- Very easy to assemble
- Starting with three wheels, a child will graduate to two until he or she is ready to ride a bike
What We Don't Like That Much
- Adjustable handlebars would be beneficial for smaller children
7Swagtron K3 12" No-Pedal Balance Bike for Kids Ages 2-5 Years | Air-Filled Rubber Tires | 7 lbs Lightweight | 12"~16" Height Adjustable Seat | ASTM-Certified, Blue, One Size
5-year-olds will find the Swagtron bike very comfortable to maneuver by themselves. Through fun, they develop their coordination and strength, laying the groundwork for riding a real bicycle without the need for training wheels. Made of reinforced aluminum, it is a 12-inch bike that weighs 7 pounds and capable of carrying a child weighing up to 55 pounds. The tires are air-filled, so it rides well even on rocky terrain.
What we love
- Steering is facilitated because the child’s weight distribution is not concentrated on the front wheel
- It’s easy to assemble and the seat height is adjustable
What We Don't Like That Much
- Assembling the handlebars can be a little complicated
8JOYSTAR 16 Inch Kids Balance Bike for Big Kids 4 5 6 7 8 Years Old Boys Girls 16 in Large Balance Bike with Rubber Air Tire, 16" Balance Bike for Toddler Pink
At 16 inches the Joystar is one of the largest balance bikes on this list. It is suitable for children aged 5 to 9 and is considered an excellent way to teach those older children who have never learned how to ride a bike. It is available in four different colors and is built out of carbon steel. The bike weighs 13.5 pounds and features an adjustable seat. It has pneumatic tires, which means it can ride easily over rocky terrain, and as a bonus for older children, it also has front clipper handbrakes.
What we love
- Highly recommended for children who are afraid to ride 2-wheelers without training wheels
- Assembly is quick and the instructions are easy to follow
What We Don't Like That Much
- It would help if the instructions included how to adjust the clip brakes
9Radio Flyer Air Ride Balance Bike, Toddler Bike, Ages 1.5-5 (Amazon Exclusive) (808Z)
The Radio Flyer balance bike teaches children how to hold their balance from a very early age. Radio Flyer has been producing great products for children of all ages for over 100 years. There are air-filled all-terrain whitewall tires on this bike, and it has a bicycle bell mounted on the handlebars. The frame is lightweight steel and suitable for children weighing up to 50 pounds. The ability to ride a bike by themselves is incredibly fun for kids, whether they are indoors or outdoors, and with a Radio Flyer it will always be special.
What we love
- They’ll be riding in style on this retro classic
- The seat and handlebar heights are adjustable as the child grows taller
What We Don't Like That Much
- The tires could have a stronger grip on a flat surface
10Birtech Balance Bike for 2-6 Year Old, 12 Inch Toddler Bike No Pedal Training Bicycle with Adjustable Seat Height, Airless Tire (Blue)
5-year-olds will be thrilled to have their own means of transportation to move around the house, in the garden, or at the park. The Birtech is made of carbon steel with EVA non-toxic plastic tires that never go flat. The non-slip seat and handles are also manufactured from non-toxic plastic. While having loads of fun, it will keep kids from sitting on the couch watching TV or using a tablet. Developing coordination and balance will boost their confidence as the pedal-free balance bike gets them prepared for riding a real bike.
What we love
- The tools needed for quick assembly are included
- You can get a cute, small basket to attach to the front of the handlebars
What We Don't Like That Much
- Smaller children would benefit from an adjustable seat
11Lightweight Sport Balance Bike for Toddlers and Kids Ages 2 3 4 5 Years Old No Pedal Walking Balance Training Bicycle Adjustable Seat and Handlebar Height (Green)
If your toddler is eager to get on a bike, this is a good first step. It’s a 12-inch balance bike with no pedals, promising terrific fun while teaching balancing and steering skills to your child. The seat stem and handlebar heights are easily adjustable with quick-release clamps. It’s made of carbon steel and only weighs 2.63 pounds, so your little one will have no trouble lifting it. The EVA polymer foam tires will never go flat. It takes only a few minutes to assemble, and all the tools needed are included. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, this is an excellent choice for your children.
What we love
- It can be adjusted to fit your children's height as they grow
- Very comfy eco-friendly padded seat
What We Don't Like That Much
- A little bicycle bell would be the perfect addition
12Retrospec Cub Kids Balance Bike No Pedal Bicycle - Beginner Toddler Bike - Steel Frame & Air-Free Tires - Girls & Boys 2-5 Years - Blippi
This balance bike comes in 21 different colors, so you’re sure to find one your child will love. It is perfectly sized for 5-year-olds, with a steel frame, air-free tires, and adjustable seat and handlebars. The bike is low to the ground so kids can safely cruise around the house while improving their balance and gaining confidence in riding. Eventually, they can ride without training wheels on a regular bike.
What we love
- The tires last for years even when ridden over rocky surfaces all year-round
- Kids feel in control because they don’t need help to hold their balance
What We Don't Like That Much
- The adjustable seat could go a bit higher
In Conclusion
The appeal of bikes for kids is obvious. They love to be on the move and bikes let them spread their wings and soar. With balance bikes, they can do this without you having to worry about them falling over, and they do not require stabilizers either. They’re a great stepping stone to that first BMX, which I’m sure you remember was so important at that age. But who’s to say that you have to give up on bikes that look cool when you get old? If you miss your days cruising around the neighborhood on an awesome-looking bike, why not treat yourself to a Kulana Lakona Youth/Adult Beach Cruiser Bike, which comes in a variety of colors and styles? Meanwhile, if you’re buying for a kid whose vehicle tastes are more… agricultural, check out our 10 Best John Deere Toys for some amazing ride-on tractors.
