12 Best Balance Bikes for 6-Year-Olds
Updated 06 July 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.
Bikes are amazing, giving kids the ability to race around with friends and have endless hours of fun. Pedals? They aren’t so cool. They’re tiring and they can spin around and hit you on the shins if you’re not careful (yes, this happened to me a lot). If you’re buying a bike for a 6-year-old who still struggles with pedals, there are still some great options out there in the world of balance bikes.
Of course, no 6-year-old kid wants to look like they’re riding a baby bike, so we’ve picked out 12 of the best balance bikes that look just as cool as any pedal bike, from the yellow and black of the Reeple Toddler Balance Bike to the groovy hot pink stylings of the Glide Bikes Go Glider.
We’ve also made sure these balance bikes will be the best you can get by ruling out all of the fake online reviews so we’ve only included the toys that real parents have rated as being great options.
1Glide Bikes Kid's Go Glider Balance Bike, Pink, 16-Inch
Available in vibrant pink or orange, the Glide Bikes Go Glider Balance Bike is one of the best ways to help your kids feel more confident riding on their own. This balance bike has many special features, such as a hand brake for easier speed control, removable footpegs that offer a sense of stability for new riders, and a kickstand for standing the bike up. An optional pedal kit can also be installed when the child is ready to advance to the next level.
What we love
- The footpegs give kids more space for movement
- Seat and handlebars are both adjustable, making it possible for the bike to grow with your kids
What We Don't Like That Much
- The instructions for assembly are long, but assembly is easy
2Strider - Youth 16 Sport No-Pedal Balance Bike, Ages 6 to 10 Years
If you want your kids to gain confidence riding on their own, a balance bike is a great way to work on their skills. The Strider 16 Sport No-Pedal Balance Bike was created specifically for children who are learning how to ride a bike, with features such as a padded seat that can be moved and adjusted in both height and angle, as well as handlebars that can be adjusted on a 3-degree sweep for more specific usage. Removable footrests, a lightweight frame, as well as cross-terrain tires are all able to collectively provide a more seamless transition towards riding a real bike on their own.
What we love
- Has both front and rear brakes for a safer ride
- Will grow with them all the way up to 10-years-old
What We Don't Like That Much
- The kickstand is a little hard to move, but the screw holding it to the bike can easily be loosened
3Goplus 12" Kids Balance Bike, No Pedal Bicycle w/Adjustable Bar and Seat, Brake, Bell Ring, Stand, for Ages 3 to 6 Years, Pre Bike Push Walking Bicycle (Blue)
At only 8 pounds, the Goplus 12” Kids Balance Bike is a lightweight bike that your kids can maneuver all by themselves. The bike is equipped with non-slip handles that will help to control steering, a seat that is perfectly designed to avoid slipping while riding, a handbrake, and a perfectly welded frame with no sharp edges. It is very safe for all young children itching to ride a bike on their own. Featuring a foldable stand, the bike can be set up properly in your home for easy storage and protection.
What we love
- Available in black, green, blue, and white
- Comes with a bell already installed on the handlebars
What We Don't Like That Much
- Seat doesn’t extend much but is still great for smaller kids
4Kids Balance Bike, No Pedal Toddler Bike with Carbon Steel Frame Adjustable Handlebar and Seat 12inch Toddler Walking Bicycle for Kids 2 to 6 Years Old (red-2)
The LBLA Balance Bike from Baobe is a safe, well-designed bike that helps your children develop their confidence and skill with riding their very own bike. The bike's seat and handlebars can be adjusted as your child grows and is fit to hold kids up to 6 years of age. A great addition is a new footrest design, located right where the pedals would be, which allows kids to get accustomed to the position their feet will be in on their future pedal bike, as well as focusing the efforts of your child on learning to keep the balance and find the center of gravity.
What we love
- The frame of the bike is built from non-rust steel
- Rubber, pneumatic, air-filled tires will allow kids to venture off-road
What We Don't Like That Much
- The clamps to hold the seat and handlebars are hard to open and close, but work well to hold the bars in place
5Strider - 14x Sport Balance Bike, Ages 3 to 7 Years, Pink - Pedal Conversion Kit Sold Separately
Making your kids feel accomplished and successful as a new bike rider is readily achievable with the 14x Sport Balance Bike by Strider. With its lightweight, durable frame and adjustable seat and handlebars, this bike is great for growing, reckless children. It has rubber tires that are excellent for all types of terrain, indoors and outdoors, and can be inflated with a standard bicycle pump. Manufactured for children 3 to 7 years old and available in pink, yellow or blue, the Strider 14x Sport Balance Bike is a suitable choice for every child.
What we love
- The handlebars are on a 360-degree axis, which makes it easier to control
- Has pegs for resting their feet on while gliding
What We Don't Like That Much
- A pedal kit is available but is sold separately
6AODI Kids Balance Bike, No Pedal Toddler Bike with Adjustable Seat Bike, Toddler Walking Bicycle for Ages 18 Months to 5 Years 12 Inch Inflatable Wheels
Working on your child’s balance, self-coordination, and motor control is made easy with the Aodi 12 Inch Sport balance Bike! Honing your child’s skills is the first step to getting them excited to ride a bike on their own, and this balance bike is a well designed vehicle to get started. It is lightweight, making it easy for kids to carry and handle all on their own, and is non-slip with great ergonomics that will allow them to ride smoothly. With tools included, the seat and handlebars are easy to install and adjust as children grow older and learn to ride their bike better.
What we love
- Anti-slip and anti-friction rubber material on the tires make it easy to ride on even the bumpiest pothole roads
- Available in pink and black, both with an air pump included
What We Don't Like That Much
- No instruction booklet included for assembly, but the attachment of the seat and handlebars is very straightforward
7Birtech Balance Bike for 2-6 Year Old, 12 Inch Toddler Bike No Pedal Training Bicycle with Adjustable Seat Height, Airless Tire (Blue)
Getting your kids outside for the summer, as well as building their skills, is incredibly easy to do with the Birtech Balance Bike. Made of anti-rust carbon steel, inflation-free EVA tires that are great for riding inside and outside, and non-slip rubber handles conferring a safer grip on steering, this bike will ensure your children are safe as they ride while also improving their balance and confidence. The frame of the bike is very light as well, making it easy for kids to carry and maneuver.
What we love
- Comes with an eco-friendly seat
- No air tires are great for biking without worrying about pops or tears
What We Don't Like That Much
- The seat and handlebars may be hard to align when assembling, but are easily adjusted
8Bixe 16" Pro Balance Bike for Big Kids 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 Year Old - No Pedal Sport Training Bicycle
With the same general mechanisms as a pedal bike, the Bixe Pro Balance Bike is a great way to get your kids used to the idea of riding their very own bike. The frame of the bike is made of heavy-duty material, able to withstand large weights. The tires are equipped with safety washers to reduce any risk of injury or damage to the bike, and the clamps used for adjusting the seat and handlebars are tamper-proof in order to protect your children as they ride. With simple installation of the seat and handlebars, the bike is ready to ride almost immediately out of the box!
What we love
- Tires are very smooth on pavement and other terrains
- Is highly commended by parents for kids with learning difficulties
What We Don't Like That Much
- Since the clamps are tamper-proof, they do require a tool to adjust, but it is not complicated
9Reeple 12-inch Balance Bike for 2,3,4,5,6 Year Old Kids Training Bike Pneumatic Tire Push Walking Bicycle No-Pedal Adjustable Set Beginner Rider for Boys and Girls
The Reeple Toddler Balance Bike is a fully cohesive, safety-focused bike that is great for competition-level riding! With an integrated steel frame, air-filled tires with steel spokes for great shock absorption over rough terrain, competition-level bearing, and a smooth low resistance, this bike is ready for any adventures and competitive riding that your kids want to participate in. They will not only be able to ride fast but comfortably too, on a faux leather soft saddle seat that can extend to accompany them as they grow taller.
What we love
- Rubber tires have better grip and traction for road conditions
- Includes all the tools to assemble and adjust both seat and handlebar height
What We Don't Like That Much
- Tires may need to be refilled often, but it doesn’t take long to do
10Qiani 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, 16inch)
With different sizes to fit every child, the Qiani Balance Bike 2 in 1 makes learning to ride a balance bike easier for kids. The balance bike's attachable pedals make it possible for kids to transition to two-wheelers in just 60 seconds. The frame on the bike is made of high-carbon steel, making it lightweight and ready for any kind of rough terrain. For a safer ride, the bike has a handbrake that operates a rear brake instead of requiring the riders to stop with their feet. With an adjustable seat and handlebars, this bike will last a lifetime as your children grow in both height, confidence, and skill.
What we love
- No tools are necessary for assembly or adjustments
- Comes with its own small tire pump
What We Don't Like That Much
- May have to size one up since the size chart runs a bit small
11Goplus 12" Kids Balance Bike, No Pedal Bicycle w/Adjustable Bar and Seat, Brake, Bell Ring, Stand, for Ages 3 to 6 Years, Pre Bike Push Walking Bicycle (Blue)
At only 8 pounds, the Goplus 12” Kids Balance Bike is a lightweight bike that your kids can maneuver all by themselves. The bike is equipped with non-slip handles that will help to control steering, a seat that is perfectly designed to avoid slipping while riding, a handbrake, and a perfectly welded frame with no sharp edges. It is very safe for all young children itching to ride a bike on their own. Featuring a foldable stand, the bike can be set up properly in your home for easy storage and protection.
What we love
- Available in black, green, blue, and white
- Comes with a bell already installed on the handlebars
What We Don't Like That Much
- Seat doesn’t extend much but is still great for smaller kids
In Conclusion
When I was 6, my bike was one of the most important things in the world to me, so this is definitely a decision you need to get right, which is no doubt why you’re here. So whether you go for the Batman-alike colors of the JOYSTAR 16" Balance Bike for Big Kids or the Birtech Balance Bike with its cool blue aesthetic, you can know that each of them will be a great choice. But why should kids have all the fun with their stylish balance bikes? If you’re in the market for a new bike for yourself and have been inspired by this list, why not check out the Schwinn Wayfarer Adult Hybrid Bike Retro-Styled Cruiser? And if you’re buying for a kid who prefers not to use their feet too much (who does, after all?) you can find them a better option with our 10 Best Motorized Scooters for Kids.
