Tips on choosing the right bicycle size for your kids.
Kids are getting more and more advanced with their toys. There’s the handheld game consoles, computer games and iPad games. While these gadgets help the kids with their thinking ability, we should not disregard their need for physical play.
Bicycles are just one of the traditional toys that kids — no matter what generation they are — would love to have. But choosing the right bicycle for your child is not as easy as going to the store, choosing a color and paying for it.
Here are some tips on how to choose the right bicycle for your kids:
Location. Before anything else, make sure that you have the perfect location where kids can practice their biking. Is your street always heavy with traffic? That’s probably not a safe place to learn how to bike. Is there a park nearby? Remember, children’s safety is always a priority.
Safety Gears. Find the right helmet for your kids. It is important that the helmet fits the head properly. Knee pads and elbows pads are also recommended, keep tight and secure.
Bike Size. Bikes for children are measured by the size of the wheels. Take your child with you when shopping a bike. Make sure that the child can comfortably sit on the bike and have his/her feet flat on the ground when straddling it. Had them hold the handlebars and pedal their bikes to see if their knees are not hitting the handlebars. Test the breaks, always. Training wheels are also recommended for kids under 4 years of age.
| Guide to Kid’s Bike Sizes* |
| Age |
Child’s Height |
Bike Wheel Size |
| Age 2 – 5 |
26 – 34 inches |
12 inches |
| Age 4 – 8 |
34 – 42 inches |
16 inches |
| Age 6 – 9 |
42 – 48 inches |
18 inches |
| Age 8 – 12 |
48 – 56 inches |
20 inches |
| Youth |
56 – 62 inches |
24 inches |
* Guide to Kid’s Bike Sizes by About.com
