Can an adult ride an 16 or 18" kids bike?

This bicycle has a size 16″ rear wheel and a size 24″ for its front wheel. It is a bicycle suitable even for shorter members in the family.



This is also a 16″ bicycle.


Adults should not look awkward cycling on bicycles like these.

Size 12″ to 20” folding bike is another option a shorter rider can consider. You can raise the seat post and handlebar to a height where you will feel comfortable cycling. Straddle over the body of a 20” folding bike. It is not likely to touch your crotch area.

This is a how a 12 inch wheel size folding bike looks like.



This is a 20″ folding bike.


If the handlebar of a 20″ foldie is too far away for your reach, choose a folding bike that gives you the option to change the handlebar to one that you can reach. Some folding bikes come installed with T shape handlebar which is not interchangeable.

A bicycle with 20" wheelset is suitable for kids 6 years and above. However, if you get yourself a 20″ BMX bike with a top tube length of 18" to 20" you will be able to ride it till you are 5’ 3” in height.



A BMX has higher handlebar which is more comfortable as you do not have to slouch over to reach it. If it is installed too far for your reach, you can lower it down towards you. The seat post bends backward to accommodate the height of taller riders. That way, their legs will not feel too tired cycling. There is a tendency for cyclists to stand on the pedals to ride to relieve the fatigue and that will damaged the pedals sooner.

I usually discourage my customers from buying 18″ wheel size bicycles as it is not a common size in Malaysia and they will have difficulty finding spare tyres and tubes.