What is the best bike for a child age 5?

If you know the age of the child, you can refer to this "bicycle chart" to determine the right wheel size bicycle to buy.  A 16" wheel size bicycle will be suitable for a child age 5.

Note that if you get the child a 12” bicycle when he should be riding on a 16”, his legs will ache due to fatigue as the saddle is too close to the handlebar for him to ride comfortably. He will often stand on the pedals to cycle to ease the ache. The PVC pedals installed will not be able to withstand his full weight on them. So, if you have to replace the pedals frequently, you will know that the child has outgrown his bicycle or you have bought the wrong size bike. 

Bicycles with wheel size of 12” right up to 16” will have training wheels already installed on them. There are also 12″ bicycle with removable rod attached so you can hold on to the rod while the child learns to ride.

This is very helpful when it is time to remove the training wheels as the child may still need support.  Without the rod, you may have to lean over to hold on to the handlebar and saddle to assist the child.

If you opt for a 12” balance bike you will have to note the age range the model is suitable for. Example, the JDBug models I carry is suitable for children age 2.5 to 5 years and can take a rider’s weight load of up to 30kg. There is also an option to install pedals when these are required at a later stage. So, if you decide to get a balance bike, you will have to study what is suitable for a child age 5.

I noticed that children enjoy choosing bicycles in my shop. They will try to find the kind of bicycles that their friends are cycling. They will be even happier if they can find bicycles in colours of their choice or with cartoon characters they like.

If it is possible, bring the child to a bikeshop.  Let him sit on the bicycle of his choice. Does he feel comfortable on it? Is the bicycle too big and heavy for him? You will know that it is not suitable if he has difficulty pedaling it.

There are a great variety of bicycles for kids in the market. Make sure that the regular bicycle you choose comes with mudguards and a bell attached. The child will be able to sit in a more upright position if you get him a bicycle installed with BMX handlebars like this.

Add front and rear lights if he intends to ride out at night. If it is within your budget, also provide the child with a protector set.

Which one is the best balance bike for my toddlers?

Not all balance bikes are built the same. Some are more expensive than the other.

Through my experience selling JDBug Balance Bike, though it is indicated that child of age 2.5 years can start ridding on it, so far, only 3 years old kids are tall enough to ride. This is because the average height of Asian children is lower than that of children from Europe.



Read up on the material used to produce the balance bike. If it is made of steel will your child be hurt if he or she keeps falling while riding on it because it is heavier? It is best to bring your child to the shop selling the balance bike you are interested in to give it a test ride. Find out the maximum weight load it can take and the warranty period extended. Ask if there are replacement parts for it, especially for the tyres and tubes. Ask if they of common size so that you can easily find them in other bike stores near your home.

I noticed that quite a number of kids still can’t ride without the training wheels attached though they are old enough to ride a 20″ bike. Here is an option for children too tall to learn to ride with a balance bike.

This is the Scoot and Ride which has worn the Toy Award in 2015. It can take a weight load of 50kg.


Once your child no longer needs it as a push/balance bike, he or she can continue ridding it as scooter, possibly even after age 15.