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.

What's the best way to teach my little sister to ride her bike?

Most balance bikes can take weight load of up to 20kg. Another option to balance bike for a child who is older and heavier is the Scoot and Ride which can take a weight load of 50kg.



The best part about Scoot and Ride is that you can also use it as a scooter.

For a child 6 years and above, you can also consider getting a 12", 16" or 20″ alloy folding bike for her to practice on. An alloy folding bike being lighter than a steel bike will be easier for her to handle.


The toptube of a folding bike is low so she will not be hurt if she falls as both her legs will be touching the floor. Lower the seatpost so that she can walk while sitting on the bike.

Bring her to a park with grassy slopes and let her slide down on the foldie. As the bike builds up its momentum as it rolls down the slope, it will be easier for her to learn to balance herself before she starts pedaling.

This video shows how adults are taught to ride on a folding bike which will give you a better idea of how it can be done.

Budgeting to buy a bike to mount child seat?

Instead of worrying about meeting your budget, let us talk first about what are available in the market to meet your requirement and how you can make the right choice so that your decision will not compromise the safety of your children while you are ferrying them on your bicycle.

Whatever is trending now will be more expensive. In my country bicycles with tyre size larger than the regular 26” will be more expensive. The old style 28” steel bike, if you can still find it should be cheaper than a 26” MTB. However, it comes with slick tyres which are not suitable for trail ride. I like the fact that it comes with a double kickstand, which makes parking it to seat your child, before you start riding, more stable. There are stands like that for 26″ bike too.

Are you only cycling on flat terrain? If you are, a single speed bike, which is cheaper, will do.  However, on a single speed bike, you will need a lot of leg power to get through riding up slopes with added load. You can stand up on your pedals and grind your way up but if you do that too often, you may have to change your pedals sooner than you should. If you do not mind it, you can always get off your bike and walk when it is too much for you.

Your brake shoes may also wear off faster without the gears to help you slow down, especially when you are cycling downhill with the load. But then it could be a thrilling ride for your kid whenever you have to zoom down slopes.  With these factors you mind, you can now decide on whether you prefer a single speed bike or one with gears.

Since your intention to buy a bicycle is to install a child seat, make sure that the bicycle either comes already installed with a rear carrier or one that have mounting holes drilled on the frame for such. A rear carrier for a 26” bicycle is cheaper than one that is adjustable to fit bicycle of size 26” up to 29”.

However, it will be interesting to note that some larger size bicycles may come with extra mounting holes drilled so that a 26” carrier can also be installed.

If there is no rear carrier on the bicycle of your choice, there are child seats in the market that come supplied with carriers. Models like this usually can carry weight load of up to 22kg and will be more comfortable for a taller child as the seat is larger. Also look at the shape of this rear carrier. See the triangular formation? That is the kind of carrier you want to buy for better weight support.

And, should you opt for a cheaper PVC carrier with no specifications, just make sure that you mount it on a carrier that can withstand weight load meeting that of your child. This PVC seat comes with safety harness and is suitable if your child is obese. However, you can slip in cushions from your stroller for a more comfortable fit for a smaller child.

There are also seatpost mounted child seat in the market and following are some examples.

Check the weight load each child seat can carry before buying. One with a harness is a must if you are ferrying an infant. It will be more costly if you opt for branded ones, like Weeride from Australia, which comes with a platform for the child to rest his/her head.

Something to think about if you can find it second hand if you have a budget concern. Cargo bike. This model is strong enough for you to install a child seat on the rear carrier.

These are other options you can consider when your children are older.

Drop by Jom Johan if you have any other enquiries about installing a child seat on your bicycle.  For first time users of child seats, we will help you to install the child seat you purchased from our shop, so that you have a better idea of how to do it safely and properly.

Bicycle for Timid Riders

What should you be riding if you have not been cycling for a while?  Especially, if you are a female rider who lacks confidence but would like to take your wee one for a ride with you.

First, you need to know the type of child seat that are available in the market.

I noticed that mothers with younger children tend to prefer child seats that can be mounted in front of the bicycle.

You have to think about the safety of your child by ensuring that your feet will land on the ground to hold the bicycle steady, should you fall. Choose a bicycle by standing over the top tube, just in front of your saddle.  Is it too close to your crotch for comfort?  If it is, check out another bike.

If you like the old school look, a cruiser bike is what you should check out next.  Here is a very good example of a 26" bicycle suitable for a less confident mummy who intends to ride with her child.

The handlebar of a cruiser bike is usually wider so the child will not feel squeezed between your arms as you cycle.  It also comes installed with mudguards.  It rains all year round in Malaysia.  You do not want your child splattered with mud after a rainfall, do you?

Similar frame mounted child carrier and breach cruiser for female or male riders can be purchased from Amazon.

Child Seat for your Bicycle

Do you know that some child seats will require you to install a rear carrier before you can even install them on your bicycle?  Just make sure that the ones you select are right for the weight of your child.



Some child seats are supplied with the carriers required to mount on the bicycle.

There are also some models that are frame mounted.  Here is one that you can mount in front of you so that you can monitor a younger child closely.

Now that you know what is in the market, ask your bike shop what kind of bicycle you should choose to have it installed on.  Be honest.  Admit it if you are a timid rider.