Getting their first bike or trike is a massive milestone for a toddler, and an exciting occasion, especially if it's a gift from Santa this Christmas (hint, hint) - but it can also cause plenty of trepidation for parents, too. That's why we've pulled together a guide on the best balance trikes, bikes and ride-ons for babies, toddlers and children, to make choosing the best one for your little biker easy peasy!
It can be scary to see your little one suddenly independent and mobilised, and it can be tempting to run alongside just in case they fall off. But from the first moment they make the leap on their trike or learn how to ride a bike, the world is their oyster and even more of an adventure than they already thought.
Best trikes and balance bikes at a glance 2024:
• Best overall balance bike: Banwood Balance Bike - Buy here on Small Kins
• Best trike that converts to stroller: SmarTrike Traveler Active Stroller - Buy here on John Lewis
• Best ride on for indoor and outdoor use: Scuttlebug Bumblebee Ride On - Buy here on Argos
Trikes are a brilliant and safe introduction to the world of bikes. Not only will your tot have hours of fun cycling around the local park or your garden, but trikes also help build confidence and gross motor skills.
How to choose the best balance bikes
Balance bikes and trikes come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Before choosing a trike for them, you'll want to be sure it is suitable for their size and age to ensure they stay safe.
The best balance trikes, bikes and ride-ons 2024:
Best balance bike overeall
Mother&Baby Features Editor, Samanthasmallkins.com
The Banwood Balance Bike is not only aesthetically pleasing to look at, but it's also easy for children to use. Our Features & Reviews Editor tested this bike with her two and a half year old daughter, and was really impressed by it.
She loved the addition of the wicker basket and the bell, although the bell was a bit tricky to fit. It has contrasting handles and seat which are comfortable for little ones to sit on and hold, which adds to the riding experience for them.
It's available in multiple colours too, and can be passed on to younger siblings or friends, thanks to its neutral design.
Read our Banwood Balance Bike review here.
Pros
- It looks aesthetically pleasing
- The bike is suitable for a broader age range than most alternatives
- It comes with a range of accessories
Cons
- A helmet isn't included
| Age suitability: | 2.5 to 5 years |
| Weight: | 4.5kg |
| Minimal seat height: | 37cm |
| Maximum seat height: | 44cm |
- Steel frame
- Adjustable handlebar
- Wicker basket
- Bell
Best trike that converts to stroller
Mother&Baby tester, Hayleywww.johnlewis.com
Designed as a stroller, this SmarTrike Traveler Active Stroller also doubles-up as a trike for your little one. Our parent tester, Hayley found it to be a really lightweight and compact design, especially considering it's a stroller and a trike.
She loved that it provided her son with the independence to steer himself on the trike, or that she cold take control of navigation at the flick of the button. Having the stroller attached to this trike is a huge bonus, as it means you don't have to carry your child and the trike when they get fed up of riding, but you can quickly convert it back to the stroller!
Read our SmarTrike Traveler Active Stroller review here.
Pros
- It's a one-of-a-kind design
- 4-in-1 functionality that's suited from 6 months up to 4 years
- It has a quick fold mechanism
- Easy to change parent/child steering control
- Extendable UPF 40 sun protection canopy
Cons
- The rain cover is purchased separately
| Max child weight: | 22kg |
| Stroller and trike weight: | 7.5kg |
| Trike measurements: | 77.5 x 53.5 x 71cm |
| Folded measurements: | 63 x 53.5 x 28cm |
| Unfolded measurements: | 77.5 x 53.5 x 105cm |
| Suitable for ages: | 6 months to 4 years |
- Attached pedals
- 1 x bumper bar
- 1 x storage bag
- UPF 50+ sun canopy
- 360 degree front wheels
Best ride on for indoor and outdoor use
Argoswww.argos.co.uk
Winning a silver in our Mother&Baby awards 2024, our parents testers raved about the Scuttlebug Bumblebee Ride On. They were impressed with how compact it is when folded away, meaning it didn't take up much space compared to other ride-ons.
The Scuttlebug is easy to keep clean, and has wheels that are suitable for indoor and outdoor use, so you don't have to worry about them scratching your floors. Our tester said her son found it easy to manoeuvre around corners and it helped him with his balance and coordination.
Read our Scuttlebug Bumblebee Ride On review here.
Pros
- Folded and unfolded in seconds
- Brightly coloured and a fun design for children
- It's easy to ride and simple for children to use
- It has a three-wheel design for stability
Cons
- The seat isn't padded, so some children might not find it as comfortable
| Weight: | 20kg |
| Suitable for ages: | 1+ years |
| Dimensions: | 43 x 33 x 60cm |
- Three wheel design for stability.
- Front wheel steering for great maneuverability.
- Wheels suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
- Smooth and quiet ride.
- Folds in three simple steps.
Best starter balance bike
Amazon / HapeDesigned as a first balance bike for children from the age of 12 months, the Hape My First Balance Bike aims to build confidence and a sense of direction in children.
It has anti-slip handlebars and limiting 60 degree steering, to help prevent over-steering. Parents who reviewed the balance bike mentioned that it was really easy to put together and easy to adjust when their little one grew.
Pros
- It has limited steering to help avoid accidents
- The saddle is adjustable, to grow with your child
- It's a lightweight design
Cons
- Some mentioned they felt the double wheel at the back didn't really support with stability
| Dimensions: | 57 x 29 x 39cm |
| Suitable for ages: | 12 months - 3 years |
| Weight: | 25kg |
- Easy to assemble
- Adjustable seat
- 60 degree steering
- Non-slip handle bars
- Three wheel design
Best kids trike
Kidly
This classic Banwood Trike is a beautiful, vintage design and would be ideal for passing on to children over the years. It comes with a wicker basket that can be removed, as well as a bell.
Parents commented on how beautiful the trike was and that the quality was great too. The seat is made from softly padded oak for comfort. The wheels are durable rubber too, ensuring a smooth ride on different terrains.
Pros
- It helps with childrens balance and motor skills
- The trike is a beautiful vintage style with bell and basket
Cons
- It doesn't have a parent handle
| Suitable for ages: | 3+ years |
| Handlebar height: | 45 - 50.5cm |
| Seat height: | 30cm |
| Frame: | Steel |
| Seat material: | Oak with vegan leather |
- Vegan leather grips
- 1 x wicker basket
- 1 x bell
- Vintage style
Best trike
Doonadoona.shop
This ingenious trike folds and unfolds at a click of a button, and is designed for taking anywhere with your child. The Doona Liki Trike S1 easily adjusts with your child as they grow too.
Our parent testers mentioned that it was the best trike they've ever owned as it was very practical and sturdy. They mentioned their children loved it too, as it gave them independence when holding the handles, pretending to steer even when they weren't actually steering.
Read our Doona Liki Trike S1 review here.
Pros
- It's easy to steer and manouvere
- It's easy to fold for taking on the go with you
- The wheels are sturdy and easy to use on different terrain
- Parent handle can be adjusted to any height
Cons
- You might be looking for something with more independence
| Suitable for ages: | 10 months - 3 years |
| Maximum weight: | 20kg |
| Folded dimensions: | 32 x 60 x 23.3cm |
| Open with parent handle dimensions: | 95.7 x 50 x 102.5cm |
| Open without parent handle dimensions: | 62 x 50 x 85cm |
- Easy parent steering
- Multi position reclining backrest
- Patented "any-height" adjustable parent handle
- Highly durable soft-ride wheels
- Child safety harness
- Quick-release pedals/footrests
- UV sun protection canopy
- Shifts between parent and child steering
Image: Argoswww.argos.co.uk
The Globber is an eco-friendly versatile scooter that grows with your child, transforming into a ride on, walking bike and scooter. It includes a patented steering lock button for beginners and an adjustable 3-height T-bar to grow with your child. Its ergonomic grips provide comfort and durability, and the patented push-button folding makes it easy to transport and store.
One reviewer said: "This product is a great idea, as my child grows the scooter can be modified, costing less in the long run."
Pros
- No tools needs to assemble
- Easy to fold
- Locking button keeps it secure when folded
- 3-in-1 design that grows with child
- Safe with anti-slip footplate
Cons
- T-bar for parent to push is low, even on the highest setting
AmazonAvailable in two different sizes depending on the age you need it for, the Wheelybug Toddler Wooden Ride-On also comes in lots of different animal styles, and is a fun first ride-on.
Parents commented on how sturdy the ride on is and that it provided hours of entertainment. They did mentioned it could be a little fast for some children when on wood or smooth floorings, however this wasn't a major issue.
Pros
- Comes in different sizes and designs
- It's sturdy and easy to use
- Makes a loely gift choice for children
Cons
- It can be a little fast on smooth floors
| Suitable for ages: | 1 to 3 years and 2.5 to 5 years |
- Rounded handle bar
- Different animal designs
- 4 x wheels
How we test and choose recommended products
Our product recommendations are based on a combination of real-world testing from our burgeoning army of mum testers and the extensive knowledge of our experienced editorial team and product specialists. Where we can, we also consult experts who specialise in that field to ensure you get the right advice along with the right product, and we listen to what you say as well.
Our thriving mum community on our Facebook group #mumtribe consistently provides great insights into which products mums like best and why, helping us highlight the products that will meet your needs.
For essential products, our annual Mother&Baby Awards shortlist the top products tested. Full reviews from our mum testers can be found on our product pages. The winners and runners-up for each category will also appear in our top picks article for that product, along with other products that were rated highly by our team.
Samantha Ball is a Features & Reviews Editor for Mother&Baby, having written for the brand since 2018. She's a mum of two and loves browsing for the best and current trending products for little ones and for cute seasonal outfits.