Which Toddler Bike is Best? A Pediatric PT’s Guide
For more resources like this, check out these other Movement Mama posts:
Summer Baby + Toddler Favorites
Shoes for New Walkers: A Pediatric Physical Therapist's Guide
Bike riding is such a fun past time we often look forward to, but with the seemingly endless choices—how do you choose the “right” one!? Rest assured, I’m here to tell you that there is no ONE toddler bike that is best, but many that are amazing for different reasons and seasons!
My suggestion is to choose ONE that you will purchase all shiny and new and then see which ones you can snag cheap on Marketplace, Consignment sales, or Buy Nothing pages :)
If you’re new here, hiiiii! I’m Kailee—Pediatric Physical Therapist & Mama of 3 babies earthside and 2 in heaven. I’m the founder of The Movement Mama community and I’m so so glad you’re here :)
The Movement Mama is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program, as well as the Like to Know It/Reward Style affiliate advertising program. Through these programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about these links in my disclosure policy
Here’s why each can be great for development:
The first 8 I chose but by no means the only great ones--I've since discovered even more amazing brands you can find below!
want to just shop them all right now (plus some new faves)? head to the full idea list here.
1: besrey 5 in 1
Both pedaling and balancing on a bike are great for core and lower extremity strength and eventual bike-riding, so this one is a winner!
2: YBIKE Pewi
An awesome push toy for almost-walkers, as well as a super stable bike with four wheels. It easily moves in all directions, but beware—If your little one is shorter, it may not work until they’re older!
3: Radio Flyer Deluxe Steer & Stroll Ride-On Trike
I love the push-handle. Anyone who has taught their kid to ride a bike of some sort knows the back pain that comes along with it lol! Or the eventual carry-the-kid-and-the-bike-home moment.
4: The Original Big Wheel
Because of the position of the feet out in front of the body, this makes it easier to pedal. This is a great bike for kiddos new to pedaling to allow them to be successful before moving up to an independent tricycle. This Radio Flyer version is a more budget-friendly option.
5: Radio Flyer Busy Buggy
Another one that doubles as a push toy, this little car encourages hamstring and quad strength that later translates to higher-level pedaling skills. It’s also super stable and lower to the ground to prevent big falls when getting on and off.
6: Joovy Tricycoo LX
Many of y’all have recommended splurging. onthis one! And I totally believe you—it transitions from a stroller of sorts to a push-bike to an independent tricycle and so many of you have said it’s worth every penny!
7: Strider
Balance bikes are amazing. They’re the “Montessori bike” in my opinion. They give your child the independence to learn to steer and propel independently, but they don’t yet teach pedaling. Amazing for core strength and postural control! They even make this one where you can add on pedals later!
8: JOYSTAR
The OG bike + training wheels has still got it! This one is great for heavy work required for pedaling and propelling but allows more room for error with steering. It also teaches them to use traditional bike brakes!
*scroll down for images of additional ones our family uses and loves!
There are also many others I love that you can find here! Plus our helmets, scooters, and pedal adapters we use!
This is probably my all-time favorite bike we have because it's just so stinking adorable! But it's also a fantastic balance bike and is a dupe of the more expensive Banwood version.
My 1-year-old got this for his bday and it's so stable and fun. A dear friend of mine whose son started out on this easily transitioned to balance bike and was cruising on this one all around the house from. anearly age.
We LOVE our Micro + Mini Micro (smaller size) and I recently learned of the adorable version below!
How cute is this?! I love something like this that is multi-functional.
Grandparents got my middle son a regular skateboard and it's so hard for him to maneuver! If we had it to do all over again, this is what I'd choose!
Our oldest got these last year and they are SO FUN (she was 5 at the time). For littler ones, check these out.
