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Have your children recently discovered the fun sport of BMX biking? Do they spend a lot of time in skateparks and have started nagging you for a new BMX bike? Has this left you wondering about the best BMX bikes for kids? If so, this article is definitely for you!
Our informative article about BMX options for kids not only covers a review of our 10 favorites with the Mongoose Legion L100 as our Editor’s Choice but also includes a handy buyers guide. In this guide, we look at the features you should consider when shortlisting your choices. Features such as age range, wheel size, and frame material are all crucial to ensure you buy the best BMX bike on the market. Join us as we review ten of the different BMX bike options for kids!
More features: ultra-durable, removable brake mounts, aluminum U-brake
The Legion L100 is a popular choice for kids who are looking for a freestyle BMX that can do everything from easy curb jumps right up to more advanced aerial tricks. This super-durable L100 boasts a full 4130 chromo frame with removable brake mounts. A huge plus point is the 8.75″ rise handlebar, and the 50mm stem is specially designed for precision riding.
Parents will be pleased to know that the aluminum double-wall 36H rims and 2.4” BMX tires offer superior grip and durability when your child is landing their newly learned tricks! With its precision speed control, Chromoly handlebar, and fork make for maximum steering, and this BMX is ideal for both teens and adults who enjoy the wonderful world of BMX riding. Since it’s lightweight, it is easy to maneuver around while doing tricks and stunts!
Not many other brands in this BMX category can boast about the fact that they have been providing quality bikes for 40 years! Mongoose is an authentic brand that produces strong, durable products built for serious riders who enjoy the challenges of dirt tracks and tricky trails.
More features: safe grips and hand brake, many size options available
One of the reasons why the Royal Baby BMX Bike is so popular with bigger kids is its great look, quality build, and cool features. What you get is a superior bike with a smooth and comfortable ride. A bunch of features such as handlebar bells, water bottles, and safe grips makes this a firm favorite with kids and parents. Since it’s available in many sizes and colors, it’s easy to find the perfect one for your child.
With a sturdy frame, your child will have a great deal of stability and support while also creating a better balance. An added safety feature is the plastic shield that protects the rider’s leg from the chain in the event of a fall. These features make this one of the best basic BMX bikes for kids!
This popular bike made it to our list because, with all its features, it makes BMX riding comfortable and fun. This bike is well-designed and very easy to pedal, maneuver, and most importantly – brake when necessary! This BMX, unlike many other similar models, features a bike seat that has a contoured shape. Unlike the standard shape, this contoured seat makes for a more comfortable ride.
More features: lightweight, training wheels included, single-piece frame design, thick tires
The NiceC BMX is ideally suited to children up to 10 years old. It’s available in four sizes, simply by choosing the right wheel size suited to your little one’s height. Additionally, it’s available in four funky colors.
Made from magnesium alloy metals, this frame is durable and boasts a one-piece crank free of welds. Although one-piece cranks are reputable or not being very strong, users of this BMX have said they find this frame incredibly strong. A foam saddle provides your little one with a soft, plush ride. The 14-inch-bike is quite popular among kids!
This model made our list because it’s the perfect BMX for little children. With its modern design and durable frame, it puts your children in a balanced and stable riding position! The 18” model comes with a kickstand which the 16” doesn’t. Like many of the other BMX bikes on offer, this bike comes out with thicker tires for better handling.
More features: suggested rider height is 3,6 inches and smaller, 140 mm one-piece crank
Many people believe the Legion L18 is one of the top BMX bikes for kids interested in anything from beginner curb jumps to advanced aerial tricks. One of its most prominent features is large volume tires that not only increase grip levels but also boost ride comfort. Young riders can expect excellent steering leverage from the steel handlebar. With its 18” wheel size, this bike is ideal for pre-teens and teens. It’s no wonder this model is often regarded to be one of the best BMX bikes for 12-year-old kids!
Mongoose is a well-known name in BMX circles. With its affordable price tag, brushed metal finish, and large volume tires, the L18 is a brilliant way to get your child into the adventurous scene of BMXing! It’s important to note this model features impressive large volume tires. The added grip and impact cushioning your child will get make all the difference to their safety.
More features: adjustable saddle, re-enforced welds
The Elite BMX is a top-notch entry-level bike that’s perfectly suited to riding on the street, skate park, or even dirt track. With its Hi-Tensile steel frame and 1″ standard tube and reinforced welds, you can be sure this BMX will hold up during any type of trick, stunt, or wild ride.
The adjustable saddle is made of thick foam padding, making it comfortable for kids and adults. Additionally, this BMX features Cro-Mo bars, rear brakes, top load stem, and a perfect geometry that you’d expect from a quality BMX. This bike is commonly referred to as the Best BMX bike for kids with colored tires. Another model from the Elite range, the Elite Destro, has also been labeled as the best BMX bike for kids with camo tires because of their unique and funky camo-colored tires.
Many parents often share a love of BMX riding with their kids, and the Elite is a great option for bigger kids, teenagers, and adults. Since it’s suitable for adults, it’s a bike that your younger teens can grow into and keep for years! Unlike the majority of bikes on our list, this BMX can be chosen with colored tires. The stealth black-green option is a great choice to make enthusiastic riders stand out! Other colors include a red, black gun, gunmetal, blue, and obviously black.
More features: linear-pull rear brake, safe handling
The Diamondback Youth Nitrus BMX Bike is the ideal option for kids who have finally outgrown their “baby” bikes. It’s a transition bike they can grow into and improve their riding skills. With this bike, you get a quality steel frame with intermediate components. This allows for a much better level of performance for beginners. While this BMX isn’t generally designed for dirt jumps and crazy stunts, it’s perfectly capable of holding its own on rough terrain!
Despite being an entry-level bike, this model provides the same level of pedal efficiency. With a rear-mounted linear-pull brake, you can be sure that your child will stop when they need to! The handlebars and seat have also been created to ensure the best comfort level possible on a bike of this size.
The impressive Diamondback is one step below a full freestyle BMX and can easily withstand years of use. It allows your little one to easily transition between their training wheels and learn to ride properly. Many parents prefer this type of transition bike before settling on a more permanent bike.
Unlike many freestyles BMX bikes on our review list, this bike focuses on bridging the gap between a training bike and a proper beginner-level BMX. While this bike isn’t designed to do the tricks and stunts of a freestyle bike, it’s the perfect option for your little one to learn and become comfortable with BMX riding.
More features: has training wheels, safe, durable, quick release seat, enclosed chain guard
The Petimini BMX is popular among kids aged between 2 – 9 years, and there are a few very good reasons for that. For starters, there’s the shock-proof saddle, which is wider and softer than normal BMX seats. Wider seats are more comfortable, making it easy for little ones to get used to.
A huge plus point with this bike is its lower frame, making it easy for kids to stand over and climb on and off. As a parent, you’ll be delighted to know the high carbon steel frame makes this BMX stabler and safer. Some of the other features your little one will enjoy on this bike include training wheels till they’re comfortable to ride without them. Single-speed gears, chainguards, wheel and front & back reflectors, bell, and adjustable handlebars add to the reasons why this is regarded as one of the best BMX bikes for 8-year-olds.
This BMX is ideal for children just getting out of their balance bikes. This bike has all the safety features needed to get a small child to safely learn and enjoy BMX riding! This bike features a lower frame for smaller kids to easily get on and off. This is much easier for smaller children to grow into the bike.
More features: comes with adjustable and removable training wheels, padded adjustable seat, handlebar bag
If you have a little girl who is already showing an interest in the adventures that come with bike riding, then the Dynacraft Trolls Girls bike is for you! As a 16” street & dirt bike, this BMX boasts a strong steel frame that’s lightweight enough to be easily maneuvered by little ladies. Wide training wheels make it easy for little ones to get the hang of riding on their own. Since the bike features a height-adjustable saddle setting, it’s sure to grow with your little one.
Dynacraft is one of the longest-standing private distributors of bicycles in the U.S. and is a go-to brand for many bike enthusiasts. Unlike most other bikes in this age range, this BMX boasts a handlebar bag for storing your little princess’s favorite supplies.
More features: aluminum U-brake, precision speed control
The Micargi Maze BMX is one of the better entry-level bikes that rides equally great on the street, park, dirt, or just about anywhere else! One of the more impressive features is the aluminum U-brake and brake levers that provide precision speed control. A Hi-Ten steel frame ensures reliable support and comfort.
While this BMX is classed as a beginner-level bike, it fulfills all the requirements expected of a quality BMX. Since it only weighs 26lbs, it’s lightweight enough to be ridden off-road. It’s easy to see why this model made it to the list of best BMX race bikes for kids.
With a wheel size of 20 inches, this sturdy bike is suitable for older children and adults who enjoy BMX riding. Designed with comfort and ease of ride in mind, anyone can enjoy riding this bike. Some of the quality features that make Micargi Maze stand out from the rest include its alloy stealth brake lever, 3-piece crank, padded fitted seat, and aluminum single-wall rims.
More features: U-brakes, comes with a tool kit, 360° rotor
The Hiland Kids Bike is designed with future stunt drivers in mind! For starters, the handlebar and fork are joined by a seam and boast a 360° rotor. This combination allows the rider to turn the handlebar completely – an absolute dream for kids who want to do tricks, flips, and skatepark jumps.
A professional, double U-brake system makes the bike considerably safer when young riders are doing those tricky 360° spins and turns. To give the rider more grip on whatever surface they’re on, the Hiland comes with extra-wide tires. A nifty tool kit is added to the package as an accessory.
BMX riders looking for a bike with versatility and great performance will enjoy this bike. As a reputable bike manufacturer, any list of great BMX bikes won’t be complete without an option from Hiland! Unlike the other BMX bikes on our list, this charmer has a 360° rotor. This makes this the perfect option for kids who get into BMX riding with the intention of doing tricks and stunts.
Buying the right BMX bike involves a little more than opting for the “nicest looking one” on a store shelf or online catalog. For starters, it depends on your children’s intentions with the bike. Will it be used for simple riding around the neighborhood? Will your child be using it at a skatepark or a biking track? Will they be riding over rough terrain? Is your child a beginner?
With these questions in mind, we’ve compiled a buying guide in which we’ll highlight the features you should consider before making the purchase. We encourage you to read through these features and analyze how they relate to your child’s individual needs.
Essentially these bikes are designed for jumping, racing, and performing daring maneuvers. Unlike mountain bikes, BMX bikes aren’t ideal for long-distance or uphill riding. Despite this, BMX bikes are fun to ride, strong, and incredibly durable. Many BMX experts agree that these bikes are practically indestructible!
In general, the frame can vary from being lightweight to sturdy, depending on the type you select. For the most part, they feature knobby tires, small saddles, long cranks, and rear hand brakes. We’ll take a look at these features in a little more detail in the feature section below.
When you’ve finally decided to purchase a BMX bike for one or all of your children, the next step is to decide which type is going to be best. With the wide variety of options on the market, it can be quite confusing to choose the perfect one. Spending hours reading through the best bikes for kids’ reviews can also be quite time-consuming!
The best part of your search – we’ve made it easier for you by listing the features to consider as well as why they’re important. With our detailed feature analysis making the right choice just got so much easier!
For adults who have nothing but good memories of the quality BMX bike they rode around on as kids, the good news is you can get a BMX for any of your kids’ ages. Some parents even prefer to introduce their children to BMX balance bikes between the ages of 1 – 4 years. They then start introducing their kids to freestyle BMX bikes.
Always ensure that you check the recommended age of each option you’re considering. This also goes hand in hand with your child’s weight and height. The right-sized bike will ensure your child can have a comfortable and safe riding experience.
Our review list features the Dynacraft Trolls Girls BMX, which is ideally suited for girls aged 5 – 7 years. Removable training wheels help your four or five-year-old transition to ride without the help of training wheels. The NiceC BMX kids’ bike is available for different ages and is available in wheel sizes that will suit most children.
As we’ve mentioned before, some are designed for regular riding while others are specifically designed for stunts, tricks, rough terrain, and competition riding. It’s important to know what your child’s intentions will be before picking the best option. The three top BMX bike types generally used by kids you need to consider include the following:
BMX freestyle: This is the most common type of BMX bike. Freestyle riding is mostly defined as regular riding in the street and skate parks. This type of bike allows for riding over ramps and various street obstacles. These bikes are built to withstand a great deal of abuse. Some freestyle types are often referred to as Flatland bikes for driving on flat, smooth surfaces. An example of a quality freestyle BMX bike is the Diamondback Youth Nitrus BMX as well as the Elite BMX Bicycle.
BMX racing bikes: These types of BMX bikes are built for maximum speed and control. While they’re still classed as a BMX, the general design is more geared toward racing instead of performing tricks. These bikes are usually more suited to older children. Our list features the Micargi Maze BMX Bicycle, which is perfect for street or plain track racing.
BMX jumping bikes: Often referred to as dirt jumpers, these BMX types are generally a combination of freestyle BMX bikes and regular bikes. They feature a sturdy frame with rear brakes and knobby tires. For the most part, they’re ideal for cruising over local trails and jumping easy ramps around the neighborhood. A classic example of a BMX Dirt Jumper is the Mongoose Legion L100 which is perfect for curb jumping.
Wheel size plays a crucial role in ensuring you have the safest bike available for your little one. BMX bikes come out with wheel sizes varying from 12” – 20”.
Always check the recommended age for the bike you’re considering buying. We’ve drawn up a table of wheel sizes vs. child’s age to give you an idea of what you should consider.
| Age | Wheel size in inches | Wheel size in CMS |
| 1 – 4 years | Balance bike | 70 – 90 cm |
| 4 – 6 years | 12” | 80 – 100 cm |
| 5 – 9 years | 14” | 90 – 130 cm |
| 7 – 14 years | 16” | 100 – 140 cm |
| 14+ years | 18” | 130 – 160 cm |
| 14+ years | 20” | 155 – 150 cm + |
The Dynacraft Trolls Girls BMX Street/Dirt Bike on our review list has a wheel size of 16 “, making it ideal for children aged 5 – 7 years. For smaller children and pre-teens, the Royal Baby Kids Bike with a wheel size of 18” might be a better option. Teens and adults should consider the Elite BMX Bicycle as it’s got a wheel size of 20”.
Generally, BMX bikes are designed without a suspension. The average 20” bike is made for a rigid fork. While it’s possible to add an aftermarket suspension, you should be aware that this causes a few issues, such as a raised front end and a steep head tube angle. Both these factors cause the rider’s weight to shift forward and make it less easy to maneuver the bike.
Rather than opt for a cheap bike that you plan to modify later, we recommend buying the right bike from the onset. If your child is planning to do tricks and stunts, opt for a BMX with a dual suspension, as this makes it easy to ride comfortably on rugged terrain.
Our review features the NiceC BMX Kids Bike, which has a dual suspension, making it good for riding downhill and speeding off jumps.
Most BMX bikes feature rim brakes. This means the brake pads connect to the rim to slow down momentum. Freestyle BMX bikes, on the other hand, are equipped with U-brakes that are positioned inside the rear triangle.
For kids not interested in doing bike tricks, simple standard brakes will do the job. Tricksters, however, will need a bike fitted with a detangler. This allows the bars to easily spin a full 360 degrees without tangling the brake cable. As any avid BMX trickster knows, this feature is excellent for tail whips and bar spins.
We’ve shown you the Petimini BMX Style Kids Bike with standard brakes for normal riding. The Micargi Maze BMX Bicycle, on the other hand, has a U-brake system making it perfect for tricks, stunts, and tough terrains!
The thought of your precious child doing all kinds of extreme bike stunts and tough terrain races could leave you cringing! To allow your little one to perform all these daring stunts requires a frame that’s not only sturdy but maneuverable as well.
Many freestyle BMXs are kitted with steel frames which should be your preferred choice of material. Steel frames are well-known for their strength and durability. Cheaper bikes are made from high tensile steel, which isn’t as long-lasting. It’s also heavier and not as easy to maneuver.
It’s not recommended to opt for an aluminum frame for freestyle bikes that will be doing tricks or stunts. Aluminum frames are brittle and make the bike prone to severe damage. Our examples showcase the Micargi Maze BMX Bicycle that boasts a steel frame making it a safer option for tricks and stunts. The Mongoose Legion L100 has a frame of aluminum, making it more suited to normal riding.
Our review list features three bikes of varying sizes that come with training wheels, making it easy for your little to transition between riding with training wheels and without. The Dynacraft Trolls Girls BMX is ideal for little girls aged 5 – 7 years and comes with adjustable and removable training wheels.
Similarly, the NiceC BMX kids’ bike features thick wheels and training wheels, making it a great bike to transition to after a beginner balance bike. The Petimini BMX Style Kids Bike, suitable for kids aged 2 – 9, also has training wheels for younger children.
Bike accessories generally serve two purposes. The first centers around your child’s safety, and the second reason are to keep them interested in their new hobby. Most kids enjoy the fun of getting “kitted” up for each ride, especially if they’re racing or competing.
The types of accessories your child needs once again depend on the rider’s intentions. If your child is just using the bike to casually ride around the neighborhood, they might not need the same kit as someone who is doing stunts, tricks, and riding on tough terrains.
Some of the more common accessories to consider include the following:
Helmet: No matter what age or what the rider’s intention is, a bicycle helmet is a must. Choosing the right size is crucial to ensuring the child wears it whenever on the road. Make it a golden rule. Explain the risks of head injuries.
Pump and tool kit: It should go without saying that you’ll need to provide your child with a quality, easy-to-use bicycle pump. They’ll also need a tool kit consisting of Allan keys and multi-spanners to do minor repairs and adjustments. A tire puncture repair kit is a must!
Pegs: Riders who intend to do tricks and stunts will require pegs. These simple metal cylinders are fitted to the axles of a BMX to allow the extra rider balance when they’re doing tricks. While pegs are banned in BMX racing, it’s acceptable for your little one to use them when first learning to ride.
Gloves: Gloves will be required for any BMX track riding. Generally, BMX gloves feature a grip on the palm of the glove that gives the rider more control during stunts and fast riding. They’re also quite handy to have when your children are riding on rough terrains.
Bike lock: A quality bike lock ensures your child’s bike can be secured when they’re not on them.
We trust that our informative review of the 10 best BMX bikes for kids will simplify the search for your child’s next bike! If you’re still on the fence about which BMX will get your vote, it might help if we recap our top three!
Our Editor’s Choice is the Mongoose Legion L100. This model impressed us because it has a wheel size of 20″, making it suitable for teens and adults. This model impressively features ultra-durable removable brake mounts.
Secondly, we have the Royal Baby Kids Bike, which is our best value option. With this bike’s 18” wheel size, it’s ideal for bigger kids and pre-teens. A safe grip and steel frame make it safe and comfortable to ride!
Finally, the NiceC BMX is ideally suited to children up to 10 years old. With its modern design and durable frame, it puts your children in a balanced and stable riding position!
Our detailed review list, as well as our informative buyer’s guide, will make it easy for you to shortlist the best BMX bike for kids. Choosing the best quality and safest bike will ensure your child has countless hours of fun!
