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Obviously, riding a bike is a useful experience for each kid, but still, too often, kids can get hurt or even killed if they are not prepared to ride properly. Not only should a kid wear a special helmet, but also the parents should choose a proper vehicle. In that case, our guide on the best first bikes for a 3-year-old is a solution.
We’ve reviewed 23 options while picking up the 6 best first bikes for a 3-year-old with the Yvolution Y Velo Flippa 4-in-1 as our Editor’s Choice. One of the most important considerations is the peculiarities of brakes and gears since they ensure the safety of your kid. Another consideration is the diameter of the wheels because little kids are not yet professionals in keeping balance. Additionally, we’ll not disregard the design, which is also significant for young riding fans.
More features: 3 colors, rear suspension, 4 ride modes, removable pedals, adjustable seat\handlebars, larger wheels
Yvolution Y Velo Flippa 4-in-1 bike is our Editor’s Choice since it is a highly versatile pedal bike with many functions that you can choose for your kid. In this bike, you can find the features of a balance bike since it has easily removable pedals or a push bike if the parents will participate in the process of riding. The Yvolution Y Velo Flippa 4-in-1 bike will be excellent for kids from 2 to 5 years old since it is adjustable to various sizes to fit anyone. Finally, the bike is extremely user-friendly and easy to ride because of its rear suspension and large wheels.
Compared to other toddler bikes by Yvolution like the Y Velo Junior, the Y Velo Flippa 4-in-1 bike is the best first pedal bike. The two bike models have a lot in common except the Y Velo Flippa has a parent steering handlebar that will give you an easier time teaching your child the first cycling tricks.
More features: 7 colors, wide 2.4 inches pneumatic tires, non-slip resin pedals, sealed bearing BB parts, adjustable height seat, water bottle, training wheels, bell, chain guard
RoyalBaby Kids Bike is our best kids’ bike with premium quality and stunning design. It is user-friendly and safe to ride with a bell to make your kid heard from far away. Also, it includes a water bottle for hot summer days and is easy to assemble. The material of the bike is high-quality, durable stainless steel, presented in seven different colors, so you will definitely find the perfect one for your lovely kid. It includes wide pneumatic tires and non-slip resin pedals along with training wheels that will make the process of learning cycling much safer and more comfortable. Additionally, the RoyalBaby Kids Bike includes sealed-bearing BB parts to ensure safety and a smooth ride.
Compared to other RoyalBaby bikes for toddlers with training wheels like the RoyalBaby Honey kids bike, the BMX freestyle bike offers better value for money. Moreover, it is our premium pick because unlike other bikes on this list like the Yvolution Y Velo Flippa 4-in-1 bike, your child can grow with it. They can easily transition into two wheels with the bike.
More features: 6 colors, air-filled tires, contoured footrest, adjustable saddle, a padded stem cover
Next on our list is the Hornit AIRO Balance Bike, which is one of the best balance bikes in the market for kids. It comes with an impressive and free lifetime warranty, which is a sign of the quality of the bike. Hornit is known for its impressive balance bikes in the AIRO Collection, which are top choices for kids. The balance bike is easy to assemble once you get it, as it only requires an Allen wrench to put it together. With the pedal-less design of the balance bike, your kid can enjoy riding without the need for training wheels.
The Hornit AIRO Balance Bike is similar to the Strider Sport Balance Bike on our list, as they both allow your kid to ride without training wheels. But the former offers a lifetime warranty which is suitable for kids that can easily damage their bikes. It also comes with sealed wheel bearings, which allow your kid to ride smoothly on road debris and other rough conditions, and a higher weight limit for kids. Also, if you’re considering the price and want a cheaper option, the Hornit AIRO Balance Bike is a good choice.
More features: 4 colors, wide footrest, adjustable seat and handlebar, air-free tire
Joystar Kids Balance Bike with Footrest is a perfect bike for those who want to make their kid happy without breaking the bank. The model is very user-friendly due to the wide footrest that gives your kid an excellent opportunity to learn how to keep balance. The seat and the handlebar of the bike are adjustable, which is really comfortable since kids tend to grow up really quickly, so you don’t have to buy a new bike each year. Additionally, this model is extremely light, which also provides additional safety for your kid in case of a fall.
Compared to other kids bikes like the Woom 1, the Joystar balance bike is easier to use, thanks to its range of seat heights. This decent bike is also incredibly lightweight, coming in at a mere 6.39 pounds; probably the lightest on the market. Plus, the bike is made for both younger and older toddlers, therefore, your child will grow with it.
More features: 7 colors, stainless steel frame, puncture-proof no-flat tires, from 11 to 19 inches adjustable seat height, padded seat, performance footrest, child’s inseam 12 – 20 inches
The Strider 12 Sport Balance bike is a perfect option for those only starting to learn how to use this excellent vehicle. The seat of the bike is very comfortable since it is padded, and the construction is adjustable, allowing it to be used as your kid grows. The lightweight construction helps your kid learn how to ride a bike and develop coordination skills. Additionally, the bike features special no-flat tires that give your kid an opportunity to keep balance safely without any training wheels.
If you need excellent quality, the Strider balance bike is a better option than the Joystar balance bike above. The two bikes are pretty similar, however with a different price range – Joystar Kids balance bike is cheaper. They are both built for younger and older toddlers and both are quite comfortable as the first bike. However, the Strider is higher in quality and has better tires and bike geometry.
More features: 5 styles with Paw Patrol characters (for girls and boys), removable training wheels, adjustable seat, durable steel frame, handlebar plate\bag, chain guard
The Nickelodeon Paw Patrol Kids Bike is a perfect option for those Paw Patrol cartoon lovers. It is specially made for kids from 2 to 5 years old. One of the excellent features of the bike is its adjustability to different sizes, which allows your kid to spend several wonderful years with this bike. Another key feature is the presence of training wheels for the youngest ones to make their first “steps” into the cycling world. As for its stunning design, it is presented in five various options with depicted favorite characters that will be enjoyed by both boys and girls.
The Paw Patrol bike may make your toddler look forward to cycling more than most bikes on this list would. It stacks up well against other popular toddler bikes like RoyalBaby but its build quality doesn’t match. If you want a bike your child can grow with, you’d be better off with the RoyalBaby but if you need a bike that will make cycling exciting for your baby, then the Paw Patrol is the way to go.
Each parent wants the very best for their kids, whether it be education, food, toys, or vehicles. Choosing the first bike for your 3-year-old kid can be quite a challenge since a bike for such young cyclers requires special characteristics. You should first consider the bike’s adjustability since kids of this age tend to grow up very quickly, so you don’t want to buy a new one each year. Additionally, think of the wheel size, which determines the way your kid is going to control the balance. You should also consider the brakes of the bike since they help your kid feel safe and confident while learning how to cycle.
The adjustability of the bike is a highly essential feature. You should choose the bike that gives a kid an opportunity to touch the ground with both feet to ensure safety. In other words, the bike must be suitable for the height of the child. To solve this issue, it should have an adjustable seat that will allow finding the right position for each kid.
The type of bike is another essential consideration since it can vary in size, balance, and strength.
There are many various types of first bikes, including balance bikes, tricycles, and those with special training wheels for the very beginners.
Balance bikes are those without wheels at all, giving the kids an opportunity to learn how to keep balance touching the ground with their feet. Riding a balance bike is a very safe way to learn cycling, which is why many parents choose it for their kids as their first bike. You can also check out our comprehensive guide on best wooden balance bikes to choose the perfect one for your kid.
Another option is a tricycle. Those are perfect for learning how to pedal, and with a tricycle, it will be much easier than with an ordinary two-wheeled bike.
Finally, you can consider buying pedal bikes but with training wheels. These special wheels can be easily adjusted and will be really helpful in the process of learning since they provide additional stability and safety. And then, when your kid already knows how to cycle, you might be interested in considering best bmx bikes for kids.
The most common options to choose from when buying a bike for a 3-year-old kid are 12 or 14-inch models. You can also check out our comprehensive guide on the best 14-inch bikes for your kids.
For aspiring cyclers, the weight of the bike is also an essential thing to consider since, in this case, the lighter the bike is, the better and easier it will be to learn. If your kid has not cycled before, you can buy an option of 20 lbs maximum. Otherwise, he or she might have difficulties while pedaling.
Last but not least, the presence of the brakes is also essential as your kid learns how to cycle properly. They will keep your kid safe and protect him from falling.
There are two main types of brakes. The first one is a front caliper brake, and the other one is a rear coaster brake. The first one is attached to a caliper and can be activated with a special lever on the handlebars. The last one is usually posted in the center of a bike’s wheel, and to stop the bike quickly, your kid should use reverse pedaling. Front caliper brakes are not the safest option for your kid since, using this type of brakes, your kid tends to lose balance quickly. So, for the first bike, consider buying an option with a rear brake system.
The Y Velo Flippa 4-in-1 bike is our top pick for kids’ bikes. It provides you with excellent versatility, adjustability, and lightweight construction. Additionally, it can be easily controlled by parents, so they will not have extra concerns while teaching their kid cycling.
The RoyalBaby Kids Bike is a perfect option with premium quality and design with adjustable and light construction. Additionally, the bike provides you with a comfortable ride and complete safety.
Joystar Kids Balance Bike is also one of the best bikes for 3-year-old kids. It offers excellent value for money for those who want to teach their kids cycling without breaking the bank. The bike provides you with a comfortable and safe ride with air-free tires and a footrest.
