6 Best First Bikes for a 3 Year Old – First Vehicle Experience

The selection and analysis of the best bikes for 3-year-old kids, including premium and affordable options, and all the essential features to consider while buying.
By
John Watson
John Watson
Writer
John is an experienced cycling enthusiast and a great asset when it comes to writing skills. He's a Bachelor of Arts and a talented journalist. John is in charge of our blog read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Jessica Kingston
Jessica Kingston
Expert Consultant
Jessica is our expert consultant on all things connected to biking - gear, technique, you name it. Being a pro cyclist in the past, she knows exactly how things work in and read more
Last updated: September 15, 2023
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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 3-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.

Quick Summary

Top 6 First Bikes for 3 Year Old Review 2024

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Chosen by 3520 people in the past 30 days
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9.6
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9.8
1
Editor’s Choice

Yvolution Y Velo Flippa 3-in-1

Features
  • Bike type: Balance bike\Tricycle\Push bike
  • Wheel size: 9.6 inches
  • Brakes: Rear foot brake
  • Weight: 15 lbs.
  • Material: Aluminium
  • Age: 2 to 5 years
  • Max user weight: 44 lbs.
  • Min user height: 32 inches

More features: 3 colors, rear suspension, 3 ride modes, removable pedals, adjustable seat\handlebars, larger wheels

Yvolution Y Velo Flippa 3-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 3-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 3-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.

    Why did it make our list?
  • 3 different colors are available, and 3 riding modes
  • The bike can be easily transformed into a balance bike from a tricycle
  • It includes removable pedals and 3 wheels for the safety of your kid
  • Adjustable construction
  • Rear suspension that provides comfortable riding on various surfaces
  • Special push-bar for parents to control the process of their kids’ learning
  • 3 wheels to provide comfort and safety for aspiring bike riders
    What is not ideal about it?
  • The bike doesn’t have footrest
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4943 people in the past 30 days
9.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.5
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.4
9.7
2
Premium Pick

RoyalBaby Kids Bike

Features
  • Bike type: Kids bike with training wheels
  • Wheel size: 12 to 20 inches (5 sizes)
  • Brakes: Front caliper pedal brake and rear coaster brake
  • Weight: 20.3 to 32 lbs. depending on wheel size
  • Material: Steel
  • Age: Up to 16 years
  • Max user weight: Not stated
  • Min user height: Not stated

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.

    What do we love it for?
  • Premium quality
  • Durability
  • 7 available colors to choose from
  • Safe 2-brake system
  • 5 different wheel sizes
  • Water bottle included and a comfortable holder
  • Special training wheels
  • Resin pedals with a special anti-slip function
    What were we disappointed with?
  • The construction is not the most lightweight on the market.
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5212 people in the past 30 days
9.6
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.5
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.5
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.5
9.6
3
Best Warranty

Hornit AIRO Balance Bike

Features
  • Bike type: Balance bike
  • Wheel size: 12.5 inches
  • Brakes: None
  • Weight: 6.5 lbs.
  • Material: Magnesium alloy
  • Age: 1.5 to 5 years
  • Max user weight: 66 lbs.
  • Min user height: not stated

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.

    What do we love it for?
  • Attractive and sleek design
  • Lifetime limited warranty
  • Easy to assemble and adjust
  • The high weight limit for kids
  • Very lightweight and easy to use
    What were we disappointed with?
  • The handlebar requires constant adjustment.
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7892 people in the past 30 days
9.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.1
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.4
9.5
Features
  • Bike type: Balance bike
  • Wheel size: 10, 12 inches
  • Brakes: None
  • Weight: 6.39 lbs.
  • Material: High-tensile steel
  • Age: 18 months to 5 years
  • Max user weight: Not stated
  • Min user height: 31

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.

    Why did it make our list?
  • Excellent value for money
  • 4 different colors to choose from
  • Light but sturdy construction
  • User-friendly assembly
  • Adjustability to fit each growing kid
    What is not ideal about it?
  • The construction of the handlebars is not very sturdy
  • The material of the tires is not really solid
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 3140 people in the past 30 days
9.4
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.9
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.9
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.2
9.4
5
Best Balance Bike

Strider Sport Balance Bike

Features
  • Bike type: Balance bike
  • Wheel size: 12 inches
  • Brakes: None
  • Weight: 6.7
  • Material: Aluminum
  • Age: 18 months to 5 years
  • Max user weight: 60 lbs.
  • Min user height: Not stated

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.

    What makes it stand out?
  • 7 different colors to choose from
  • A wide age range
  • Special tires with puncture-proof function
  • Adjustable and lightweight construction
    Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
  • The price is not very affordable
  • The tires might be a bit spipperly
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 8518 people in the past 30 days
9.3
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.0
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.1
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.2
9.3
Features
  • Bike type: Kids bike with training wheels
  • Wheel size: 12, 16 inches
  • Brakes: Coaster brake
  • Weight: 19 lbs.
  • Material: Steel
  • Age: 2 to 5 years
  • Max user weight: Not stated
  • Min user height: 28 inches

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.

    What are its best features?
  • 5 various options with the design of the favorite Paw Patrol characters
  • Included removable training wheel
  • Adjustable and lightweight construction
  • Rear coaster brake that will make the process of learning much easier
    What could be improved?
  • The construction might seem a bit loose

Things to Consider

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.

Adjustable seat

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.

Bike type

6 Best First Bikes for a 3 Year Old – First Vehicle Experience
Bike type is an important decision when purchasing a bike for a 3 year old. The type of bike varies depending on the child’s size, strength, and balance.

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.

Wheel size

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.

Weight

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.

Brakes

6 Best First Bikes for a 3 Year Old – First Vehicle Experience
As kids are learning how to bike, they need much more gentle brakes. This is why it is important to get a bike with brakes that work well and are easy to apply.

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.

Tips on How to Teach Your Kid to Ride a Bike

  • Start teaching your kid cycling at the age of about 3 years, when they start developing their coordination skills.
  • Give your kid an opportunity to choose their first bike.
  • Try to choose a location that will be safe for learning, it could be a place where the surface is flat, and there is not much traffic.
  • Support your kid on each “step” they make.
  • Explain to them how to use handlebars, and tell them to steer, not just hang on them.
  • First, teach your kid to brake with one leg and only when he can do it, explain how to use brakes. In the beginning, your kid doesn’t need them at all.
  • Give your kid a chance to try different riding styles since kids develop differently, depending on the person, so they need to choose which riding style is comfortable for them.
  • Finally, enjoy the process and your spare time with your kid. It is not just about learning, it is about getting along with your family.

FAQ

When is the best age to teach a kid cycling?

The perfect age to start learning how to ride a bike for children is between 3 and 7 years. Kids younger than 3 years might experience difficulties with coordination and balancing, while at the age of 3, they will be more focused on the process and more eager to learn a new activity in the form of a game.

How long do training wheels work?

Training wheels are a very useful tool for your kid in the process of learning how to ride a bike. These wheels are generally joined with the help of special clamps or bolts. Nevertheless, quick-release clamps seem to be more user-friendly, they are more likely to unfasten while riding, so the more reliable and secure option is using those fastening with bolts. As a rule, the lifespan of the training wheels is 4 years, but it highly depends on how often you are going to use them.

Is it useful to buy your kid a balance bike?

Balance bikes were created especially for those kids who do not yet know how to ride a bike. So, these bikes help the kids learn to keep balance and coordinate properly before they start learning how to pedal. Plus, such bikes are much more lightweight than regular ones, so it provides additional safety to the learning process for kids. All in all, buying a balance bike is giving a great opportunity for your kid to learn without unnecessary concerns.

Our verdict

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.

References

1.
Choosing the Right Size Bicycle: Tips for Parents - HealthyChildren.org
​A bicycle of the wrong size may cause your child to lose control and be injured. Any bike must be the correct size for the child for whom it is bought.
2.
Two Secrets Teach A Child How to Ride A Bike - CyclingSavvy
If you know these two secrets, you can teach any child how to ride a bike.
3.
Teach your kids to ride a bike : BikeReady
Here’s how to help your child learn to ride in a few easy steps.
9,8
Total Score
Yvolution Y Velo Flippa 3-in-1 - Editor’s Choice
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