Find the best kids’ bike with our expert guide! Learn about children’s bicycle sizes, and top brands to ensure a safe, fun ride for your little one.
Our Guide to Buying: Kids’ Bikes
They say, the right bike can spark a lifelong love of cycling but the wrong size can ruin the fun. With so many types and sizes, you could find yourself asking “What size bike do I need”? Is a bike for a 5-year-old the same as a bike for a 4-year-old?
Breath out! We’ll help you pick the best kids’ bike for your little one.
New for 2026 Cube Acid 200 Disc 20in Kids Bike
What size bike do I need ?
A kids’ bike isn’t like an adult bike, it has to fit just right, because if it’s too big, it might be hard to control. And if it’s too small, it might be uncomfortable ( and they’ll outgrow it in a flash). That’s why the best way to choose isn’t by age alone, but by children’s bike measurement’s, specifically their height and leg length.
Still most parent’s will start with a bicycle size by age guide, which works as a rough starting point.
Kids Bikes For Toddlers:
Opt for Balance bikes or 12-inch wheels. A bicycle for a 3-year-old is usually a balance bike or a small pedal bike with training wheels.
Kids’ Specialized Hotwalk 12in Balance Bike 2026
Kids Bikes For 3-5 year old’s :
A bike for a 3-year-old might still be a balance bike, but some kids transition to pedal bikes. A bike size for a 4-year-old is usually 12-inch or 14-inch wheels. Small enough for control but big enough to last a little longer. By 5 years old, a 14-inch children’s bike is the best fit.
Trek Precaliber 16 Kids’ Bike 2026
£275.00
Kids Bikes For 5-7 year old’s :
A bike for a 5-year-old should be lightweight and single-speed for easy riding. A bike size for a 6-year-old is typically 16-inch wheels, giving a little more room for growth while still being easy to handle.
Cube Acid 160 16in Kids’ Bike 2025
£329.00
Kids Bikes For 7-9 year old’s :
Specialized RipRock 20in Kids Bike 2026
£499.00
A bike size for a 7-year-old is usually 18-inch to 20-inch wheels, depending on height. If your child is riding longer distances, they might need gears, especially if they struggle on hills. If they’re sticking to smooth paths, a single-speed bike for kids is still the easiest option.
Kids Bikes For 9-12 year old’s :
Specialized RipRock 24in Kids Bike 2026
£549.00
A bike for a 9-year-old is often 20-inch or 24-inch wheels, depending on height. A bike size for a 10-year-old is almost always 24-inch wheels. This is when they start riding real bikes. If they love dirt trails, look at mountain bikes with 24-inch wheels. If they prefer roads, a child’s road bike might be a better choice.
The Best First Bike
If this is their first real bike, weight matters more than anything. So, a bike that is lightweight, simple and easy to stop, is something you should opt for. A light bike for kids makes learning easier, and some kids take off immediately, others might need a few tumbles first, but a heavy bike just makes everything harder. Here are some great brands for first bikes.
| Woom : Super lightweight and easy to ride. Not the cheapest, but worth it! |
| Frog Bikes : Adjustable, well-designed, and will probably last long enough for your second child. |
| Specialized : The Hotrock series is solid for young riders. |
| Cube : If they’re veering toward mountain biking, this is a good brand to start with. |
Safety First
Kids fall off bikes, that’s just how it goes, as a part of the learning process. But if they’re going to fall, they should be protected.
Helmets are non-negotiable for your child’s safety. The right helmet simply need’s to fit, because if it’s too loose, it won’t protect. Too tight, and they won’t wear it. Buckle it up and have them shake their head. If it moves, tighten it. If they’re complaining, adjust it or try another size.
Specialized Shuffle 2 LED Kids Helmet 4-7 years
£36.00
Reflectors & Lights
Even if they’re only riding in daylight , cars, pedestrians and other cyclists need to see them. Bright colours help, but reflectors and lights make a huge difference, especially in the late afternoon when shadows get long. A simple clip-on LED light can turn a near-miss into a non-issue.
LED Clip On Lights
Gloves – A scraped knee is one thing, but a torn-up palm is what makes gripping the handlebars painful for days. Gloves might seem excessive for short rides, but the first time they hit the pavement, you’ll be glad they had them, plus they get a better grip for better control.
Endura Nemo II Kids Gloves
£19.55
Bell
Yes kids love ringing them, but bells actually prevent crashes. They help alert walkers, other kids, or someone staring at their phone in the middle of the cycle path.
So How to Make Sure the Bike Actually Fits?
The number one mistake is buying a bike that’s too big, thinking they’ll grow into it. As a rule, if they can’t control the bike now, they won’t want to ride it. To summarise a good fit means:
. They can touch the ground with their toes whilst sitting on the saddle.
. They’re not stretching awkwardly at the handlebars and their knees aren’t hitting the handlebars when they pedal.
When shopping online, check a bike size chart for kids based on their height and if possible, test ride in store– first.
