Kids' Bikes

Kids love bikes.  They give them a sense of freedom and a fun way to exercise. Buying a bike for your little cyclist can be just as fun. There are loads of bikes to choose from in all different colors and a few different styles, and there are plenty of accessories to go along with them. A bicycle helmet is, of course, a must; boys aged 10-14 have been rated as the most likely to have head-related injuries on bikes.

Tricycle  Miniature-size bike with three wheels is perfect for the smallest cyclists. Help a child learn the basic mechanics of riding a bike with the added safety and comfort of three wheels for extra balance. Perfect for children ages 2-4. A child from 28 to 38 inches tall or with a 14-17 inch inseam will need the smallest 12-inch wheel size. Average cost: $50	With Training Wheels  These are slightly bigger and some have removable training wheels. All have rear coaster brakes. Some have a hand brake. They are great because they grow with your child as he or she learns to ride a bike. For children ages 4-6. A child 38 to 48 inches tall with an 18-21 inch inseam will need 16" wheels. Average cost: $75+	Mountain Bike  Once your child has gotten a bit bigger they will need a bike with more adult features, more gear speeds, hand brakes, and a kick stand. For 7-8 year olds (48 to 60 inches tall) stick to the 20" wheel models, and for 9 years and up go for the 24" models. Prices start at $100 but can go up to $300 or more.	BMX  They have a T-handlebar and usually only rear coaster brakes. No matter how big the child gets, a BMX bike can always have its charm, especially if he or she gets into extreme sports. There are three types: BMX racing  for normal kid stuff like riding around the block, BMX freestyle  with pegs and spinning handlebars for doing tricks, and BMX jumping bikes  with extra solid 48-spoke wheels. Prices range from about $150-$200.

Top Picks

The top picks featured below are recommended by ConsumerSearch unless otherwise noted.

• Tricycles
• Kettler Kiddi-o Supertrike 3 is apparently loved by parents and is recommended by ConsumerSearch.
• Kettrikes  come in a variety of models and range from those with basic features all of the way to a full-featured vehicle that can double as a stroller.
• Radio Flyer's Twist Trike is recommended by About.com.

• With Training Wheels
• Schwinn Tiger (boys)
• Tigress (girls)

• Mountain Bike
• Pacific Cycle Boy's Singe
• Girl's Singe 
• Updated models of well-reviewed predecessors.

• BMX
• Schwinn Aerostar  (boys)
• Stardust  (girls)

Related Articles

• Bicycles
• Bicycle Helmets