How to Choose Kids’ Bikes
Choosing a bike for your child should not be a daunting task. There are a few key things that you need to consider before making your final decision, but once you understand how to measure your child for a bike and what to look for based on your child’s height and age, you can shop confidently.
How to Measure Kids’ Bike Size
Kids’ bikes are measured by the size of the wheel, not the frame like adult bikes. You’ll typically find kids’ bike sizes ranging from 12 to 24 or 26. This number is representative of the wheel height in inches. For example, a kids’ 20 bike means the wheel of the bike is 20 inches tall. Adult bikes typically start out at the smallest size with 26-inch wheels and are used by people ages 12+.
The kids’ bike size chart below is a good starting point when deciding which size bike fits your kid. However, a bike that fits one child may not fit another child of the same age, so it’s always important to have your kid try out the bike to ensure it’s not too tall or too short.
Kids’ Bike Size Chart
| Bike Size | Wheel Height | Child Age | Child Height | Child Inseam |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | 12" | 2-3 | 36-39” | 15-18” |
| 14 | 14" | 2-4 | 37-44” | 15-20” |
| 16 | 16" | 4-6 | 41-48” | 16-22” |
| 20 | 20" | 5-8 | 45-54” | 19-25” |
| 24 | 24" | 8-11 | 49-59” | 23-28” |
| 26 | 26" | 10+ | 56”+ | 25”+ |
While you may see kids’ bikes with wheels up to 26 inches, you will typically be choosing between sizes 12 through 20 with each size offering a different riding experience.
12-Inch & 14-Inch Bikes
12- to 14-inch bikes are typically the smallest kids’ bikes designed for the smallest riders. You can choose between a balance bike and a pedal bike for kids of this age. Balance bikes have two wheels and no pedals, teaching kids how to balance while growing confidence on a bike. 12- and 14-inch pedal bikes can be used with or without training wheels and are great for kids gaining their confidence. Young children sometimes do not have the strength to pedal so it may be best to start with a balance bike.
Typical Age Range: 2 to 4 years
16-Inch Bikes
16-inch bikes are the next step up, and many riders graduate directly from a 12- to 14-inch balance bike to a 16-inch pedal bike. Most 16-inch bikes come with removable training wheels, and rear coaster brakes that stop the bike when you pedal backwards.
Typical Age Range: 5 to 8 years
20-Inch Bikes
Designed for children with a few years of riding experience, 20-inch bikes start to become more advanced with options like hand brakes and multiple gear selections. If your child is ready to ride hills and learn more advanced cycling, geared bikes can be introduced at this age.
Typical Age Range: 6 to 10 years
How to Test a New Kids’ Bike
- Measure your child’s height and leg inseam in inches and use the size chart to determine which bike size to test out first.
- Have your child straddle the bike. They should be able to do so with their feet flat on the floor without their crotch resting on the frame.
- Have your child reach the handlebars. Their arms should be slightly bent at the elbows and the grip should feel comfortable. Fully-extended arms means the bike does not fit.
- Have your child sit on the bike and pedal. At the bottom of their pedal stroke, their legs should be slightly bent at the knee. If their leg is fully extended at the bottom of the pedal stroke, the bike is too tall.
Choosing the right bike for your child should be stress-free now that you know where to begin your search, how to measure your child for a bike, and how to test that the bike is the right fit. Once you find the perfect bike, you’ll need to find a well-fitting bike helmet. Check out our Expert guide on how a bike helmet should fit so you can make sure your child is safe and ready to ride. If you have additional questions about kids’ bike sizes, contact your local ERLEBNISWELT-FLIEGENFISCHEN Texas Tech Red Raiders!