When it comes to teaching children to ride a bike for the first time, many people will still look for a small child’s bike with training wheels that will keep the bike stable as the child learns to pedal and steer. However, these days a balance bike for kids is becoming a more popular choice. But why is that? Well, according to the good folk at Woom, learning how to use a balance bike before attempting to use pedals is a better way for kids to learn how to cycle. What is a balance bike though, and how will it benefit your child?
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What is a Balance Bike?
A balance bike is designed for small children and allows them to learn how to cycle from a very young age, with children as young as 18 months of age quickly picking up the basics. These bikes do not have any pedals. They have two wheels, a saddle, and handlebars, but no drivetrain. This makes the balance bike exceptionally light and easy for a young child to manage.
You might be wondering how balance bikes work if they do not have pedals. The idea is that the child sits on the saddle and holds the handlebars. Then he or she can move the bike with their feet. As the child becomes more comfortable and confident on the bike, he will probably learn to lift his feet as he glides along. At this point, the child will have mastered the act of balancing the bike. This is the hardest part of cycling and one of the reasons why balance bikes are better for teaching kids to cycle. But there are other benefits, too.
How Do Balance Bikes Benefit Young Children?
As mentioned, balance bikes tend to be lighter than traditional pedal bikes with training wheels. This makes it much easier for young children to pick them up and move them about. This, and the fact that the child’s feet are on the ground rather than on pedals, makes it easier for him to control the bike. The more control a child has, the more confident he will become and the more quickly he should learn to balance.
Balance bikes allow children to develop their motor and hand-eye coordination skills. They can quickly learn how to turn corners and avoid obstacles, which all aids in their development.
What we must not forget here is that balance bikes are fun. They give children the freedom to explore and to learn through play. And once children learn the basics of riding a balance bike, they can quickly transition to a pedal bike with no need for any training wheels.
The sooner your child learns how to ride a bike, the sooner you can start to enjoy fun cycles together as a family. Cycling with your child is a wonderful way to ensure that you are both getting exercise while having fun together. Teaching your child to love cycling from an early age will ensure that he spends more time outdoors in the fresh air and away from the technology indoors.
Conclusion
Balance bikes are an alternative way to teach children to cycle. With small pedal-less bikes available for children as young as 18 months, your child can master the skill of balancing before moving on to a bike with pedals. Once a child learns how to use a balance bike, moving to a bike with pedals is a breeze. Balance bikes are lightweight and easy to manage and, as such, make it easier for young children to steer and control.
