When parents search for the best mountain bikes for kids, they’re not just looking for flashy designs; they want bikes that are safe, lightweight, and built to help children grow their skills.
That’s exactly what Frog Bikes has delivered with its brand-new MTB range, designed specifically for young riders. These bikes combine durability, comfort, and performance, the perfect mix for kids eager to explore trails with confidence.
Choosing the best bike for a 7-year-old can feel overwhelming, as there are many great options to choose from, but it doesn’t have to be. At Frog Bikes, we design lightweight, child-specific bikes that build confidence, support independence, and make every ride an adventure.
Whether your child is commuting to school, racing on tarmac, or exploring gravel trails, this guide will help you choose the perfect Frog bike for their age, height, and riding style.
Looking for the best kids’ road bike or the best kids’ gravel bike for children that’s safe, lightweight, and built for adventure?
At Frog Bikes, we design premium bikes for young riders, engineered for performance, comfort, and control. That’s why our new kids’ Road bikes and kids’ Gravel bikes range is built with age-specific geometry, upgraded components, and thoughtful features that support confidence, independence, and adventure.
If your child is just starting out or is already chasing personal bests, here’s how to introduce them to the world of cycling - plus a closer look at the best bikes for every age and style.
Teaching a child to ride a bike is one of those magical parenting milestones. But before the joy of that first wobbly ride without help comes the big question: What’s the best way to learn? On a balance bike or on a bike with stabilisers (a.k.a. training wheels)?
Today, more and more parents and cycling experts are turning to balance bikes as the smarter, smoother path to independent riding. Not only do they make learning easier, as the toddler learns the feeling of handling a bike before cycling on one, but they also give kids a real head start in confidence, coordination, and fun.
Let's look at why balance bikes are now considered the gold standard. Here are 6 reasons why balance bikes are better than stabilisers:
Holding balance is the hardest part of cycling. Pedalling is simply the add-on. A balance bike strips away the distraction of pedals so children can focus on developing the fundamental skills: balance, coordination, and steering, right from day one.
Once those skills are second nature, pedalling becomes a much smoother step.
Training wheels do the opposite. They hold the bike upright artificially, meaning kids don’t learn to lean into turns or countersteer. Essential habits for safe cycling.
Research backs this up: studies show stabilisers delay proper balance development, leaving children with extra hurdles to overcome later. (source)
Kids' bikes are often surprisingly heavy. Sometimes half a child’s body weight.
By contrast, Frog Bike’s 12-inch balance bike, the Tadpole, only weighs 4.17kg. This makes them easier to push, lift, and manoeuvre for small kids. But also for parents who inevitably end up carrying them home from the park. Parents love how easy they are to sling over a shoulder when little legs get tired.
Frog’s balance bikes are super-light and ergonomically designed with young children in mind. Features like narrow handlebars, small grips, and proportionate brake levers ensure comfort and control. They’re available in 10-inch’ and 12-inch wheel sizes for toddlers taking their very first steps into cycling, and also in a versatile 14-inch option that bridges the gap between balance and pedal bikes. Perfect for children growing in confidence at their own pace.
"We have two Frog bikes – the Tadpole Plus balance bike and a first pedal bike – and the quality is outstanding. The Tadpole Plus in particular has been brilliant for my daughter: it's lightweight, well-built, and comes with a proper brake, which gave her the confidence and control she needed to transition to her first pedal bike." – Dan
With both feet flat on the ground, kids can feel secure and in control. Instead of wobbling and tipping (common frustrations with stabilisers), they can scoot forward with confidence. Many little riders even start gliding within days. An exhilarating moment that motivates them to keep going.
Balance bikes don’t just prepare kids for cycling—they support overall motor development. Using a balance bike builds core strength, postural control, and coordination, engaging key muscles like the quadriceps, calves, and gluteals. These skills also benefit other sports and physical activities.
Frog Bikes go further by including clever child-first features:
Steering locks prevent dangerous overturning.
Chunky tyres provide stability on uneven ground.
Small, responsive brakes give children control and teach safe stopping early on.
"We bought the Frog Tadpole balance bike for my boy and couldn't be happier with it, it's transformed his riding and confidence. He's happy riding on the pavement, in the park and at the BMX track. The back brake, steering over lock, weight and size are its best features." - Mr B
Parents are often amazed at how quickly balance bike graduates hop onto pedal bikes. With balance already mastered, the only “new” skill is pedalling.
Many kids who start with a balance bike can ride a pedal bike very quickly, without stabilisers, and without needing to learn to balance and pedal all at once.
Frog recommends a simple, joy-first approach:
The key? encouragement, patience, and celebration. Every tiny step is progress.
But never forget to put a helmet on your child for their safety!
Frog’s balance bikes stand out for their child-centred design, informed by sports scientists and real-world testing.
So, are balance bikes better than stabilisers?
Yes, in almost every meaningful way.
Balance bikes help kids:
Learning to ride a bike is a major milestone in a child’s life, and choosing the right bike can make all the difference. Parents often ask: Are Frog Bikes good for learning to ride? Our short answer is: Yes, they’re one of the best bikes for kids starting out.
We’ll explain why Frog Bikes are such a popular choice for parents looking for the best kids’ bike for learning to ride, and how their thoughtful design helps children build confidence, balance, and riding skills from day one.
One of the most critical features of a child’s first bike is weight. A heavy bike can make learning difficult, tiring, and even discouraging. That’s why all Frog bikes are built with ultra-lightweight aluminium frames specifically designed to be easy for young riders to handle.
Unlike many kids’ bikes that use steel or bulky frames, Frog’s lightweight design means:
This lighter frame also improves control and safety. It allows children to focus on learning to balance, pedal, and brake, rather than wrestling with a bike that’s too heavy for their size or strength.
A lighter bike helps reduce falls, builds confidence, and makes every ride more enjoyable, especially for beginners.
Frog’s commitment to making bikes lighter doesn’t mean compromising on durability either. Our aluminium frames are robust, rust-resistant, and built to last. Perfect for everyday use.
Many children’s bikes on the market are simply scaled-down versions of adult bikes, but not Frog bikes. At Frog Bikes, every bike is purpose-built from the ground up to suit a child’s unique anatomy and riding needs.
This means that every component is tailored to fit smaller bodies and developing motor skills, not just shrunk to a smaller size. For example:
What sets Frog bikes apart is that they’re designed using sports science and biomechanics research, developed in partnership with experts at Brunel University. These studies help ensure that each bike supports healthy movement, improves comfort, and enhances control - key ingredients for confident and safe riding. Learn more about how important safety is here. Frog bikes not only meet all the kids' safety standards but also top the requirements for adult standards. This thoughtful design is one of the many reasons Frog bikes are trusted by cycling instructors, schools, and families around the world as the ideal bikes for kids learning to ride.
Frog’s award-winning range includes balance bikes, which are ideal for children as young as 18 months up to approximately 4 years. At Frog Bikes we call them “Tapoles” - not quite yet Frog’s but almost there. Our Tadpoles help kids develop core strength and coordination, without the need for stabilisers. Choose from three different Tadpole sizes to fit your toddler. Once they’ve mastered balancing, the transition to a pedal bike is natural and often quicker, as they already have the skill set for balancing a Frog bike.
Alternatively, you could also take off the pedals to begin with and use our First Pedal bikes, such as our smallest size, the Frog 38 to learn to control balance if they aren’t yet ready to pedal.
Find the right way for your child so that they are the most comfortable and feel confident..
Learn more about the advantages of balance bikes >>
Frog Bikes offers a wide range of sizes, from tiny balance bikes like the Frog Tadpole Mini to first pedal bikes like the Frog 38 or Frog 44. This ensures you can choose a bike that’s perfectly suited to your kid’s height, age, and riding confidence.
At Frog Bikes, we understand that every child is different. That’s why we focus on inside leg measurement, not just age, when recommending bike sizes. This approach makes it easier to find the right fit, with no guesswork needed. Learn more about the best Frog bikes for beginners with our top tips here and which is the right size for your child with sizing advice here.
Simply measure your child’s inside leg in centimetres and compare it to our Frog Size Guide to find their perfect match. It’s quick and easy.
Correct sizing helps kids ride more confidently and comfortably >>
Frog bikes are not only loved by parents but are also used by Bikeability instructors and cycling programmes across the UK. Their reliability, comfort, and child-specific features make them a trusted choice for learning environments.
One of our trusted partners shared a testimonial they received from a proud parent:
"Within half an hour, my daughter is already riding on her own! It's just unbelievable. She's 6.5 years old, and for months she refused to give up the stabilisers. I was debating whether to buy her a simple bike or go for the high-quality model - the price difference is negligible when you think ahead: more children in the family will ride them, and the quality is simply noticeable. I supported her on her first ride - and within 5 minutes she asked: "Dad, leave me alone!" - and rode on her own. I was really excited. Then we learned how to use the handbrake and the gear system. Just a pleasure.”
“Advantages that stood out to me in particular: It's easy for her to lift the bike herself. The pedalling is smooth and pleasant. High-quality bearings. Excellent rear derailleur. The sprocket is covered - very important and safe. The only drawback: Now I have to run after her non-stop. In short, a huge thank you for an amazing product and excellent service!"
Also see our 10 tips on how to learn to ride a bike >>
Kids grow fast, but that doesn’t mean you need to buy a new bike every year. Frog bikes are designed to fit your child for as long as possible, with adjustable features and a durable, high-quality construction. This means they not only last through years of use, but also hold their value exceptionally well, making them easy to resell or pass down to younger siblings.
Whether you’re upgrading to the next size or storing it for the next rider, a Frog bike is a long-term investment that goes the distance.
Learn more about buying a second-hand Frog bike in this guide >>
Frog Bikes is proudly a family-run British company with strong values at its core. Since day one, the founders, Jerry and Shelley (parents themselves), have been committed to creating bikes that are not only great for kids but also kinder to the planet.
Choosing Frog means supporting a responsible, family-owned brand that puts children and the planet first. Find out more about our sustainability efforts in our sustainability report.
When choosing your child’s first bike, it’s worth investing in a model that supports learning, rather than hinders it. Frog bikes are designed to:
Whether you’re looking for a first balance bike for a toddler or a reliable first pedal bike for a school-aged child, Frog offers the ideal setup for success.
So, are Frog Bikes good for learning to ride? Absolutely. With lightweight frames, child-specific components, and a focus on learning progression and sustainability, they are one of the best bikes for kids learning to ride.
Explore the full range of Frog bikes today and give your child the perfect start to their cycling journey.
View Frog’s Kids’ Bikes range >>
When your child turns five, a whole new world of cycling opens up. They’re more confident, adventurous, and ready to ride further and faster.
But what’s the best bike for a 5-year-old?
At Frog Bikes, we know how important it is to get the right fit, so your child can ride safely, comfortably, and with a big smile on their face.
Here’s everything you need to know, plus our top bike recommendations for how to choose a bike for a 5-year-old...
As parents, we’re always thinking ahead, buying bigger shoes, slightly oversized coats, and school uniforms with “room to grow.” It’s a smart way to save money over time. But when it comes to children’s bikes, buying one that’s “a bit big for now” is not the best idea.
Watching your child learn to ride a bike is one of those unforgettable parenting moments, right up there with their first steps or first words. It’s a mix of wobbly starts, big smiles, and the proudest high-fives. At Frog Bikes, we know just how important it is to get that first bike right. So we’ve created a range of kids’ bikes that support kids (and their parents!) every step of the way.
Here’s our guide to the best Frog bikes for beginners and how they can make learning to ride easier, safer, and way more fun.
Before pedals come balance skills and the Tadpole 12” balance bike is where it all begins.
This isn’t just a cute little balance bike for toddlers, it's a secret weapon for learning to ride. The Tadpole helps little ones develop balance and coordination from the get-go, so by the time they’re ready for pedals, they’ve already nailed the trickiest part. And since there are no stabilisers or clunky training wheels in sight, they can focus purely on building their confidence.
Parent Tip: Many children go straight from a Tadpole to a pedal bike without ever using stabilisers. It’s that effective.
Your little one has mastered the art of balance, now they’re ready for their first pedal! The Frog 38 is our newest and smallest 14” pedal bike (which has now replaced the Frog 40), created for children with an inside leg of 36-41cm. If your child is 3-4 years old and itching to ride “like the big kids,” this is your go-to kids’ bike.
Parent Tip: The Frog 38 is perfect for kids coming off a balance bike—it’s small, sturdy, and gives them instant confidence.
As your child grows in height and confidence, it’s time to level up. The Frog 44 16” kids’ bike is the natural next step, designed for children with an inside leg of 40-53cm and ready for more independent riding.
Whether they’re zipping down the pavement or exploring the local park, the Frog 44 offers a stable, supportive ride that helps kids go further and feel prouder every time.
Parent Tip: Both, the Frog 38 and Frog 44, can be used as a balance bike by simply removing the pedals. Why not try it if your kid is not ready to cycle just yet.
Learning to ride a bike is one of those magical childhood milestones, and it’s even better when it’s stress-free and fun. At Frog Bikes, we’re here to support you with smart design, science-backed sizing, and bikes built just for kids.
Whether you’re watching your toddler glide along on their first balance bike or cheering them on as they pedal off independently, a Frog bike makes that journey smoother, safer, and full of joy.
Ready to begin your child’s biking adventure?
Explore our beginner-friendly range here >>
And, remember - don't forget your helmet! - Safety first!
As kids grow, so do their ambitions for outdoor fun and exploration. Whether they’re embarking on their first pedal-powered adventure or gearing up for longer rides, choosing the best bike for kids is key to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
Every child loves the thrill of adventure, whether it's zooming through the park or exploring nature trails! A kids’ bike is more than just a toy, it's a gateway to freedom, confidence, and endless fun.
If you're searching for the best bike for kids as a gift, look no further than a Frog bike. Designed specifically for young riders, Frog bikes offer a perfect blend of safety, durability, and excitement.
