The best bikes for 5-year-olds
- 11 Jul 2025
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:
What to look for in a bike for a 5-year-old
1. Lightweight frame:
At this age, every kilogram makes a difference. A heavy bike can quickly tire young riders, making cycling feel like a chore rather than a fun activity. It can also affect their ability to balance, steer, and stop safely. When choosing the best bike for a 5-year-old, look for bikes with a lightweight aluminium frame, not a heavier steel one, which gives children a real advantage. It helps them pedal more efficiently, boosts their confidence, and gives them better control, especially when riding up hills or navigating turns. A lighter bike makes the entire experience more enjoyable and encourages kids to ride more often.
2. Child-specific geometry:
Kids have different body proportions, so simply shrinking an adult bike doesn't work. Frog bikes are purpose-built for young riders, with shorter cranks for efficient pedalling, easy-reach brakes for small hands, and narrower handlebars for better control. Every detail is designed to help children ride safely and comfortably.
3. Proper sizing:
A bike that doesn’t fit properly, whether too big or too small, can make riding uncomfortable, awkward, and even unsafe. It can affect a child’s balance, control, and confidence, making them less likely to enjoy cycling. Around age five, most children are suited to bikes with 16” to 20” wheels, but the ideal size depends on their height, inside leg measurement, and riding ability. That’s why it’s important not to guess.
Check out Frog’s bike fitting guide to learn exactly what size bike a 5-year-old needs.
4. Adjustable components
Look for small, adjustable brake levers designed for little hands, which make it easier for kids to stop confidently and safely. Adjustable seat height and handlebar positioning are also key. These allow the bike to grow with your child, adapting as they get taller and more skilled.
Not only does this extend the life of the bike, but it also ensures your child maintains a comfortable, ergonomic riding position, essential for good posture, efficient pedalling, and overall confidence on two wheels.
5. Meets or exceeds safety standards
When it comes to children’s bikes, safety should never be an afterthought; it’s the top priority! That’s why it’s essential to choose bikes that undergo rigorous safety testing and meet or exceed well-established industry standards for design, materials, and performance.
At Frog Bikes, safety is built into every step of our design and manufacturing process. We’re proud to have a flawless safety record - we’ve never failed a single safety test. We consistently exceed the minimum requirements, going above and beyond to ensure that every bike offers parents peace of mind and gives kids the freedom to ride confidently.
Our top bike picks for 5-year-olds
Frog 44 | First pedal bike (16” kids bike)
Perfect for: Children aged 4 to 5 years with an inside leg of 40-53cm.
The award-winning Frog 44 is a brilliant first pedal bike. Lightweight, easy to ride, and designed specifically for younger children, it helps build confidence quickly. The low bottom bracket and narrow Q-factor (that’s the distance between pedals) make pedalling more efficient and comfortable for little legs.
Why parents & kids love it:
- Lightweight aluminium frame weighing just 6.39kg
- Comes in a rainbow of fun colours
- Features easy-to-use Tektro brakes designed for small hands
Frog 47 | First pedal bike (18” kids’ bike)
Perfect for: Slightly taller 4 to 6-year-olds with an inside leg of 43-59cm.
The Frog 47 gives kids a bit more room to grow, without feeling like a “big kid’s bike.” It’s ideal for confident young riders who are ready for a challenge but still benefit from child-specific geometry.
Why parents & kids love it:
- Lightweight aluminium frame (6.75kg)
- 18” wheels strike a nice balance between agility and stability
- Patented Frog cranks for more efficient pedalling
Frog 53 | Hybrid bike (20” kids’ bike)
Perfect for: Taller and more confident 5 to 7-year-olds, with an inside leg of 50-65cm, who like to ride on various terrains.
The Frog 53 is a multi-purpose geared bike, suitable for riding on various terrain, including roads, pavements, towpaths and forest trails.
Why parents & kids love it:
- Lightweight bike (8.15kg) that is easy to handle
- Youth-specific 8-speed gear shifters make changing gears a breeze
- Easy-to-reach brake levers for better stopping control
Frog City 53 | City bike (20” kids’ bike)
Perfect for: Taller and more confident 5 to 7-year-olds, with an inside leg of 49-65cm. Built for daily use, whether it's commuting to school or exploring the city in comfort and style.
The Frog City 53 is the ultimate urban geared bike, designed for a more relaxed, upright ride thanks to its extended head tube and gently swept-back handlebars.
Why parents & kids love it:
- Lightweight step-through frame (8.45kg)
- 8-speed derailleur gears for more range for moderate speeds
- Low-resistance city tyres for riding on tarmac
- Equipped with a pannier rack, full-length mudguards and a kickstand
Comparison chart
| Bike model | Wheel size | Age range | Weight | Gears | Best for |
| Frog 44 first pedal | 16" wheel bike | 4-5 years | 6.39kg | No | First-time pedal riders |
| Frog 47 first pedal | 18" wheel bike | 4-6 years | 6.75kg | No | Confident beginners |
| Frog 53 hybrid | 20" wheel bike | 5-7 years | 8.15kg | Yes - 8 gears | Versatile terrain & long rides |
| Frog City 53 | 20" wheel bike | 5-7 years | 8.45kg | Yes - 8 gears | Urban commuting & daily use |
FAQs
Q: What size bike is best for a 5-year-old?
A: Most 5-year-olds will fit bikes with 16” to 20” wheels, depending on their height and inside leg measurement. Use a kids' bike fitting guide to find the right size.
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Q: Can a 5-year-old ride a 20-inch bike?
A: Yes, many 5-year-olds can ride a 20-inch bike, especially if they are taller or more confident. The best way to know for sure is to measure their inside leg. Frog’s 20” bikes, like the Frog 53 or Frog City 53, are ideal for children with inside legs between 49–65 cm.
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Q: Should a 5-year-old have a bike with gears?
A: Gears aren’t essential but can be helpful for confident riders who tackle hills or mixed terrain. Models like the Frog 53 and Frog City 53 include simple, child-friendly gearing systems.
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Q: Should I attach stabilisers to a bike for my 5-year-old?
A: At age five, most children are ready to learn without stabilisers, especially with a properly sized, lightweight bike. If your child is still gaining confidence, a great alternative is to remove the pedals (a simple adjustment on Frog bikes) and let them use the bike like a balance bike. This helps them develop coordination and handling skills before transitioning to pedalling.
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Q: What’s the difference between a first pedal bike and a hybrid bike?
A: A first pedal bike, like the Frog 44 or Frog 47, are designed for younger children who are just transitioning from a balance bike or learning to pedal for the first time. These bikes are lightweight, simple, and easy to control, with no gears and minimal components to keep things straightforward.
A hybrid bike, on the other hand, is more versatile and suitable for slightly older or more confident riders. It typically includes gears, larger wheels, and components designed for a range of surfaces, from roads to trails. Hybrid bikes like the Frog 53 are ideal for children ready to ride further, tackle small hills, and explore more varied terrain.
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Ready to ride?
Choosing the right bike for your 5-year-old can make a huge difference in how they experience cycling. A well-fitting, lightweight bike not only makes riding fun but also builds lifelong confidence.
To find the perfect fit, visit your local Frog Bikes stockist or explore our online bike fitting guide.
And, remember - don't forget your helmet! - Safety first!
