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:
1. Mastering balance: the core skill
Balance first, pedals later
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.
Why stabilisers hold kids back
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)
2. Lightweight, nimble, and toddler-friendly
Why weight is a key factor
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 Bikes: built for kids' needs
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
3. Confidence, safety & skill-building go hand in hand
Confidence from day one
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.
Beyond cycling skills
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.
Safety by design
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
4. A faster, smoother transition to pedals
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.
5. Teaching tips: keeping it fun
Frog recommends a simple, joy-first approach:
Sit – let your child get familiar with their balance bike. Encourage them to walk it around, sit on it indoors, or push it in the garden.
Scoot – as confidence grows, they’ll naturally start to push off with their feet.
Glide – Soon, they’ll lift both feet and glide—sometimes giggling, sometimes squealing—always learning.
The key? encouragement, patience, and celebration. Every tiny step is progress.
But never forget to put a helmet on your child for their safety!
6. Why frog balance bikes?
Frog’s balance bikes stand out for their child-centred design, informed by sports scientists and real-world testing.
Optimised fit & ergonomics – lightweight aluminium frames, low standover heights, and kid-sized components ensure a comfortable, natural riding position.
Room to grow – adjustable saddles and a range of models mean there’s a perfect fit from 18 months upwards.
Seamless step to pedals – models like the Frog 38 (14") and Frog 44 (16") are lightweight pedal bikes that can double as balance bikes until your child is ready to pedal. Simply take off the pedals.
Final word: balance bikes vs stabilisers
So, are balance bikes better than stabilisers? Yes, in almost every meaningful way.
Balance bikes help kids:
Learn naturally, by mastering balance before pedalling
Gain confidence and independence faster
Build coordination and strength
Transition smoothly (and often instantly) to pedal bikes
Training wheels, while traditional, often slow the process and instil habits that have to be unlearned later.
At Frog Bikes, we believe in fostering a love for cycling from an early age, and that’s why we love having partners like Mini Bikers! This amazing program is dedicated to introducing young riders to the world of cycling in a fun and engaging way.
We had the opportunity to sit down with the team at Mini Bikers to learn more about their mission and the incredible impact they’re making in the community.
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month a time dedicated to raising awareness about the challenges faced by young cancer patients and their families. During this important month, it’s crucial to highlight initiatives that make a real difference in the lives of these children. One such initiative is the 5 a Day Challenge, organised by Cyclists Fighting Cancer (CFC). This amazing charity provides bikes and trikes to children with cancer, giving them a fun activity for kids to stay active and supporting both their physical and mental recovery while they tackle treatment and beyond. It’s all about making a positive difference and bringing fun and freedom to their journey..
About Cyclists Fighting Cancer
Cyclists Fighting Cancer (CFC) was founded in 2005 by Mike Grisenthwaite after his own battle with blood cancer. Drawing from his personal experience, Mike created CFC to give children living with cancer the chance to stay active during and after treatment. Cycling is not only a fun activity but also an ideal form of rehabilitation for young cancer patients.
According to the charity, research has shown that cycling offers numerous physical and mental health benefits, including improved cardiovascular fitness, enhanced muscle strength, better coordination, and healthy weight maintenance—all while being low-impact and gentle on the body. Most importantly, cycling helps boost overall well-being, supporting both physical recovery and mental health.
The benefits of lightweight bikes for children with cancer
“A lightweight bike is essential when there are already issues with balance, coordination and strength as they are much easier to pedal and control which also aids confidence and self-esteem.” - Rachel Wignell, from CFC. “Cancer causes many side effects in children, with the most common ones being, pain, fatigue, loss of cardiovascular conditioning, muscle weakness, balance issues, coordination difficulties, lack of confidence, self-esteem and concerns over self-perception. Cycling is the ideal way to combat these negative effects, it helps the children to keep moving but in a low impact way. It encourages them to get out in the fresh air and have fun with family and friends without even realising that they are exercising and building up muscle strength while keeping their hearts and lungs healthy and strong.”
The difference a bike can make is profound. Here’s how some families have shared their experiences:
George’s Parent:
"George went out on his bike for the first time this afternoon, and the difference between this and other heavier bikes he’s tried was amazing. He’s never had the confidence or the strength to cycle as fast as he did today. You will never know how grateful we are for this amazing gift!"
Heidi’s Parent:
"Thank you so much for sending Heidi a bike! She’s been able to get out on it today for a short while and is looking forward to building her strength back up. So grateful to you all."
Chloe’s Parent:
“I would just like to say a massive thank you for the bike Chloe received, we gave it to her over the weekend and she absolutely loves it! It is so nice to see her getting out and about riding it as some days she finds any sort of physical activity difficult, so this has really helped. Thank you again”
What can you do during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month?
The 5 a Day challenge
In honour of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Cyclists Fighting Cancer (CFC) is kicking off the 5 a Day Challenge, an inspiring initiative that raises awareness of a shocking statistic: every day, five children in the UK are diagnosed with cancer on average.
To show support, the challenge invites participants to ride 150 miles (or kilometres) throughout September, either in small rides with riding 5 miles or km or all in one go, representing the number of children diagnosed each day. CFC aims to get people of all ages—families, individuals, and cyclists—out on their bikes, having fun while making a real difference.
How to get involved
You can make a significant impact by participating in the 5 a Day Challenge. Here's how:
Spread the word on social media by sharing your progress. Be sure to tag @CyclistsFightingCancer on Instagram or Facebookto raise awareness. (Icons to be added here for social media platforms)
Fundraise for the cause! If you raise £200, you’ll receive a free CFC cycling jersey as a thank-you for your efforts.
All funds raised will be used to purchase lightweight and specially adapted bikes for children undergoing cancer treatment, directly contributing to their recovery and daily lives.
Team Frog, including our Chief Frog and founder Jerry and other members of Frog Bikes, are also participating in the 5 a Day Challenge this September by cycling more than 500km combined. They are eager to raise funds to support this incredible cause. Follow their journey and help them pedal with purpose as they ride to make a difference for children battling cancer.
Check out our JustGiving page and support Cyclists fighting Cancer !
Located in the heart of London, Herne Hill Velodrome is a cycling haven with a rich history and a bright future. As one of the oldest cycling tracks in the world and the only surviving venue from the 1948 Olympic Games, the velodrome offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity.
It's a hub for cyclists of all ages and skill levels...
In today's digital age, children increasingly gravitate towards indoor activities and screen time. While technology has its place, children hugely benefit from spending time outdoors and engaging in physical activities that promote their overall well-being. Among various outdoor activities, cycling stands out as a particularly beneficial one, offering a wide range of physical, mental, and social benefits. Let's explore why encouraging outdoor play, especially cycling, is crucial for children's development. Here are some creative and practical ways to encourage kids to get on their bikes and pedal their way to fun and fitness.
Keeping kids motivated: Fun activities and games for cycling
We're all about igniting the passion for cycling in our little riders! Let's delve into a world of exciting ways to keep those budding cyclists inspired and eager for biking adventures!
1. Obstacle course extravaganza
What's more thrilling than a garden or park obstacle course to ride or glide around? Set up cones, hula hoops, and creative challenges. Turn it into a timed race or a friendly family competition to pump up the excitement!
2. Scavenger hunts on wheels
Why not try a scavenger hunt for your neighbourhood cycle ride? Spot a supermarket, a bus stop, or a playground along the way and check them off the list as you go. Not only will it help with teamwork, observation and decision-making skills, but it also will make learning and cycling even more fun!
Unleash creativity! Host a bike decorating session with vibrant streamers, stickers, and fun accessories. Then, parade the streets displaying the new bike artistry - a celebration of imagination on wheels!
Discover the world around you! Plan rides to nearby parks or nature trails. Encourage kids to observe and document nature's wonders, from birds and insects to diverse plant life. It's a biking adventure intertwined with a lesson in nature!
Discover the world around you! Plan rides to nearby parks or nature trails. Encourage kids to observe and document nature's wonders, from birds and insects to diverse plant life. It's a biking adventure intertwined with a lesson in nature!
Embark on themed rides! Become pirates, superheroes, or space explorers! Dress up accordingly and let your imaginations soar! It's more than just a ride; it's an immersive adventure through their imagination! Imagine superheroes flying through tunnels or explorers tackling forest trails in safari gear!
6. Skills and drills
Once your child has mastered balancing and pedalling a bike, then it’s the perfect time to encourage them to learn some new skills and drills to challenge them. Balance beams, narrow bridges, makeshift tracks, slaloms, drifting, cornering and one-handed pedalling can all add to the excitement!
Take your child on an exploration, with cycling-themed challenges to help encourage them to spend more time on their bikes. From racing around a pump track to riding through the longest tunnel you can find.
Remember, it's not just about pedalling; it's about exploring, discovering, and experiencing the joy of cycling together!
Let's keep the cycling spirit alive and pedal towards exciting adventures!
Frog bikes for kids
Frog bikes cater to children aged 18 months to 13 years and beyond, encompassing a diverse selection including balance, first pedal, hybrid, road, track, city, and mountain bikes.
Once your child has mastered balancing and pedalling a bike, then it’s the perfect time to encourage them to learn some new skills and drills to challenge them.
How wonderful is it to stop and watch children riding past on their bikes with such confidence… We often wonder how long they have been riding.
The time it takes for children to feel confident on two wheels could be a day, a week, or even months. It’s essential to let kids practice cycling time and time again but also allow them a break if they feel overwhelmed.
Being part of a cycling club is not just great for adults, but for children too. With fuel prices having increased and better weather returning, what better way to travel than to cycle. Not only is it lighter on the pocket but excellent for being greener and improving mental well-being - and that goes for kids as well!
