The benefits of balance bikes

How do balance bikes work?
 
Children perch on the balance bike's saddle and initiate the movement by propelling themselves forward through foot power, removing the need for pedalling to turn the bike's wheels. To come to a safe halt, the rider uses both feet and hand-operated brakes in tandem. (Not all balance bikes come with a hand brake, like Frog bikes). This approach places a strong emphasis on honing balance and postural control. This helps to lay the foundation for them to learn the essential skills needed for independent, controlled bike riding in the future.

What are the benefits of balance bikes?

1. Seamless transition to pedal bikes

One of the most significant advantages of balance bikes is their role in preparing children for the transition to pedal bikes. By learning to balance and steer first, kids develop the essential skills needed for pedalling with ease. When the time comes to switch to a pedal bike, they'll already have the balance, knowledge of how to use brakes and the confidence to transition effortlessly. No need for training wheels!

“We feel that the transition for Alfie from balance bike to pedals was almost overnight. He was already so confident balancing that when he jumped on the pedal bike he only needed a little guidance to get the idea of pedalling and off he went!”
Frog Ambassador, Alfie’s mum, Amy.

2. Building confidence

Balance bikes instil a sense of confidence in young riders from day one. With both feet planted firmly on the ground, children can control their speed and balance independently. This newfound confidence encourages them to explore and experiment, boosting their self-esteem and sense of achievement.

3. Enhanced strength, coordination and motor skills

Balance bikes encourage the development of motor skills and coordination. Steering, balancing, and navigating obstacles help kids improve their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. These skills extend beyond cycling and are essential for various physical activities and daily tasks.

Hannah Sprink, Paediatric Physiotherapist from Bumble Bee Physio commented, “Using a balance bike works the quadriceps (thigh muscles) and gluteals (hip muscles), making them strong, powerful and efficient! The motion of pushing the pedals (especially uphill!) or pushing along the floor on a balance bike, fires up those muscles and works them hard! Over time, they will get bigger and stronger, enabling toddlers to push further, and faster! This newfound strength will be so useful for all kinds of sports, from football to dance, cricket to basketball!”

4. Safety first

Safety is paramount when it comes to kids' bikes. Traditional training wheels can make bikes less stable and increase the risk of tipping over. Balance bikes, on the other hand, offer a safer and more controlled learning experience. Kids can touch the ground easily, reducing the chances of accidents.

5. Focus on fun

Balance bikes put the focus on fun and exploration. Children enjoy the freedom of riding without the pressure of pedalling. This allows them to concentrate on the pure joy of cycling, building a positive association with biking that will last a lifetime.

“Orla's progression since she started using the Tadpole Plus was significant and fast. Within days she was pushing with her legs and lifting them up when going downhill. She used to be nervous and used small pigeon steps, but in no time was flying around.”
Frog Ambassador, Orla’s mum, Natalie.

6. Improved posture

Riding a balance bike promotes good posture from an early age. Kids naturally learn to sit up straight, which also helps with learning the correct posture needed to progress onto a pedal bike.

7. Eco-friendly and economical

Balance bikes are not only good for kids; they're also great for the environment and your wallet. Unlike other toys, they don’t require batteries or electricity, making them an eco-friendly choice. Plus, their durability means they can be passed down from sibling to sibling, saving you money in the long run.

8. Made specifically for toddlers

 Frog Bikes offers a wide range of balance bikes designed with kids in mind, suitable from 18 months. Our balance bikes are super lightweight making them easy to manoeuvre and light enough for parents to carry. They feature child-friendly components, including easy-to-reach brakes specifically for little hands, and chunky tyres for maximum stability and grip. As we understand active kids can sometimes get a little carried away, our balance bikes offer the added benefit of a robust steering lock, which acts as a safety mechanism to prevent any serious falls and damage.

“We absolutely love that the Frog balance bikes are fitted with brakes and children can easily reach them. The seat is located close to the frame that easily accommodates our youngest Minibikers”, commented Kelly Imir at Minibikers, the experts in balance bike training.

Frog balance bike range
 
Frog’s aluminium balance bikes for kids are super lightweight, making them easy to manoeuvre and light enough for parents to carry. Suitable for children aged 18 months to 4 years.

The Tadpole Mini, the tiniest Frog balance bike, stands out for its uniqueness, as there are no other balance bikes designed for children at such a young age. Additionally, it received recognition as the 2022 Creative Steps Toy Award winner.

Balance bikes are the perfect starting point for young riders, setting them on a path to a lifelong love of cycling. They provide numerous benefits, from building confidence and coordination to promoting safety and good posture. So, if you want to introduce your child to the joy of biking, look no further than a Frog Bikes balance bike. Watch them take their first steps (or rolls!) towards a world of adventure on two wheels.

Happy balancing!!