Tips for choosing a running bike for children aged 4-6
The runbike is a child's bike, but without pedals. Sometimes in the store you can find this unit under the names "run bike", "bike ride" or "bike for running". Basically, modern models are designed for children from 1.5 years old, but for greater safety, many parents buy this toy only when the child reaches 4 years old. Moreover, there are even separate varieties for children from 4 to 6 years old.
Peculiarities
At this age, children are not yet old enough to get on a bicycle, it is difficult for them to simultaneously control the pedals and the steering wheel. Therefore, the balance bike is the first step towards learning to ride a bike. Unlike a bicycle, it is a lighter vehicle as it does not have pedals... Naturally, the child will cope with it more easily, and it will not be difficult for adults to transfer it from place to place.
The advantage of the unit is the inability to accelerate quickly, which means that a balance bike is a safer transport than a bicycle. Even if a child develops a high speed, he will always have time to rest his feet on the asphalt and brake in time.
A good toy is that no help and insurance of an adult is required during training - this is an easy-to-operate transport and the child will independently learn to maintain balance and set the device in motion. This mechanism strengthens the leg muscles and develops coordination.
From 1.5 to 3 years old, it is customary for babies to buy models with 3 or 4 wheels, and for older children aged 4 to 6 years, two-wheeled options are more suitable, which will fully prepare the child for a real bike.
How to choose?
When buying a balance bike for a 5-year-old child from a sports store, pay attention to the following criteria. They will allow you to choose the most optimal model.
Step size
This is an important indicator that determines the comfort of a young rider while driving. Measure the distance from the center of the buttocks to the ground and select the model that best suits these parameters. Pay attention to options with adjustable seat height. Sometimes determining the height is quite simple - it is indicated on the product label.
The height of the saddle should be at least a measure of the size of the legs minus a few centimeters, that is, with a step size of 35 cm, the recommended seat height is no more than 33 cm.
Materials (edit)
Most of the products are made from metal, wood and plastic. The most environmentally friendly type is considered a wooden model., these are strong and durable devices, but they have difficulty in adjusting the saddle and handlebars in height. In addition, wooden models are quite heavy and fragile at the same time.
The lightest option is plastic... Also, it is the plastic balance bike that always has a colorful design that children like so much. These are heat-resistant units, but, as practice shows, they have insufficient shock absorption. In addition, on most models it is not possible to adjust the height of the handlebar with seat.
The most common variety is metal model. It is a durable, durable, safe product with an aluminum or steel frame. The height of the saddle and handlebars can always be adjusted.
A lighter and more budgetary option is the model with an aluminum frame.
Wheel material
There are models with non-inflated and pneumatic tires. The rugged airless variants are lightweight and maneuverable, yet they can withstand even challenging operating conditions, such as driving on rough roads, broken glass or sharp rocks. Among the disadvantages it is worth noting weak amortization qualities.
Pneumatic tires have better shock absorption characteristics, however, they are heavier and more prone to defects, that is, they are punctured faster on the road.
In service, this type is more difficult, as it requires regular monitoring of the presence of air in the tires.
The weight
When buying, make sure that not only an adult, but also a child can lift the model you like. This indicator is important not only to facilitate the process of taking out to the street, but also for riding itself: during movement, the difference between a light and heavy balance bike is quite noticeable.
For children 5 years old, it is recommended to give preference to models with a maximum weight of 5 kg.
The presence of a brake
When choosing a model for a child aged 4-6 years, it is better to pay attention to options with a brake - 3-year-old kids do not need this parameter, they are just learning to keep balance, but older children need to learn how to control their speed.
If a child's transport will be operated by a 5-year-old child on a flat road, then you can do without a brake.
Brands
When buying a balance bike for a child aged 4 to 6, check the models of the following manufacturers.
- Runbike... A domestic brand that produces options for children from 1.5 to 5 years old. The weight of the unit is approximately 3 kg, the maximum permissible load is 23 kg. Among the advantages are the ability to adjust the saddle and handlebars, as well as rubberized handles, which eliminates the possibility of slipping children's palms.
- BeforeBike. Another Russian manufacturer that produces Begoo and Woody models. The Begoo is a metal version with a steel frame shaped to prevent injury in the event of a fall and has a footrest. The second model is wooden, it is heavier than the first version, but more stable.
- Yedoo. Czech manufacturer, well-known on the world market. It manufactures products with a weight of no more than 4 kg, which is just suitable for small racers 4-6 years old. The frame is made of aluminum, the wheels are inflatable, there is a hand brake and the ability to adjust the seat height.
For more information on balance bikes, see the next video.