How to choose a balance bike for children from 3 years old?

Choosing a running bike for children from 3 years old is not an easy task. This type of child transport has been incredibly popular in recent years. The variety of types of this unit confuses parents: balance bikes, motorcycles, bike races, transformers. There are models for girls and boys. How to choose the best option for a 3 year old child? Is it worth buying such a device at all, or is a scooter and a bicycle enough?

Many people think that a bicycle is more convenient for a kid to use, but even a three-wheeled apparatus is not easy for a child to master. He has to simultaneously control the steering wheel, pedal with his feet, maintaining balance. The runbike is lighter and more stable. It is much easier for a child to cope with it. This type of transport resembles a bicycle with two wheels, but without pedals. The standard model consists of the following elements:

• wheels;
• seats;
• steering wheel;
• frames.

Can be equipped with:

• brake;
• folding step of the parking type;
• footrest.

The principle of use is elementary:

• the child sits on the seat;
• touches his legs;
• repels;
• raises legs;
• steers and balances.

This device has a lot of advantages:

• comfortable to use, not heavy;
• safe, it is much more difficult to fall on it;
• learning to ride is easy enough;
• like children very much;
• useful for physical development.

Many people wonder if it would be better to buy a bicycle. Experts identify a number of advantages for three-year-olds:

• easier to manage, since you need to concentrate only on coordination;
• it is not scary to fall: if the model is chosen correctly, then the balance bike is stable, obedient in control;
• the device can be adjusted according to the child's height;
• suitable even for not very mobile children who are afraid to master new techniques.

It is very important to assess the medical benefits of a balance bike:

• physical development affects the development of the child's brain, and the more moderate the load, the more harmonious the development;
• allows you to more accurately cognize the world around;
• less harmful than a scooter, since the emphasis falls on both legs evenly;
• such physical activity has a positive effect on the emotional state of the child, develops dexterity.

There are several main types of balance bikes that parents of three-year-olds should pay attention to.

• intended for up to 4 years;
• good for beginners;
• equipped with wheels of a wide one-piece type;
• frame material: wood, plastic, less often - metal;
• withstand weight up to 30 kg;
• weight up to 6 kg;
• seat height can be adjusted;
• it is better to choose models with inflatable wheels for optimal shock absorption.

Dignity:

• not heavy;
• can withstand even heavy weight;
• diverse lineup;
• the width of the tires makes the apparatus very stable.

Disadvantages:

• models without inflatable wheels vibrate very hard;
• wooden bikes do not have height adjustment.

• intended for up to 7 years;
• the speed is quite high;
• wide wheels;
• inflatable tires;
• product weight is about 5 kg;
• withstands up to 50 kg;
• metal frame;
• adjustable seat, steering wheel;
• there is a braking system;
• footrests.

Advantages:

• functional;
• speed develops well;
• lightweight, durable;
• it is convenient to adjust to any height;
• the footrest is removed if necessary;
• there is a brake.

Disadvantages:

• the price is high;
• not all models are suitable for a three-year-old, since the steering wheel is wide.

• the age category is wide - from 1 to 5 years;
• transforms from a three-wheeled trolley into a balancer;
• not too much variability in the regulation of the seat;
• product weight - from 4 to 5 kg;
• withstand weight from 30 to 40 kg;
• frame material - plastic and metal;
• wheels can be inflatable, rigid;
• wheel diameter - from 8 to 12 cm;
• there are models that can be folded into a regular scooter, snowmobile, bicycle, but they are heavier, the weight is higher, up to 70 kg.

Advantages:

• allows you to save on the purchase of a scooter;
• the weight is light enough;
• excellent lifting capability;
• fits well in height;
• convenient for storage, as it folds.

This is a very interesting model that is suitable for beginners of any gender. It combines the capabilities of a tolokar and a balance bike. Perfectly develops children physically. If the child is just starting to master transport, this model is optimal. It is not heavy, looks impressive, the choice of shades is varied. Pushes children to move their legs more actively, maintain balance, and control the apparatus.

The choice of a type of balance bike for children 3 years of age and older should be based on the following criteria:

• up to 4 years old, devices made of aluminum are optimal, the weight should not exceed 5 kg;
• if the roads are uneven, inflatable wheels will provide driving comfort;
• there may not be a brake, but this is a pretty useful feature;
• great for children from 3 years old transformers.

To correctly choose a model for your child, pay attention to the following parameters.

Step size:

• determination of the landing height - the main selection criterion;
• a measurement should be taken from the foot to the groin, the resulting figure should be reduced by a couple of cm;
• what happens is the optimal height of the seat, it is better if the model has the opportunity to increase the height as the child grows;
• if you choose a balance bike with a higher height, the child will not reach the ground with his feet.

Model weight:

• very important, since it is inconvenient for a child to operate with a heavy apparatus, it is also not very comfortable for parents to wear such a device;
• a heavy balance bike is more traumatic;
• children over three years old should look after models weighing about 4 kg;
• for preschoolers, models from 4 kg are suitable,
• the maximum weight is 9 kg, but the most optimal is up to 6 kg.

When choosing a frame material, not only lightness is important, but also strength:

• aluminum models are strong, durable, lightweight, but do not differ in low cost;
• made of wood are environmentally friendly, reliable, but do not like moisture;
• made of plastic as light as possible, but not too strong, suitable only for babies;
• made of steel - very strong but heavy.

The type of wheels also affects the comfort of use:

• rigid, airless type, foam rubber - very strong, cannot be damaged by a sharp object, but they have poor shock absorption, driving on uneven surfaces will be very uncomfortable;
• inflatable ones need to be pumped up periodically, in addition, they can be damaged, but the level of shock absorption is amazing.

Growing up children accelerate to pretty serious speeds, so the ability to brake will be quite useful. This function is not needed for babies 1-3 years old, but for older children it can help out and teach how to use the brakes.

The cost of a balance bike is another important criterion when choosing:

• the most inexpensive devices are made of plastic, they are suitable only for the youngest riders;
• the price of wooden and aluminum models is an order of magnitude higher;
• the most expensive are balance bikes-transformers.

Many sports firms and toy brands produce a popular vehicle. Preference should be given to those that produce specialized sports equipment. Models from toy manufacturers are less durable.

We offer a rating of the most popular and demanded brands.

• made in Germany;
• offer a wide selection of colors and patterns for boys and girls;
• ergonomic;
• comfortable, equipped with footrests;
• rubberized handles;
• the wheels are durable, inflatable.

• made in the USA;
• the widest selection of models for children of both sexes;
• steel frames, reliable;
• not suitable for babies due to their considerable weight.

• made in Germany;
• little weight;
• excellent technical properties;
• elastomeric shock absorber makes use as comfortable as possible;
• inflatable tires;
• the price is quite high.

• production of Taiwan;
• bright, spectacular models for boys and girls;
• lungs;
• very reliable;
• budgetary.

• made in Germany;
• a huge selection of original and beautiful models for both sexes;
• pediatricians and orthopedists were involved in the development;
• versatile, equipped with excellent height adjustment.

• production of Switzerland;
• the models are laconic, in the style of minimalism;
• functional;
• durable.

• production Czech Republic;
• middle price segment;
• designed for children over 90 cm;
• wide range of models;
• comfortable to use.

For information on how to choose a balance bike for a child, see the next video.