Children's bicycles from 1 year old: the best models and choices
At a very early age, children may well begin to ride a bicycle. But the requirements for his choice are unusually strict. It is useful to consider all of them in order to avoid various problems and even serious injury.
Peculiarities
A bicycle for children from year to year will instill in a child a love of physical activity. And later, you will not need to forcefully force him to do the same morning exercises. And an extra walk instead of endless sitting in front of the monitor will be quite useful. But only a properly selected bike will bring pleasure to the child.
It should be noted right away that it doesn't make sense for kids 1 to 3 years old to buy bicycles with wheels over 11 inches in diameter. Kids simply cannot cope with such transport.
The group for the smallest consumers includes:
- scooter bicycles (without pedals);
- tricycles;
- designs with pedals mounted on the front wheel.
Varieties
Stroller bike (another name - gurney) is versatile and perfect for young children who have only recently mastered walking. While the strength and skills are still not enough to spin the pedals on their own, adults will have to roll the bike. At this time, the child's feet are on the footrest, which has ribbed pads. The handle and rim for the belay can be removed at a later time when full autonomy when riding becomes relevant. The backrest (if any) can also be removed.
The wheelchair designers pay maximum attention to the comfort and ergonomics of the seats. They are easily adjustable. Therefore, it will be possible to increase the distance to the pedals as the children grow. Many models are equipped with:
- fabric baskets;
- awning-hoods;
- trunks;
- lightweight frames;
- height-adjustable chrome-plated push handles.
Such walking options are suitable for active children who need systematic movement. But you still need a handle so that movement can be easily controlled.
The transformer model (small folding bike) has the following characteristics:
- saves maximum space;
- is relatively inexpensive;
- will suit almost all children, regardless of height and anatomical features.
Most often, transformation nodes are:
- 1 or 2 points on the frame;
- steering wheel;
- mechanical system;
- seat.
Brands
Among the best children's bicycles in the category from 1 to 3 years, the company's products are consistently included Capella. Popular bicycle Action trike II. This model is lightweight and compact, equipped with a hood that is easy to fold or partially unfold.
The rear cargo basket makes walking much more comfortable. The total weight of the bike is 9.5 kg. Opening the bumper is easy, so pulling the baby out as needed is no problem. If desired, you can remove the parental handle. By the way, it is supplemented with a bag for various little things. The child can learn to operate the bike using the steering wheel himself.
Increased safety is provided by three-point harnesses and a belay rim.
The wheels are passable enough, which is somewhat unexpected for models for such crumbs. Unusually, the front wheel is 12 inches in diameter. Despite the increased (in comparison with the usually recommended) size, it turns easily and freely.
Thanks to the front wing, the baby does not suffer from water and mud splashes. The seat is made of comfortable soft fabric. The back can be given 3 positions. A useful option is the viewing window.
Another not bad version on three wheels - Capella Twin Trike 360. This bike is designed for twins. The permissible weight of children is 30 kg. The backrest and visor will completely prevent the impact of negative weather conditions. The steering wheel is equipped with a toy, thanks to which children will not be bored on the road.
The weight of the bike is 11.4 kg. Of course, a basket is also provided, so the product is perfect for long walks. Other features are almost identical to the Action trike II. If necessary, the seats are very easy to turn towards each other. They themselves are made from soft tissue.
The designers provided metal bell. The bike is equipped with foot stands that allow you to use it even if your feet do not yet reach the pedals. In the absence of the need for such equipment, it is easy to remove.
Modification is also noteworthy. Tommy Modern. The manufacturer claims that this bike will be useful both for personal use and as a gift for children in other families. Strong sturdy fabric is used for upholstery:
- seats;
- steering wheel;
- visor;
- bumper.
A special footrest is provided. To protect the child from all sorts of accidents, a three-point seat belt. The handle that controls the ride is easy to adjust in height. Keep in mind that this handle is designed with only handlebar turns and pushing the bike forward / backward in mind. You cannot climb or descend stairs (slopes), drag your bike over speed bumps, rail tracks, and so on, just holding on to this handle.
There are two main provisions for the child. In the first, he looks forward and can pedal. In the second, he turns to face an adult. Therefore, this bike can also be considered a complete replacement for a stroller. The maximum permissible load is 25 kg, the bicycle is equipped with wheels with a diameter of 0.3 and 0.25 m.
Tricycles are a good alternative. Moby Kids. They are equipped with a sturdy metal frame. The main part of the wheels is also metal, and tires based on foamed PVC are stretched over it. The front wheels are equipped with high-quality bearings, which ensures a very smooth ride for children.
The pedals are made with a special textured pattern, so your feet will not slip off them. Trays for children's feet also have this pattern. As with the previous model, the push handle can be adjusted in height. Folding awning not only protects from the sun, rain, but also is a stylish decorative detail. Diaper insert removable, and you can fix it with special buttons.
The designers took care of the presence of a metal safety arc. The rear-view mirrors are coated to prevent injury. There is a pair of luggage baskets for toys. The steering wheel is equipped with light-music panel... The bicycles come in vibrant, vibrant colors.
Such a modification of the line also deserves attention. Moby Kids as Sleepwalkers the weight of the device is 9.3 kg.
Bicycles brands Glory affordable and practical enough. Their weight does not exceed 7.5 kg. The aluminum frames, thanks to which this lightness is achieved, are painted in bright colors. The expressive color is also characteristic of the wheels and other component parts. All models from this manufacturer are equipped with comfortable seats and have sun visors.
Apart from a purely design function, the juicy coloring is also designed to make it easier to find the child on the street and in other places. The designers took care of protective rims that prevent children from accidentally falling. The plastic basket holds all the things you need for a walk.
Another good option is bicycles. Molto Urban. Users note the convenient transformation of these models and excellent controllability. This property, as well as high maneuverability, is largely due to big wheels... The seat belts are soft, but at the same time they hold the planted babies quite firmly. Removing the parental handle, if necessary, is not difficult.
How to choose?
The first bike for children between the ages of 1 and 3 is most often a sidecar bike. Experts advise to give preference to versions with pneumatic tires. Only in this case you can count on normal driving over bumps and bad asphalt. Pneumatics also provide excellent smoothness.
Bicycles for a girl and a boy at such an early age will differ only colors and other design features. No constructive distinction is made between them. The baby seat should be as spacious and soft as possible. An additional plus - backrest height adjustment, which allows you to set the most comfortable position. Useful and backrest option to full horizontal - then, if necessary, the bicycle becomes a sidecar or a berth.
As for the material of the wheels, then it is necessary to choose it purely for the tasks being solved. So, rubber tires allow you to move softly and quietly, and at fairly high speeds. Plastic wheels allow you to save money, but their rigidity is higher. Saving money does not always justify less comfortable travel.
There is no point in choosing models without seat belts. It is better if they are attached not at one, but at three or even five points. A very useful addition is the safety circle rim. The more active and restless the child is, the more attention should be paid to safety measures.
Concerning parent handle, then it should be attached as securely as possible. As it is easy to understand even from the description of a number of some models, the retractable handles are more practical.
Attention should also be paid to device footrests. They are not always located in the way that is convenient for the child, and the strength of the attachment to the frame must be checked. It is worth considering whether some particular type of footpegs will interfere with the bike's movement. You should not do without them, at least up to 2 years. Otherwise, the danger of injury to the hanging feet on various objects and unevenness of the road surface is too great.
The next step in choosing is to evaluate the bundle. The larger the basket, the easier it will be to take toys or various purchases with you. In hot weather, variable height canopies are useful. Musical gadgets and bells make the walk more fun. But it will be necessary to carefully check whether all accessories are securely fixed and whether they have defects. The lighter the bike, the easier it is to use, but heavier steel models are more stable.
It is categorically impossible to buy children's bicycles "with a reserve", "for growth", "for two children of slightly different ages." Only models that are optimally fitted for a particular child are suitable. If the parameters are too large, the danger of falling increases significantly. It is very important to put the children in the seat before buying, and ideally even give them a try.
And one more subtlety: you shouldn't buy a model with accessories according to the principle “to have it”; any addition is good only when it is clear why it is needed.
For the rules for choosing a children's bike, see below.