We had issues with the width of its rear tubes, which rubbed our tester’s legs, and the foam tires were quite slippery. The balance bike arrives nearly constructed, and Strider offers top-notch customer service. With Strider’s excellent step-by-step instructions (also available in a video), the initial buildout was a simple 10-minute process. A kid will size out of this bike fairly early, but Woom offers a trade-in program.
A balance bike may be a little kid’s first introduction to zipping around on their own steam. These bikes help tots learn to steer, brake, balance, and ride—making the eventual graduation to a pedal bike easier than it might be with training wheels. The Joovy Tricycoo 4.1 Kids Tricycle (our previous pick in this guide) was loved by our kid testers, and it has a short, five-minute build time. The materials are mostly plastic, which got dinged up after just a few weeks of testing.
The MyRider Midi doesn’t have storage or come with a bell or tassels. Many people are looking for a versatile trike that can be used with the same child over a number of developmental stages. We sought a trike with a parent push bar, to propel a toddler who is still schwinn bicycles learning to pedal, as well as one with the ability to convert to an independent trike for older kids. This combination of brakes is ideal for adult riders who may have limited mobility or strength in their hands, making it easier for them to brake when needed.
Pair all of that with a handlebar stem that you can raise nearly 4 inches, and you have an especially versatile bike that’s fun to ride and capable of growing with your child. The Guardian Balance Bike was a surprise hit during our 2023 testing round, as the preschoolers in the group fought over riding it. That gets kids one step closer to riding a pedal bike on their own because they can learn to stop without dragging their feet on the ground. The quality, air-filled tires also contribute to a smooth ride. And this model is easy to assemble, with clear instructional videos provided. If our top pick is sold out or if you have a taller child, the REI Co-op Cycles REV 12 Kids’ Balance Bike is an excellent choice.
Also, its three-wheel design and padded seat with backrest make it a great option for seniors. Get expert insights on the 2024 Schwinn Meridian Tricycle with our detailed review plus explore alternative trikes in our buyer’s guide. Raise the front panel and align it with the sleeves on the side panels, then fully insert the locking pins to secure it. Attach reflector to one rear fender.Align the slots on the fender tabs with the slots on the wire basket frame.