Getting a first bike for your kids can be easy from first hand view. However, there are pointers to ponder about if you want good quality for your kids on their bikes. A good quality does not only include safety. It also means a good comfort level, ease of learning to ride and the good user experience overall. After all, you want your kids to have a memorable experience getting on their first bikes so that even you as a parent would cherish this memory forever.
Here are our 5 things to consider before getting a kids first bike:
Ability and confidence
To ascertain the kids' uses in their first bikes, the ability and confidence of the kids can be pre-judged in some ways. Not every child has the same physical ability, so you just have to observe his style of playing - how does he play at the playground, how does he play with a small ball etc. This goes the same for the first bike. You can test his confidence by putting him on a kid's bike at a shop to test. Does he manage the handlebar and pedals well? Can he brake on time?
Height
The height of the kid relative to the first bike should be used as a yardstick of getting the first bike for the kid. As a general rule of thumb, do ensure that the kid is taller than the bicycle when he is standing in straight upright position. There must also be a 3cm clearance between the kid's foot and the top tube of the first bike.
Bike weight
If a bike is heavy, how would your kid be able to handle it? The first bike must be of light weight so that he can handle the ride. It is a good factor for him to propel the bike and maneuvre it around easily. Even though you do not expect the kid to carry it, a first bike that is light will be easy to transport and ride around too.
Physically fit with the bike
The child must be physically fit to sit comfortable on the first bike. This can happen when your child meets the following criteria:
- Sit on the saddle with both feet rested flat on the ground
- Hold on to the handlebar with both arms slight at bent position so that your child is able to control the movement of the first bike comfortably and apply the hand brakes when being told to stop as he cannot possibly sense danger well at this time.
Specific design according to gender
Whether your kid is a boy or girl matters. It is not just about whether it is a blue or pink colour first bike. But it is best to have gender neutral colours. The lower step of the first bike through fits all generally.
Here you have them as the 5 things to consider before getting a first bike for your kid. Usually, parents should consider the balance bike as the perfect choice for a first bike as it helps kids to foster confidence faster with the most basic orientation on a bicycle.
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