Bicycle for a child from 3 to 5 years old: tips for choosing, the best models

The best children's bicycles for 2-4 years (12 inches)

Bicycles for children from 2 years old are a special category of children's vehicles, because the requirements for them are very specific. Since riders under 4 years of age are usually just getting acquainted with their first iron, the speed of the model and the number of speeds in this case usually do not matter much. Therefore, manufacturing companies extremely rarely equip designs for children over 2 years old with a speed switch, fork adjustment and other bells and whistles.

However, many bicycles in this category can boast such important characteristics as light weight, ease of control, and a comfortable frame. Some of the best representatives of the rating are also characterized by improved stability, side wheels, and sometimes an increased safety design.

Features and design

More than a century and a half has passed since the first bicycle was made, and the operating features and design have not changed much. It doesn’t matter whether it’s for a teenager or a child, but in products for the little ones there is still something to look out for:

1. The frame here is simple and light, because there is no heavy load on it;
2. The steering wheel and seat are controlled in height, due to which the vehicle is able to “grow” along with the baby;
3. The pedals, as a rule, are located on the axis of the drive wheel; the chain drive is installed exclusively on two-wheeled devices.

In addition, children's models usually have a high handle, thanks to which parents can comfortably control the movement of the baby, the shopping basket, the sun visor, or even the gaming panel. But all of the above components are available exclusively in three-wheeled models for preschoolers.

The best children's bicycles for 3-5 years (14 inches)

Bicycles with a wheel diagonal of 14 inches are designed for fidgets from 3 to 5 years. Since by this age not everyone has mastered a children's vehicle, this category, like the previous one, is characterized by the presence of four wheels and the most simple design without unnecessary control nuances. At the same time, such bicycles usually have an increased safety margin, because as children approach 5 years of age, they become noticeably more energetic, ride more actively, often strive to gain decent speed and even try to perform simple jumps and tricks. Therefore, reliability is of particular importance.

Which company is better?

A bicycle for a child is not just a toy. It requires the utmost quality for safety. In any case, we should not forget that such a vehicle, as a rule, lasts no more than 3-4 years, after which the child simply grows out of it. Parents do not need to chase the most expensive and advanced models, but, according to buyers, they should not purchase a downright bad “rattle.”

There are many high-quality samples for children and teenagers on the domestic market, both foreign and Russian. Below are brands whose models are simply off the charts.

Puky

The brand was founded in 1949. The main office is located in Wülfrath (Germany). In addition to ordinary bicycles, treadmills and scooters are produced. Products are tested in laboratory conditions with overloads, and therefore they are of high quality and safe.

STELS

Products of this brand are manufactured by the domestic company Velomotors. The company was founded in 2003. Today it has 3 factories (in the Moscow region, Bryansk region and Krasnodar). In addition to bicycles, ATVs, snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles are produced. The products do not always win in terms of quality, but they are affordable.

Electra

Since 1933, Electra has been producing comfortable bicycles for the city. The creators of the brand, B. Benziger and D. Erfort, began to create designs that combine traditional and innovative technologies, making unusual, elegant bicycles.

In 2003, the famous Townie model was released, which was the first to use Flat Foot technology. It allows you to sit on the bike with a straight back, removing the load from it, and makes the ride as comfortable as possible. This development lies at the heart of the brand idea.

By 2021, the brand has become a famous international leader in this segment, and the company's products are sold in Australia, North America, China, Japan and the Russian Federation.

S'cool

The company from Germany has been manufacturing bikes for 15 years. There are both children's and treadmills (devices without a grip that require pushing off the surface with your feet), as well as devices for adults. The production is based on an emphasis on protection and quality, which is why at first glance the cost of products may seem overpriced.

Merida

This company demonstrates that high-quality Taiwanese branded products are not a legend. The company has been operating since 1972. The mission of the company is to produce attractive, high-quality, but inexpensive models. At the moment, the brand occupies 15th position in the ranking of the largest companies in Taiwan.

Giant

The Taiwanese company was founded in 1972, but since 1986 the company has been actively expanding its own branches in European countries, Australia and the United States. Approximately 55% of the world's famous models are manufactured at the enterprises of this company.

The best children's bicycles for 4-6 years (16 inches)

Models with 16-inch wheels are very widely represented on the children's bicycle market and are designed for ages from 4 years. By this point, many children have already formed tastes and preferences, so you should not be surprised at the breadth of choice. Companies produce a wide variety of bicycles in this category, both in terms of design and capabilities. Some participants in the rating are designed for riding not only in the city, but also off-road, and are also equipped with powerful brakes, which will not only please fans of extreme driving, but also protect them from the consequences of unsuccessful experiments.

What are they?

Every little one should have a bicycle, and you can’t argue with that. The fact is that such a vehicle becomes a significant factor in full physiological education. However, there are so many models on the market today that it can sometimes be quite difficult to make a choice. So, first you need to understand what types of children's transport there are.

Three-wheeled

They are the best solutions for children aged 2 to 3 years who are just learning to ride. Here the baby does not need to maintain balance, and he can absolutely concentrate on the pedals and control.

Tricycles are extremely lightweight and of high quality, but their main advantage is durability. Among the popular models are three-wheeled ones with one drive and two rear wheels, but there are also shifters among them.

Important! The size range of such samples is aimed at children whose height is from 100 to 105 cm.

Advantages:

• Excellent stability thanks to 3 support points;
• Low weight;
• Excellent reserve of reliability;
• Rich colors that children like;
• Most of these devices are additionally equipped with baskets for things, a games module, a handle for parents and other practical additions;
• Budget.

Flaws:

• As a rule, they have hard and noisy wheels;
• They do not assemble and take up a lot of storage space.

Four wheelers

For an older child, for whom the tricycle is too small, a small model with an additional number of safety-type wheels would be an excellent option.

At first glance, they look like the simplest adults: they have a chain drive and soft rubber wheels. The profile wheels can be removed when the baby learns to maintain balance.

Attention! Four-wheeled models are aimed at children whose age ranges from 4 to 7 years, and whose height ranges from approximately 105 to 130 cm.

Advantages:

• A variety of vehicles with a fascinating appearance (police, sports motorcycle, etc.);
• Large range of seat and steering wheel height adjustment;
• As a rule, with side wheels, but they do not interfere with driving, but are only secured;
• The baby will learn to balance in a short period of time;
• Some of these models are equipped with a removable handle for parents.

Flaws:

• If the baby makes a sharp turn, the bike may fall on its side;
• The rollers of the safety wheels bend regularly.

Two-wheeled

Such samples are aimed at schoolchildren who have already mastered free driving. Structurally, they are similar to adults - only they have slightly smaller dimensions.

In particular, children's replicas of stunt and mountain bikes look very unusual, although the majority of the market is still occupied by ordinary recreational bicycles.

Advantages:

• Large range of choice;
• With adult bike features - including speed shifting;
• Typically supplied with folding frames;
• They have a trendy appearance.

Flaws:

• They accelerate at a good speed, which means cyclists need some experience.

The best children's bicycles for 6-9 years (20 inches)

Solutions for cyclists of primary school age are not much different from adult models, except for size and weight. These bicycles, as a rule, can cope with heavy loads without problems and are equipped with a number of useful additions - from practical baskets for small items needed on the road to speed switching and soft fork settings. Bicycles for children around 7 years of age and older are generally more maneuverable than versions for toddlers and reach greater speeds, giving their owner complete freedom of movement.

Best lists

The review examined the main technical parameters of children's bicycles from 3 years old, studied the advantages and disadvantages, and presented reviews from parents. Let's highlight the best models by category:

• The most economical.
• The most maneuverable.
• The most popular.

Let's take a closer look at the range presented.

Novatrack Astra 14 – the most economical

Novatrack Astra 14 is a bicycle where the package includes everything that is necessary for the convenience of the baby. Wheel size is 14 inches (aluminum rim). The steering wheel and chain are reliably protected by a special cover. The manufacturer has taken care of sufficient protection for the product; there are additional wheels and a trunk. The frame is low, so the child quickly adapts to the vehicle. There are almost no disadvantages considering the low price of the product. These users include the absence of a hand brake (it is equipped only with a rear pedal brake).

Capella G14BA606 – the most maneuverable

The most comfortable bike for a child over 3 years old. The vehicle is equipped with a reliable steel body with a low weight structure. In addition, among the advantages are the presence of a bell and good chain protection, which will prevent items of clothing, stones and other objects from falling into it. In this regard, this model will become one of the safest. Capella G14BA606 is equipped with a powerful V-Brake front brake, which distinguishes it from other analogues. In addition, the product from the manufacturer from South Korea surprises with high-quality shock absorption. Belonging to a bicycle in the 2-suspension class will mean the presence of a shock-absorbing fork, as well as suspension on the rear wheel. This will ensure comfort and proper traction on country roads. Thanks to this, the vehicle is suitable for beginners and for children who have already learned to drive it.

Jaguar MS-142 ALU - the most popular

The vehicle is intended for children up to 1.15 m tall. The size of the wheels of the device is 14 inches. The rim is made of aluminum alloys. The bicycle is equipped with a chain guard. Mirror-colored frame and rims increase light reflectivity. The frame itself is made of aluminum and is lightweight. The product is noticeable from a distance, and the baby will always be noticed by pedestrians and drivers. This model quickly gained popularity among buyers. The characteristic features of the bicycle include the presence of tires with tread, which improves traction with the road surface. This will allow you to ride on asphalt and dirt.

Bicycle care rules

A bicycle, like any other type of equipment, requires careful care. This will guarantee its long-term operation and comfortable riding. Basic measures for car care:

• Any malfunction must be corrected immediately. Whenever possible, then during the trip, if not, upon arrival home. You should not postpone it, as this leads to dangerous consequences, for example, an accident.
• The figure eight on the wheel must be eliminated on site. If you continue driving, it will get worse and will be much more difficult to correct.
• It is important to remove dirt from your bike after riding. This will make it possible to keep the equipment in good working order.
• The vehicle must be washed with a stream of water. The wheels are removed from the bicycle and placed in an inverted position in the bathroom. Cleans in the shower using a hard plastic brush. It is necessary to prevent direct water from entering the grooves of the structure.
• To clean the running parts, you need to use a specialized machine into which detergent is poured. The cassette is cleaned using a plastic brush.
• The product should only be lubricated when it is clean and dry. After finishing washing, at least 2 hours have passed.
• The suspension fork requires constant maintenance. This is cleaning off dirt and changing the oil.

How to choose a bike

When parents go shopping for a new bicycle for their child, they often focus only on the price of the product. However, there are many parameters that are taken into account when choosing a vehicle:

• Quality of components. Seats are usually made of plastic. Experts also advise focusing on seat options with a steel frame. Such models will serve for a long time without causing any inconvenience. The carriage and tires must come from the manufacturer, since such components themselves are reliable and durable.
• Materials. The weight of the bike determines the weight of the frame. Budget products include frames made of steel, but elements made of aluminum alloys are considered the highest quality. Bicycles with aluminum parts are lighter than their steel counterparts.
• Design. Often, parents buy bright models for their children. The advantage will be that thanks to the variegated colors, drivers will see the child, which will prevent an accident.
• Brake system. It is considered the main safety attribute for children. The best vehicle is one that has front and rear brakes. The purpose of the front ones will be sharp braking, the rear ones will be to reduce speed.