If your child is begging for a big kid bicycle or they’re masters of trikes and balance bikes, it may be time to take their training wheels off and learn to ride a two-wheel bike. Keep reading for our full guide on how to make riding a smooth transition.
What is the right age to take off training wheels?
If your little one has mastered their balance and is ready to take the sidewalks by storm, you and your child may be wondering how to ride a bike without training wheels. The short answer to this question is that it ultimately depends on your child’s confidence and comfort levels. This is usually anywhere between the ages of 3-8-years-old.
There are different bikes to prep your kid before removing training wheels. For instance, a tricycle with a low center of gravity, like the Deluxe Big Flyer® helps children practice pedaling while a balance bike builds confidence to push, run, and glide on a bike while not far off the ground.
How to teach a kid to ride a bike
1. Scout a location
Finding the right spot is important to make your child comfortable when learning to ride a bike without training wheels. Avoid grass and look for a neat, flat surface in an open space.
2. Find the right bike
There are two characteristics for beginner bikes to build confidence: one that has a small frame and is low to the ground. This will help them navigate the bike to steer, pedal, and pause easily. One step between a trike and a 2-wheel bike is a balance bike. The Flyer Ultra Lite Balance Bike is low to the ground and builds confidence to push & glide – start here if this may be a helpful transition for your child! Click here for more tips on how to use a balance bike.
3. Learn to pedal & turn
Before the first push, adults should demonstrate how to pedal and steer their bikes. This way, little ones will have more control over the bike. To build confidence pedaling, the City 4-in-1 Stroll N Trike is a great option while parents steer.
4. Let go!
Start by pushing the child slightly and even assisting to steer. Once they get the hang of it, check with your little one if they’re ready, then let go!
Watch as your little one goes from beginner biker to speed racer. This process will be different for all children, but as long as they are confident and ready to learn, you will have a blasting teaching your child to ride a bicycle without training wheels!
