Bicycle training wheels and tricycles have been used for generations to help kids learn how to ride a bike safely. There is, however, another sort of exercise bike that is gaining popularity: the balance bike! Truth be told, balancing bikes has been around for quite some time. The Dutch (home to many avid cyclists) and the rest of Europe love them. Balance bikes are becoming increasingly popular to get toddlers worldwide to exercise.
What Exactly is a Balance Bike?
Toddlers can learn to ride safely and confidently on balancing bikes, often called striders or gliders. Balancing bikes are suitable for children as young as two.
Two-wheeled “balance bikes” are pedal-free. The no-pedal method is designed to teach children their fundamental skills of steering and balancing before introducing them to the pedals. They are more likely to make a seamless transition to a pedal bike as their balancing and steering skills improve.
Advantages of Using Balance Bikes
The balance bike has the following advantages compared to tricycles or bicycles equipped with training wheels.
Enhances Motor Proficiency
Developing your child’s large muscle groups is one of the most significant advantages of a balancing bike. Muscle memory is formed as kids learn to maintain balance, steer, and coast on the bike. For children, it is essential to provide opportunities to practice and improve key motor skills. After all, repetition is the key to success.
It Allows Them to Focus on Improving One Ability at a Time
It can be pretty challenging for a young child to learn to pedal, balance, and steer all at once. Balancing bikes allow them to take learning one step at a time. They start by only learning to balance with both feet firmly on the ground while sitting on the bike. With each step forward, youngsters can feel how their arms control the bike’s course. The next thing you know, they’re racing up and down the street, kicking their feet, shifting their weight, and improving their motor and coordination skills.
Increases Self-Assurance
When you think back to when you first learned to ride a bike, you may be struck by memories of the anxiety and irritation you felt. Even though learning to ride a bike and inevitably falling off is a normal part of growing up, the experience can be frightening and discouraging for a young child. Because of their low profile, balancing bikes can make the experience of falling much less threatening. They are also quite user-friendly. Young children typically excel at riding balancing bikes, which boosts their confidence and sense of accomplishment.
Exercising in a Fun Way
One thing that’s common knowledge among parents is that kids always seem eager to hit the road. Kids can constantly be on the move, whether they want to run, crawl, jump, or scoot. An enjoyable approach to satisfy this urge is with a balance bike. Making physical activity enjoyable is a surefire way to promote long-term health.
Some Pointers on Choosing a Balance Bike
When looking for a balancing bike, it’s essential to keep a few factors in mind. You should check the height first to ensure it’s appropriate for your kid. When seated, they should have both feet firmly on the ground and be able to push off. The size of your tires is something else to keep in mind. Younger riders benefit from smaller tires (about 12 inches), whereas taller or older riders benefit more from larger tires (around 14 inches). The smaller weight of a bike with air tires is ideal for a toddler since it makes steering much more straightforward.
Your toddler’s confidence in their ability to maintain their balance and coordinate their movements increase after some time on a balancing bike. The addition of pedals is all that’s needed to take them to the next level.
Author Bio:
James Harley is a professional content writer who used to share his knowledge and write valuable content for readers.