Is your kid ready for their first bike? There are many factors that you should consider. To start with, you will realize most memories are made when one is learning how to ride a bike. For most people, learning how to ride a bike was one of the most unforgettable moments of their childhood. Sometimes, you might think that your toddler is too young to have his or her own bike. However, you are wrong as some kids usually get their first bike when they are as young as one or two years old.
Therefore, getting your 3 year old kid a bike will make the kid feel more independent. In real sense, he or she will feel like a big kid now. Buying a bike for your kid will go a long way in ensuring that your kid remains active when he or she is at home. It will play a significant role in the development of their entire body muscle and even boost their self-confidence.
Finally, this bike will enhance their interaction skills as they will be socializing with other kids in the neighborhood as they ride their bikes. Generally, a bike will be a perfect gift for your 3 year old kid.
10 Best Bike For 3 Year Old Boys & Girls
Types of Bike for 3 Year Old
When looking for a bike for your 3 year old kid, chances are that you will come across different types of bikes out there. Some of these bikes include:
1. Balance bike
Children usually develop the necessary coordination for self-cycling at different rates. For some, they will choose to stick to safer options such as tricycle and three-wheeler until their motor skills are at par. Others will actually begin to experiment with their first real bike around the age of 2 or even 3. If you want your kids to learn how to bike, you should consider getting them a balance bike.
This is basically a small bike that has no pedals, specially meant for kids. The good news is that they are designed such that your young one will remain upright on two wheels. Since the bike does not have pedals, your kids will have to use their feet to push the bike along. This way, they will learn one of the hardest parts of riding a bike and even balancing on two wheels. By doing this, you can be sure that the transition process to regular bikes will be seamless. This actually makes learning how to bike less intimidating. It is worth noting that these bikes come in two sizes. These are size 10″ and 12″.Kids up to 5 years old can readily utilize this bike.
2. Big kid Bikes
At some point, your kid will graduate to this bike. The big kid bike, also known as a bike with pedals and drive trains, comes in several options that will suit your kid’s riding style and aesthetic preferences. As we speak, many brands have mushroomed and are now making such bikes out there.
Before you buy this kid’s bike, you should think about where and how your kid will ride it. For instance, if your kid will be riding the bike in a rural area, you will need one that resembles a mountain bike. However, if you reside in the city, you can choose a city bike or a cruiser as the roads here are all paved. Some of the bikes are single speed, while others usually come with gears in 20″ wheel sizes.
3. Girl’s Bike vs Boy’s Bike
Just like there are men’s bikes and women’s bikes, there are girl’s bikes and boy’s bikes for kids. Some companies will ensure that these bikes differ in terms of colors and design. However, there are other companies that will make bikes gender-neutral.
Generally, there is no difference in riding any of these bikes, only that the color and design schemes differ. Therefore, it will narrow down to your child’s preference. For instance, your daughter might choose a pink bike that has glitter and ribbons, while your son might choose the one that is purple in color.
4. Coaster brakes vs. Hand brakes bikes
Most kid’s bike typically has coaster brakes. However, most brands out there are now adding brakes that are optimized for tiny hands. If your kid is about 3 years, you should consider going for a bike with both coaster brakes and hand brakes as their hands are not strong enough to use the handbrakes only.
Most importantly, you should teach your kid how to use brakes to avert an accident when he or she is riding the bike. You will note that bikes that possess coaster brakes normally have a freewheel option. Therefore, you can still get rid of the coaster brakes if your kid will be okay using his or her hands to brake the bike.
5. Small wheelers
These bikes usually work as your toddler’s first step towards big-kid bikes. In most cases, these bikes come with wheel sizes of either 12″ or 14″. Fortunately, they usually come with training wheels for extra support. However, once you move up to 14 inches, you will find more options. Most of these bikes might come with an interesting feature, such as a kickstand.
Top 10 Best Bike For 3 Year Old Boys & Girls
There are many types of bikes that you might come across when looking for a bike for your 3 year old. Some will come in different designs, colors, and even features that might mesmerize and confuse you. Such is usually the case when you are looking for a bike for your kid for the first time. Luckily, we have listed some of the best bike for 3 year old that you should consider. These include:
1. Schwinn Elm Girls Bike for Toddlers and Kids
This bike comes with 12-inch wheels and is designed for kids between 2 and 4 years old. Once you buy the bike, your kid can readily ride it to the park or even on the sidewalk around your neighborhood.
Besides being designed for kids, it comes with Schwinn’s Smart Start Technology. Here, you will realize that it comes with a light frame. Also, its crank and pedals are positioned forward. The gears are designed for easier starting and have narrower pedal positions.
Here, the kid’s Q-Factor is considered as the narrower pedal positions match the width of your child’s hips. This makes it easier for your kid to pedal and handle the bike. Finally, the bike comes with a rear coaster brake and smaller grips, and an adjustable saddle.
- The bike is well-designed for kids who are between 2 and 4 years old
- It comes with Schwinn’s SmartStart Technology.
- Q-Factor is considered.
- The bike comes with a rear coaster brake
- The warranty does not cover much
2. JOYSTAR 12 14 16 Inch Kids Bike With Training Wheels for 2-7 Years Old Girls
First, the bike comes with a sturdy frame. It is actually made of premium steel to survive the bumps of learning. Besides this, the bike is backed with a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer.
The bike also comes with steamers and a basket that matches the bike. Apart from this, it comes with training wheels and basic accessories for girls. The other interesting feature of this bike is that she can stick her name on the full chain guard.
This way, she can personalize the bike the way she wants. The guard chain enables your loved ones to remains safe when cycling the bike. Finally, the bike is easy to install. It actually comes with 85% assembled body and basic assemble tools. You only need to have a pump for the tires.
- The bike comes with a sturdy frame
- It comes with a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer
- The bike comes with steamers and a basket that matches the bike
- Has training wheels
- Easy to assemble
- The instructions might be difficult for novice parents
3. Segway Ninebot Kids Bike for Boys and Girls
If you are looking for a premium grade bike for your boy or girl, you should not hesitate to get this bike. This is because the bike is not only safe for the user but also easy to operate and comfortable to ride for kids who are between 3 and 6 years.
For double protection, it comes with coaster brakes on the rear wheel and V-brake on the front wheel. As far as the braking system is concerned, this bike will not disappoint. Apart from this, it comes with a fully enclosed bicycle chain. This can assure you that your little one will remain safe when cycling the bike.
The bike also comes with CST pneumatic tires, which are made of environmental-friendly material. Also, these tires are durable and can absorb shock even when your kids ride the bike on complex terrains. For maximum comfort when riding the bike, it comes with an ergonomic and adjustable saddle. Finally, the bike is light-weight and more portable.
- The bike is safe for your kid
- Easy to operate
- The bike comes with durable tires
- It is lightweight
- The warranty does not cover much
4. JOYSTAR Vintage 12 & 14 & 16 Inch Kids Bike
The bike comes with a strong frame that is made of premium steel. As a result, the bike can last for many years after purchase. Apart from this, the bike comes with a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer. As far as brakes are concerned, the bike comes with coaster brakes. Here, your little one will just push the pedal backward and thereby bring the bike to a halt.
Besides, it comes with a basket to transport personal items such as dolls, and so on. For safe cycling, the bike comes with training wheels. Besides being safe to ride, the bike is comfortable to ride. This is because it comes with a shock-proof bike seat, which is bigger than the normal seat. Finally, the bike is easy to assemble as it comes 85% assembled from the manufacturer. All you need is a pump for the tires, and you will be good to go.
- The bike comes with a strong frame that is made of premium steel, thus more durable
- Lifetime warranty from the manufacturer
- The bike comes with coaster brakes
- Has a basket for putting personal items.
- Comfortable to ride
- The assembly instructions can be hard to understand
5. Schwinn Grit and Petunia Steerable Kids Bike, Boys and Girls Beginner Bicycle
If you are looking for a way to give your little one his or her first taste of freedom, you should get this bike for your kid. To start with, the bike comes with a parent push handle that helps to steer the bike. The good news is that it can easily be removed when the child is riding the bike alone.
When it comes to safety and protection, the bike comes with a fully enclosed chain guard to ensure that your kid remains clean and safe when riding the bike. Also, it comes with front and rear fenders, which helps to keep mud and road grit at bay when your kid is riding this bike.
For added stability, the bike comes with removable heavy-duty training wheels. This is more important when your kid is not used to riding bikes in the past. Besides this, your kid will remain hydrated as it comes with a kids water bottle. This feature makes it unique from its peers out there in the market.
- The bike has a parent push handle that helps to steer the bike.
- It has a fully enclosed chain guard
- The bike comes with front and rear fenders to keep off the mud
- Has removable heavy-duty training wheels
- Allows you to carry a water bottle
- The warranty does not cover much
6. RoyalBaby Kids Bike Boys Girls Freestyle Bicycle 12 14 16 inch with Training Wheels
One fantastic feature of this bike is that it is easy to assemble. In fact, it comes 95% assembled by the manufacturer. All you need to do is to follow a few instructions to complete the entire installation process, and you will be good to go.
When it comes to safe riding, the bike will not disappoint as it comes with safe grips and a handbrake. Also, it comes with a front caliper brake and a rear coaster brake for maximum safety. In addition, it comes with a non-slip resin pedal and a chain guard.
This goes a long way in optimizing the safety of your kid when enjoying his biking experience. Since the bike comes with 2.4″ pneumatic tires, you can be sure that your little one will enjoy more stability when riding the bike.
As far as durability is concerned, the bike is fantastic as it comes with a sturdy steel frame. Besides being durable, it comes with an amazing design and color. In fact, it looks more stylish and charming. The bike comes with a soft seat comes with a handle that makes it easier for your kid to grab when being taught or loading.
As far as size is concerned, you will get an array of options. These include 12,14,16,18 and 20 inches. Therefore, you can be sure that you will find the perfect size for your kid. Finally, it comes with other additional features, such as the bike bell and a DIY decal feature.
- Easy to assemble
- Safe to ride as it has safe grips, rear coaster, and handbrakes
- Made of a sturdy material
- Comes with an amazing design and color
- The bike is available in an array of sizes
- The bike can be expensive
7. Schwinn Elm Girls Bike for Toddlers and Kids, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20-inch wheels for Ages 2 Years and Up
The bike mentioned above is designed for kids who are3 to 4 years old. You can be sure that your loved one will have a wonderful experience riding the bike on sidewalks around your neighborhood. The bike comes with a lighter frame that makes it easy for your kid to handle it.
Apart from this, the bike has its pedals and cranks positioned forward. It also has narrower pedal positions and smaller grips, and a seat. As far as brakes are concerned, the bike comes with a rear coaster brake and front caliper brake. The good news is that your kid will have an easy time transitioning from one brake system to another.
The bike comes with an adjustable saddle and a seat post. It also comes with a slack seat-tube angle for easy and tool-free adjustments. Finally, the bike comes ready to be assembled from the manufacturer. Some of the parts that you can readily assemble are a number plate, saddle handle, training wheels, and a chain guard.
- Great riding experience on sidewalks among other surfaces
- The pedals and cranks positioned forward
- It comes with a rear coaster brake and front caliper brake
- Has an adjustable saddle and a seat post
- The setup instructions might not be clear to some parents
8. Nickelodeon Paw Patrol Bicycle for Kids
This bike comes with 12-inch wheels that are ideal for kids between the age of 2 and 4 years old. Here, you can trust that your kid will enjoy riding on the sidewalks of your neighborhood. The bike is safe to ride as it comes with a rear coaster brake system.
Since it comes with a tool-free adjustable seat, you can be sure that you will adjust the height on the go. Apart from this, it comes with removable training wheels, making it more stable as your kid learns how to ride. Lastly, the bike comes with PAW patrol graphics and handlebar plates.
- Your kid will have a wonderful riding experience on sidewalks among other surfaces
- The bike comes with a rear coaster brake system
- Has a tool-free adjustable seat. The bike has removable training wheels
- The warranty does not cover much
9. Brave 16″ Freestyle Very Pink BMX Kids Bike for Girls
Are you looking for a lightweight bike for your kid? This bike is the ultimate solution for you. The bike is not only lightweight but can actually last for a finite period. It is made using sturdy material and can withstand all the impacts when your kid is riding it. From paved paths to gravel trails, the bike can move nearly all surfaces out there. Its Ryder’s 16″ high volume, smooth-treaded tires are ideal for such rides.
Besides this, the bike comes with tool-less training wheels for easy and fast removal. Also, it will be very easy to install them when the bike has a new rider. Finally, the bike comes with a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer.
- The bike is lightweight.
- It is more durable
- The bike comes with tool-less training wheels
- Easy to install
- Lifetime warranty from the manufacturer.
- Seat not firms enough.
10. Woom 2 Pedal Bike 14″, Ages 3 to 4.5 Years
One fantastic feature about this bike is that it comes with hassle-free assembly. The company bases in Austin, Texas, perform quality checks to ensure that the bike meets the standards before being shipped. Also, the bike comes with all the tools and easy-to-follow instructions that will help you assemble the bike with precision.
The bike is easy to use for kids who are between the age of 3 and 5 years. In fact, you will find it easy to teach your kid how to ride using this bike. As far as safety is concerned, the bike comes with front and rear hand V-brake plus coaster and foot brake. Lastly, the bike is lightweight and comes with a long wheelbase for stability and safe straight-away riding. It is generally optimized for an upright riding position.
- Hassle-free assembly
- The bike is easy to operate
- Very safe to ride
- It is lightweight
- The bike is optimized for an upright riding position
- Warranty does not cover much
Key Considerations Before Buying Bike For 3 Year Old
With so many different kids’ bikes on the market, sometimes it can be confusing to figure out the one that suits your kid. Ideally, you would want to choose a bike that will be easy for your kid to learn to pedal on and long-lasting enough. Also, it should be lightweight so that your kid can enjoy his or her biking sessions. The good news is that this guide will help you know some of the essential factors that you should pay attention to when looking for a kid’s bike. Some of these factors include:
1. Size
Different kid’s bikes will come in different sizes. All each child is different. Therefore, you should know the measurements of your kid before choosing a bike for him or her. You will note that what might be fit for a child at 2 years might not fit another until he or she reaches 3 or 4 years. To know the right kid’s bike size for your kid, you should note the length from the child’s crotch to the floor. This is other words known as inseam.
As you take these measurements, you should ensure that your child’s feet are flat on the ground instead of them standing on the tip of their toes. For optimal results, you should ensure that your child’s inseam is at least as long as the minimum seat height.
Sometimes, the inseam can be slightly shorter than the minimum seat height. This will enable the kid to ride the bike as he or she will be able to put his or her feet on the ground while riding the bike.
2. Weight
Besides the size of the bike, you should pay attention to its weight too. You would not want to pick a bike that is too heavy for your kid as your kid might not enjoy maximum thrill when riding it. Therefore, you should purpose to choose the lightest one.
By doing this, you will make a huge difference in your child’s enjoyment level and how long they can actually ride. For optimal results, you choose a bike that is not more than 30% of your child’s body weight.
3. Bike frame design
This factor plays a critical role as far as your kid’s biking experience is concerned. Two things that you should pay attention to here regarding the frame design is the handlebar length and the wheelbase. You will note that most parents will try to get the saddle height correct but forget about the two factors mentioned above.
To start with, the wheelbase refers to the distance between the two wheels of the bicycle. Ideally, you should avoid bikes that have a higher center of gravity. This will prevent chances of your kind losing their balance faster when they are riding the bike. Here, your bike of choice should have a longer wheelbase to provide the much-needed stability and control for your kid.
Also, you should pay attention to the handlebar design. As far as the handlebar design is concerned, you are likely to come across bikes with flat handlebars, midrise handlebars, and high-rise handlebars. If you choose a bike with high-rise handlebars, your kid might have a difficult time riding the bike as the handlebars are raised higher than the frame.
Flat handlebars on the other hand, can make your kid lean forward too much and thereby make the hiking experience not enjoyable. However, if you choose a kid’s bike that has mid-rise handlebars, chances are that your kid will have ample spaces for the knees and thereby allow your kid to lean forward as he wishes. This way, he will maintain more balance and have an easy time pedaling the bike.
4. Q-factor
Q-factors basically refers to the distance between the outside of both left and right crank arms. If your kid’s bike of choice has a lower q-factor, you can be sure that your kid will have an easy time pedaling it.
However, if the Q-factor is high, the kid has to move the legs outwards instead of keeping them in a neutral position with the bike frame. This will not only make your kid uncomfortable but also make him vulnerable to injuries.
5. The size of the wheel
If your kid has been on a balance bike for a while and is now ready to graduate to a pedal bike, you should consider going for a bike that has a bigger wheel size. Ideally, it should be 12 inches and above. The good news is that if the bike has a larger wheel size, it will be easy for it to roll over the obstacles, such as cracks in the sidewalks and even rocks. In fact, the bigger the wheel size, the better.
6. Brakes
Most kid’s bikes usually come with two types of brakes. These include:
- Coaster brakes
- Lever-operated.
The coaster brakes are usually activated by pedaling backward and are typically found on smaller bikes such as those of 3 year old kids. This is because these kids might not have the strength to operate the hand lever.
The level-operated hand brakes on the other hand, are present on balance bikes and small bikes. Since kids lack the strength to rely on this brake, it is advisable that you teach them how to use the coaster brakes first. Over time, they can start learning how to utilize this handbrake solely.
7. Durability
The dream of every parent is to buy a kid’s bike that will stand the test of time. In fact, the longer it lasts, the better. Therefore, your bike of choice should be made of strong material that will withstand the impacts of falling down and being hit by different objects. This is because kids can be reckless at times. If the bikes remain in pristine condition for longer, you can be sure that you will get the value for your hard-earned money.
8. Kickstands
These are some of the essential things that your kid’s bike should have. You will note that kickstands usually prevent the bike from falling on the ground when they come to a stop. Here, the kickstand will support the bike even when the kid is not holding the bike. However, it is worth noting that some kid’s bike does not come with this feature. If this feature matters to you, you should be sure to ensure that your kid’s bike of choice has this feature.
9. Pedals
The kid’s bike should have a grippy pedal so that your kid’s feet do not slip off when he or she is riding the bike. This should apply to both sides of the pedals.
10. Accessories
Different kid’s bikes will come with different accessories. From lights to reflectors, there are many accessories that might come with a particular bike. It is essential that the bike comes with the most important ones such as bell, so that the kid can alert pedestrians to give way. Some of these accessories can actually mean a lot for your kid as far as riding experience is concerned.
11. Warranty
Finally, one thing that you should not overlook is the warranty that comes with the bike. Some bikes will have a longer warranty than others. The longer the warranty, the better. This is usually the case if many kids are using the bike. This way, you will be able to save more in terms of repair costs if it gets faulty within the warranty period.
FAQs
1. What is the best bike to start a 3 year old on?
If you are looking for a bike for your 3 year old kid, there are several bikes that he or she can start on. These include Vitus 14, Woom 2, and Raleigh Jazzi/MXR. Other models include the Frog 40, Cleary Gecko, and Pello Romper.
2. What size bike does a 3 year old need?
A kid who is 3 years can either ride a bike whose wheel size is 12″ or 30 cm. Also, he or she can ride a bike whose wheel size is 14″ or 36 cm.
3. Are the training wheels a good idea?
Yes. Training wheels are great for learning the unnatural skill of pedaling. However, it is essential to note that training wheels can be detrimental when one is learning how to maintain balance. Therefore, there is a need for you to offer assisted balance to the kid. By doing this, you will create an artificial understanding of balance speed.
4. Are balance bikes better than training wheels?
Compared to training wheels, balance bikes usually allow for a more seamless transition to a pedal bike. With training wheels, your kid will have already pedaling motion down but will not have developed the concept of balance. Therefore, they need to learn how to keep the bike upright and deal with what occurs when they fall. This makes the balance bikes a good option than the training wheels.
5. Does a 3 year old need a bike helmet?
Yes. To optimize the safety of his or her head when riding a bike, you should ensure that your kid has a helmet. In case there is a crash when your kid is riding the bike, you can be sure that he or she will not suffer severe head injuries.
Final Recap
Getting a kid’s bike for your little one will be an excellent way for them to get outside the home and expand their world. This way, they will not be glued on the TV for long hours. The bike will offer a good opportunity for your kid to exercise and have time with friends and family. Consider this guide today, and you will get the best bike that suits your kid’s needs. This will go a long way in creating wonderful childhood memories for your kid.