Balance Bikes are designed to be the best way for toddlers to learn to ride by teaching balance first. Strider Bikes knows balance is key to almost every physical sport and activity. Kids need to be active daily and balance plays a big role in the development of children. People of all ages and abilities can benefit from developing their balance. 

When balance is mastered, transitioning to a bicycle with pedals is easy. A child needs to experience the feel of leaning and how steering affects the balance of the bike. A Strider Balance Bike is lightweight and breaks riding down into simple steps, inspiring confidence for a child who has only been walking for a short time. If your child can walk, they can ride a Strider!

Balance is the most important skill for riding a bike and training wheels create a false sense of security. Training wheels are often unstable and are meant to never touch the ground at the same time, causing a child to tilt to one side or the other in order to feel stable with the bike holding them up.

When a child is ready to transition from training wheels to a pedal bike, they have to go back to square one and learn balance. Pedaling is the easy part and typically takes a child just minutes to learn, while balance is a skill that can be developed throughout an entire lifetime.

The lightweight 12” Strider teaches riding basics to the littlest riders to develop balance, coordination, steering, riding skills and, most importantly- their confidence.

Transitioning to a pedal bike before they are ready for that extra weight and size is detrimental for a child’s overall riding success. In addition, the Strider 12 ground clearance may be perfect for short legs, but doesn’t allow room for pedals. With that being said, the only bike Strider offers with attachable pedals is the Strider 14x for ages 3-7 years old!

The Strider 16 and 20 models break down the overwhelming task of learning how to ride a bike into a safe and natural progression. Designed specifically for individuals with cognitive, developmental, or physical disabilities, these two models do not have a pedal option and are made to be balance bikes only.

The Sport is what Strider typically suggests purchasing as it comes with an XL Seatpost making the age range 18 months to 5 years old.

The Sport features upgraded built-in performance footrests and a handlebar pad and mini grips. It also features no-tool assembly and allows for easy adjustment on the height for a growing child.

Children put their feet on the ground and push, just like Fred Flintstone!

Toddlers’ legs are strongest when used this way, rather than trying to pedal really short cranks. They are actually faster and more capable of dealing with uneven terrain and inclines on a Strider Balance Bike than a pedal bike.

Stopping is just as easy as starting; they just put their feet down. For experienced riders, we also offer an optional foot-operated brake. We don’t recommend it until about age 3 to 4 years old. For really young riders, success requires simplicity. That’s what Strider strives to do: Keep It Simple.

The tires on all Strider 12″ models (Classic, Sport, and Pro) are made of an EVA polymer, which provides two key benefits. First, they’re extremely lightweight for easy control.

Seriously, these puppies are half the weight of an air-filled tire and inner tube. Second, and parents love this part, they require NO MAINTENANCE. They will NEVER go flat and never need to be checked; just grab and go!

Tires on the Strider 14x Sport are normal bike tires that will require air to stay properly inflated.

Please see Strider's warranty and registration page for a detailed overview of their customer guarantee.