If you're preparing to teach your child to ride a bike, you've probably encountered the balance bike vs training wheels debate. For generations, training wheels were the default choice. But in recent decades, balance bikes have gained tremendous popularity. So which method is actually better? Let's examine both approaches honestly, considering the evidence, expert opinions, and practical factors.
Understanding the Two Approaches
Before comparing, let's clearly understand what each method involves and the philosophy behind it.
The Balance Bike Approach
Balance bikes are pedal-free bicycles that children propel by pushing their feet along the ground. The core philosophy is simple: teach balancing first, since it's the hardest cycling skill to master. Children learn to:
- Balance while moving on two wheels
- Steer and navigate while balancing
- Control speed and stop safely
- Then, once these skills are solid, add pedalling (on a pedal bike)
The Training Wheels Approach
Training wheels (also called stabilisers) are small auxiliary wheels attached to a regular pedal bike. The philosophy is the opposite: let children learn pedalling on a stable platform, then gradually remove the stabilising support. Children learn to:
- Pedal while fully supported by training wheels
- Steer and navigate while supported
- Gradually have training wheels raised until they're less supportive
- Finally, remove training wheels and learn to balance
🎯 The Core Difference
Balance bikes teach the hard skill (balancing) first. Training wheels teach the easy skill (pedalling) first and leave the hard skill (balancing) until later.
What the Research Says
Studies on cycling acquisition methods have increasingly supported balance bikes. Research findings include:
- Children who learn on balance bikes typically transition to pedal bikes faster than those using training wheels
- Balance bike learners often skip training wheels entirely when moving to pedal bikes
- The balancing skills developed on balance bikes transfer directly to pedal bikes
- Training wheel users sometimes struggle when stabilisers are removed because they haven't developed balancing skills
Cycling coaches and child development experts have largely shifted toward recommending balance bikes. Organisations like Cycling Australia and various international cycling bodies now promote balance bikes as the preferred learning method.
Balance Bikes: Pros and Cons
Advantages of Balance Bikes
- Develops real balancing skills: Children learn to balance from day one, building genuine skill rather than depending on supports
- Earlier starting age: Children can start as young as 18 months, giving them years to develop balance before pedalling
- Faster transition to pedal bikes: Most balance bike graduates ride pedal bikes within minutes of first trying
- Builds confidence through genuine achievement: Every skill gained is real, not artificial
- Safer learning: Feet always near the ground; lower speeds; children can catch themselves easily
- Lighter and simpler: No complex mechanisms; easy for children to control
- No traumatic "training wheels removal" moment: The transition is gradual and natural
Disadvantages of Balance Bikes
- Additional purchase: You're buying a bike that can't be converted to a pedal bike later
- No pedalling practice: Children don't learn pedalling until they switch to a pedal bike
- Less familiar to older generations: Grandparents might question why there are no pedals
- Limited hand brake practice: Some balance bikes don't have brakes (though many now do)
Training Wheels: Pros and Cons
Advantages of Training Wheels
- One bike purchase: The same bike works from learning through to independent riding
- Pedalling from day one: Children get pedalling practice immediately
- Familiar and traditional: Parents and grandparents understand the concept
- Widely available: Can be added to most children's bikes inexpensively
- Hand brake experience: Children use real bike brakes from the start
Disadvantages of Training Wheels
- Doesn't teach balancing: The fundamental skill of cycling isn't developed while using them
- Creates false confidence: Children feel secure but haven't built real skills
- Traumatic removal: Taking off training wheels often leads to falls and frustration
- Can tip over in turns: Training wheels don't prevent all falls and can cause unexpected tips
- Later starting age: Most training wheel bikes are designed for ages 3-4+
- Longer learning period: Overall time to independent riding is typically longer
- Heavier: Training wheels add weight and complexity
- Can create bad habits: Children may lean on the training wheels rather than learning to centre their weight
💭 A Common Experience
Many parents who used training wheels report a frustrating pattern: their child rides confidently with stabilisers, but panics when they're removed. The child hasn't actually learned to balance—they've learned to pedal while being held up. The real learning starts only when training wheels come off.
The Learning Experience Compared
Let's compare what the learning journey actually looks like with each method:
Balance Bike Journey
Months 1-3: Child walks while seated on balance bike, getting comfortable with handling and steering.
Months 3-6: Walking becomes faster; short glides begin appearing naturally.
Months 6-12: Confident gliding develops; child can coast significant distances with feet up.
Transition day: Child tries a pedal bike and often rides independently within minutes. The hardest work is already done.
Training Wheels Journey
Months 1-3: Child pedals around supported by training wheels. Feels successful but isn't learning to balance.
Months 3-12: Training wheels gradually raised. Child continues pedalling but may develop leaning habits.
Training wheels removal: Often traumatic. Child discovers they can't actually balance. Falls, frustration, and fear are common.
Post-removal period: Days to weeks of additional practice needed to develop the balancing skills that should have come first.
Cost Comparison
Let's look at the financial aspect honestly:
Balance Bike Approach
- Quality balance bike: $80-$350
- First pedal bike (no training wheels needed): $150-$400
- Total: $230-$750
Training Wheels Approach
- Pedal bike with training wheels: $100-$400
- Training wheels (if not included): $15-$40
- Total: $100-$440
Training wheels appear cheaper, but consider:
- Quality balance bikes hold excellent resale value (often 50-70% of purchase price)
- Balance bikes can be passed to siblings
- The "cost" of extended learning time and potential cycling lessons shouldn't be ignored
What About Convertible Bikes?
Some bikes convert from balance bike to pedal bike by adding a pedal kit later. This seems like the best of both worlds, but there are trade-offs:
- Pros: One frame serves both purposes; can be cost-effective; no need to buy two bikes
- Cons: Often heavier than dedicated balance bikes; may not fit as well in either configuration; conversion can be fiddly
Convertible bikes can be a reasonable middle ground, particularly for families watching their budget or with limited storage space.
Our Recommendation
Based on research, expert consensus, and our own testing experience, we recommend balance bikes as the preferred method for most families. The advantages are significant:
- Children develop genuine skills rather than false confidence
- The transition to pedal bikes is smoother and less stressful
- Learning can start earlier, giving more time to develop
- The overall time to independent cycling is typically shorter
🏆 The Bottom Line
Balance bikes teach balancing first because it's the hardest skill. Training wheels delay the hardest skill until last. Children who learn balance first almost always have an easier, faster, and less stressful journey to independent cycling.
When Might Training Wheels Make Sense?
While we recommend balance bikes, there are situations where training wheels might be appropriate:
- Older children starting late: A 6-year-old might feel embarrassed on a balance bike but could quickly progress through training wheels
- Children with specific motor challenges: Some children benefit from the stability while developing strength and coordination
- Budget constraints: If finances are very tight and you can only buy one bike
- Child insists: If your child is set on a "real bike with pedals," sometimes it's worth going with their motivation
Making Your Decision
Consider these questions when deciding:
- How old is your child? (Younger children benefit most from balance bikes)
- What's your timeline? (Balance bikes need time to work their magic)
- What's your budget? (Remember resale value and sibling reuse)
- How does your child feel about the options?
- Do you have space for multiple bikes?
Whatever method you choose, remember that the goal is a confident, skilled, happy cyclist. Both methods can get there—balance bikes just tend to do it more effectively for most children.
Ready to explore balance bikes? Check out our comparison tool to find the perfect model for your child.