The runbike is a children's bike, but without pedals. Sometimes in the store you can find this unit under the names "ranbike", "cycling" or "bike for running." Mostly modern models are designed for children from 1.5 years old, but for greater safety, many parents buy this toy only when the child is 4 years old. Moreover, there are even separate varieties for children from 4 to 6 years.
Features
At this age, children are not yet so old as to sit on the bike, it is difficult for them to simultaneously control the pedals and steering wheel. Therefore, a runbike is the first step towards learning to ride a bicycle. Unlike a bike, it is a lighter vehicle, because it does not have pedals. Naturally, the child will cope with it easier, and it will not be difficult for adults to transfer it from place to place.
The advantage of the unit is the inability to quickly accelerate, which means that the runbike is a safer transport than a bicycle. Even if the child develops greater speed, he will always have time to lean his feet on the asphalt and brake in time.
A good toy and the fact that no adult assistance and insurance required for training - This is an easy-to-manage transport and the child will independently learn to maintain balance and set the device in motion. This mechanism strengthens the muscles of the legs and develops coordination.
From 1.5 to 3 years old, kids usually buy models with 3 or 4 wheels, and for older children aged 4 to 6 years, two-wheeled options are more suitable, which will fully prepare the child for this bike.
How to choose?
When buying a runbike for a 5-year-old child in a sports store, pay attention to the following criteria. They will allow you to choose the most optimal model.
Step size
This is an important indicator that determines the comfort of a young rider while driving. Measure the distance from the center of the buttocks to the ground and select the model that is most suitable for these parameters. Pay attention to options with adjustable seat height. Sometimes determining the height is quite simple - it is indicated on the product label.
The height of the saddle should be at least an indicator of the size of the legs minus a few centimeters, that is, with a step size of 35 cm, the recommended seat height is not more than 33 cm.
Materials
Mostly products are made of metal, wood and plastic. The most environmentally friendly view is the wooden model, These are strong and durable devices, but it’s difficult to adjust the seat and steering wheel in height. In addition, wooden models are quite heavy and fragile at the same time.
The easiest option is plastic. It is also the runway made of plastic that always has a colorful design that children like so much. These are heat-resistant units, but, as practice shows, they have insufficient depreciation. In addition, for most models it is not possible to adjust the height of the steering wheel with a seat.
The most common variety is metal model. This is a durable, wear-resistant, safe product with an aluminum or steel frame. The height of the saddle and steering wheel can always be adjusted.
A lighter and cheaper option is the model with an aluminum frame.
Wheel material
There are models with non-inflated and pneumatic tires. Durable airless options are lightweight and manoeuvrable, while they withstand even difficult operating conditions, for example, driving on a bad road, on broken glass or sharp stones. Among the shortcomings it is worth noting weak depreciation qualities.
Pneumatic tires have better cushioning performanceHowever, they have more weight and are more often subject to defects, that is, they pierce on the road faster.
In service, this type is more difficult, since it requires regular monitoring of the presence of air in the tires.
Weight
When buying, make sure that not only an adult, but also a child can raise the model they like. This indicator is important not only to facilitate the process of taking to the street, but also for riding itself: during movement, the difference between a light and a heavy runbike is quite noticeable.
For children 5 years old, it is recommended to give preference to models with a maximum weight of 5 kg.
Brake presence
When choosing a model for a child aged 4-6 years, it is better to pay attention to options with a brake - 3-year-old babies do not need this parameter, they only learn to keep their balance, but older children need to learn how to control speed.
If children's transport will be operated by a 5-year-old child on a flat road, then you can do without a brake.
Brands
Buying a runbike for a child aged 4 to 6 years, Check out the models from the following manufacturers.
- Runbike. Domestic brand that produces options for children from 1.5 to 5 years. The mass of the unit is about 3 kg, the maximum allowable load is 23 kg. Among the pluses, the possibility of adjusting the saddle and steering wheel, as well as rubberized handles, which eliminates the possibility of children's palms sliding, is noted.
- BeforeBike. Another Russian manufacturer that produces Begoo and Woody models. Begoo is a metal version with a steel frame made in such a way that the child is not injured in the event of a fall, the model also has a footrest. The second model is wooden, it is heavier than the first option, but more stable.
- Yedoo Czech manufacturer, known in the world market. It produces products with a weight of not more than 4 kg, which is just suitable for small riders 4-6 years old. The frame is made of aluminum, the wheels are inflatable, there is a hand brake and the ability to adjust the height of the seat.
For more information on runbikes, see the next video.
