Riding a bicycle, as well as the ability to swim, is a very important skill, which is better to learn from early childhood. EcoBalance runbikes will be the first step for a child to meet a future two-wheeled friend
What is a runbike?
Runbike is a two-wheeled bicycle without pedals. His active sales in the USA, Japan and Europe began in 2010, and gradually he won the love of kids from all over the world. This rather fresh invention is quickly gaining popularity in Russia due to its fundamental properties: convenience and safety. It is not surprising that at this level of demand, the number of manufacturers is only growing.
A child on such an interesting sports equipment gets tired less than when walking, and actively develops physically, because you have to constantly push your legs to move.
The runbike helps the kid to prepare for riding a standard bicycle and makes it faster and easier than the usual three-wheeled model of our childhood: first of all, this understanding of how to keep balance, coordinate your movements and use the steering wheel is not for nothing that it is also called a balance bike . Many parents then buy accessories: steps, a hand brake and pedals so that the child is as ready as possible for the transition to a full-fledged two-wheeled model.
Which material is better?
EcoBalance produces runbikes made of quality steel and aluminum. But the market offers other materials: wood (most often birch) and plastic.
Wooden "ekovels", despite the plus in the form of environmental friendliness and biodegradability, are inferior to plastic ones by an order of magnitude due to weight. They are stronger than polymer counterparts, but can still crack when dropped. Minus - step adjustment of the seat. But you can create an individual design by painting the wooden parts to your liking.
Most plastic models do not adjust the steering wheel and seat. They are intended for children up to two years, but they are pleased with lightness, brightness, water resistance.
Not suitable for off-road driving.
The most popular material is metal. Such a runbike is reliable and durable, all details can be adjusted. The minus of the metal model is the weight, but aluminum or lightweight steel alloy solves the problem
Why EcoBalance?
The brand originated in St. Petersburg. Runbikes are just one of the areas of the company that produces goods for active children's leisure. The equipment is produced at a modern high-tech factory in China. All products are certified.
EcoBalance runbikes have a number of advantages:
- wheels made of EVA-polymer, which are unrealistic to puncture and do not need to be pumped;
- low weight of models;
- seat and steering wheel height adjustment;
- installation does not require much effort (it is simple, but the set contains keys for assembly and instructions);
- affordable price.
Special overlays will help to level the main minus of runbikes - quick wear of shoes.
Models
EcoBalance has three ranges of runbikes: Next, Race and Line. For babies from 1 to 2 years old, a line of Baby runbikes is developed.
Next bike has a strong but lightweight aluminum frame, its weight is only 1.9 kg. The diameter of the wheel made of polymer is 30.5 cm, the tires do not need inflation. It differs from other lines with premium metallic colors. Now there are seven of them: black, blue, green, purple and red have been added, initially they were only golden and silver. The steering wheel is adjustable, it is convenient to hold it due to rubber pads.
Race has a footrest on a low frame. Race models delight with bright colors: red, yellow and blue.
And monochrome Line has only two options: stylish black and white. Also, these samples have mud flaps on both wheels, saving from dirt. The model has a low center of gravity.
The recommended age for the transport of these lines is 3–6 years. The maximum user weight is 25 kg. Minimum seat height - 37 cm.
The weight of the models varies from 1.9 to 3.6 kg. The heaviest is Line.
Baby runbikes - wheelchairs with two pairs of stable wide wheels. The weight of the child is up to 20 kg. There are models of pink, orange and blue. The gurney weighs 2.1 kg.
How to choose?
First of all, it is necessary to pay attention to the weight of the runbike and the minimum height of the saddle, as well as the recommended age. In order not to miscalculate with a comfortable height, you need to know exactly the length of the inner side of the child’s legs (from the foot to the groin). Subtract 5 centimeters from the obtained value. This will be the height of the saddle. The model with the adjustment option will last longer - for growth.
If possible, it is worthwhile with the child to choose a frame design convenient for him. The saddle must have a non-rigid surface: EcoBalance seats are lined with artificial leather.
EVA-polymer wheels are lightweight and maintenance-free. On dry pavement, they give good acceleration. Discomfort may occur when driving on wet roads, grass or sand: traction will be worse than pneumatic. If your child is very active and rides not only on level equipped tracks, it is better to give preference to rubber wheels with swap.
Younger children usually take models without a brake, because it only interferes and distracts the baby, but for a child of 3 and older, you can purchase a runbike with a hand-held device. If you purchased a runbike with a brake on the front wheel, better to slightly loosen it so that the child does not accidentally roll over.
Reviews
Users are mostly satisfied with the quality and price of EcoBalance products. Video lessons from the manufacturer for installation are on the Internet. Clamps conveniently fix a wheel and a saddle. Parents note that the wheels are quite soft, odorless, do not make noise, but also do not absorb shock from soil irregularities.
The remark is caused by the matte part of the steering rack - scratches easily appear on it, even during the assembly process. It is very rare for a company to have a marriage: the curvature of the frame and rough welds.
See the video below for how to assemble an EcoBalance Race / Line.
