How to choose a runbike?

At some point, all parents are faced with the need to teach their baby how to ride a bicycle, but such attempts do not always succeed, and they begin to look for a replacement for this type of transport. In this case, the best alternative would be a runbike. This article will talk in detail about this product, popular models will be considered, tips for choosing will be given.

Runbike - children's transport, usually on two wheels. For the first time such a product was introduced almost 200 years ago, and the design of modern bicycles was borrowed from runbikes. The structure of the unit is as primitive as possible. In appearance, it resembles something between a scooter and a bicycle, but there is no chain and a pair of pedals. The frame is open and weighs quite a bit, but can boast of durability. The design provides for two stable wheels, in appearance they are slightly wider than bicycle wheels.

He sits astride, holds the wheel and, pushing his legs off the ground, begins his movement. The baby will be able to learn to balance in just a few days. Do not worry, at first the child can just walk next to the transport, but after a week you will notice that every day the distance that he rides on a runbike only increases.

There are several criteria that a runbike must meet. So you will be sure that the baby is safe.

This is the first and main criterion for good transport. When buying, try to stop your choice on products with an aluminum frame on two wheels. Typically, such decisions are very easy, even a 2-year-old baby will cope with their management.

In today's market, in addition to metal products, you can find wooden and plastic. But such solutions have a fixed seat and steering wheel, which creates great discomfort while riding. Moreover, such models are not intended for long-term operation, as the baby is growing rapidly.

Tires of all runbikes are divided into two types: plastic and inflatable. The first option is considered more practical, since plastic does not require much personal care. However, in this case completely depreciated, and this means that when hitting a minimum bump, the child will feel severe discomfort.

But such wheels excellent shock absorption with the surface, so riding on such a transport will be much more pleasant. A runbike with inflatable tires will cost much more than its competitor with plastic wheels, but it will perfectly cope with trips on bumps.

Not all models have a braking system. But it is not needed for children under 3 years old, because babies are already able to brake perfectly with their feet. If you bought a runbike for a child older than 4 years old, then it will most likely be interesting for him to ride faster, and in this case you simply can’t do without the steering wheel brake. Some varieties of runbikes have special footrests on which the baby can install his feet so that they do not touch the ground during a fast ride.

At preschool age, children grow up very quickly and often do not fit into clothes that were just recently sized. The same applies to runbikes. It is desirable that the owners can control the height of the steering wheel and seat, so that the growing child feels comfortable while walking on transport. Besides, if the seat and steering wheel are adjustable, then as the baby grows, parents will not have to buy a new runbike every year.

As soon as the child grows up, he can be immediately transferred to a two-wheeled bicycle, and the need to teach a preschooler to ride completely disappears, because he already knows how.

Before going to the store to buy a runbike, parents should have an idea of ​​what varieties of this product exist on the market. All designs are divided into 3 types.

• Runbike. Such vehicles are designed for children under two years of age. As a rule, it is recommended to buy such products for children who still cannot walk confidently. In such units, a plastic frame is usually provided, due to which the unit weighs very little and the child can easily hold and turn the steering wheel, he will have enough strength to push off the ground.

• Cycling balance. Such transport is designed for children who already know how to walk and can independently ride a regular gurney, leaning on their feet. Note that there are only two wheels, instead of three. At first, parents should monitor the speed at which the child travels, and after that he will learn to control the ride speed himself with the help of the hand brake, which is available in all models of bicycle balancers.

• Transformer. Such a wheelchair can be suitable for both preschoolers and very small ones.

If we compare the usual two-wheeled runbike and transformer runbike, then the latter, in turn, has many additional components. For example, adding a chain and pedals, you can turn the product into a complete bike. This is a very practical and multi-functional design, however, for such features will have to pay a lot.

If you are sure that your child needs such a transport, then in the store you will most likely run your eyes from the assortment of goods. Below will be listed the top manufacturers that have proven themselves in the Russian market.

• Puky. The producing country is Germany. The runbikes of this brand are made in bright colors, the manufacturer carefully thinks out every detail: there are ergonomic running boards, the steering wheel is covered with rubber, and inflatable wheels are installed.

• Strider. This American company specializes in producing a wide variety of bicycles, including runbikes. Unlike the brand described above, here all the frames are steel, which positively affects the strength of the product. As you might have guessed, such a transport is recommended for preschoolers to buy, because the kids simply can not cope with its management because of the severity.

• Kokua. Such designs are lightweight. The manufacturer provides for the presence of an elastomer that is responsible for cushioning, inflatable tires are installed here. In this case, you will have to pay a lot for high quality; Kokua runbikes are one of the most expensive on the market.

• Giant The manufacturing country is Taiwan. The company produces two-wheeled vehicles of any kind. Runbikes appeared in the assortment only a few years ago and immediately took one of the leading positions in the market. Of the features can be noted the low cost and availability of spare parts.

• Rennrad. Assembly of units is carried out in Germany under the strict supervision of orthopedists and pediatricians. The company specializes in the production of transformer runbikes, therefore, such designs will last a very long time with careful use.

• Micro. The company has been on the market for over 60 years. Throughout all time they produce products in a minimalist style, and the quality of their products has been appreciated by more than one generation of children.

• Yedoo This brand is engaged in the production of inexpensive runbikes for children taller than 90 cm. These designs in their appearance have little difference compared to a two-wheeled bicycle. And if in the future you want to replace the transport, the child will not even have to get used to it.

Below is an overview of current models of runbikes.

The model has a huge number of positive reviews, differs in reference quality and durability. The product weighs about 4 kg due to the metal frame, but such a mass does not affect safety in any way, since steel is a very strong metal.

On the top of the steering wheel there is a protective insert - if a child hits the steering wheel, this bumper will act as an airbag. The cost in Russia starts from 7000 rubles, the model is suitable for the smallest.

If we compare this model with the previous version, then it adopted everything that was in the above-described runbike, but is additionally equipped with the function of changing the height of the steering wheel and seat. The steering wheel can be raised by 10 cm, and the seat by 13. In the basic configuration there is a special key for adjusting the height, so, if necessary, you do not have to look for the right tool. The unopened design is designed for children under two years old, but if you raise the steering wheel, then a 4-year-old child will be able to ride a transport.

Rounding out the top three is a runbike manufactured in Belgium. Manufacturers pay great attention to structural strength: there is a double frame made of reinforced fiberglass. Such a product can support a child weighing up to 35 kg.

A special footrest is provided, which can be removed if necessary and removed with a single movement of the leg. Models are available in pink, red, blue, yellow and green. The design in appearance resembles a sports bike, and the bright design attracts both adults and children.

Below are some tips, following which parents will be able to choose the right runbike for their child.

• If your child is not yet 2 years old, it is recommended to buy plastic 3- or 4-wheel models of runbikes. The mass of the product should not exceed 3 kg. It is not necessary to overpay for additional components, all that is needed is a holder for transporting the unit.

• Five-kilogram runbike is suitable for children under the age of 4 years. Before buying, make sure that inflatable rubber wheels are installed - so the unit will be able to ride on rough roads. Hand brake at this age is not necessary.

• For a child of 6-7 years old, it is recommended to take structures with a steel or aluminum frame and rubber wheels. You can overpay for a footrest and hand brake. An ideal solution would be a model with adjustable steering wheel and seat height.

• If the budget allows, then an ideal purchase would be a runaway transformer. Thanks to this decision, the owners will be able to save space in the house and not spend extra money on the purchase of another runbike in a couple of years. The unit must be made of aluminum.

In the next video you will find out the recommendations of a specialist for the right choice of a runbike.