The runbike is a construction reminiscent of a bicycle without pedals, which is set in motion with the help of the child’s legs. It can have several names: bike ride, laufrad, bike ride, foot walker and others. Whatever it is called, the popularity of this vehicle is growing rapidly. Accordingly, many parents are interested in the question of at what age you can put your child on this very run. This will be discussed in the article.
Destination
The invention is quite new and therefore not fully understood by everyone. And if young parents keep up with the times, using the latest innovations, it is not clear to the older generation whether a young child needs a bike without pedals. First of all, do not confuse the runbike with a gurney. The similarity is that both devices can be kicked, but there are differences.
- Wheelchair - it is a stable design with 3 or 4 wheels, in a bike run - there are always only 2 of them.
- You can start using the gurney, as soon as the baby can confidently sit and hold, but without the help of adults can not do here. Runner child masters independently.
- The main function of the sled is to maintain balancewhereas a gurney is simply a means of transportation.
The runbike is a modern device that helps the child prepare for cycling.
First, the baby is constantly trying to find a foothold, and over time learns to accelerate, tighten the legs and maintain balance.
When to start using?
Orthopedists and pediatricians claim that the runbike can be used from a year and a half.This is due to the fact that it is at the age of one and a half years that the baby actively begins to grow and master the world around it. Therefore, all the acquired knowledge and skills he remembers well.
At an earlier age, this is undesirable, since the child’s body is still physically unable to cope with such transport.
Running on a runbike helps to strengthen the back muscles due to the child's efforts to maintain balance. Since it’s difficult for him to pedal his bicycle at the age of 1.5-2, he can keep track of the road and control the steering wheel, then cycling will be a great alternative.
However, it happens that the child flatly refuses to sit on the runbike. The reason for this may be:
- fear of an unknown subject;
- unsuccessful attempt to ride;
- Inappropriate size or design model.
Do not forcibly seat the baby on a bike ride. Perhaps you need to wait a few months until he gets used to the new vehicle. If the child himself does not want to ride, then you can show how other children do it.
It is impossible to say unequivocally at what age a child will be comfortable on a runbike. You can begin to get acquainted with him from a year and a half, and if he starts to ride, the baby will decide for himself. At 2 years old, children are already able to concentrate on the road, driving their own transport, and very quickly master the principle of cycling.
Is this useful?
Surely every mother wants her child to be active, athletic and healthy. A runbike helps from an early age to instill a baby with a love of active walks, agility and the ability to own his own body. This is certainly useful. This usefulness is justified only if the bike run is selected correctly. Since it is designed to ensure that the baby learns to keep balance as early as possible, it is necessary to pay attention to a number of points.
- First of all, the device should correspond to the height and age of the child.
- The design looks like a bicycle, but without pedals.
- Unstable wheels. The runner itself should not stand.
- Choose the correct model and size of the device so that when moving both legs touch the ground.
Due attention still needs to be paid. lightness of materials. Wheels made of foam rubber is much more practical and lighter than inflatable ones, and in a tandem with an aluminum frame, the weight of the bike run will be no more than 2 kg. Then the baby will be able to lift and carry his own transport, emphasizing his independence.
Age restrictions
Even if the baby has learned to move independently on a runbike, parents need to take care of some related details:
- shock protection (helmet, elbow pads, knee pads);
- constant instructions on the rules of the road;
- starting from 3-4 years old, it will be superfluous to have a hand brake.
When the child is already freely riding a runbike and keeps balance well, the question arises - where to put your legs when maneuvering. For this, a special footboard is located under the seat. However, not all models of this transport are equipped with it. A footrest is included in the package for older children, while for the smallest it is not provided.
When exactly to stop riding a runbike, the child will tell himself. Usually this happens by 5-6 years. Having fully explored all the possibilities of a cycling race, the kid seeks to conquer new peaks. This is a signal to purchase a bike.
Browse the runbikes for children in the video below.
