How to choose a children's four-wheeled bicycle?

Children grow up very quickly, you yourself will not notice how they get from a stroller to a bicycle. At the beginning it will be a three-wheeled option, but the kid will not be able to ride such a stable transport for a long time, because its dimensions are not too large. Three-wheeled will be replaced by a children's four-wheeled bicycle - an intermediate link between a three-wheeled and a two-wheeled. Let's consider how to choose this type of transport.

Parents are often lost and do not know whether to buy a four-wheeled bicycle for a child 2-4 years old. You can still ride a three-wheeled, and then immediately switch to a two-wheeled. This option is quite acceptable if the child is not too tall, and you live on the lower floors. Another case when the baby is already cramped on a tricycle is also difficult to lift the bike up. In this situation, it is better to pay attention to the obvious advantages of a 4-wheel bike:

• has a wide range of sizes and shapes;
• two additional wheels are removed, and the steering wheel and seat rise;
• a light weight;
• convenient for storage;
• wide color palette;
• The child is gradually accustomed to a two-wheeled bicycle.

This type of transport is most suitable for children from 4 or even 5 years old, since at this age coordination of movements is already well developed. If the baby is younger, then a bike with a parental handle will become a real salvation.

In order for a child to ride a bicycle conveniently and comfortably, it is important to take into account certain vehicle parameters when choosing him.You need to take your child with you to purchase a bicycle or know exactly his height and leg length.

The following tips will help you make the best choice for children’s vehicles.

• Pay attention to the sizes.. The kid should freely reach the pedals, resting on them with his foot completely. The length of the frame ideally equals the length of the arm from the elbow to the hand.
• Choose the type of bike. Four-wheeled bicycles are conditionally divided into 2 types: with and without a handle. The first ones are very convenient if your child is not yet 4 years old. Choose a vehicle with a parental handle so that you yourself can conveniently control it. It is also important that the handle has a secure fit and can be easily removed if necessary.
• Bike weight should be minimal.. The best bikes have a lightweight design that matters to the smallest drivers. If the baby needs to move the vehicle through an obstacle, then light weight will greatly facilitate this task.
• Existence of protection against injuries and falls. The bicycle chain must be protected by a cover, otherwise the child may injure his leg while riding or catch on his pants and fall. Do not forget about the stability of the structure. It is better to leave the brake at the bicycle until the age of 9-10 years, as younger children may not have time to navigate and press it in time. For the smallest, it should be possible to stop using their own legs.
• Requirements for additional wheels. Additional wheels should be as stable as possible so that the baby can easily maintain balance and not fall. Get only designs with removable extra wheels, then the bike will last much longer.
• Equipping with additional accessories. Kids will like a horn or a bell and teach them to warn pedestrians about their approach. Other accessories - mirrors, toys, musical elements - can contribute to additional injuries in case of possible falls. It is better to choose a bike with a bright color and with drawings, but without extra convex parts.
• Protection kit. When buying a bike, be sure to purchase protective equipment for the young rider. You will need a helmet, knee pads and elbow pads. These accessories helped many children to avoid unnecessary bruises and abrasions, as well as more serious consequences. Especially important is a quality helmet, which is made of breathable materials and sized.

The structural features of the bodies of girls and boys certainly exist, but there are no strong differences between the bicycle models for them. Basically, they differ only in color. But if you seriously approach this issue, then you should consider the following nuances of choice.

• The softness of the seat. Girls will be more comfortable in a softer seat. Their width is also important. Too narrow a seat can be uncomfortable for both boys and girls.
• Steering wheel width. Typically, girls' bikes have a smaller steering wheel, as their shoulders are narrower. But such a difference is rare.

Currently, the choice of children's vehicles is difficult due to the wide variety of models. Among the many popular models of 4-wheel bikes, several models can be distinguished.

The company produces compact inexpensive models. They are intended for children over 3 years old. The alloy of steel and aluminum makes the structure durable and not too heavy. A big minus is the lack of neutral gear (pedals are spinning, even if the bike rolls off the slide with a self-propelled gun). It is also worth noting that the wheels are not inflatable, but polymer, so they wear out pretty quickly. But the low price justifies these shortcomings.

The models of this brand are completely steel, but the rims on the wheels are made of aluminum. Bright colors attract attention and appeal to children.The big advantage is the foot brake. Also designed for children from 3 to 6 years old.

Russian bike for children from 3 to 6 years. The structure is entirely made of steel, with the exception of aluminum wheel rims. Because of this, it is heavy for children (weighs 15 kg). The main plus is two brakes: front and rear.

Produces models for girls and boys, which differ in the design of the frame and saddle. Lightweight enough, partially made of aluminum. The brake is only the rear foot. In a set - a soft slip on a wheel and a call.

A popular but very expensive bike model designed for children from 5 to 8 years old. The housing consists of a particularly durable magnesium alloy. The rims are very durable. Disc brakes, mechanical.

Designed for children from 4 to 6 years. The steel case makes the model durable, but heavy. The kit has a trunk. Many colors allow you to choose the option for both the boy and the girl.

For children from 4 years old to a height of 125 cm. It weighs 11 kg, which is quite acceptable with a steel case. Foot brake, seat on springs, which provides good cushioning. There is a nice bonus for children: Included is a small backpack for the driver, a flag mounted on the trunk, as well as a horn.

This four-wheeled bicycle with a parent handle is produced in Russia. This model has many advantages: a fully protected chain, a foot brake, a bell included, a soft pad for the steering wheel and a basket in front. Of the minuses - it weighs about 10 kg. Designed for children from 4 years.

Model for girls from 100 to 125 cm tall with a comfortable frame. Beautiful coloring and anatomical shape of the structure are the main advantages of the model.

The Czech development is made in accordance with international standards. Despite the sturdy steel case, the bike weighs only 8 kg. Thanks to its unusual design, vehicles are less prone to pollution than other models. Designed for children from 2 to 4 years.

See how to choose a children's bike in the video below.