At a very early age, children can already start cycling. But the requirements for his choice are unusually strict. It is useful to consider them all in order to avoid various problems and even serious injuries.
Features
A bicycle for children from one year old will help instill a child with a love of physical activity. And later it will not be necessary to force him to do the same morning exercises. And an extra walk instead of endless sitting in front of the monitor will be quite useful. But only a correctly selected bike will give the child pleasure.
It should be immediately noted that for children from 1 to 3 years old, it makes no sense to buy bicycles with wheels with a diameter of more than 11 inches. With such transport, the kids simply can not cope.
The group for the smallest consumers includes:
- scooter bicycles (deprived of pedals);
- tricycles;
- designs with pedals mounted on the front wheel.
Varieties
Wheelchair Bike (another name - gurney) is multifunctional and is perfect for young children who have just recently mastered walking. While the strength and skills are still not enough for independent pedaling, adults will have to ride a bicycle. The legs of the child at this time are on the footboard having ribbed overlays. The handle and the rim for insurance can be removed later, when full autonomy when riding becomes relevant. The backrest (if any) can also be removed.
Designers wheelchairs pay maximum attention to the comfort and ergonomics of the seats. They are easily adjustable. Therefore, it will be possible to increase the distance to the pedals as children grow. Many models are equipped with:
- cloth baskets;
- awnings-hoods;
- luggage racks;
- lightweight frames;
- height-adjustable chrome plunger handles.
Such walking options are suitable for active by nature children who need a systematic movement. But you still need a handle so that movement can be easily controlled.
The transformer model (a small folding bike) is distinguished by the following characteristics:
- Saves maximum space
- It is relatively inexpensive;
- will suit almost all children, regardless of growth and anatomical features.
Most often, the transformation nodes are:
- 1 or 2 points on the frame;
- steering wheel;
- mechanical system;
- seat.
Brands
Among the best children's bicycles in the category from 1 to 3 years, the company’s products consistently Capella. Bike is popular Action trike II. This model is lightweight and compact, equipped with a hood that is easy to fold or partially decompose.
Thanks to the rear cargo basket, walking becomes much more comfortable. The total weight of the bike is 9.5 kg. Opening the bumper is easy, so removing the child outside as necessary does not cause problems. If desired, you can remove the parental handle. By the way, it is supplemented with a bag for various little things. A child can learn to ride a bicycle using the handlebar himself.
Increased safety is provided by three-point belts and a rim for insurance.
The wheels are passable enough, which is somewhat unexpected for models for such crumbs. Unusually, the front wheel has a diameter of 12 inches. Despite the increased (compared to the recommended usually) size, it spins easily and freely.
Thanks to the front wing, the baby does not suffer from water and mud splashes. The seat is made of comfortable soft fabric. The backrest can be given 3 positions. A useful option is the viewing window.
Another good version on three wheels - Capella Twin Trike 360. This bike is designed to ride twins. Allowable weight of children is 30 kg. The back and visor will completely prevent the impact of negative weather conditions. The steering wheel is equipped with a toy, thanks to which children will not be bored on the road.
The mass of the bike is 11.4 kg. Of course, a basket is also provided, so the product is perfect for long walks. Other features almost repeat the Action trike II device. If necessary, the seats are very easy to deploy to each other. They themselves are made from soft fabrics.
Designers have provided metal bell. The bike is equipped with foot supports that allow you to use it even if your feet are still not reaching the pedals. In the absence of the need for such equipment, it is easy to remove.
Modification deserves attention Tommy Modern. The manufacturer declares that this bike is useful both for personal use and as a gift to children in other families. Strong solid fabric used for sheathing:
- seats
- steering wheel;
- visor;
- bumpers.
A special footrest is provided. To protect the child from various incidents three-point seat belt. The handle that controls the ride is easy to adjust in height. It must be borne in mind that this handle is designed with the expectation of only steering the steering wheel and pushing the bike forward / backward. You can’t climb or go down the stairs (slope), drag a bicycle through speed bumps, rail tracks and so on, just hold on to this handle.
There are two main provisions of the child. In the first, he looks forward and can pedal. In the second, he turns to face the adult. Therefore, this bike can also be considered a complete replacement for a stroller. The maximum permissible load is 25 kg; wheels with a diameter of 0.3 and 0.25 m are installed on the bicycle.
A good alternative is tricycles. Moby Kids. They are equipped with a sturdy metal frame.The main part of the wheels is also metal, and tires based on foamed PVC are stretched over it. The front wheels are equipped with high-quality bearings, which ensures a very soft ride for children.
The pedals are made with a special textured pattern, so the legs do not slip off them. Pallets for children's legs also have such a pattern. As in the previous model, the push handle can be adjusted in height. Folding awning not only protects from the sun, rain, but also is a stylish decorative detail. Diaper insert removed, and you can fix it with special buttons.
The designers took care of the presence of a metal arc. The rear-view mirrors are coated to prevent injury. A pair of luggage baskets for toys is provided. The wheel is equipped light and music panel. Bicycles are available in bright, saturated colors.
Such a modification of the line deserves attention Moby Kids, like The Lunatics, the mass of the device is 9.3 kg.
Brand bicycles Glory affordable and reasonably practical. Their mass does not exceed 7.5 kg. Aluminum frames, thanks to which such lightness is achieved, are painted in bright colors. Expressive color is also characteristic of wheels and other components. All models of this manufacturer are equipped with comfortable seats and have visors for protection from the sun.
Besides the purely design function, juicy coloring is also intended to facilitate the search for a child on the street and in other places. Designers took care of protective rims that prevent children from accidentally falling. A plastic basket holds all the things you need for a walk.
Another good option is bicycles. Molto Urban. Users note the convenient transformation of these models and excellent handling. This property, as well as high maneuverability are provided largely due to big wheels. Seat belts are soft, but at the same time they hold the planted babies tight enough. To remove the parental handle if necessary is not difficult.
How to choose?
The first bike for children aged 1 to 3 years is most often a wheelchair bike. Experts advise to give preference to versions with pneumatic tires. Only in this case, you can count on a normal ride on potholes and on poor asphalt. Pneumatics also provides excellent smoothness.
Bicycles for a girl and a boy at such an early age will differ only colors and other design features. They do not make any design differences between them. The baby seat should be as spacious and soft as possible. Additional plus - backrest height adjustment, which allows you to set the most comfortable position. Useful and backrest layout option to full horizontal - then, if necessary, the bicycle becomes a stroller or berth.
As for the material of the wheels, then it must be chosen purely for the tasks to be solved. So, tires made of rubber allow you to move softly and quietly, moreover, at fairly high speeds. Plastic wheels can save money, but they have higher rigidity. Not always saving means justifies less comfortable movement.
There is no point in choosing models that are not equipped with seat belts. It is better if they are attached not at one but at three or even five points. A very useful addition is the insuring circular rim. The more active and restless the child, the more attention should be paid to safety measures.
Concerning parent handle, then it should be attached as securely as possible. As it is easy to understand even from the description of a number of some models, retractable handles are more practical.
Attention must be paid to device footboards. They are not always located in the way that is convenient for the child, and the strength of the attachment to the frame must be checked.It is worth considering whether the footboards of any particular type will interfere with the movement of the bicycle. It is not worth doing without them, at least until 2 years old. Otherwise, the danger is too great to injure the hanging legs on different objects and roughnesses in the road surface.
The next step when choosing is to evaluate the configuration. The larger the basket, the easier it will be to take toys or various purchases with you. In hot weather, visors with a variable height are useful. Musical devices and calls make the walk more fun. But it will be necessary to carefully check whether all accessories are firmly fixed and whether they have defects. The lighter the bike, the easier it is to use, but the heavier steel models are more stable.
It is strictly forbidden to buy children's bicycles "with a margin", "for growth", "for two children of a slightly different age." Only models that are optimally tailored to a particular child will do. If the parameters are too large, the danger of falling significantly increases. It is very important to put the children in the seat before buying, and ideally even give them a try.
And one more subtlety: it is not necessary to purchase a model with accessories on the principle of "to be"; every supplement is good only when it is clear why it is needed.
About the rules for choosing a children's bike, see below.