On our last spring walk in the park, I was once again struck by the naturalness with which even the smallest children whiz around on their balance bikes. They are fast, agile and skilful. Some are still learning, like our neighbor Magnus, who we met on the way home. At the moment he is stumbling around a bit awkwardly and is not sitting properly on the saddle. But in the summer he will be whizzing around, that is as clear as day. A plea for the balance bike.

The balance bike is an integral part of childhood

For his second birthday, my son got his balance bike . A beautiful wooden Pinolino with stylish black spoked wheels. At first he was too small, but after a few months, in late summer, he was the right size and had the interest to get started. Like little Magnus across the street, he initially pushed the bike around between his legs without getting on it. It was slow (which I didn't appreciate at the time) and usually ended with me lugging the balance bike around and the child busying himself with the flowers and stones.

At some point, however, the knot burst, my son sat safely on the saddle, his little legs flew across the ground, and I involuntarily started jogging.

At what age can a child ride a balance bike?

There are various balance bike models, some of which are suitable for children from 12-18 months of age, but most are suitable for children from 2 years of age and above. The prerequisite for any type of balance bike is, of course, that the child has a secure footing and can already walk well. This is why age specifications such as 12-18 months or 2-3 years are very general. You know your child best.

However, there are some approximate guidelines that can help limit your selection:

Old	Height	Seat height max.
12-18 months	86cm	31cm
18 months – 2 years	92cm	35cm
2 – 3 years	98cm	38cm
3 – 4 years	104cm	44cm

Balance bikes for children aged 12-18 months

Nowadays, there are balance bikes for children from 12-18 months, such as the great pick-up ride-on from Plan Toys , which allow a smooth transition from a Bobby Car ride-on to a higher, balance bike-like position and train the toddler's sense of balance without overtaxing them: here, the two-wheel principle is still being messed around with a bit with four wheels, but it is ideal for preparing the toddler for the next level and helps them to feel really big. The pick-up ride-on has a maximum seat height of 31.2 cm.

Another great precursor to the “real” balance bike , but even more stable thanks to three wheels, is the super cool Janod Little Bikloon wooden tricycle. Available for boys in red and white and for girls in chic purple. The trike has a seat height of 23 cm.

Both models have – unlike the Bobbycar – quiet wheels, which can be used to speed around the house without leaving a trace even on Sunday mornings!

Balance bikes from 2 years

Most children are ready to ride a balance bike from around their second birthday. Of course, their height, motor skills and dexterity must be sufficiently developed. The child must be able to walk well and safely, stand firmly and reach the ground properly with their feet when sitting on the saddle. Riding itself will further develop the child's senses, especially their sense of balance, which will prepare them perfectly for cycling and make auxiliary wheels unnecessary. In addition, the toddler's cognitive skills will be trained. And the balance bike lets them move forward at a speed they never imagined. Even if that means running around for the parents sometimes, it's not a bad idea to go a little faster now and then. Size-adjustable models that grow with your child are ideal.

All beginnings are difficult… but soon things progress quickly.

The balance bike – not a new invention at all

When I was a child, like all my friends, I didn't have a balance bike. I'd almost like to say: They didn't exist back then. It wasn't until I became a mother myself that I became aware of these vehicles. In fact, the hype about balance bikes on the European mainland began just a decade earlier, around 1997, when the German product designer Rolf Mertens started revising and selling the "Balance Bike", which had been little marketed up to that point. In doing so, he got his hands on a very old invention, older even than the first bicycle.

Exactly 200 years ago, in 1817, Karl Drais, an inventor from Mannheim, Germany, developed the running machine, also named the draisine after him. He had been carrying the idea of ​​a horseless carriage around with him for several years and initially experimented with four wheels. The draisine, however, gave mankind the achievement of the previously unknown two-wheel principle and is considered the original form of today's bicycle.

Both wheels measured 27 inches, the rider sat on a saddle, put his hands on the handlebars and supported his forearms on a board. Drais had even thought of a kind of luggage rack. The drive worked by alternately pushing the feet off the ground - just like today's push bike. The inventor reached speeds of up to 22 km/h and was therefore three to four times faster than on foot. The simplest model cost 44 guilders and was popular with dukes, counts and generals.

The change from the running machine to the bicycle occurred around 1865 by the Frenchmen Pierre Michaux and Pierre Lallement, who attached pedal cranks to the front wheel. The children's balance bike, which was introduced in 1834, came first. Nevertheless, the bicycle was much more popular at that time. That's why we didn't have one as children. 

My personal favorite is this scooter on the cover. I'd almost get pregnant again for it. Or I'd order it as a custom-made version in a large size and hit the streets like Karl Drais once did.   

Riding a balance bike is simply a great thing. Make the most of the sunshine and have fun!

I hope you enjoyed reading it and that it may have helped you! I look forward to your comments.

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