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balance bike

Running bikes for toddlers: fun and motor skills in one!

Cycling on a running bike is not only fun, but also promotes the motor skills of a toddler. It supports the development of the sense of balance and also offers a lot of other advantages. Whether wooden running wheels, metal running wheels or children's running wheels made of plastic - the market has many great children's running wheel solutions ready for every taste, every demand and every budget.

Children's vehicles for every age

Many adults certainly like to think back to their childhood when they explored the streets of the neighbourhood or made the backyard "unsafe" with their own running bike. A running bike expands the "action radius" of children in the long term and encourages the dear little ones' urge to discover. Experiencing the world in this playful way and being active is healthy, strengthens the personality and also has a positive effect on self-confidence. positive effect on self-confidence. So there are many good reasons to make children happy with a running bike.

When buying a running bike for toddlers, the size is the most important factor. Regardless of whether it is 8, 10 or 12 inches, it is essential that the child's stride length matches the height of the saddle. If the saddle is too high, a corresponding adjustment must be made - or you can opt for a smaller children's bike. The handlebars must also be adjusted so that your child can sit or stand upright when using his or her running bike.

For children between the ages of one and four, running bikes are generally advantageous. However, there are only a few scooters in this product category that can adequately serve this large age range. It is therefore essential to buy a running bike that suits the child's age.

The ideal saddle height

- For children aged one to one and a half years, a saddle height of 19 to 24 cm is recommended.

- For two-year-olds, it is best to adjust the saddle to about 24 to 30 cm.

- Three-year-olds ride best on a running bike with a saddle height of 30 to 36 cm.

- For four-year-olds, a saddle height of 36 to 43 cm makes sense.

How should children sit on a running bike?

To ensure that your child enjoys his new running bike from the start, you should make sure that he can stand with his feet firmly on the ground while sitting on the saddle. This way, it will be able to move safely step by step while maintaining full control of its bike. If you find that your child is too unsteady and keeps getting off balance, a tricycle or a four-wheeled children's bike may be useful. Depending on the model, both variants can be converted later so that one or two wheels can be removed. This turns the tricycle into a two-wheeler for children. Puky and other renowned brands have a wide range of child-friendly products in this category.

The lighter a children's bike is, the better. Nevertheless, the low dead weight should not be at the expense of stability. Especially with regard to the safety-relevant components of a children's bike, it is important not to make any compromises just to save money. Children feel comfortable on a lightweight running bike because they can usually move effortlessly and keep their balance easily. This provides safety and at the same time encourages a sense of adventure.

Are brakes recommended on a running wheel?

A wooden running bike is characterised per se by the fact that children can move forwards and backwards with their running bike just by moving their legs and feet and can also brake accordingly. Children between one and three years of age are usually not yet able to operate a brake independently by hand while riding. Only when they have reached an appropriate age - usually around pre-school age - will they be able to operate a brake and have fun doing so. Walking bikes with brakes and pedals offer older toddlers more safety overall and also prepare them slowly for their first "real" bike. Bicycles for one-year-olds are usually equipped with eight-inch wheels, while other models have 10-inch tyres. However, the most common sizes are wheels with 12 or 14 inch tyres.

Are pneumatic or solid rubber tyres better?

Puky Wheels made of wood, metal or plastic that are intended for the "very little ones" usually have solid rubber tyres. They offer the highest stability and are particularly low-maintenance. However, in some models they also increase the dead weight of the wheel. This could make the child feel insecure, especially in the early days. Compared to solid rubber wheels, pneumatic tyres have excellent rolling characteristics. They also absorb shocks well. There is a huge selection of running bikes with pneumatic tyres, especially for older children.