Children's Bike Sizes

There are standard guidelines for children’s bike sizes, based on an average child at a particular age. Children’s bike sizes are usually judged by the size of their wheels.

Beware of buying bicycles that are too big for children “to grow into”. If the bicycle is too big, the child will not be able to reach the brakes, turn the handlebars or reach the floor properly, which makes the bike difficult to control and therefore unsafe. If they fall off, they may also sustain injuries by hitting the crossbar of a bike. These incidents can put children off cycling for a long time. Bicycles that are too small are very difficult to ride and the child’s knees may interfere with their ability to turn the handlebars.

When buying a bicycle for children, you need to think about whether you are intending to buy them a proper bicycle or a toy. Many cheaper bikes, particularly those with cartoon-style branding or similar, are more like toys than proper bicycles – fine for playing but not often suitable for longer rides. The bikes are often very heavy, do not operate smoothly and may break easily when ridden hard. Children may find it difficult and exhausting to ride them over longer periods.