Kids Bike, Skate, Paddle, Protectives, Scooters & Snow Gear

Most kids can safely learn to ride a bike when they are 3 to 8 years old. By this age, children will have begun to develop the agility, balance, and coordination required to ride safely. Like learning to walk or swim, however, every child progresses at their own pace. Some children can pedal on their own by age 2 or 3, others may not learn to ride until age 10 or 11. Removable training wheels, balance bikes, and low seat heights make the learning process safer and smoother!

It depends on your child’s age, size, how often they’ll ride their bike, and the type of riding they’re doing, but the $100 to $250 price range will find you a quality kids bike. Even with adjustable seats and handlebars, most children will outgrow their bike within a few years, so it’s not a great idea to spend much more than $250 on a kids bike. Bikes for older, larger children (8-11 years) may cost a bit more, but even there you should find a reliable bike for your child under $300 at most.

The answer depends on what you consider expensive. Most children will outgrow their bikes within a few years, so spending $300 or more on a kids bike usually isn’t a good idea, unless your child is interested in competitive road cycling, mountain biking, or another specific discipline. If searching for a kids bike for general use, aim for a price point between $100 and $300, depending on your child’s age and size. There are a wealth of reliable, high-quality models priced in this range.

It’s always better to buy a new bike if you can afford it. Kids bikes aren’t very expensive. You can find new bikes for 2-3 year olds for as little as $100! Purchasing a used bike may save money on the front end, but also might end up costing more in the long run, because you won’t have access to a warranty or customer support and have no guarantee of the bike’s quality and durability. Safety is also a concern, as older used bikes don’t have the same advanced safety features found in modern kids bikes.

There are many ways to teach a child to ride a bike, but no matter your strategy, positive reinforcement, patience, and flexibility should lead the way. Reinforce your child’s successes, let them move at their own pace, and remember that every kid learns differently and may respond to some methods better than others. Above all else, keep the process fun—and know when to take a break—so they don’t get discouraged!

Yes, you can certainly teach a kid to ride a bike without training wheels, and some experts recommend it! Walkers and balance bikes are the perfect way to do this. These foundational bikes let your child become comfortable balancing themselves and moving the bike with their feet planted on the ground, before transitioning to a normal bike. (If teaching a child to ride a bike without training wheels, make sure you also purchase and use kids helmets and protective pads.)

There are many reasons a child won’t learn to ride a bike, but the main one is fear. Riding a bike can seem intimidating at first. The only way to overcome this anxiety in your child is through patience, positive reinforcement, and flexibility. All kids learn at their own pace, and some respond better to certain teaching methods than others.

If your child isn’t responding to a bike with training wheels, for example, maybe try a balance bike instead. Purchasing additional protective gear beyond a helmet or having them spend time in a bike trailer could also improve their level of comfort with riding. The main thing is to keep the learning process fun. If you do that, then eventually, your kid will become as happy on two wheels as they are on two feet!

The best way to measure a bike for a child is by matching wheel diameter and inseam. In short, you should purchase a bike with a wheel diameter that is slightly under or equal to your child’s inseam (their inside leg length, from crotch to foot). For example, if your 5-year-old has an inseam between 18 and 16 inches, search for bikes with 16-inch wheels. Once their inseam is around 20 inches or slightly above, you can move up to the next category and look for bikes with 20-inch wheels.

To make your search easier, our kids bikes aren’t just grouped by wheel size, but by age, as well. We generally recommend 12-inch bikes for 2 to 3-year-olds, 16-inch bikes for 4 to 6-year-olds, 20-inch bikes for 6 to 8-year-olds, and 24-inch bikes for 8 to 11-year-olds.

Our kids bikes are sized and grouped by age and wheel diameter (which should roughly correspond to your child’s inseam). We recommend walker and balance bikes for 1 to 4-year-olds, 12-inch bikes for 2 to 3-year-olds, 16-inch bikes for 4 to 6-year-olds, 20-inch bikes for 6 to 8-year-olds, and 24-inch bikes for 8 to 11-year-olds

The easiest way to know if a bike is too small for your child is the “standing test.” When your child stands over their bike with their feet flat on the ground, there should be at least 1-2 inches of space between their groin and the top tube of the bike frame. If not, their bike is too small. Another sign that a bike is too small for your child is if their knees are heavily bent on the pedals even when at the bottom of their rotation, or if their elbows are heavily bent on the handlebars when riding.

Whether or not your child’s bike should have multiple gears (or “speeds”) depends on their age and level of riding experience. Experts don’t recommend gears until your child is at least 6-8 years old and riding a 20-inch bike, and even then, gears aren’t necessary. Even many adults ride single speed bikes for comfort, convenience, and ease of maintenance. But if your child is looking to ride longer distances or up steep inclines, then upgrading to a bike with multiple gears may be a good choice!

Both coaster brakes and hand brakes have pros and cons. Coaster brakes are simpler to engage and easier to maintain than hand brakes, so they’re often recommended for younger riders. However, hand brakes offer more control and reliable stopping power. So the best solution for practicing riders is to use a bike that offers both! Our smallest kids bikes with hand brakes are our Koda Plus 16” and Beaumont Mini 16”, both of which feature a rear coaster brake in addition to a front hand brake. The best of both worlds!

A front suspension is usually not needed for a kids bike. Suspension forks significantly increase the cost of a bicycle, and the wide, shock-absorbing tires found on high-quality kids bikes will do more than enough to reduce minor bumps and dips. The only exception is if your child is interested in mountain biking or regularly riding offroad.

The difference between a single-speed and a multi-speed bike is the gears. Single-speed bicycles have only one gear setting and pedaling speed. Multi-speed bicycles have three or more, meaning you can adjust the pedaling difficulty to match terrain. For example, you can shift to a lower gear to climb hills more easily, or a higher gear to cover more terrain per pedal rotation, going faster on flat ground.

Single-speed and multi-speed bikes both have pros and cons. Single-speed bikes are easier to maintain, lighter, and cheaper, but have no gear range and can be difficult to ride uphill. Multi-speed bikes are more versatile and easier to ride for different fitness levels, but are also more complex, heavier, expensive, and maintenance-intensive.

A balance bike is a kids bike designed to help young riders learn how to balance on two wheels before they progress to a pedal bike. Unlike a regular bike, it doesn't have pedals. Instead, young riders propel themselves forward by pushing their feet on the ground. Balance bikes teach balance and coordination, build confidence, and can make the transition to pedal bikes easier, compared to riders who only use training wheels.

Balance bikes are designed for children between the ages of 18 months and 4 years old, though we also offer smaller models, known as “baby walkers,” for children 12 to 24 months old.

Most kids learn to ride a pedal bike between the ages of 3 and 8, depending on coordination, interest level, and practice. Some kids are riding a pedal bike without training wheels by age 3, for others the training wheels don’t come off until years later. One good indicator is your child’s performance on a balance bike. If they show good coordination and balance on a balance bike, then they may be ready for a traditional pedal bike.

On average, most parents find children aged 1 to 4 years riding tricycles or balance bikes, with some moving to a pedal bike with training wheels as early as 2 to 3 years or on the later end between the ages of 4 and 6. By age 6 to 8, most children have taken off the training wheels and are ready for more advanced riding on a lightweight bike.

Cycling is a fantastic activity for kids that offers a wide range of benefits. The primary benefit of riding a bicycle is improved physical fitness. It strengthens the legs, heart, and lungs and improves coordination and balance.

Cycling is also good for a child’s mental health and socialization. Time outside on a bike can reduce stress and improve mood, boost self-confidence and independence, and encourage kids to meet new friends. Finally, a bicycle is an eco-friendly mode of transportation that doesn’t produce any carbon emissions. By cycling, kids can learn about the importance of protecting the environment.

There are several ways to store your kid's bike, depending on the space you have available and how often they use it. Popular options include wall-mounted hooks or vertical racks, freestanding bike stands, ceiling-mounted hoists or pulleys, or a dedicated bike storage shed. If you're really tight on space, you might consider getting a folding or collapsible bike. These bikes can be easily folded up and stored in a closet, or even under a bed, so they’re a great choice for those living in small apartments.

Remember, if you're storing a bike outside, be sure to lock it up with a bike lock to prevent theft, and if the bike is exposed to the elements, you may want to cover it with a bike cover to protect it from rain, sun, and snow.

There are many places where you can take your child to ride their bike safely, including sidewalks, city parks, multi-use trails, greenways, schoolyards, and empty parking lots. Make sure your child wears a properly fitted bike helmet every time they ride, and teach them about traffic safety rules, such as stopping at stop signs and red lights and yielding to pedestrians. Always ride with your child until they are comfortable riding on their own, and let them know that it's okay to walk their bike on terrain where they don't feel safe riding.

There are many ways to make cycling more fun for kids. You can set fun end-of-ride destinations like playgrounds or ice cream shops, decorate bikes together for personalization, pack snacks, and celebrate with rewards after rides. You can also create mini-adventures involving bike rides, like scavenger hunts or obstacle courses.

Avoid riding on the same routes, too. You want to keep things fresh by exploring new trails and upgrading your child’s bike as they grow. Most importantly, show your own cycling enthusiasm when you ride! If your child sees you having run on two wheels, they’re far more likely to enjoy it themselves.

It’s not always easy to encourage kids to wear a bike helmet, but it’s extremely important. You can make them feel more excited about wearing their helmet by letting them choose the color, and lead by example (always wear yours too).

If they have questions, be sure to explain how helmets protect their brain. Praise their helmet use, but above all else, be firm. No helmet = no ride. Make them understand that it’s simply a basic requirement when riding a bike, just like wearing pants or shoes when you go outside!

When teaching road safety to kids, it helps to start simple. Focus on basics like holding hands near roads and stopping at crossings. It’s also good to make the learning process fun. Sing songs, play games, read stories about road safety, and use catchy phrases like “Stop, Look, Listen, Think” before crossing or “Look Left, Right, Left Again.”

Above all else, be a good role model. Always follow pedestrian rules yourself and wear a helmet when cycling. If your kids see you practicing safe cycling, they’ll be encouraged to do so as well.

Proper storage is the best way to keep your bikes in good condition. Keep them dry and store them indoors if possible. Always hang a bike up or use a stand, as opposed to laying it on the ground.

Also, be sure to clean your bikes regularly, washing away visible dirt and grime after a ride to prevent rust, and lubricate the chain monthly to prevent undue wear and tear. Finally, before each ride perform a quick check of basic components, like the bike’s tire pressure, treads, brakes, and chain.

There's no strict age limit for skateboarding. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children under five years old do not skateboard. Children between 6 and 10 can start skateboarding, but they should be closely supervised by an adult and wear appropriate protective gear. (The same AAP report notes that ⅓ of all skateboarding injuries occur within the first week of learning the sport.) Older children and teenagers can skateboard independently, but should still prioritize safety.

Skateboards have two primary dimensions, width and length. Length is less of a concern when sizing a skateboard, but most boards come between 28 and 33 inches long. Slightly shorter boards are usually better for younger skaters, but it’s not extremely important. (Our Alameda sits right in the middle, at 31 inches long).

Width is more important. Wider decks provide better stability (think pool skating or ramps) while narrower decks are better for pulling tricks and controlling the board. For a traditional starting skateboard for kids, look for a deck width between 7 and 8 inches. Over 8 inches would be ideal for a cruiser, pool, ramp, or transition board.

If you’re looking for an extremely portable board for your child to simply ride around town—and tricks aren’t a consideration—consider a mini-cruiser (“Penny”) like Quip. This board is a mere 6 inches wide and 22.5 inches long but supports up to 220 pounds, making it a solid cruiser for all ages, heights, and weights.

Kids skateboard pads should be snug but comfortable. The pads should not restrict movement but should stay firmly in place when the child moves around and not slide down the forearms or shin, with the EVA foam padding positioned directly over the joints (knee, elbow, wrist). Remember to purchase the proper pads for your child’s age—our pads come in three sizes, for kids aged 3-9, 10-14, and 14+.

Yes, kids can use a bike helmet for skating. Bike helmets are designed to protect the head from impact, which is the primary concern for both cycling and skateboarding. While there are specific helmets designed for skateboarding, and some of our helmet models—like Dakota—are designed with a “skater” style in mind, any high-quality bicycle helmet will provide reliable protection for skateboarding.

Skateboard safely by following these tips:

• Always wear a helmet and consider additional protective gear like wrist guards, elbow pads, and knee pads.Skate in designated areas like skateparks or areas free from traffic and pedestrians.
• Learn proper technique and practice falling safely to minimize injuries.
• Regularly inspect your skateboard for loose or damaged parts and ensure it's in good working condition.

Children as young as two can learn the basics of paddle boarding! If your child can sit up on their own, then they can hang out on the front of your adult paddle board as you paddle—and maybe even practice a bit of paddling themselves.

Just make sure you do this in a safe, controlled environment on flat water, without strong currents, stay within arm's reach of your child at all times, and ensure they’re wearing a properly sized and fitted life jacket. Generally between ages five and six, a child will be able to graduate to their own board, like our Weekender Nano.

The best paddle board for kids should be around eight feet long and 28 to 30 inches wide. A light overall weight is important so your child can carry their board to and from the water. Easy grab handles help with this, too. Textured deck pads, which boost grip, are a key feature, as is a durable, puncture-resistant construction (PVC is a good choice). Also, look for included accessories like bungee cord storage space, a leash, a pump, an adjustable paddle, and a carry backpack.

The best kids paddle boards are around eight feet long. This length offers the perfect blend of maneuverability, stability, and performance for most children. Children younger than age five or six are usually best off riding on the front of an adult’s board, while most teenagers will be best on an adult board, like our 10’6” Weekender.

Certainly! Anyone can paddle board in the ocean with the right experience and gear. However, ocean paddle boarding is much more difficult than flatwater paddling. Waves and currents make it harder to maintain balance, keep a steady course, and make headway.

If you have an ocean paddle boarding trip planned, give yourself and your child time to practice in a sheltered, calm body of water—such as a marina or inlet—before heading out into the open ocean. Don’t forget to use a leash and wear a life jacket!

An inflatable paddle board is much better for kids than a solid (or “hard”) paddle board. Inflatable boards are softer and more forgiving, making them safer in case of falls. They’re also lighter and easier for children to carry and maneuver, and much more durable—resistant to dings, scrapes, punctures, and other damage.

Yes, of course! Even the smallest of children can hang out on the front of an adult paddle board while you paddle around. However, it’s recommended that your child be at least two years old and able to sit up on their own. Be sure they are wearing a properly sized and fitted personal floatation device (PFD) and that you’re paddling in a calm, controlled body of water without wind, waves, or strong currents.

Start by practicing on land (without fins on the board!) to familiarize your child with the board and paddle. Find a calm, shallow area of water to practice climbing on and off the board and paddling while kneeling. Once your child is comfortable kneeling, help them stand up slowly, keeping their knees bent and focusing on balance. Offer positive encouragement and gradually increase the duration and distance of paddling sessions.

Kids scooters can be a great way for children to get exercise, develop fine motor skills, and have fun outdoors. Always supervise young children while they are scooting, and make sure they wear a properly fitted helmet for safety. Choose safe areas away from traffic and pedestrians, and consider a three-wheeled scooter for young children who may not have the balance to operate a traditional two-wheeled scooter.

Choosing the right scooter for a child involves considering their age, height, and skill level. For younger children, a three-wheeled scooter with a wide base offers more stability and helps them develop balance. As they grow older and more confident, a two-wheeled scooter can be a good option. Regardless, handlebar height should be adjustable to accommodate their growth spurts. Accessories like the light-up wheels on our Chipmunk Plus can also help by increasing visibility (and fun!)

The speed a kid can reach on a push scooter depends on several factors, including their age, type of scooter, and terrain. Scooters are not designed to be ridden at high speeds and are usually ridden at a few miles per hour. Three-wheeled scooters have slower speeds and increased stability. Two-wheeled scooters can potentially go faster, especially downhill. Always prioritize safety and encourage children to ride at a speed they can control comfortably.

A scooter should fit a child so that they can comfortably stand with both feet on the deck while slightly bending their knees. The handlebars should be at a height where the child can easily grip them without having to hunch or reach upwards. Ideally, elbows should be slightly bent, with handlebars set mid-chest.

Choosing ski goggles for kids involves considering fit, lens type, and comfort. First, ensure the goggles fit snugly on your child's face without gaps to prevent snow and wind from entering. The goggles should also be compatible with their ski helmet.

Second, consider lens type. 100% UV protection is a must, and anti-scratch and anti-fog coating will also pay dividends. Spherical lens styles are also ideal, since they maximize peripheral vision, reduce glare, and provide increased space between the child’s face and the lenses, reducing fogging.

Third, prioritize comfort. The multi-layer foam padding on our kids snow goggles boosts comfort and minimizes fogging. Last but not least, make sure your kid actually likes the goggles! Our kids snow goggles come in a variety of unique color schemes. Models like Dipper Plus actually feature a magnetic lens that can be easily interchanged, so your child can switch between colored lenses in a snap.

Yes, snow goggles are an essential part of skiing, snowboarding, and other snow sports. They don’t just reduce glare, making it easier to see where you’re going. They also protect the eyes from wind, snow, and harsh sunlight, and can protect the face from injury in the event of an accident.

In general, there is no difference between ski and snowboard goggles. These goggles are designed to protect your eyes from snow, wind, and sunlight reflecting off the snow, and all of these factors are in play on the slopes, regardless of whether you’re riding a snowboard or skis.

Kids bike trailers are extremely safe if designed well and used properly. Ultimately, the safety of a kids bike trailer comes down to the adult rider who is towing the trailer, but per the American Academy of Pediatrics, bike trailers are much safer than placing a young child in a bike seat.

Our Rover Kids Bike Trailer features a padded 5-point seat belt harness, reflective fabric, built-in safety reflectors, sturdy steel components, and a high visibility flag, as well as robust 16” wheels and front and side shields to protect kids from wind, rain, and bugs.

It’s certainly harder than riding a bike normally, but pulling a kids bike trailer is nothing to be afraid of. Expect added resistance when getting started and when climbing hills, but on relatively flat terrain, you shouldn’t have a problem!

Start with shorter rides on flat terrain to get used to the feeling of pulling the trailer. Be sure to shift to lower gears when starting, stopping, or climbing hills. In addition, you’ll need to leave added stopping distance when towing a trailer, and be extra cautious when turning or maneuvering in tight spaces. If you’re concerned about the added weight of a trailer behind your bike, look into an electric bicycle, which can do the work for you!

Children should be at least one year old to be towed in a bike trailer, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. By this age, they should be able to sit well unsupported and have a neck strong enough to support a lightweight helmet. Be sure the helmet you purchase adheres to U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards.

Helmet laws for children vary state by state, but regardless, children should always wear a bike helmet when riding in a bike trailer. Even with careful riding, accidents can happen. A helmet can protect against head injuries in case of a fall, collision, or rollover. Wearing a helmet in the trailer also helps children establish a habit of wearing a helmet whenever they're on wheels, promoting lifelong safety.

No, you should not place a carseat in a bike trailer. Kids bike trailers have built-in harnesses, so there is no need to add a seat, and doing so could increase the risk of an accident. Our Rover Kids Bike Trailer has an integrated five-point padded harness to keep your child secure and comfortable during rides.

This varies from product to product, but our Rover Kids Bike Trailer can hold either 40 pounds (single trailer) or 80 pounds (double trailer).

Both training wheels and balance bikes help young riders build confidence, but they teach very different skills and suit different ages. Here's how they compare:

• Balance bikes (ages 18 months to 4 years) skip pedals entirely and let kids push themselves forward with their feet. Because they're always in contact with the ground, they naturally develop balance and steering on their own terms. Kids who learn on balance bikes typically transition to pedal bikes faster and with less frustration, often skipping training wheels altogether.
• Training wheels (ages 2 and up, typically on 12" pedal bikes) prop the bike upright and let kids focus on pedaling and steering first. The trade-off is that they can slow down the development of true balance, since the wheels prevent the leaning and self-correction that builds real riding instincts.

For toddlers just getting started, retrospec makes it easy to find the right fit at every stage. The Cub 2 Kids Balance Bike (18 months to 4 years) is a great first ride, with a low step-through frame starting at just 11" seat height, air-free foam tires that need zero maintenance, and a narrow design that even the smallest riders can straddle comfortably. The Cub Plus 12" Kids Balance Bike is an upgrade for riders who are ready for more, adding air-filled tires for a smoother ride and a rear hand brake that starts teaching stopping technique early. When they're ready to pedal, the Koda 12" Kids Bike comes with removable training wheels, a low 15.5" minimum seat height, and V-brakes with reach-adjustable levers sized for small hands. For more on which path is right for your child, the retrospec guide to kids bikes vs balance bikes walks through every consideration.

retrospec offers a variety of bike options for your growing child. Here's how the lineup maps to each stage:

• Cub Plus 12" Balance Bike (18 months to 4 years) — rust-resistant aluminum frame, wide air-filled tires, adjustable seat from 11.5" to 15.25", and a rear hand brake sized for little hands. Lightweight and easy to carry.
• Koda Plus 16" Kids Bike (ages 4 to 6) — lightweight aluminum frame at just 17.5 lbs, adjustable seat from 19" to 24", EasySafe front and rear V-brakes with tool-free reach adjustment, and removable training wheels so they can progress at their own pace.
• Koda Plus 20" Kids Bike (ages 6 to 8) — aluminum frame with rust-free components, adjustable seat from 21.9", internal cable routing, and EasySafe V-brakes that keep getting easier to use as their hands get stronger.
• Dart 24" Kids Bike 7-Speed (ages 8 to 11) — Shimano Revoshift twist-grip 7-speed gearing, adjustable seat from 23.5" to 29", and V-brakes that give older riders more stopping control on longer rides. A natural step toward adult-style cycling.

All models ship free and are priced under $300. For help matching your child to the right size at every stage, the retrospec kids bike size guide is the easiest place to start.

Safety and durability are built into every retrospec kids bike from the ground up, with lightweight frames that are easy to control, brake levers sized for small hands, and materials that hold up to real-world riding. Here are the top picks at every age:

• Cub Plus 12" Balance Bike (18 months to 4 years) — rust-resistant aluminum frame, a rear V-brake with reach-adjustable lever sized for little hands, wide air-filled tires for grip and stability, and a low step-through frame that makes mounting and dismounting safe and simple.
• Koda Plus 16" Kids Bike (ages 4 to 6) — EasySafe front and rear V-brakes with tool-free reach adjustment and fully aluminum brake levers, plus a rear coaster brake so kids have two ways to stop. At 17.5 lbs, it's light enough for young riders to feel in control.
• Koda Plus 20" Kids Bike (ages 6 to 8) — aluminum frame with rust-free components and internal cable routing that keeps brake lines protected and out of the way. EasySafe V-brakes with aluminum levers and tool-free reach adjustment give confident stopping power as rides get longer.
• Dart Plus 24" Kids Bike (ages 8 to 11) — the most trail-ready option in the lineup, with a lightweight aluminum frame, front suspension fork, and front and rear mechanical disc brakes that give reliable stopping power on dirt, gravel, and pavement alike.

Every retrospec kids bike arrives mostly assembled. For a full breakdown of what to look for at each stage, the retrospec guide to the best kids bikes for learning to ride covers everything from brakes to bike size in plain language.