Balance-to-pedal bikes: Karen Wood explains why taking the pedals off a standard bike is not the answer.
Learning to ride a bike allows children to gain confidence, enjoy the outdoors, and feel independent and a fun way to exercise. A balance bike is a two-wheeled bike without chain, drivetrain and pedals. The rider walks the bike along and develops the balancing skill needed to move onto a pedal bike. With feet flat on the floor, as the bike leans to one side, the rider instinctively shifts it back to an upright position, and balance is learnt through feel. These bikes are now widely considered the safest and easiest way for children to learn to ride a bike, but they have not been available for older riders.
Now balance bikes are available for older children, which can be converted to lightweight pedal bikes. This two-in-one approach allows the rider to try pedalling when they are ready, all on the same bike, and quickly revert to balance mode again if required. Using the same frame is helpful for riders who need familiarity, and this approach breaks the steps down into bitesize steps, making it easier to learn to ride.
Starting in balance bike mode, with a footrest, the rider holds the bars and shuffles the bike along, getting used to handlebar brakes, but always being able to stop with their feet if they need to. This approach works well for children with mild cerebral palsy too. As confidence grows, balance improves, and a love for their bike develops. When the rider reaches the stage where they can control the bike with their feet off the ground, it’s time to bolt on the pedal kit. A three-minute conversion, done by parents at home, transforms the same frame into a pedal bike. With a good range of adjustability in the seat height, the seat can still be kept low, so they can revert to stopping with feet if needed. It’s all about little steps to gaining confidence, and as the process is intuitive, there isn’t too much to concentrate on at once, which is vital for children with learning difficulties.
Convertible balance-to-pedal bikes can be handed down to siblings to learn on, because they are regular-looking bikes. They’re just redesigned to open up the world of cycling to children who may previously have been told they wouldn’t ever be able to ride a bike.
Author: Karen Wood
Karen Wood
Karen Wood is the co-founder of Kidvelo Bikes, a specialist balance bike company that manufactures learn-to-ride bikes for children aged 18 months to 8 years old.
Website: https://kidvelobikes.co.uk
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