PARENTS: BALANCE BIKE OR TRAINING WHEELS?
As we head into summer, learning to ride a bicycle becomes a hot topic for parents. Families will frequently ask what type of bicycle they should encourage their child to use when introducing this new and exciting skill. So let’s break this skill down to the basics in the hopes of helping guide your choice!
There are two main avenues a child may take when learning to ride a bike. The first is to start on a pedal-less style bike, also called a “balance bike”. The other choice is the standard bicycle with training wheels.
Let’s start with the first option parents have available: the balance bike. This cycling choice is great for children to establish balance while on two wheels. It allows children to be largely independent once they get the hang of it, and they can often go for longer distance walks with this type of bike. They learn the coordination of steering and staying upright which is a strong beginner skill for cycling. The safety of this type of bike is advantageous as the child’s feet are on the ground in an instant.
These benefits all sound quite encouraging, but there is one skill that this type of early cycling seems to lack - the coordination of pedaling Although seemingly a simple skill, so many families have expressed frustration that their child is not able to ride a pedal bike at an appropriate age because they simply cannot coordinate pedaling with the rest of the skill., This may end with the child resorting back to the easier mode of cycling, the balance bike.
Let’s move onto the bicycle with training wheels. This is certainly an easy way for children to master the skills of pedaling and braking, both of which mimic bicycle riding significantly more than the balance bike. There is still an excellent opportunity to learn steering with this type of cycling, and children are mostly independent with this once comfortable with the basics.
One downside to utilizing training wheels is the lack of actual balance training on only two wheels. Some children will rely on this assistance for a long time because it is simple for them to manage, very similar to those who prefer the balance bike. There is also the inconvenience of getting a training wheel stuck in a dip in the road and not being able to move past this without assistance. So, once again, not a perfect choice either.
As a physiotherapist who works with children, my answer to this question is always to offer both experiences when a child is learning to ride! Both the balance bike, as well as a bicycle with training wheels offer the opportunity for the child to put together parts of the whole. Instead of sticking in one lane, I strongly encourage families to explore both options if it is possible. The balancing can be established separate from the peddling, and the skills can be put together in a much more efficient pattern.
There is never an absolutely right or wrong answer when it comes to questions about children. The entire social dynamic needs to be considered, as well as the specific needs and wants of the child. But, if a family ever asks me this question, this is usually what I will suggest. Happy riding!
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