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At the age of four, your child should be running, jumping, balancing, climbing, and kicking balls with an INSANE amount of energy. This is such a fun time for kids to explore the world around them while learning new skills. I have noticed that many kids start showing more interest in riding bikes around the age of 4 but do not quite have the ability to ride a pedaled bike yet. This makes a balance bike perfect for your active four-year-old who is eager to learn. Luckily, selecting the best balance bike for 4 year old kids is fairly simple, as this is the prime age that balance bikes are made for!
If you are familiar with Balance Bikes HQ, you will know that we advocate for balance bikes that are lightweight and have air-filled tires and footrests to help with learning to ride a pedaled bike. While we believe the air-filled tires and pedals are less important for younger kids, at 4 years old these features will be helpful in transitioning your child to pedal bikes in the next year or so.
Considering that balance bikes for a four-year-old will only get 1-1.5 years of use (unless you plan to hand it down to a younger brother or sister), our list is geared toward more affordable options. However, all of our bikes in our list of best bikes for 4 year olds still have excellent ratings for quality and use. Because 4 year olds are close to riding pedaled bikes, it is important to select a balance bike that will be fun and engaging, in addition to preparing them for moving up to pedals.
Best Balance Bikes For 4 Year Old
1. Kazam v2s No Pedal Balance Bike
Specifications:
- Bike Type: Balance Bike
- Age Range: 2-3 years
- Brand: KaZAM
- Color: Metallic Bright Blue
- Wheel Size: 12 Inches
- Frame Material: Steel
- Size: 12-Inch
Kazam v2s balance bike is the best balance bike for 4 year old kids in addition to our best overall balance bike. Because it is the ideal balance between affordability, quality construction, and fun. It has all the features we love to see in a balance bike for 4 year olds and comes in a variety of different colors.
The weight and balance of the Kazam v2s is perfect for kids aged 3-5. Kazam was one of the first to have the in-step footrest, and their unique design is the best we have seen.
Kazam makes the v2e model that has a foam-tired balance bike with the same frame and at a slightly lower price. But we strongly recommend getting air-filled tires, particularly for 4 year olds. You (and your child) will love the ability to take your bike over bumps and have a smoother ride with the air-filled tires. And at prices less than $100 (at the time of the most recent update), it is the best bargain out there.
Best Features:
- Ultra-lightweight balance bike
- Easy to assemble
- Fully adjustable seat
- In-step footrest
- Air-filled tires
- Perfect for 4 year olds
2. Strider – 12 Sport Balance Bike, Ages 18 Months to 5 Years, Blue
Specifications:
- Bike Type: Balance Bike
- Age Range: Toddler
- Brand: Strider
- Wheel Size: 12 Inches
- Frame Material: Steel
- Brake Style: Coaster
Are you planning to get a new balance bike and wanted to make sure that you can use it for a long time? The Strider Sport Balance Bike is suitable for use for kids from 18 months up to 5 years old. This is because it is designed to have an adjustable seat that can accommodate kids as they grow older. Its standard seat is recommended for kids between 18 to 36 months. However, for those that are a bit older, the Strider Sports Balance bike also includes a bigger seat post to extend its usage time until 60 months.
Putting all together the parts of the bike for the first time is also easy; it would only take a few minutes to have it ready for your toddlers. It’s made of lightweight aluminum which makes it easy for the kids to maneuver around. It also has a footrest that promotes better balance as the kids learn to control their balance riding the bike. Strider bikes also come with a 2 year warranty. And with its sturdy design, parents can definitely use this bike for a long time and even pass it on to their next child as the older one learns how to ride the real bike.
Best Features:
- Ultra lightweight balance bike
- Easy to assemble
- Fully adjustable seat
- Can be used from 18 to 60 months
3. Critical Cycles Cub Balance Bike
Specifications:
- Bike Type: Balance Bike
- Age Range: Toddler
- Brand: Retrospec
- Color: Blippi
- Frame Material: Steel
- Suspension Type: Rigid
- Special Feature: Lightweight
- Size: One Size
If you are on a tight budget but still want to get an amazing balance bike for your 4 year old, check out the offerings from Critical Cycles. The only drawback to the Cub balance bike is that it only comes with foam tires. However, at under $60 it is definitely worth considering.
In addition to the great value of the Critical Cycles balance bikes, they also have a footrest that works great for 4 year olds interested in riding pedaled bikes. But the kids will love that they come in a variety of fun and two-toned color selections.
Best Features:
- Best value in balance bikes
- Footrests
- Excellent quality frame
- Great color selections
4. ENKEOO Sport Balance Bike
Specifications:
- Dimension:
- Weight:
- Manufacturer:
- Language:
- Warranty:
The ENKEOO is an affordable balance bike with great features for 4 year olds. It has air-filled tires and a footrest to help prepare for pedaled bikes. Also, its hand brake helps kids stay in control and also practice for more advanced riding. It also comes with a bell and padded handlebar! We do love balance bike accessories.
Best Features:
- Great frame and tires
- Comfortable seat
- Hand brake
- Fun colors
- Affordable price
5. Diggin Active Skuut Wooden Balance Bike
Specifications:
- Bike Type: Balance Bike
- Brand: Diggin
- Wheel Size: 12 Inches
- Special Feature: Training Wheel
- Included Components: Training Wheel
Looking for a balance bike that your kids would really like? Look no more as the Diggin Active Skuut Wooden Balance Bike is definitely one of the best designed balance bikes that also offer big help as your child prepares to transition from balance bikes to real ones. It teaches your child coordination and steering skills other than learning how to balance properly. This lightweight balance bike is made of 85% birch wood; it doesn’t have any other materials that may be harmful to the kids as they ride along. On the other hand, making sure that the bike is also safe to use for the kid and the environment is very important. This is why the Diggin Active Skuut Wooden Balance Bike is made with non-toxic materials.
The bike weighs around 10 pounds which also makes it a lightweight bike. It also has a rubber tire that is great for absorbing shock well. And since it features Spoke-less wheels, it helps prevent getting accidents such as your child’s feet, or legs from getting caught or it being trapped. Jackknifing and oversteering is something that we all wanted to avoid; this particular balance bike features a steering limiter to prevent it from happening.
Best Features:
- Wooden Frame & handlebars
- Adjustable leather seats
- Spoke-less Wheels
- Made of Rubber tires
- Steering Limiter
6. XJD Kids Balance Bike Beginner Toddler Bike
Specifications:
- Bike Type: Balance Bike
- Age Range: 18 Months to 5 Years Old Kids
- Brand: XJD
- Color: Black
- Wheel Size: 12 Inches
- Frame Material: Alloy Steel
- Included Components: Training Wheel
- Brake Style: U Brake
- Specific Uses For Product: Trail
If your 4 year old is an adrenaline junky in the making, you may want to explore the XJD 12-inch Balance Bike. If you or your child is interested in off-road or trail riding with their balance bike then this may be the best balance bike for 4 year old kids on the extreme end of the spectrum. But the beefy tires and well-constructed frame can come at a cost.
The one word to describe the XJD 12 is awesome. It looks cool and rides great. The oversized tires make short work of road and trail debris. The quality construction ensures that it will withstand the rough riding that it was built for.
Although the XJD does not have the footrests we like, they may not be necessary. If your child is the type that would push their balance bike to the extreme, their feet will likely not need the footrest. Their feet will be busy doing tricks and going over obstacles.
Best Features:
- Oversized tires
- Heavy-duty but lightweight construction
- Looks like a mountain bike
- Handles rough terrain
7. Janod Mint Scooter
Specifications:
- Bike Type: Balance Bike
- Age Range: 36 months to 60 months
- Brand: Janod
- Number of Speeds: 1
- Color: Mint
- Frame Material: Wood
- Suspension Type: Rigid
- Special Feature: No pedal
If you wanted something unique yet still a great help for your toddler’s kind of balance bike then the Janod Mint Scooter might be the best balance bike for 4 years old. It’s a wooden bike with a retro design that comes in mint color which makes it great for both girls and boys although it would really look adorable for most girls of its overall design. Its seat can be adjusted from 32 cm to 36.6 cm, making it ideal for kids ages 2 to 5 years old. Balance bikes promote the skills of toddlers when it comes to balancing without pedaling first, preparing them to be equipped with the right skill for real bikes.
The tires of the Janod Mint Scooter are made of inflatable tires. Aside from this, your kid would really look cool riding the bike as it comes with pretend lights and a detailed tachometer. This gives them a better feel of their balance bike and at the same time build confidence when riding them.
Best Features:
- Retro style
- Made of Birch Wood material
- Fully adjustable seat
- Designed in France
Final Words
When looking for a balance bike, you will be given a lot of brands and models to choose from. There are times that it would be hard to choose the best one but you will definitely get it provided you know what to look out for. A lightweight balance bike would be a great start.
Consider the design as well as the comfort that it can provide your kids as well. knowing how adjustments and assembly are done will also tell you if they are easy to use while making sure that you will be able to use them for a long time would be a bonus.
