Balance bikes are a great way to introduce your child to the world of bicycling. They’re also perfect for toddlers who have outgrown their tricycles. Children learn to balance and coordination while they ride a bike. The only problem is, some kids need some help getting started with this new form of transportation. That’s where training wheels come in!
Here are some tips for putting training wheels on a balance bike, as well as other helpful info on how to use them.
What is a balance bike?
Balance bikes are bikes with a seat and handlebar instead of wheels. The pedaling motion of riding a bike on the pavement and roads becomes the opposite when kids learn to ride on a balance bike. Because pedaling is now the opposite motion, they’ll need to be taught balance first.
Once they master balance, they’ll be ready to ride on wheels. How Do I Turn My Child’s Old Tricycle into a Balance Bike? Simply put, you’ll need to take your bike apart, and work on making it suitable for a balance bike.
There are a couple of options: Most adults will be able to take apart and clean an old tricycle. Make sure the pedals have been removed before you start, so they can be removed and exchanged. If they haven’t, give your child a step stool and gently pull off the pedals.
Why use training wheels on a balance bike?
If your child is ready for a balance bike, she can start learning and mastering the art of balance and control while navigating a regular bicycle. This training takes time and practice, but your child will be excited to ride a bike at least once she’s mastered the skill!
Before using a balance bike, make sure your child can safely stand and walk (on flat surfaces) without holding on to anything. This way, when she is using the bike, she will have an advantage over her friends when it comes to balance.
How do I put training wheels on a balance bike? These little wheels are attached to a frame that is wider than a regular bicycle. Your child should hold onto the bike seat, so it doesn’t tip over. Since this is a learning process, adjust the training wheels to the right height.
How to put training wheels on a balance bike
Ride the bike backward, with the child seated on the seat and the handlebars. Take your child’s feet off the pedals and place them on the ground. Use your hands to guide the bike backward, so the child can sit down and balance. Give the child a small push down to get him started.
What to do if your child needs training wheels to learn how to ride a balance bike If your child does not have the balance to ride a bike without training wheels, a saddle may be necessary to help them learn. Training wheels aren’t just for younger kids.
Whether you have a toddler or a teenager, training wheels can be very helpful. Teenagers may find the concept of pedaling more difficult than a youngster.
When should I take my child off training wheels?
It’s usually easier for children to go from a tricycle to a balance bike after they’ve got some basic training on a tricycle. It can take some practice to learn how to balance your child’s weight without putting any weight on the training wheels.
Here are some helpful guidelines: Instruct your child on which leg he should push down on the pedals to push the bike forward, and which leg he should be standing on to balance the bike. (According to “Buyers Guide to Balance Bike Toys” by Blue Sky Toys, these are the best balance bikes for ages 3 to 7.)
How do I tell if your child is ready to start riding without training wheels? You can determine whether your child is ready to start riding without training wheels by letting him ride a tricycle for a few minutes without training wheels.
Tips for using training wheels with a balance bike
Familiarize Your Child with Standing and Moving: You’ll want your toddler to be familiar with standing up, then moving on to pedal action. Teach them to stand, then move the pedals forward. Swing the child to the other side of the balance bike: To teach your child to switch hands, move them to the opposite side of the bike.
Keep Them Swinging: Put the training wheels on the ground, then lift the training wheels up, and try to keep your child’s feet on the wheels. Use the pedals as a reference: Don’t force your child to balance. Let them fall over if that’s how it works for them.
Switch From Blocked Pedals to Blockers: If your child isn’t moving their feet fast enough, move the training wheels to block the path of the training wheels.
Conclusion
Pedaling is one of the hardest parts of bicycling for little ones. That’s why it’s better to teach kids to balance their bicycles in the first place. And if a child outgrows a tricycle, don’t forget to convert it to a balance bike. It will give your child the freedom to explore the world of bicycling, while still allowing them to have fun.
Related Posts:
When Can a Child Use a Balance Bike: A Guide to Age Appropriate Ages
Are Balance Bikes Dangerous? The Pros and Cons of Using a Balance Bike