Best bikes for a 2 year old

Being two years old is such an exciting age! As the adult in the life of a 2 year-old, you’re probably looking for ways to keep them active, happy, and learning new skills — and what better than their very first bike? If you’re searching for the best bikes for 2 year olds, you’ve come to exactly the right place.

Here at Cycle Sprog, we’re dedicated to helping families discover the joy of cycling together — from choosing the best bikes for babies and toddlers, to finding the right gear as they grow.

At around 2 years old, many children start showing the balance, coordination, and curiosity needed to begin their cycling journey. For some, that might mean a sturdy ride-on toy or four-wheeled balance bike to scoot around on. For others, it could be time to try a proper two-wheeled balance bike for a 2 year-old, or even a lightweight first pedal bike.

Every child develops at their own pace, which is why our round-up of the best bikes for a 2 year old includes something for every stage — from early walkers gaining confidence, to adventurous toddlers ready to take their first proper rides.

To make things easier, we’ve organised our recommendations by developmental stage, so you can quickly find the perfect option for your child’s age, size, and ability — and help them take their very first steps (or rather, scoots!) towards a lifelong love of cycling.

Finding the perfect bike for a 2 year old using this guide

At two years old, your child might be ready to start exploring the world on two wheels — whether that’s with a ride-on, or one of the best balance bikes.

Before diving into our list of the best bikes for 2 year olds, take a look at our top tips section for key advice on choosing the right bike for their size, confidence level, and developmental stage.

If you’re short on time and just want our standout recommendations, head straight to the quick picks section. for our top-rated options. Otherwise, scroll through the full list of recommendations.

Once you’ve found the perfect bike for your little one, don’t forget to check out our guides to the best bike helmets for babies and toddlers, as well as our tips on cycling with babies and toddlers, and how to start cycling with a small child in a bike seat, cargo bike or trailer.

A little girl in dungarees is looking at the wheels on the Decathlon 2-in-1 ride-on baby balance, a white, orange and blue bike with her dad

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Quick picks: best bikes for a 2 year old

If you’re short on time, here are our top recommendations for the best bikes for 2 year-olds, with great options to suit every budget and ability level.


Best budget bike for a 2 year-old:

Decathlon's B’Twin Convertible 2-in-1 - Was £49.99 Now £39.99

Best bikes for a 1 year old: Two views of the Btwin convertible 2 in 1, with its four-wheeled version on the top left, and its two-wheeled version on the bottom right

The B’Twin Convertible 2-in-1 from Decathlon is a clever little bike that grows with your child. It starts out as a stable four-wheeler to help them build confidence, and easily transforms into a two-wheeled balance bike once they’re ready to take the next step.

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Best mid-range bike for a 2 year-old:

woom WOW - £160.00

the peach colour woom WOW toddler first ride-on bike pictured against a wall with red leaves on the ground

The woom WOW bridges the gap between a ride-on and a balance bike, making it ideal for toddlers who are ready to move beyond four wheels but aren’t quite ready for a full balance bike.

Check out our woom WOW first impressions review for more detail

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Best premium bike for a 2 year-old:

Early Rider Bella Velio - £175.00

A pistachio coloured Bella Velio- a baby balance bike

The Early Rider Bella Velio offers something truly unique for toddlers developing their balance and coordination.

Its multidirectional spherical wheels allow for smooth, intuitive movement in any direction, helping little riders gain stability and confidence.

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Contents: best bikes for a 2 year old

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Toddler bikes and ride ons for two year olds

If your two year old is not physically ready to ride a balance bike (either because they're not tall enough, or they struggle with balancing) then a pre-balance bike or ride on provides stability.

They have extra wheels, whilst your little one can enjoy the thrill of being able to ride around on their "bike".100

B’Twin Convertible 2-in-1

Best budget bike for a 2 year old

Best bikes for a 1 year old: Two views of the Btwin convertible 2 in 1, with its four-wheeled version on the top left, and its two-wheeled version on the bottom right

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  • Weight: 2.9kg
  • Type: Pre-balance bike
  • Height: 73-95cm
  • Development stage: Full journey

Buy if: You want a great-value ride-on that still suits a confident 2-year-old and can grow into a real balance bike.

The B’Twin Convertible 2-in-1 is ideal for toddlers who’ve moved past the “first steps on wheels” stage and are now ready to build proper scooting and early balancing skills.

Many 2-year-olds still appreciate the stability of a pre-balance bike, and this one offers a smooth bridge between early ride-ons and a true two-wheeler.

What makes it especially appealing at this age is the ability to convert into a lightweight balance bike when your child is ready, meaning you’ll get plenty more use from it as they grow.

It’s a brilliant long-term option for toddlers who started young but are now keen to take the next step in their cycling journey.

You can read the full review here.

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Read more about the B’Twin Convertible 2-in-1

woom WOW

Best mid-range bike for a 2 year old

Best bikes for a 1 year old: the woom WOW ride-on seen from the side with the Buddy soft toy standing next to it

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  • Weight: 2.5kg
  • Type: Pre-balance bike
  • Height: 70-100cm
  • Development stage: Early / rolling

Buy if: You want a high-quality ride-on that helps a 2-year-old refine balance and coordination before moving to a balance bike.

Although designed to support babies from 9 months, the woom WOW remains an excellent choice for a 2-year-old who’s still developing smooth balance and controlled steering.

Its self-balancing, self-centring steering and lightweight, premium build make it far more capable than simple plastic ride-ons, offering a more “bike-like” experience for toddlers who want independence but aren’t quite ready for a full balance bike.

Parents will appreciate the practical folding handlebars and tool-free setup, while little riders benefit from the steady, confidence-building ride.

Durable, thoughtfully designed and made from up to 98% recycled materials, it’s a great option for 2-year-olds who need that extra stage before progressing to two wheels.

Check out our woom WOW first impressions review for more detail.

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Read more about the woom WOW

Early Rider Bella Velio

Best premium bike for a 2 year old

A pistachio coloured Bella Velio- a baby balance bike

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  • Weight: 2.8kg
  • Type: Pre-balance bike
  • Inseam: 22-30cm
  • Development stage: Early / rolling

Buy if: You want a beautifully crafted, balance-boosting ride-on that still challenges and engages a capable 2-year-old.

The Early Rider Bella Velio remains an excellent fit for older toddlers who skipped early ride-ons or still need help mastering true dynamic balance before jumping to a balance bike.

Its two-wheel design and Active Balance Control™ system create a more realistic cycling feel, helping 2-year-olds learn to lean, steer and stabilise their body as they move.

The intuitive C-Go™ rear-wheel steering makes it great for adventurous toddlers who want to “point and go,” while the lightweight birch and walnut frame keeps everything manageable for small hands.

The included parent tiller is useful for guiding younger or more cautious riders, but confident 2-year-olds will enjoy taking full control.

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Lena Toddlebike

Best budget option

Best bikes for a 1 year-old: A colourful four-wheeled Lena Toddlebike on a blank background
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  • Weight: 0.8kg
  • Type: Pre-balance bike
  • Inseam: 20cm+
  • Development stage: Early / rolling

Buy if: You want an affordable, ultra-light ride-on to help a 2-year-old develop early balance skills indoors or outdoors.

For toddlers who started walking earlier and are now gaining confidence on wheels, the Lena Toddlebike offers a simple, lightweight stepping stone before moving on to a balance bike.

Its narrow geometry helps 2-year-olds practise the kind of balance they’ll need for two wheels, while the rear twin-wheel setup still provides a bit of stability for those who aren’t quite ready for a true balance bike.

Weighing under 1kg and suitable for indoor or smooth outdoor surfaces, it’s a convenient, budget-friendly choice for active toddlers who love scooting about but aren’t ready for anything faster just yet.

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Scramblebug

Best for portability

Best bikes for a 1 year old: The four-wheeled Scramblebug on a blank backgroundBuy Now

  • Weight: 1.8kg
  • Type: Pre-balance bike
  • Height: TBC
  • Development stage: Early / rolling

Buy if: You want the lightest, most portable option for a 2-year-old who loves to scoot around anywhere and everywhere.

The Scramblebug is particularly appealing for 2-year-olds who enjoy zipping around the house, garden or park and need something lightweight that travels easily.

Its four-wheel design gives maximum stability for riders still building confidence, while the 360° wheels allow free movement in every direction, perfect for busy toddlers who like to explore.

It folds in seconds and is extremely easy to carry, making it ideal for nursery runs, holidays or keeping in the car boot.

Bright colours and simple steering make it a reliable choice for families who want fuss-free fun for their two-year-old.

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Read more about the Scramblebug

Scuttlebug

Best for learning to steer

Best bikes for a 1 year old: The three-wheeled Scuttlebug on a blank backgroundBuy Now

  • Weight: 2kg
  • Type: Pre-balance bike
  • Height: TBC
  • Development stage: Mid / steering

Buy if: They’re confidently scooting at 2 and ready to learn proper steering skills.

The Scuttlebug is aimed squarely at toddlers who are past the “wobbling around” stage and want a ride-on that responds more like a bike.

Its three-wheel design offers stability without feeling bulky, while the simple steering introduces an important skill they’ll need for a balance bike.

Suitable from around 1 to 3 years, a 2-year-old sits comfortably right in its sweet spot.

It folds down quickly, comes in a range of fun insect-themed designs, and provides a smooth, quiet ride both indoors and out, which is great for active toddlers who want to practise turning and manoeuvring with confidence.

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Read more about the Scuttlebug

Small balance bikes for a 2 year old

As your child progresses through their (hopefully not so terrible) two's a balance bike becomes the natural choice.

There really is a huge choice of balance bikes in all prices, colours and styles. The important thing is to choose one that fits your child, so they can get both feet flat on the ground whilst scooting along.

We've selected a few of our favourite balance bikes that are sized for 2 year olds of various heights - but we've got loads of other articles on the best balance bikes if you want to browse further.

Frog Tadpole Mini

Best bikes for a 1 year-old: the Frog Tadpole Mini on a blank backgrond

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  • Weight: 2.9kg
  • Type: Balance bike
  • Inseam: 23-30cm
  • Development stage: Late / balance bike

Buy if: Your 2-year-old is ready for a proper two-wheeled balance bike but still needs the smallest possible size.

For toddlers keen to skip ride-ons entirely, the Frog Tadpole Mini is one of the tiniest real balance bikes available, making it perfect for smaller 2-year-olds or those with shorter inside legs.

The 10-inch wheels, air-filled tyres and lightweight frame give a “real bike” feel while still being manageable for young riders.

The rear brake is a welcome feature for later on, though most 2-year-olds will still rely on their feet for stopping.

With a quick-release seatpost and durable pneumatic tyres, it’s ready for proper outdoor riding and offers an excellent introduction to balancing on two wheels.

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Read more about the Scramblebug

Kidvelo Rookie 12

Best balance bikes: A Kidvelo Rookie 12 photographed on a path in front of some trees

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  • Weight: 2.89kg
  • Type: Balance bike
  • Inseam: 31-48cm
  • Development stage: Late / balance bike

Buy if: Your 2-year-old is ready for a lightweight, high-quality balance bike that makes learning to ride feel easy and fun.

The Kidvelo Rookie 12 is the smallest bike in Kidvelo’s premium range and a brilliant option for toddlers who are ready to start balancing properly on two wheels.

Kidvelo have years of experience designing balance bikes, and it really shows in the Rookie’s clever frame geometry and impressively low weight - two things that make a huge difference to a 2-year-old’s confidence.

Rated as one of the best balance bikes in our buyers guide, it’s simple, well-engineered and built to give young riders a smooth, responsive ride.

With a lifetime frame warranty, competitive pricing, and strong resale value thanks to Kidvelo’s growing reputation, this is a balance bike that looks great, rides beautifully, and will last through multiple children.

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Hornit AIRO 12

the hornit airo 12 in pink on a blank background

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  • Weight: 2.95kg
  • Type: Balance bike
  • Inseam: 30-48cm
  • Development stage: Late / balance bike

Buy if: You want an ultra-light, beautifully designed balance bike that gives a 2-year-old the very best start on two wheels.

The Hornit AIRO 12 is one of the lightest balance bikes on the market, and its magnesium alloy frame and fork allow for the smooth, curved shapes that make it so striking.

Designed with tiny riders in mind, it combines a sleek one-piece frame, proper headset bearings for more accurate steering, and neat child-sized touchpoints to create a bike that feels effortless for a 2-year-old to handle.

Two built-in footrests give little ones somewhere to place their feet once they’re confidently gliding, while the padded stem cover adds a bit of extra protection.

With a lifetime warranty on the frame and forks, zero-maintenance design, fantastic colour options and excellent durability for handing down, the AIRO 12 is a brilliant choice for families wanting a balance bike that performs as good as it looks.

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Top tips: buying a bike for a 2 year old

Before you rush in and buy a toddler bike, it's always worth stopping and answering a few questions.

How old is your two year old?

This may sound like a silly question, but if it's your child's 2nd birthday, they're going to be a totally different child, with different skills and requirements than a two year old who has their 3rd birthday tomorrow.

So much physical and mental development goes on during this year - by the end of it they're going to be taller, stronger and have better coordination.


How tall is your 2 year old?

Two year olds can vary massively in height. A small two year old girl on her 2nd birthday could be 77cm tall. A tall two year old boy just before his 3rd birthday could be 106cm tall.

This is a massive 29cm difference between two children both 2 years of age. This is why it's so important to check the sizing of any bike you buy, and whether it's correct for your child.


Is my 2 year old ready for a pedal bike?

Whilst there are the occasional exceptions, 2 year olds aren't ready to ride a bike with pedals.

The skills needed to ride a pedal bike develop over time, and it's best to start simple and let your child have loads of fun first.

A balance bike is usually the best option for this age group; they are small bikes with no pedals. They will teach your child all the fundamentals of how to ride a bike and will remove the need for using stabilisers.

Over time they will learn how to balance, steer, move at speed and come to a stop, all without having to worry about turning the pedals.


 

What bike will you choose for your 2 year old?

We hope you've found this article helpful, and it has helped you choose the perfect bike for your two year old. If not, do check out our kids bike search, where you can find loads more choices.

If you'd like to stay in touch do please follow us on Instagram - we'd love to see what bike you ended up buying for your 2 year old (just tag us #CycleSprog. And why not sign up to our newsletter so you get all our kids bike reviews and advice direct to your mailbox.

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