Best 20 inch kids bikes for 6 to 8 year olds

Quick picks: best 20 inch bikes for parents in a hurry

To save you time on scrolling through a long list of suggestions, these are our pick of the best 20 inch kids bikes, covering a range of budgets.

Best budget 20 inch bike:

BTWIN 20 inch range (from £169.99)

The BTwin 20 inch range is hard to beat for value, with prices from £169.99. These versatile hybrid bikes suit riders around 120 - 135 cm tall, and are as happy on trips to school or the shops as on weekend family rides.

The Riverside 100 is light for its price at 10.5 kg, while the Riverside 900 is lighter still at 9.3 kg and well worth the extra if you can stretch to it. Decathlon’s buyback scheme helps you save when it’s time to size up.

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Best all rounder first geared bike

YOMO 20 (£400)

The YOMO 20 is a really great bike to introduce your child to gears.  It's designed for riding on and off road, is suitable for shorter kids than some other similar bikes, and had our two reviewers raving about it to their friends.

Built to last, this is a bike for adventures of all types, and if you look after it expect a decent resale value once it's been outgrown.

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Something a bit different

Shyre Hopton 20 (£319)

Shyre's Hopton is a great all-rounder suitable for kids ready to take on longer rides. Weighing just 8.9kg, it's light enough for them to handle on their own, with a simple thumb shifter and brakes sized for smaller hands. It's at home on roads, parks and gravel paths, and suits riders from 115cm tall.

Shyre are a small family run brand, so ideal if you want your child on something a bit different. They come with a lifetime frame warranty that passes on with the bike, and Shyre's Trade Up scheme offers up to 55% back once it's been outgrown. For children keen to head off-road, the Eastie adds a suspension fork and disc brakes.

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Best Lightweight 20" Bike

Hornit HERO 20" (£399)

The HERO 20" is a well-made, confidence-building bike for children ready to take on longer rides. At just 7.95kg it's one of the lightest 20" bikes around, with brakes for smaller hands and eight gears that are simple to get the hang of. It's happy on roads, paths and light trails.

The frame and fork come with a lifetime warranty for the original owner, and there's a 60-day money back guarantee if it isn't quite the right fit.

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Best 20 inch kids bikes

Here’s our pick of the top 20 inch wheel bikes for kids, in a range of different prices from great value entry level bikes to much more expensive premium bikes.

We only include bikes we genuinely trust, models we’d recommend to our own friends and family.

That means you won’t find ultra-cheap bikes that look tempting at first glance but often fall short when it comes to durability, performance or safety. Instead, we focus on quality and reliability, so you can be sure you’re making a smart investment for your child’s cycling journey.

Top tips: choosing the best 20 inch kids bike

Pressed for time? Here are the most important things to bear in mind when choosing a 20 inch bike for a child:

• Size: Kids grow at different speeds, so sizing is really important. A bike that’s too big can feel scary and hard to control, while one that’s too small will soon be outgrown. Use our simple guide on how to easily measure your child for a new bike to make sure you’re picking the correct size.
• Weight: The lighter the bike, the easier it is for your child to handle. Look out for what the bike is made from - lighter materials like aluminium can make a big difference. It’s also something you’ll appreciate when you’re loading it into the boot or lifting it onto a bike rack.
• Gears: A 20-inch bike is often a child’s introduction to gears. Some use twist-grip shifters (similar to a motorbike), while others use thumb shifters. Make sure the system is easy for your child to use. Smaller hands can struggle with adult-style gearing.
• Price: We’ve included a range of price points to help you find something suitable. That said, extremely cheap bikes often don’t perform well and may even be unsafe. Read more about why you shouldn’t buy a REALLY cheap new kids bike, and we always recommend buying a second hand good quality kids bike, as it's much more cost-effective than a very cheap new one that falls apart after a few rides.
• Type of 20 inch bike:  Once your child moves onto a 20 inch bicycle you’ll start seeing a split between all-purpose "hybrid" bikes and mountain, road, cyclocross and city bikes which are designed for specific types of riding. We usually recommend hybrids which are great for riding on roads and gentle off road riding. 

Buying advice: how to choose from the best 20” kids bikes

If you need a bit more guidance before taking the plunge, then here are some answers to some common questions.

What age is a 20 inch bike for?

All children are different, and all 20 inch wheel bikes are different, so make sure you measure your child carefully before buying them a new bike.

In general we find that a new 20 inch bike will fit an average sized 6 year old or a smaller 7 year old.  However, there are plenty of tall 5 year olds who are more than capable of riding a 20" wheel bike, especially one with a lower frame.

What height is a 20 inch bike for?

Again there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, as 20 inch wheel bikes vary across brands, but generally the smallest models suit children who are about 115 cm tall.  However some 20 inch bikes are recommended from 120cm so always check the bike you're buying and measure your child.

An inside leg measurement is usually more accurate than height on a kids bike. and many 20 inch bikes are suited from 52cm upwards.

Is a 20 inch bike an adult or a child bike?

Do be careful - kids bikes are sized by the wheel size, and adult bikes by frame size.  So don't confuse a 20" adult bike (with a 20" frame and probably 27.5" wheels) with a 20" kids bike (which a much smaller frame and 20 inch diameter wheels!)

What makes a good 20 inch wheel kids bike?

A high-quality 20” bike for children should be lightweight, sturdy and built to last. Ideally, it will weigh under 10kg so your child can manoeuvre it easily, making riding much more enjoyable. A well-built bike is also a smarter investment, as it can be handed down to younger siblings or sold on when your child moves up a size.

Unless your youngster is riding off-road most of the time, a hybrid model is a sensible choice. These bikes are versatile enough to handle both pavements and bumpier surfaces like grass and gravel.

Good gearing is another key feature. Look for a wide range of gears that are simple to operate, so your child can manage climbs and flats confidently. Smaller hands will benefit from shifters designed with ease of use in mind – typically found on bikes with more premium components. Most 20” bikes come with flat handlebars, which help provide a natural, upright position and reliable control.

It’s worth thinking about gear shifter type too. Some bikes use twist-grip shifters, while others are fitted with thumb triggers. If possible, let your child try both options to see what feels most intuitive. You can always upgrade or swap out components later if necessary.

What's the best 20 inch bike for a girl?

We really don't recommend buying a bike that's marketing specifically for girls.  These tend to be much lower quality "toy" bikes that are heavy and difficult to ride.

All the 20 inch wheel bikes we recommend in this guide come in a range of colours and there's bound to be something to appeal to every girl.

Our article Best bikes for girls: Everything you need to know will guide you to other brands that have colours and styles that may appeal more to a girl.

How can I adjust the bike to fit my child as they grow?

Most 20” bikes come with adjustable features that can be fine-tuned as your child gets taller. The saddle height is the easiest place to start – it can usually be raised to keep pace with their growth, but make sure the seatpost isn’t extended past the minimum insert line. As a general rule, your child should be able to place their toes on the ground when seated.

Quick-release seat clamps are a great addition, allowing you to make height adjustments without needing any tools – handy if you’re swapping between siblings.

Some bikes also have adjustable handlebars. You may be able to raise or lower them slightly, or change the angle and reach if the bike has an adjustable stem. These small tweaks can make a big difference in helping your child stay comfortable and in control as they grow.

Does my child need a 20 inch mountain bike?

At the 20 inch wheel size, you’ll notice more specialist bikes entering the mix – including mountain bikes.

If you want more options, then head over to our other guide on best kids 20” mountain bikes, which are designed for young riders tackling rougher terrain. These models often include more advanced features for off-road performance, but they do come with a higher price tag.

Unless your child is regularly riding on mountain bike trails, a hybrid bike is usually a better all-round option. Hybrids offer the comfort and control of a mountain bike, with features like wide tyres and flat bars, but they’re lighter and more efficient on tarmac and smoother paths.

Mountain bikes can be heavier and harder work on flat routes, so unless your child is going to make full use of the extra features, there’s no need to splash out on one. Don’t feel pressured into buying a bike that goes beyond what your child actually needs

Can you put training wheels on a 20 inch bike?

Not all 20 inch bikes have the mounting points for stabilisers or training wheels, so check before you buy if you need to do this. The Decathlon Riverside 20 inch range is stabiliser compatible.

If your child has not yet mastered balancing and steering, we recommend seeing if they fit the Kidvelo Rookie 18, as this converts from a balance bike to a pedal bike and they will learn to ride more quickly.

Unless your child has additional needs, we don't recommend stabilisers / training wheels - see our guide Does my child need stabilisers? for more details.

How do I teach my child to use bike gears?

Getting started with gears might feel like a big step, but it’s surprisingly manageable with a bit of practice and patience. Start by showing your child how the gears work – explain that lower gears make pedalling easier uphill, while higher gears help them go faster on flat stretches.

The best place to practise is a safe, flat area where they can get a feel for changing gears without the pressure of traffic or tough terrain. Encourage them to experiment and see how it affects their pedalling. Simple tips like “shift before you get to a hill” and “use a harder gear when you’re going faster” can make things easier to understand.

Stick with them during the early rides so you can help guide the process. With a bit of encouragement, most kids quickly get the hang of it and enjoy the independence that comes with using gears.

Before you go.....

Does your child need a new helmet?  Check out our recommendations in our buyers guide to the best kids bike helmets.

If you’re leaving their new bike unattended, you’ll need one of the best kids bike locks to keep it secure.

For riding in low-light conditions, consider the best kids bike lights to make sure your child is visible.

And check out our article on the Best kids bike accessories: baskets, bells, bags and more as there's loads of other things to make your child's riding even more fun and comfortable.