Best 18 inch kids bikes for a 5 and 6 year old

What age child is an 18 inch wheel bike for?

All children are different, so it's not always easy to assign age groups to particular bike sizes. However as a general rule of thumb, an 18 inch bike is suitable for kids aged around 5 years or 6 years old.

18 inch wheel bikes tend to fit children with a minimum inside leg measurement of around 50cm, and a minimum height of around 110cm, but every make and model is different.

Wherever possible we've provided the manufacturer's measurements, to help you choose the bike that will best fit your child. It's important to measure them carefully, so here's how to easily measure your child for a new bike.

Quick picks: Best 18 inch wheel bikes for parents in a hurry

If you're short on time and don't want to scroll through the whole list, then here are our top three recommendations for the best 18 inch kids bikes to cover a range of budgets.

• Best 18 inch bike for learning to ride: Kidvelo Rookie 18 (£275) - Converts from balance bike to pedal bike, perfect for 5 year olds who haven't learned to ride yet.
• Best 18 inch bike pedal bike option: Frog 47 (£400 + free helmet) - A single speed easy-to-ride bike that's great if they're too tall for standard 16" pedal bikes but aren't ready for a 20" bike with gears.
• Best long-term investment: Black Mountain HÜTTO (£599) - A unique design with an extending frame so it grows with your child. Pricier but will last a long time.

Top tips: choosing the best 18 inch kids bike

Not sure where to start? Get going with some key things to consider before you make a purchase. If you want a more detailed breakdown, check out our FAQs section.

1. Size: While 18 inch bikes are generally designed for 5 year old and 6 year-olds, children grow at different rates, so you should always measure your child first. Follow our step-by-step guide to how to easily measure your child for a new bike.
   Also be careful not to get confused with 18 inch BMX bikes, as these are designed for older kids (and even adults) - usually from about age 7 and over. 
2. Price: There’s a bike for every budget, but quality matters. While you shouldn't need to break the bank to get your child a bike, don't just go for the cheapest thing you can find, which are often bike-shaped toys that will break almost immediately. For more on this, here's why you shouldn't buy a REALLY cheap new kids bike.
3. Weight: A lightweight bike can make all the difference for children when they're learning to ride. If it’s easier to manoeuvre then it will feel less exhausting to ride. Don't forget, you may also find yourself carrying it home at some point, so think about that as well!
4. Gears: Most 18” bikes are single-speed, because they're designed to bridge the gap between starter pedal bikes and bigger geared bikes. 
5. Long-term investments: With the rate that kids grow, it's often not long after buying a bike that you find yourself having to get another size up. Look for bikes with extendable frames like the Black Mountain HÜTTO if you want a long-term investment that grows with your child.
6. Buy back schemes: If you go for a standard bike frame, then look out for buy-back schemes where you can trade in your child’s old bike for a discount on the next size up. 
7. Consider buying second hand: If you're looking to spend less but still want a quality bike, you can often find a good bargain on Ebay. Check out our guide to buying a second hand kids bike for more help with this.

FAQs to help you choose from the best 18 inch wheel bikes

If you need a bit more guidance to help you make a decision, then read on for our FAQs. 

What age child is an 18 inch wheel bike for?

It's difficult to say exactly which size bike a child needs, because they all grow at different rates. However bikes with 18" wheels generally tend to be designed for 5-6 year-olds who are at least 105cm tall, and have an inside leg measurement of at least 40cm. But these measurements are only a rough guide, and depending on the geometry and size of an individual bike frame, some models will size up differently to others.

That's why it's so important to pay attention to the measurements provided by the manufacturers, and to measure your child's height and inseam. We've got a guide that talks you through how to easily measure your child for a new bike, so be sure to make good use of it.

What's the difference between an 18 inch BMX bike and an 18 inch kids bike?

BMX bikes are designed with small wheels for performing tricks, but the geometry will be suited for larger kids and adults.  An 18 inch kids bike is designed for a younger child of about 5 years of age who is still in the process of learning to ride confidently, and the components and geometry will reflect this.

If your 5 year old really wants a BMX then you'd probably want to look for one with smaller 16" wheels, although unless they're a highly competent rider we'd really recommend getting them one of the 18" kids bikes in this guide to gain confidence on before moving onto a BMX.

Why don't you recommend a Halfords 18 inch bike or an Argos 18" bike?

Whilst Halfords do stock some good value kids bikes they don't make them in 18 inch versions.  The brands stocked by Argos and Halfords in 18 inch sizes are what we call "Toy Bikes" and are very heavy and hard to ride, and are unlikely to last particularly long.  That's why we don't recommend them in this guide.

Do 18 inch bikes have gears?

Some children can cope with gears on an 18″ wheel bike, while others won't be ready for them. As 18 inch is a cross-over size, some brands offer gears on their 18 inch models and others don't.

For many parents it's not just a question of whether or not a bike should have gears, but whether or not their child actually needs them.

If they're still in the early stages of their cycling journey, they may find them confusing, and that complexity is just another barrier. Plus, gears add extra weight and inflate the price tag, which is why for many brands, they don't make an appearance until you get to 20" wheels.

Some children are ready for them earlier, however, and they can also be useful if you live in a very hilly area (even if you need to change them yourself at the bottom of the hill!).

What makes a good 18" wheel kids bike for a 5 year old?

If you need a bit more of a deep-dive than what we covered in the top tips section above, then these are the key things to look for in a good 18-inch wheel bike, and why:

1. Size: 18-inch wheel bikes generally tend to suit children aged around 5 or 6 years old, but all kids grow at different rates. To ensure this is the right size bike for your child, follow the instructions in our handy guide to how to easily measure your child for a new bike. You can also check out our article on how to choose the right size bike for your child’s age.
2. Price: How much you spend on your child’s bike depends on your budget and how much riding they’ll be doing. If this is your child’s first pedal bike, or if they’re still gaining confidence, a more budget-friendly model could be a great choice. All the bikes we recommend offer good quality at their respective price points.If you’re looking for a longer-term investment, premium bikes come with better components, lighter frames, and adjustable features to grow with your child. Many high-quality bikes also retain their resale value, and options like Decathlon’s Buy Back scheme can help make upgrading to the next size more affordable. Don’t forget to check our guide to buying a second hand kids bike if you’re considering a pre-loved option.
3. Weight: A heavy bike can be difficult for children to control and tiring to ride, taking the fun out of cycling. Lightweight aluminium frames are much easier for little riders to manoeuvre, so we recommend choosing the lightest bike your budget allows. It’s worth it for their confidence and enjoyment.
4. Proper bike, not a toy: While it might be tempting to buy a character-themed bike with bells and whistles, these tend to be heavier and made with lower-quality components that can rust quickly. Investing in a ‘proper’ bike with a lightweight frame, child-specific components, and reliable brakes will give your child a far better riding experience.
5. Brakes and gears: Most 18-inch bikes are single-speed and come with either a coaster brake (where kids pedal backwards to stop) or rear V-brakes with levers designed for small hands. Single-speed bikes are simple and easy to ride, making them ideal for young cyclists. However, if your child is already confident and eager to tackle more challenging rides, you might want to consider a geared bike for more versatility.