Best kids' bikes 2025

Kids Bike Search

168 bikes match

If you're looking for the best kids bike for the child in your life, you've come to the right place! At Cycle Sprog we've been reviewing and recommending bikes for children of all ages since 2012.

We know that buying the right bike for your child can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially if you've never bought one before.

There's so much choice, and you want to make sure the childs bike you buy is safe and fun to ride, is going to get loads of use, and hopefully be passed on for others to ride once it's been outgrown.

To make things easier, we've carefully picked out the best kids bikes at different price categories.

Of course, the best bike for a 3-year-old learning to ride will be very different from what works for a 9-year-old mountain biker or a 13-year-old cycling to school.

Your budget and how often the bike will be used are also important factors to consider.

To help you navigate the options, we’ve put together a downloadable kids bike buying guide with more help on choosing the perfect bike for your child.

Why should you trust Cycle Sprog to help you choose the best kids bikes?

Unlike some websites that highlight popular but poor-quality bikes, every kids bike brand we recommend has been tested by our family review panel.

We've been reviewing childrens bikes for over 13 years, so we know exactly what makes a child love riding their new bike, and what makes them frustrated and never want to use it.

So you know you’re getting reliable advice based on real-world use when you read our recommendations and reviews.

Some kids bike brands we feature include affiliate links (which means we make a small commission which pays for us to run Cycle Sprog), while others don't. Please rest assured our recommendations are based entirely on quality and performance.

We only ever recommend bikes we'd be happy for our own children, or those of our friends and family to ride.

Quick picks: best kids bikes for parents in a hurry

In a hurry? Here are the links to some of the best kids bike brands we've reviewed here at Cycle Sprog.

Scroll down for more in-depth details and additional options.

Best budget kids bike brand:

B’Twin offers a wide variety of kids bikes to suit different budgets, ages, and riding styles, with home delivery or click & collect at Decathlon stores. Decathlon also has a buy-back program and sells pre-owned, refurbished child bikes at lower prices.

Best mid-range kids bike brands:

YOMO Bikes provides excellent mid-range quality kids bikes and includes a buy-back option, plus a free helmet with every purchase.
Kidvelo offers convertible balance-to-pedal bikes, ideal for slightly older children who are learning to pedal.

Best premium kids bike brand:

woom Bikes are built to last, with an obsessive attention to detail. They have a wide range of different size and types of kids bicycles with matching accessories - they really are the experts!

Best online retailers to buy kids bikes:

Tredz and Wheelbase both carry a strong selection of kids' bikes at various price points, all from reputable brands, and have great customer satisfaction score.

If you're new to kids' bike shopping, here are three important factors to consider:

Can your child lift the bike? Heavy steel-framed bikes are hard for kids to manage, especially on hills. If it feels heavy to you, imagine how challenging it will be for them!
Can they use the brakes and gears? All our recommended bikes feature child-friendly controls, but check that your child can operate them comfortably, as poorly designed bikes can be unsafe.
Is it the right size? Buying a bike that's too big is a false economy. It could deter them from riding altogether. Use our guide on how to measure your child for a new bike to ensure a safe and comfortable fit from the start.

Over more than a decade we've been reviewing kids bikes in all shapes and sizes, and we've come to love certain brands.

Some because they make the very best kids bikes with an amazing attention to detail that blows other bikes out the water (and usually with a price tag to match!)

Other brands we love because they make affordable kids bikes that are far better than the other choices at a similar price range.

All our picks of the best kids bikes come in a range of sizes and colours - all you need to do is measure your child carefully and choose the bike that's the right size for them.

Whether you'll looking for a pink balance bike for a toddler or a high end mountain bike for a teenager, you'll find something to suit all ages and abilities in the best kids bikes listed below.

B’Twin

Best value kids bikes

Wheel size: 12–26”
Bike types: Balance, first pedal, hybrid, mountain bike, city bike
Typical age range: 2–12+ years, plus a wide range of adult bikes for teens
Warranty: Lifetime on frame, stem, handlebars. Other parts: 2 years
Geographical availability: All countries that have Decathlon stores

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B'Twin, Decathlon’s in-house bike brand, offers a wide range of kids bikes, with models numbered from 100 to 900—the higher the number, the better the specifications.

The 900 and some 500 series bikes are particularly well-made, but even the lower-numbered models offer impressive value for money, especially when compared to other similarly priced cheap kids bikes.

B’Twin’s Rockrider range is designed for mountain biking, while the Riverside models are suited to urban and leisure rides. They also have balance and smaller pedal bikes for younger children.

Decathlon’s UK buy-back and refurbishment scheme makes their B’Twin bikes an eco-friendly and budget-conscious choice. To see one in action, check out our B'Twin Riverside 900 review.

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YOMO

Best mid-range kids bikes

Wheel size: 12–26”
Bike types: Balance, first pedal, hybrid
Typical age range: 2–12+ years
Warranty: Lifetime frame and forks, 1-year parts
Geographical availability: UK

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YOMO is a new kids' bike brand launching in 2024, and we’ve been really impressed with their attention to detail and smooth ride quality. Their bikes are designed for everything from school runs to weekend adventures, combining stylish looks with excellent performance.

We recently reviewed the YOMO 20 and found its lightweight frame, high-quality components, and comfortable ride ideal for families looking for a top-tier bike. Read our full thoughts in the YOMO 20 review.

While YOMO bikes are at the premium end, their buy-back scheme makes it easier to upgrade as your child grows, making them a strong long-term investment.

Buy any YOMO bike direct and get a FREE helmet

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Squish Bikes

Best bikes for young children

Wheel size: 12–27.5”
Bike types: Balance, first pedal, hybrid, MTB
Typical age range: 2–10+ years
Warranty: Frame and Forks - 3 years; components - 1 year (excluding wear and tear)
Geographical availability: UK

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Squish Bikes bring together fun design and high-quality engineering, making them a brilliant alternative to some of the bigger names.

Younger children will really love the playful Splosh design and included sticker set that comes with the bike, and we've found the brand name resonates much more with a younger audience, rather than older children.

Their larger kids bikes do have a more mature design, and are worth considering for taller but slightly younger kids who still appreciate the fun name.

We tested the Squish 18 single-speed bike, which helped our 6-year-old reviewer build confidence, and their 26" wheel mountain bike, which performed really well on technical terrain.

For more in-depth thoughts, check out our Squish 18 review and Review of the Squish 26 kids mountain bike

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Kidvelo

Best kids bikes for learning to ride

Wheel size: 12, 14 and 18”
Bike types: Balance bikes, and balance to pedal conversion bikes
Typical age range: 18 months – 7 years
Warranty: Lifetime on frame and fork
Geographical availability: UK, Australia and New Zealand. International on request

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Launched in 2022, Kidvelo has quickly built a reputation for its high-quality, lightweight balance bikes designed to make learning to ride both fun and easy.

These bikes grow with your child, thanks to adjustable seat heights and handlebars that ensure comfort through various stages of development.

One of the standout features is Kidvelo's 2-in-1 design. Both the 14" and 18" models convert effortlessly from balance to pedal bikes with a simple pedal kit, making the transition from balancing to pedalling smooth and stress-free.

Ideal for children aged 18 months to 7 years, Kidvelo bikes feature lightweight alloy frames and components designed for smaller riders.

Our Kidvelo Rookie 14 review highlights their impressive build quality and retro-inspired design, a hit with both kids and parents.

Meanwhile our Kidvelo Rookie 18 review tells a great story of how this large balance-to-pedal bike helped an autistic child learn to ride at her own pace.

With a lifetime warranty on frames and forks, Kidvelo offers long-lasting value and peace of mind.

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Iwoom

Best overall quality childrens bikes

Wheel size: 12–26”
Bike types: Balance, first pedal, hybrid, mountain bikes, e-bikes and city bikes
Typical age range: 2–14 years
Warranty: 10 years (frames, rigid forks, handlebars, stem), 2 years (everything else)
Geographical availability: International

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woom bikes (yes - they always use a lower case w!) are known for their quality, innovative design, and longevity. We’ve tested lots of their models, and they consistently stand out for their lightweight frames and child-friendly features.

They include clever touches like colour-coded brake levers and, on the 16” woom Original 3 Automagic, automatic gear shifting to help younger children get the benefits of gears without having to worry about how to use them. (Read our woom Original 3 Automagic review for more details)

The range spans from the 12” woom 1 balance bike up to the 26” woom 6 to cater for all ages. Look out for the woom OFF mountain bikes, woom NOW urban bikes and the woom UP e-bike if your child wants something more than their standard all purpose bikes.

Obviously woom are at the premium end of the price scale, but you do get what you pay for when it comes to these children's bikes.

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Hornit Airo

Best balance bikes

Wheel size: 12" and 14" balance bikes
Bike types: Balance bikes
Typical age range: 18 months–5 years
Warranty: Lifetime on frame and fork
Geographical availability: UK and US

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Hornit Airo balance bikes have a stylish, lightweight designs and are both durable and easy to handle.

They're so light weight that when they sent us one to review we thought they'd forgotten to put it in the box!

The range of colours is really fun, and the pneumatic tyres mean your child can really pick up speed, even on rough terrain.

Hornit also do a range of fun kids bike helmets, helping get toddlers and young children really enthused about being on two wheels.

If you need more convincing, check out our Hornit AIRO 12 balance bike review and the Hornit AIRO 14 review if you want a balance bike for a taller child.

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Frog Bikes

Best resale value

Wheel size: 10–26”
Bike types: Balance, first pedal, hybrid, MTB, city, road, track
Typical age range: 18 months–13+ years
Warranty: 2 years - extended to 5 years for frame if you register the bike within 28 days of purchase
Geographical availability: International

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Frog Bikes have long been a favourite among parents and kids alike. Known for their lightweight aluminium frames and child-specific geometry, Frog Bikes are easier for children to manoeuvre, making cycling a joy from the very first ride.

The range includes everything from balance bikes for toddlers, first pedal bikes for younger children, to road bikes, mountain bikes, and city bikes for older children.

They have multiple sized balance bikes for the youngest of riders, as well as a good range of bike frame sizes for older kids (whereas many brands stop at about 10 years of age).

Frog’s thoughtful designs are not only reliable but also retain their value well, making them a great choice for resale or hand-me-downs.

Whether you're buying new or secondhand, our Frog Bike reviews offer detailed insights into the best options for your child.

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Islabikes

Best secondhand kids bikes

Wheel size: 12–27.5”
Bike types: Balance, first pedal, hybrid, cyclocross/road, MTB
Typical age range: 2–13 years
Warranty: 5 years on frame and forks and a 2 years on parts
Geographical availability: Mainly UK although some bikes in Europe and USA

Islabikes revolutionised the childrens bike market by being the first brand to specialise in lightweight frames and child-specific geometry. Their bikes quickly became the gold standard in quality, lightweight kids bikes, influencing countless other brands.

Sadly Islabikes announced in October 2023 that they would cease production, but thankfully they continue to supply spare parts, ensuring current owners can keep their bikes in top condition.

Secondhand Islabikes remain a fantastic option, thanks to their durability and reputation. They often hold their value, making them a sustainable and cost-effective choice for families.

If you're considering one, check out our Islabike reviews for insights into different models and tips on what to look for when buying pre-owned. Owning an Islabike means owning a piece of cycling history!

eBay

Cube

Best for mini-me matching

Wheel size: 12–27.5”
Bike types: Balance, first pedal, hybrid, MTB, kids’ e-bikes - plus full range of adult bikes
Typical age range: 2–10+ years (+ adults)
Warranty: Frame 6 years; rest of bike 2 years
Geographical availability: International

As one of Europe’s largest bike brands, Cube offers a wide selection of kids bikes, covering everything from city commuters to rugged mountain bikes. They even have junior e-bikes for older kids who want to join parents on longer rides.

Cube’s lineup ranges from budget-friendly options to premium models, including full-suspension mountain bikes for young adventurers. We’ve tested some of their top-end models, which offer great stability and performance on challenging trails.

Parents can even match their bikes with their child’s Cube ride, though opinions on twinning may vary!

A quick note: some smaller Cube bikes come equipped with rear coaster brakes (backpedal to stop), which are more common in Europe than in the UK. Be sure to check the brake type to ensure it suits your child’s needs.

Where to buy Cube bikes

UK: In the UK there are lots of local bike shops who are Cube bike dealers. If you prefer to buy online then the following retailers do nationwide shipping and each specialises in different sizes and styles of bikes:

Wheelbase - good for larger Cube bikes
Tweeks Cycles - good for smaller Cube bikes
Ebay (secondhand)

Europe: Cube are a German based brand and have a very strong presence throughout Europe. On their website you can select which European country you are in for their bespoke website and links to local stores.

International: Use Cube's Store locator to find worldwide stockists of their kids bikes

Black Mountain Bikes

Best for engineering enthusiasts

Wheel size: 14–20” with ‘growing frames’
Bike types: Balance, first pedal, hybrid, MTB
Typical age range: 2–8 years
Warranty: 3-years frame and forks; 2-years non-consumable components. Warranty transferable
Geographical availability: International

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Black Mountain, a Welsh brand, has transformed the kids' bike market with their innovative ‘growing’ bikes. Designed to adapt as your child grows, these bikes reduce the need for frequent replacements, making them a more sustainable and budget-friendly option.

The range includes four models:

PINTO (14”) and SKOG (16”) – Start as balance bikes and transition into two sizes of pedal bikes, covering multiple growth stages.
KAPEL (18”) and HÜTTO (20”) – Designed for older kids, these models introduce gears and, in the case of the HÜTTO, optional disc brakes and suspension for more adventurous riding.

For families who enjoy a hands-on approach, converting these bikes as your child grows is a satisfying project. Our Black mountain PINTO review goes into detail about their practical design and high-quality construction.

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Vitus

Best mid-range brand

Wheel size: 12–26”
Bike types: Balance, first pedal, hybrid, road, mountain bike
Typical age range: 2–12+ years
Warranty: 2 years warranty
Geographical availability: UK, international

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Vitus offers a wide range of kids’ bikes, from balance bikes to serious trail-ready mountain bikes. Their bikes are designed for fun and confidence across different terrains.

For younger riders, the Vitus 14 and Vitus 16 provide a stable, lightweight aluminium frame, easy-to-use brakes, and a simple single-speed drivetrain.

As kids progress, the Vitus 20, Vitus 20+, Vitus 24 and Vitus 24+

introduce features like Shimano Altus 7-speed gearing, Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, and grippy Vee Crown Gem tyres. These are great for young mountain bikers looking for control and durability without the extra weight of suspension forks.

Vitus bikes were previously available through Wiggle and Chain Reaction Cycles, but since both closed, Evans Cycles has taken over their distribution.

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Top tips: to help you choose from the best kids bikes

Here are the key things to think about when buying a kids’ bike. You can find more details in our FAQs section.

Size: Picking the right wheel size based on your child’s height is crucial for comfort and safety. A bike that’s too big or too small can be hard to control. See our guide on how to choose the right size bike for your child’s age.
Weight: A lighter bike is easier for kids to handle, making cycling more enjoyable. Heavier bikes can be harder to manoeuvre, especially on hills. Go for the lightest option your budget allows.
Budget: Cheaper bikes tend to be heavier and have basic components, while pricier models are lighter, better equipped, and provide a smoother ride. If you’re looking for great value, check out our cheapest kids bikes guide.
Materials: Aluminium frames are lightweight and rust-resistant, whereas steel frames are sturdier but often heavier.
Brakes: For younger kids, simple rim brakes work well. Some small bikes use coaster brakes (back-pedalling to stop), which can take getting used to. For older kids or budding mountain bikers, disc brakes offer better stopping power, especially in wet weather. Look for brake levers designed for small hands.
Gears: Most children are ready for gears around age 7 or 8. Gears help with hills, but too many can be confusing for younger riders. A simple 7- or 8-speed setup is a good starting point.
Secondhand availability: Kids grow fast, so a well-maintained secondhand bike can be a great way to save money. Our guide to buying a secondhand kids bike has tips on what to look for.
Accessories: Think about extras like mudguards, a rack, or a bottle cage. Not all bikes have the right fittings, so check compatibility before buying. Our kids bike search tool can help you find the right match.

FAQs: the best kids bikes

If you're not sure where to start or what to look for when choosing a kids bike, then you're not alone. Here's are some of the most common questions we get asked:

What size kids bike does my child need?

The right size kids bike depends on your child’s height and inside leg measurement. Unlike adult bikes, which are sized by frame, kids bikes are sized by wheel diameter – common sizes include 12", 14", 16", 20", 24" and 26".

A properly fitted childs bike will help your child ride confidently and safely.

Always check the manufacturer’s sizing guide to ensure the bike is the correct fit, as bikes can vary a lot by manufacturer.

It's far better to buy a bike based on inside leg and height measurements rather than age, as children and bikes both vary in size.

See our guide Easy mistakes to make when measuring your child for their new bike to make sure you're buying the right sized kids bike.

How much should I spend on a childs bike?

Your budget will guide your choice, and you'll find a wide range of prices for kids bikes.

We've written an entire post explaining why you shouldn’t buy a really cheap new kids' bike, but here are two quick tips:

Buy the best bike you can afford – keeping the key factors above in mind.
Consider buying secondhand – you can get more for your money with a well-looked after used bike. A lightweight, good-quality used bike will always outperform a brand new heavy one.

Our advice is always that you should avoid the very cheapest kids bikes that look like plastic toys, as they'll be poorly made and very difficult to ride.

Should I buy a bike with stabilisers for my child?

Many of us learned to ride with stabilisers, but now we know they can limit learning. Stabilisers effectively turn a bike into a trike, preventing kids from learning balance. To develop control, children need to learn to balance and lean, which bikes with stabilisers don’t teach.

Balance bikes, on the other hand, help kids master full-body control, making it easier to transition to a first pedal bike.

Unless your child has specific needs that affect their balance, we suggest avoiding a bike with stabilisers and starting with one of the best balance bikes that we recommend instead.

For more advice check out our article answering the question, does my child need stabilisers?

Is it better to buy a balance bike or pedal bike for kids?

For toddlers and younger children, a balance bike is often the best first childs bicycle. It helps them develop coordination and confidence without needing stabilisers.

When they’re ready, moving to a lightweight pedal bike for kids becomes much easier. If your child already has good balance, you may be able to skip straight to a pedal bike.

Are lightweight kids bikes worth the money?

Yes – a lightweight kids bike is much easier for your child to ride, especially when starting out. Heavy child bikes can be tiring and frustrating to ride, which may put your child off cycling altogether.

Investing in a lightweight, well-built childs bicycle can boost confidence and make every ride more enjoyable, especially for younger or less experienced riders.

What’s the difference between a child bike and an adult bike?

A child bike is designed with smaller frames, lightweight materials, and the ones we recommend here at Cycle Sprog all have easy-to-use components. In contrast, adult bikes are generally too heavy and large for kids to control safely.

A well-designed bike for kids will have geometry, gearing, and brakes that are suited to a child's strength and riding style. A good childs bike should feel fun and manageable from the very first ride.

Try not to be tempted by a "toy" childs bicycle that is covered in cartoon characters. It may look fun, but may weigh more than an adult bike and be really difficult for children to ride.

Where can I buy a reliable child bicycle in the UK?

There are plenty of great places to buy a reliable childrens bicycle in the UK, from independent bike shops to online retailers. At Cycle Sprog, we recommend sticking to reputable brands that make purpose-built bikes for kids, rather than generic “toy shop” options.

Whether you’re buying new or used, it’s worth seeking out a lightweight, well-fitting childs bike that your child will enjoy riding - such as the best kids bike brands recommended higher up in this article!

How do I know if my child needs a bigger bike?

Kids grow quickly, and that means outgrowing bikes, too. It’s essential to adjust as they grow for safety and comfort.

A childs bike that’s too small can lead to accidents or discomfort, discouraging them from riding.

Signs your child might need a larger bike include:

Knees are too bent when pedaling – there should be just a slight bend at the lowest pedal point.
Standing over the bike leaves more than 2 inches between the top tube and groin (unless it's a low-frame design).
Difficulty maneuvering the bike, even if they once rode it confidently.

For a deeper dive, see our guide: Is my kid's bike the right size for them?

Should I buy a bike my child can grow into?

Buying a bigger bike might seem practical, but it can make riding harder. A too-big bike can be tough to control, knocking their confidence and potentially leading to accidents. It’s better to buy a bike that fits well now.

Consider secondhand options or brands with high resale value if you’re concerned about rapid growth.

For younger children, you could also look into convertible bikes that grow with them. Kidvelo and Black Mountain Bikes offer models that can start as balance bikes and convert to pedal bikes as needed.

What’s the difference between a boys bike and girls bike?

Until you reach the teenage years here shouldn’t be a difference between a boys bike and a girls bike. A well-designed kids bike should fit your child properly, be lightweight, and help them enjoy riding — no matter their gender.

Some cheaper bikes for kids are still marketed separately for boys and girls, often based on colour or style. Bikes for boys may come in darker colours or have “action” themes, while bikes for girls might be pink, sparkly, or feature baskets and streamers. It’s hard to ignore this marketing — especially when your child is pleading for a childs bike with their favourite character on it!

One feature often seen on bikes labelled for girls is a lower crossbar (or step-through frame). While this is sometimes treated as a “girls bike” design, it can actually be really useful for all children, especially those with hip mobility issues or who want to get on and off their bicycle quickly and easily.

At Cycle Sprog, we believe the focus should be on fit, comfort, and how excited your child is to ride their bike, rather than on whether it’s called a boys bike or girls bike.

We recommend choosing the best bike for your child - one that is lightweight with child sized components.

Reviewing kids bikes is what we do here at Cycle Sprog! We loved unpacking a big box, taking out the bike and deciding what we think. We've got a review panel that we pass the bike onto, and we wait to find out how the bike performs in real life.

Yes, it's hard work and time consuming, but we believe you deserve it.

We know that most websites don't even see the bicycles they recommend - they're just after making a quick buck by recommending cheap kids bikes that offer commission on each sale.

We don't do that at Cycle Sprog. Every kids bike brand recommended in this guide has been extensively tested by our review panel, and that's why we recommend them to you as the best kids bikes available.

Here's a selection of the reviews we've done over the years - we hope you find the perfect bike for your child amongst them.

Where to next?

Still unsure? If you’re on a tight budget, our cheapest kids bikes guide has plenty of affordable options.

Once you’ve found the right bike, don’t forget safety essentials like one of the best kids bike helmets, and if you're planning for multiple ages, check out our guides on cycling with teenagers and cycling with babies and toddlers.

We'd love to hear what bike you ended up buying your Cycle Sprog. Do leave a comment below, or come over to our Facebook or Instagram pages to share your pictures.

Best kids bikes 2025

Why should you trust Cycle Sprog to help you choose the best kids bikes?

Contents: best kids bikes 2025

Quick picks: best kids bikes for parents in a hurry

Best budget kids bike brand:

Best mid-range kids bike brands:

Best premium kids bike brand:

Best online retailers to buy kids bikes:

What to look for in the best kids bikes