Btwin Convertible 2-in-1 Ride-On to Balance Bike review: A great option for a 1 year old?

There’s something truly special about watching your baby discover the joy of cycling, whether that’s giggling from their seat on your bike or starting to take their first independent steps into the world of riding. A ride-on bike is often the very first part of that journey, giving little ones the chance to scoot, climb, push, and balance in their own time.

The Btwin Convertible 2-in-1 Ride-On to Balance Bike brings an innovative twist to the traditional ride-on. Starting as a stable four-wheeled bike for new walkers, it then cleverly converts into a two-wheeled balance bike as they grow in confidence and coordination. With height-adjustable legs and swappable wheels, it’s designed to adapt as your child develops.

But does this smart design outperform a classic four-wheel ride-on or one of the best bikes for 1-year-olds? And how does it hold up against traditional balance bikes? We've been putting it to the test with one of our youngest reviewers. Read on to find out more.

Disclosure:  Cycle Sprog were sent the Btwin Convertible 2-in-1 Ride-On to Balance Bike to review. We were not paid to write this review, and all opinions are our own. We do use affiliate links, so we may get a small commission if you choose to buy through the links on this page. This funds the website, and we thank you for your support.

About our reviewer:

Our reviewer is E, a curious and active 1-year-old who began using the Btwin 2-in-1 shortly after taking her first confident steps.

Already a big fan of riding in her front bike seat on our family rides, this was her first experience of independent cycling.

Fast forward nearly a year, and she’s now ready to move on to her first 'real' balance bike. But in that time, this little ride-on has become a firm favourite.

About Decathlon and Btwin bikes

Decathlon is a well-known name in affordable, accessible sports gear, and when it comes to bikes, their Btwin range offers something for every rider. From first balance bikes through to kids’ mountain bikes and road-ready hybrids, Btwin bikes are built with practicality and value in mind.

Here at Cycle Sprog, we’ve reviewed several Btwin bikes and have consistently been impressed by their thoughtful design and great value for money. The Btwin Convertible 2-in-1 is no exception, offering a clever and budget-friendly solution for babies taking their first steps (and scoots!) into cycling.

First Impressions of the Btwin Convertible 2-in-1 Ride-On to Balance Bike

E took to the ride-on immediately, and within days, “bike” had become one of her first words. The four-wheel setup gave us confidence from the outset, offering a safe and stable base for a child who was still new to walking.

As a smaller centile baby, E needed a bit of help getting on and off initially, but quickly learned to do it herself. The clever seat design, with a rear slope and extended length, allowed her to experiment with different positions and build confidence as she grew.

One standout feature is the included Allen key, which cleverly slots into the frame. It’s attached to a large, safe rubber bung so there’s no choking hazard, and it makes switching between the bike’s modes and adjusting height settings quick and easy.

All our friends, whether they were parents or not, were impressed by its versatility, noting how easily it adapts to different stages and sizes.

Specifications of the Btwin Convertible 2-in-1 Ride-On to Balance Bike

This bike is built to support early development by encouraging skills such as stepping over, pushing with the legs, steering, and learning to navigate their surroundings.

The frame has been carefully designed with a curved rear handlebar, limited steering rotation and a geometry that prioritises stability, whether your little one is pushing it like a walker or hopping on for a ride.

Key specifications include:

• Two modes of use:
• 4 wheels for early-stage stability
• 2 wide wheels for balance-building
• Adjustable seat height: 3 positions, from 24 cm to 29.5 cm
• Wheels suitable for indoor and light outdoor use
• Built-in tool: A mini Allen key discreetly stored in the rear of the seat
• Bike weight: 2.9 kg
• Recommended age: Up to 4 years (realistically, more suitable for 1–2.5 years, depending on the child.

Riding the Btwin Convertible 2-in-1 Ride-On to Balance Bike

This little bike has been part of countless happy moments in our household. E zoomed around the house on it, pushing, climbing and sitting for long stretches, sometimes pretending to ride, other times just using it as a trusty sidekick.

The long, sloping seat allowed for flexibility in riding position and made getting on and off easier. While the bike may feel a little wide for very small babies, this didn’t bother E in the slightest. The saddle is firm, but again, she never seemed phased by it.

The wheels are ideal for indoor play, quiet and smooth, but they do scuff and offer high rolling resistance outdoors. That said, at this age, children aren’t covering long distances, so this wasn’t a big issue.

At 2.9 kg, the bike is solid enough to feel robust but not so heavy that it’s unwieldy. E also loved pushing it like a walker. In its four-wheel mode, the turning circle is quite wide, and it was a little heavy for her to manoeuvre at first, but she soon got the hang of it.

The high level of lateral stability made a big difference in those early months; it gave her confidence, helped her balance, and supported her as she learned to climb on and off. It’s been a great bridge between walking and a proper balance bike.

We've used the bike in every configuration, four wheels, two wheels, high seat, low seat. The removable wheel covers occasionally pop off (thanks mostly to Dad breaking the weight limit...), but they’re easy to click back on.

While Decathlon list the age limit as three, we feel most children will have outgrown it by this point. Once your child is tall enough, a pneumatic-tyred balance bike will offer a smoother, more rewarding ride outdoors.

Still, this clever design offers so much more longevity than a basic three or four-wheeled ride-on, and offers true stepping stones to proper cycling.

Thoughts from the Sprog

It’s easily the top toy when friends come to play, everyone wants a go. Its adjustable features mean we can lend it to friends with younger or older children, and it’s always a hit.

We often take it along to friends' houses, where E explores new spaces with confidence and joy. It’s become part of her everyday adventures.

Other articles you might be interested in:

• Cycling with babies and toddlers: Everything you need to get started
• Best balance bikes
• Best bikes for a 1 year old
• Why you shouldn’t buy a REALLY cheap new kids bike
• How to easily measure your child for a new bike
• Best bike helmets for babies and toddlers
• How to assemble a kids bike out of the box
• Does my child need stabilisers?
• How to start cycling with a small child in a bike seat, cargo bike or trailer