Like getting your first car, the first bike is an important milestone for any child. It’s not only great for their ability, but also their confidence.
I remember how proud my eldest child was when she finally began to ride her bike without the assistance of training wheels. I bought it from her wish list her birthday – and along with my husband’s chef knife, I made two wins that year!
With where we live in inner city Melbourne it also feels like a necessity! Bikes are everywhere – along with great bike tracks – and many kids ride them to school.
It all began by choosing the right bike. This was more difficult than we had anticipated – our daughter was outside of all the ‘normal’ percentiles and there wasn’t a piece of advice that said here’s the best bike for your child.
Click here to see the best kids bike on Amazon now.
We did eventually find a bike suitable for her and learned a lot along the way that has helped shape our choices for our two youngest children. There are actually many things to consider when looking for a top-rated kids bike – and age suggestions aren’t always enough.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to look for in good bikes for kids to help you find the perfect bike for your child – whether you’re looking for the best first bike Australia has to offer or the best youth mountain bikes. We also include balance bike reviews Australia as well as other types of kids bikes reviews!
Compare Best Kids Bikes 2024 Australia
Want to know which kids bike you should get or which the best value kids bikes are? Compare the features of best kids bikes Australia offers in the chart below and read reviews of kids bikes further down.
Clicking on any of the product names will take you to Amazon or eBay so you can see the latest price and buy if you wish.
| Name | Image | Type | Age Range | Weight | Price | Features | Our Rating (/5) |
| RoyalBaby Space Shuttle Magnesium Kids Bike |  | Road | 4-6 years | 10.4kg | Here | Great brakes, wide tyres, 95% preassembled | 4.5 |
| CyclingDeal Kids Mountain Bike Shimano |  | Mountain | 7-9 years | 16kg | Here | Great safety profile, excellent for off track | 4.0 |
| Joystar Kids Bike |  | Road | 3-5 years | 8.7kg | Here | Strong frame, training wheels installed, several designs | 4.5 |
| Royalbaby RB18B-6B BMX Freestyle Kids Bike |  | Road | 5-7 years | 11.3kg | Here | Durable, sturdy, variety of colours/sizes | 4.5 |
| Eurotrike 2 -in -1 Zipp Balance & Pedal Bike |  | Road | 3-5 years | 9kg | Here | 2 in 1 design, adjustable handlebar/seat | 4.0 |
| Huffy Hardtail Kids Mountain Bike |  | Mountain | 12-19 years | 18.7kg | Here | 21 speeds, front suspension, easily adjustable seat | 4.0 |
| Kids Bike Magnesium Alloy |  | Road | 2-4 years | 8.5kg | Here | Strong frame, easily adjustable, double brakes | 4.5 |
| Royalbaby Cube Tube Kids Bike |  | Road | 4-7 years | 10.4kg | Here | 95% preassembled, very responsive brakes | 4.5 |
| Boldcube Baby Balance Bike |  | Balance | Up to 20kg | 2kg | Here | Great for learning, strong carbon frame | 4.0 |
| Kids Child Push Balance Bike 12″ on eBay | Balance | 2-6 years | 2.7kg | Here | Great aesthetic, strong steel frame | 4.5 | |
| Zoomy Kids Aluminium Balance Bike |  | Balance | 1.5-5 years | 2.3kg | Here | Super lightweight, range of colours | 4.0 |
Top 11 Kids Bikes 2024
Handy reference list – see all kids bike reviews below!
- RoyalBaby Space Shuttle Kids Bike, 4-6 yrs old
- CyclingDeal Kids Mountain Bike Shimano, 7-9 yrs old
- Joystar Kids Bike, 3-5 yrs old
- Royalbaby RB18B-6B, 3-8 yrs old
- Eurotrike 2-in-1 Zipp, 3-5 yrs old
- Huffy Hardtail Kids Mountain Bike, 12-19 yrs old
- Kids Bike Magnesium Alloy, 2-4 yrs old
- Royalbaby Cube Tube Kids Bike, 3-5 yrs old
- Baby Balance Bike, Up to 20 kgs
- Kids Child Push Balance Bike 12″, 2-6 yrs old
- Zoomy Kids Aluminium Balance Bike, 1.5-6 yrs old
How To Find The Best Kids Bike Australia 2024
Bikes come in a variety of shapes and sizes and so do children, so it’s important to ensure that you buy the right size bike for your child. Whilst some people buy a bike that their child will “grow into” this can be dangerous as it means the bike will initially be the wrong size. Here are some of the different sizing elements to be aware of when searching for the best bikes for kids Australia has to offer.
Dimensions of the bike
Perhaps the most important factor to consider when purchasing the best kids bike for your child is the bike’s size. Whilst the overall size of the bike is important, you should also consider other dimensions such as the size of the tyres, seat height as well as handlebar and pedal positioning to get the perfect fit for your child.
If these factors are not taken into consideration the bike could potentially be a danger to the child.
Tyre Dimensions
The most common way of determining a kids bike is by the diameter of the tyre. Generally, kids bike wheel sizes come in the following tyre sizes:
- 12”: 18 months to 4 years old;
- 14”: 3 to 5 years old:
- 16”: 4 to 6 years old;
- 20”: 5-8 years old; and
- 24”: 7 to 10 years old.
The above guide should not be used in isolation though as it is important to also consider the bike dimensions discussed below.
Seat Height
One of the best ways to determine if the size of a bike is right for your child is the seat height. Given many brands don’t advertise their bikes seat height, this information can be tricky to come by and so often the best way is by having your child try it out in person.
Provided your child has mastered the bike’s brakes, the seat height should be around 2.5 to 3.75cm (1” to 1.5”) taller than the child’s inseam (the measurement of the inside of the child’s leg to their crotch).
For children that have not mastered the brakes or are not confident riders, then it is best that the seat height matches their inseam (the child is able to place their feet fully flat on the ground).
Standover Height
The standover height refers to the height required to stand over the top tube of the bike (the tube which connects the front of the bike to the back). Your child should be able to comfortably stand over this with 3 to 5 cm (1.2″ to 2″) clearance. This clearance protects the child from hurting themselves should they slip off the seat.
Too often you see little kids on these giant kid bikes, which is quite a serious hazard.
Handlebars
It’s important to ensure there is enough room between the handlebars and the seat to ensure the child’s knees don’t hit the handlebars when turning (this space is referred to as the cockpit). The shape of the handlebars can also impact this space. For example, large handlebars that sweep back as opposed to ones that stick straight out will impact this space.
It is also critical to check the height of the handlebars. Too low or too high and this will put pressure on the child’s neck, shoulders and back. The best handlebar height for a child is usually low to mid rise, so their hands are in line with their hip area.
Pedals
The last dimension to consider is the positioning of the pedals, also referred to as the Q-factor. The Q-factor is the distance between the inside edges of the two pedals. If the pedals are too far apart the child will need to splay their legs out to pedal. If the pedals are too close together the chance of the child hitting their ankles increases.
The Q-factor is particularly important for small or petite children. These children would benefit from a bike with a narrow Q-factor.
Weight of the bike
The weight of the bike is very important. No doubt at some stage your child is going to fall off their bike and given the bike may well fall on top of them, it’s important you look for a lightweight bike. It’s also important that a lightweight kids bike is light enough for the child to easily maneuver it around.
Ideally, the best first bike for your child should be no more than 40% of their weight. Often this is not always possible, particularly if your child is light as a feather – so just go for the bike that is close as possible to this weight guide.
The weight of the bike is going to depend largely on the size, the material it is made out of and the type of tyres. You should be able to determine a bike’s weight fairly easily as all the best bike brands for kids display their bikes’ weight.
Brakes
Australian standards require that a child’s bike must have at least two braking systems with one of those systems to be a back pedal brake (sometimes referred to as coaster brakes). Usually, the other method will be handlebar brakes.
Whilst back pedal brakes are required by law, they can be problematic for younger children. When young children learn to ride they often pedal both forwards and backwards. Of course, back pedal brakes prevent this method of pedalling and often unexpected sudden stops cause children to lose their balance and at times fall off their bike.
Recently experts tend to prefer the handlebar brakes as the better option for children bikes. Handlebar brakes don’t impact child’s pedalling. However, there are still a few things you need to look out for. It’s important to ensure the hand brakes are easy to activate by little hands. A good test for this is to see if you can activate the brakes with just your pinky finger.
It is also worth noting whether the handlebar brakes stop just the front tyre or both tyres. For handlebar brakes that only stop the front tyre when the brake is applied the rear tyre will lift off the ground causing the child to go flying across the handlebars. Try and find a bike that the handlebar brakes stop both tyres.
Types Of Best Bikes For Kids
Balance Bikes
You have probably heard of a balance bike and wondering what they’re all about and if they are actually worth the hype. Basically, a balance bike is a two-wheeled pedal-less bike designed to teach young children (as young as 18 months) how to balance on two wheels.
The beauty of balance bikes is that the child is putting all their efforts into balancing rather than pedalling, this provides them with the skill of balance so they can go straight to a regular child’s bike without the need for training wheels.
Unfortunately, bikes with training wheels teach children to pedal, but not to balance. Therefore once the training wheels are removed from the bike the child needs to learn how to ride their bike all over again.
The best balance bike is recommended for children from the ages of 18 months to 5 years of age. Generally, children progress to a typical child’s bike after 2 years of riding the balance bike. The best toddler bikes or best bike for 2 year old Australia tend to be balance bikes for all of these reasons.
Road Bikes
Road bikes are good all rounder bikes, designed for riding on the road, and are often some of the best childrens bikes. These best kids bike brands have narrow tyres designed for riding on smooth surfaces and to go as fast and as far as possible out on the open road.
Mountain Bikes
Mountain bikes are designed to handle all kinds of terrain, particularly unpaved surfaces. The best youth mountain bike will have thicker more durable tyres in order to be able to go over small rocks, branches and logs and gears. Mountain bikes do tend to be a little on the heavier side but there are also lighter models if you’re looking for the lightest kids mountain bike.
Below are some of my favourite options for good mountain bikes for kids.
BMX Bikes
BMX bikes for kids are ideal for older children who are confident riders and are into bike racing and / or tricks. There are various types of BMX bikes depending upon the different purposes such as off-road racing, street racing and stunts. Kids have always loved BMX bikes mainly due to their smaller sizes and quite frankly just because they are cool!
Budget
Of course, you are always going to be limited by what you are able to spend when buying a bike. However now that you know exactly what to look for in a bike, you will be able to prioritise what is important and purchase the best bike for your child within your budget.
Whilst the cheapest bike you find is generally not going to be the best bike for your child, similarly, the most expensive bike is unlikely to be the best bike either.
If budget is of a concern to you, you can always purchase a second-hand bike, or better still by the best bike you can for your child brand new with the mindset to resell it once your child outgrows it.
If you do plan to resell it, be sure to keep receipts, spare parts, reflectors, instructions etc to maximize the resale value. Another tip is to buy the bike in a neutral colour so it can suit a boy or a girl.
8 Best Kids Bike Reviews 2024
Now that you know what it is you’re looking for, what are the best kid bikes? Which brands of kids bike is the best?
Below you’ll find top rated kids bikes below to find one suitable for your child’s needs.
RoyalBaby Space Shuttle Magnesium Kids Bike Review
Rating: 4.5
Specifications:
- Type: Road
- Age Range: 4 – 6 years
- Weight: 10.4kg
The RoyalBaby Space Shuttle is one of the best 18 inch bike options around if you’re looking for a super light bike that your kid can even lift by themselves!
This unisex bike is also available as a 14-16 inch wheel option as the best bike with training wheels, or with a kickstand on the 18 inch model. This bike features a unique hollow magnesium alloy frame which makes it easy to carry, but also stable enough for your kid to enjoy. The wider 2.4 inch tyres make for more stability as well as a smoother ride.
Other features of the bike include non-slip resin coated pedals, a full chain guard that prevents clothing becoming trapped, and front/rear disc brakes.
Another advantage to this bike is that its super easy to put together – it comes 95% assembled! Depending on which wheel size you go for, this bike gets great reviews for being easy to ride by boys and girls aged between 4-6 years old.
Benefits:
- Super responsive brakes
- Wide tyres provide more traction and stability
- Comes 95% preassembled
Drawbacks:
- Chains come a little too tensioned
>> Click here to check the price on Amazon and to read more reviews.
CyclingDeal Kids Mountain Bike Shimano 18 Speed 20″ Wheels Review
Rating: 4.0
Specifications:
- Type: Mountain
- Age Range: 7 – 9 years
- Weight: 16kg
If you’re looking for the best 20 inch bike Australia has, then this CyclingDeal kids mountain bike is definitely worth a look.
Featuring 18 derailleur gears, this is the best bicycle for kids that are adventurous and aged between 7-9, and would be a good option for those who want to try out more different speeds off paved roads. The bike is feature heavy, with its industry-leading Shimano gear and suspension system, and has been designed with kids safety in mind too.
Be prepared to do a bit of assembly work, although the bike does arrive 85% assembled – or you could take it to your local bike shop for help if you’re not handy with assembling bikes. Another draw back is that the bike does not have disk brakes.
Overall, if you’re wondering what size bike for 7 year old Australia would be best for your adventurous kid, this CyclingDeal model is a great investment and undoubtedly one of the best kids mountain bikes Australia has.
Benefits:
- Great safety profile
- Excellent for getting off track
Drawbacks:
- Heavy
- Does not include disk brakes
>> Click here to check the price on Amazon and to read more reviews.
Joystar Kids Bike Review
Rating: 4.5
Specifications:
- Type: Road
- Age Range: 3 – 5 years
- Weight: 8.7kg
If you’re looking for smart, yet strong and lightweight childrens bikes Australia offers, the Joystar Kids Bike is a great option. These very trendy bikes have multiple designs and sizes with strong frames and thick tyres.
There are several designs to choose from. The best girls bike from Joystar includes a cute basket with pastel colours and floral designs, whereas boys bikes are more neutral yet still stylish. Each bike seat features a quick release function making it easy to adjust, and every bike features a bell, coaster brake and training wheels.
You can choose from 12, 14, 16 and 18 inch wheels, with the 18 inch option being their best bike for 8 year old Australia option, and 14-16 inches being about their best bike for 5 year old Australia option.
These bikes are simple with a single speed and strong steel frames (assured by their lifetime guarantee). Note that 12-16 inch versions offer footbrakes but do not include handbrakes or kickstands.
Conveniently for parents, the bikes are easy to install in under 30 minutes. If your kid needs a strong bike and you have a fair budget, these are great options.
Benefits:
- Strong and sturdy frame
- Training wheels already installed
- Several trendy designs
Drawbacks:
- Includes a footbrake only on the 12, 14 and 16 inch models
- On the pricey side
>> Click here to check the price on Amazon and to read more reviews.
Royalbaby RB18B-6B BMX Freestyle Kids Bike Review – Best Bike For 6 Year Old Australia
Rating: 4.5
Specifications:
- Type: Balance/Road
- Age Range: 5-7 years
- Weight: 11.3kg
The Royalbaby RB18B-6B BMX is a great sporty bike for the young rider who is looking to upgrade or who has grown out of their previous bike. It comes with training wheels, so perfect for kids that haven’t yet mastered riding without them.
Parents will love how quick and easy it is to assemble this bike, whilst the kids will love the range of bright colours available making it the perfect bike for both boys and girls looking for the best girls’ bike.
On this bike, you’ll find 2.4” knobby tyres, non-slip resin pedals with reflectors and a super easy quick release seat post.
Other features include BMX style handlebars, a bell, water bottle and training wheels
This Royalbaby bike is suitable for children aged 5 to 7 years of age as it comes in a variety of heights. It is a top choice for the best 14 inch bike Australia or best 16 inch bike Australia depending on what size you buy.
Benefits:
- Durable and sturdy
- Comes in a variety of colours and tyre sizes
Drawbacks:
- Not the best dimensions for very tall/short kids
>> Click here to check the price on Amazon and to read more reviews.
Eurotrike 2 -in -1 Zipp Balance & Pedal Bike Review – Best Bike For 3 Year Old Australia
Rating: 4.0
Specifications:
- Type: Road
- Age Range: 3 – 5 years
- Weight: 9kg
This is a great bike for parents who are wanting to try out a balance bike but still want the option of a traditional pedal bike. Children can ride the Eurotrike 2 in 1 as a balance bike until they master the skills of balance and steering without pedals. Once the child is ready to transition to a pedal bike, parents can simply add the pedal unit.
This bike is great for those on a tight budget as you are basically getting a balance bike and your child’s first pedal bike for the price of one bike.
Features include an adjustable handlebar with safety pads on crossbar and stem, adjustable padded seat with an integrated parents hand hold and 12” pump up tyres. There is also a strong steel frame and mini mag wheels.
It’s our pick for the best first bike for 3 year old thanks to this adjustability. It is perfect for first riders aged between 3 to 5 years of age with a maximum weight of 25 kgs.
Benefits:
- Can be transformed into a pedal bike
- Adjustable handlebar and seat
Drawbacks:
- Very heavy for a child’s bike
>> Click here to check the price on Amazon and to read more reviews.
Huffy Hardtail Kids Mountain Bike Review
Rating: 4.0
Specifications:
- Type: Mountain
- Age Range: 12-19 years
- Weight: 18.7kg
It can be difficult to find the best mountain bike for 12 year old boy Australia offers, but the 24 inch Huffy Hardtail is definitely a contender.
This is one of the few best kids bicycle options for older kids/teens with such great features. This bike offers great front suspension for a smooth ride and a huge 21 speeds for downward coasting and uphill riding. The upright handles minimise discomfort and the comfortably padded seat is easily adjustable.
Among the best kids mountain bike Australia options for older kids, this bike includes a kickstand and simple red aesthetic. Note, however, that the assembly manual isn’t great and assembly can be a bit difficult – I recommend following a video online.
If you’re looking for the best 20 inch mountain bike Australia, Huffy also has an option in this size suitable as the best bike for 7 year old Australia mountain bike option to about 9 years old.
Benefits:
- Offers 21 speeds and front suspension
- Comfortable and easily adjustable seat
- One of the best 24 inch bike Australia options
Drawbacks:
- Tricky to assemble
- Limited design choices
>> Click here to check the price on Amazon and to read more reviews.
Kids Bike Magnesium Alloy Review – Best Bike For 4 Year Old Australia
Rating: 4.5
Specifications:
- Type: Road
- Age Range: 2 – 4 years
- Weight: 8.5kg
This is a fantastic lightweight bike perfect for the beginner pedal bike rider and by far the coolest on our list. Everything on this bike has been designed with the smallest of riders in mind including grips, handlebars and easy to use brake levers.
These bikes are made with the highest quality components, as well as some of the safest kids bikes on the market. The kids will love the range of bright colours to choose from.
Features include front and rear specific hand breaks as well as double brakes, an easily adjustable seat and a frame made of high carbon steel.
The bike comes in both a 12 inch, 14 inch and 16 inch wheel size, with the 12 inch bike best suited to children from 2 to 4 years of age and among the best toddler bike Australia options. An awesome bike indeed which is the best bike for 4 year old Australia offers.
Benefits:
- Super strong, high carbon steel frame
- Easily adjustable seat
- Double brakes
Drawbacks:
- Tyres don’t offer the best traction
>> Click here to check the price on Amazon and to read more reviews.
Royalbaby Cube Tube Kids Bike 16″ Review
Rating: 4.0
Specifications:
- Type: Road
- Age Range: 3 – 5 years
- Weight: 10.4kg
The RoyalBaby CubeTube kids bike is unisex and comes in 12″, 16″ and 18″ sizes and is a great option for kids who are ready for a larger bike once they’ve outgrown their first bike with training wheels.
The 12″ does come with training wheels, the 16″ has both training wheels and kickstand while the 18″ only has the kickstand. This bike comes with plenty of great features such as the 2.4″ wheels for extra stability, quick release seat for easy height adjustments, and front and rear braking systems for safety.
There’s also a lot of attention to detail in these bikes which I love – such as short break levers that perfectly fit into a kids hand so that they can pull them comfortably. Pedals are anti-slip and there’s a full chain guard too. Best of all the bike comes 95% assembled meaning less work for parents!
Overall, if you’re looking for the best first pedal bike Australia without the training wheels, this model is a great option to look at.
Benefits:
- Comes 95% preassembled
- Short grip, responsive brakes
Drawbacks:
- No basket or drink holder
>> Click here to check the price on Amazon and to read more reviews.
Best Balance Bike Australia Reviews
Which is the best balance bike to buy? Read the balance bike reviews below to find out.
Boldcube Baby Balance Bike Review – Best Toddler Bike
Rating: 4.0
Specifications:
- Type: Balance
- Age Range: Up to 20 kgs
- Weight: 2kg
If you’re still asking what is the best bike to buy a toddler, the Baby Balance Bike toddler bike is a nifty design with safety in mind.
This is a great kids cycle for learning to walk and the lightest kids bike for doing so. What’s more, the wheel is specially designed so as to avoid running over little feet. Kids bike reviews have frequently voted it favourably.
Another feature is that it has a strong carbon frame and environmentally friendly dust free body – another push in the direction of the best kids bikes Australia offers toddlers.
It’s a smaller option so a good choice if you are looking for a bike for 1 year old Australia.
Benefits:
- Great for toddlers learning to walk
- Strong carbon frame
Drawbacks:
- Only suitable for the youngest kids
- May grow out of it quickly
>> Click here to check the price on Amazon and to read more reviews.
Kids Child Push Balance Bike 12″ Review – Best Balance Bike For 2 Year Old Australia
Rating: 4.5
Specifications:
- Type: Balance
- Age Range: 2 – 6 years
- Weight: 2.7kg
Regarding the question what is the best bike seat for a toddler, this particular bike is a great option and perhaps even the best bike for 3 year old Australian toddler.
Owing to this is a strong steel frame and an aesthetic similar to best kids bike Australia listings. The bike itself is only a 12 inch bicycle for kids with a cute aesthetic and few features, other than a strong steel frame.
Benefits:
- Great bike aesthetic
- Strong steel frame
- Among the best first bike for 3 year old Australia
Drawbacks:
- Not super cheap
>> Click here to check the price and to read more reviews on eBay.
Zoomy Kids Aluminium Balance Bike Review – Best Balance Bike Australia 2024
Rating: 4.0
Specifications:
- Type: Balance
- Age Range: 1.5 – 5 years
- Weight: 2.3kg
Finally, we have another balance bike which answers the question, which one is the best balance bike for my toddlers.
The reason this bike is suitable for so many parents is the range of colours, so offering girls bikes and boys bikes, as well as the budget price point. In comparison to other good kids bikes it fairs well, albeit slightly more expensive.
Benefits:
- Super lightweight
- Range of colours available
Drawbacks:
- Slightly pricey
>> Click here to check the price on Amazon and to read more reviews.
We hope you found your best bike for kids. Looking for more kids products? Check out our best kids headphones reviews and guide or find all of our buying guides here.
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