16-18 Inch Kids Bikes (Ages 4-7)

(32 products)

At Ivanhoe Cycles, we help families choose the right bike for kids aged 4-6. Our team has fitted thousands of children to their first and second bikes, and the 40cm kids bikes category is one we know better than anyone.

This size is a great go-to for families looking for a reliable bike for 5 year old riders or children a little older who are ready for a stable, lightweight option.

We've also included 18-inch bikes (45cm bikes) in this category too. These are great for 5 year olds who can sometimes be a little big for a 16-inch bike but not big enough for a 20-inch bike.

Whatever kids bike you need, we believe that cycling is for everyone. We call on over 40 years worth of experience and have become established as one of Melbourne's best cycling shops. We’re all about giving friendly, helpful service and advice to the cycling community, so you can trust us to get the right bike for you.

Benefits of an 16-Inch Bike

If your young rider is tall enough to fit an 18-inch kids bike (like the ByK E-350 range), there are numerous benefits (compared to a 16-inch bike):

Larger diameter wheels cover more distance per rotation so younger riders won't get tired as quickly. Once the wheels are rolling, they hold momentum and speed better, meaning it takes less effort to pedal the bike.

Larger wheels don't like to fall over or change directions quickly. This is perfect for kids who are learning to steer as it calms the steering response down. Ultimately, this means more control over the bike.

Lastly, they naturally create a stable platform thanks to the upright riding position, helping young riders feel more in control for a little extra confidence. This size works well for children moving up from a balance bike or outgrowing a smaller 12-inch bike.

If your child is nearing the next stage, you can also explore our 20-inch kids bikes and 24-inch kids & mountain bike categories.

Getting to Grips With 16-Inch Bike Sizing

When we reference 16-inch (40cm) or 18-inch (45cm), we are referring to the diameter of the wheels. However, another component of sizing is the frame. Some brands do a smaller frame size and other frames are slightly bigger.

For example: The Giant Animator 16/Liv Adore 16 and Mongoose Mitygoose 16/Missygoose 16 are both examples of 16-inch bikes. So both bikes have the same wheel size but the frame size is different.

Taller riders will be better suited to Mongoose bikes because the frames are slightly taller and longer than the Giant/Liv. Alternatively, consider the Animator 16/Adore 16 if your child is beginning to move away from training wheels. The lower frame will help them place their feet on the ground.

What Frame Material is Used for 16-Inch Bikes?

Ivanhoe Cycles stocks a wide range of 40cm kids bikes built with either steel or alloy (aluminium) frames.

Steel bikes are durable and budget-friendly, but they weigh more, which can make starting, stopping, and handling a little harder for smaller children.
Alloy bikes are lighter and easier to manage. They help young riders accelerate faster, balance more easily, and maintain control with less effort.

Examples of Alloy 16-Inch Bikes Are:

Giant Animator 16/Liv Adore 16
Mongoose Mitygoose 16/Missygoose 16
GT Grunge 16/Siren 16
Malvern Star Cruisestar 16

Choosing the Right Size: 16-Inch or 18-Inch?

If you want to know that the 16-inch size will work, place your child on the bike.

Step 1: With the seat all the way down, does your young rider have a slight knee bend?

If yes, that's the right seat height.

Step 2: When they're grabbing hold of the handlebars, is their back rounded with locked elbows?

If yes, the bike is too long and you need to downsize to a 16-inch bike.

Don’t worry if you don’t know how to do this yourself, we complete these checks in-store and guide families online so you can make confident decisions from home.

Learn Simple Care and Maintenance at Home

Here are a few simple steps will keep your child’s bike running well:

Keep tyres inflated: Proper tyre pressure helps the bike roll smoothly and reduces the chance of unwanted flats, so a quick check every few weeks goes a long way.
Check over brakes regularly: Make sure the brakes engage cleanly and feel consistent, as this keeps your child safe and gives them better control while riding.
Clean the frame after messy rides: A little wipe-down gets rid of dirt and grit, protecting the paint and keeping the bike looking and performing at its best.
Store the bike in a dry area: Keeping the bike out of the weather stops rust and makes all moving parts last that little bit longer longer.

Our workshop teams in Heidelberg Heights, Hallam, and Hoppers Crossing can assist with tune-ups, parts, or yearly servicing.

We Check Components for Maximum Safety

We look over all the key components so that they remain safe and comfortable:

Brakes. As required by Australian Standards, all 16-inch and 18-inch bikes (except BMXs) have a rear foot brake paired with either a front hand brake or front and rear hand brakes.
Tyres with proper tread for grip on paths and playgrounds.
Handlebars designed for a secure, comfortable hold.

Where These Bikes Ride Well

Families often choose 40cm bikes for casual everyday riding. They perform well on neighbourhood footpaths, school routes, local parks, and smooth trails.

It doesn’t matter if your child is brand-new to riding or already confident, our team is on-hand to recommend something that’s perfect for the way they ride.

If you are browsing other age groups, why not check out our full range of bikes for kids and toddlers, including both girls bikes and boys bikes.

Trust the Local Legends With Your Next Bike

Every family has different needs. At Ivanhoe Cycles, we point parents in the right direction of a bike that fits properly, rides safely, and lasts long enough for a child to grow with it.

We also stock a full range of popular accessories such as bike drink holders and bike bells for our Australian community.

Not sure where to start? The first thing to do is speak with our team. We fit kids to bikes every day, and we’re here to help you and your family get out onto the road or trails in no time.

FAQs

What age is suitable for a 40cm kids bike?

Most children aged 4 to 6 feel comfortable on a 40cm bike. Height and confidence matter most, so we recommend checking whether your child can sit with a slight knee bend and reach the handlebars comfortably.

How do I know if my child has outgrown their bike?

If your child rides with their knees too bent, struggles with reach, or looks cramped even with the seat raised, it’s usually time to move up to the next size. Our team can assess this quickly in store.

Are training wheels necessary at this size?

Many 40cm bikes can use training wheels, and they are helpful for new riders who need a little more stability. Confident riders often skip them, so the choice comes down to your child’s balance and comfort level.

Why choose a lightweight kids bike?

A lighter bike is easier for kids to lift, balance, and control. It helps them learn faster and ride longer without fatigue, especially on hills or uneven surfaces.

How can I maintain my child’s bike?

Regular checks of tyre pressure, brakes, and general cleanliness keep the bike performing well. A quick tune-up in one of our workshops once a year helps maintain long-term safety.

What features make a kids bike safe?

Safe bikes have reliable brakes, stable geometry, secure grips, quality tyres, and a proper fit. Our staff make sure each bike is adjusted correctly before it goes home with your family.