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Kids Bikes for Toddlers & Young Riders

Choosing the right kids bike starts with the correct wheel size.

At Ivanhoe Cycles, our range of kids bikes includes 12”, 16”, 20” and 24” sizes. Making it easy to find the perfect fit for kids.

Explore 12 inch bikes or balance bikes for first-time riders. 16 inch bikes for growing 4 year olds.

20 inch bikes is the first size that comes with or without gears. Suited to riders from 6, some bikes can also be fitted with training wheels. Kids then move into 24-inch bikes and 26-inch bikes.

Need help deciding? Check out our full kids bike sizing guide to make choosing easier.

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Kids Bikes at Ivanhoe Cycles

The right kids bike is one of the best ways to build confidence, independence and an early love of riding.

Our kids bike range spans every stage of riding, from a first toddler bike right through to bikes for confident riders exploring off-road trails.

You'll find one of the largest ranges of kids bikes anywhere in Victoria, so you're bound to find something for your child's height, skill level and riding style.

We love to help kids progress their riding, so many of the bikes in our collection are designed to do exactly that.

Each size and category focuses on the skills children are developing at that stage, whether that's balance, pedalling, gear shifting or riding off-road. The result: a bike that's comfortable, safe and a lot of fun to ride.

We've been helping families choose kids bikes since 1986, from first toddler bikes through to confident young riders.

Expect friendly, practical advice so your child has the chance to enjoy riding, which all starts with the right bike.

Why the Right Kids Bike Really Matters

The most important thing when buying a kids bike is correct sizing.

A bike that fits properly will be easier for children to control and a lot safer to ride. 

Bikes that are too large or heavy are a surefire way to destroy confidence and stunt early development.

That's why kids' bikes are split up into different categories that match a child's development. These categories include:

  • Balance bikes for toddlers learning coordination and balance.
  • Pedal bikes without gears for beginner riders learning basic riding skills.
  • Kids bikes with gears for older riders tackling hills and longer rides.
  • Junior mountain bikes and BMX bikes for adventurous riding and trails.

A Look at the Key Features and Specifications

Once you know the right size, these are the features that make the biggest difference to how a kids bike rides.

Frame Design and Materials

You'll see a lot of modern kids bikes with lightweight alloy frames, and that's because lighter bikes are easier for kids to start, stop and control.

Another important thing is a low standover height.

With this kids can step on and off the bike easily and place their feet on the ground when stopping.

All of this is essential to building safety and confidence, especially for beginners.

Brakes

There are normally two braking systems when it comes to kids bikes.

  • Coaster brakes (foot brakes): Common on early bikes. Pedalling backwards activates the brake, which is easy for young riders to understand.
  • Caliper or V-brakes (hand brakes): More common on larger bikes. These brakes provide better stopping power and help kids learn braking control.

Many bikes for younger riders include both a foot brake and a front hand brake to help them transition gradually.

Gearing

Most first pedal bikes use single-speed drivetrains.

This is because they're simpler and much easier for beginners to get to grips with, because they don't require gear changes. 

As children get more confident and start riding longer distances or climbing hills, gears definitely become an absolute must.

Tyres and Wheel Sizes

Kids bikes are sized by wheel diameter rather than frame size.

You'll mostly find sizes like 12-inch, 14-inch and 16-inch, all the way up to 26-inch.

Tyre tread also changes depending on the type of riding.

Smooth tyres roll faster on pavement, while deeper tread patterns provide grip for dirt paths and trails.

Adjustability

Children grow quickly, so a bike that can grow with them is always a great idea.

Most kids bikes come fitted with adjustable seatposts and handlebars, allowing the bike to adapt with the rider so they get extra use out of it.

Quick-release seat clamps also make it easy for parents to adjust seat height without tools.

Kids Bike Progression: How Riders Develop

Toddlers: First Bikes

Balance bikes are often the starting point. Instead of pedals, children push with their feet and learn to balance in a way that feels natural, so the transition to a pedal bike is much easier.

Balance bikes work best on smooth surfaces such as parks, paths and driveways.

Young Beginners: First Pedal Bikes

Once kids get used to balancing, a pedal bike is the next step. 12-inch bikes and 14-inch bikes are a great way to teach pedalling, braking and steering.

You'll often see these bikes being used on neighbourhood paths, parks and family rides.

Moving up to the next size, options such as 16-inch bikes are a great way to grow and gain extra confidence.

Growing Riders: Exploring Further

As kids build their confidence on the saddle, bikes with gears allow them to ride further and tackle hills.

20-inch bikes are one of the most common steps at this stage. They're suitable for longer rides, bike paths and light trails.

These bikes support kids in developing stronger riding skills while still keeping size and weight manageable.

Junior Off-Road Riders

Older kids might start looking at trails, dirt paths or BMX parks.

24-inch bikes and 26-inch bikes offer a more rugged build quality alongside plenty of extra features needed for more adventurous riding, like suspension forks, stronger wheels and more durable frames.

They are ideal for exploring trails, riding off-road and developing more advanced riding skills.

For riders heading to the trails or BMX track, kids full face helmets add extra protection.

Kids Bike Size Chart by Age and Height

Use this chart as a starting point. Height and inside leg are more reliable than age, so if your child is between sizes, measure both.

Kids bike sizes by wheel size, typical age and rider height
Wheel size Typical age Rider height What it's for
Balance bike 18 months to 4 years 80 to 100 cm Learning to balance and steer, no pedals
12 inch 2 to 4 years 85 to 100 cm First pedal bike, often with training wheels
14 inch 3 to 5 years 95 to 110 cm First pedal bike for slightly taller riders
16 inch 4 to 7 years 100 to 120 cm Confident pedalling, first hand brakes
18 inch 5 to 7 years 105 to 120 cm A taller wheel on a frame still low enough for small riders
20 inch 6 to 9 years 115 to 135 cm First gears, longer rides, BMX
24 inch 8 to 12 years 125 to 150 cm More gears, suspension and disc brakes on trail models
26 inch and up 10 years and up 145 cm and up The last step before a small adult frame

How to measure inside leg: stand your child against a wall in their riding shoes, place a hardcover book between their legs spine-up, and measure from the top of the book to the floor. On a balance bike or first pedal bike, the saddle should sit at or just below that measurement so both feet reach the ground flat. As skills improve, the saddle goes up until only the balls of the feet touch.

Between sizes? Go with the smaller bike if your child is still nervous or new to pedalling, and the larger one if they are confident and still growing quickly. Sizing up too far is the most common mistake we see: a bike that is too big or too heavy knocks confidence fast.

Kids Bike Maintenance

A little maintenance goes a long way when it comes to looking after a kids bike

Parents can help by doing a few quick checks before rides.

The first is to simply check over the tyre pressure every month

Then, test the brakes and inspect the chain, lubricating if needed.

After any wet or muddy rides, a quick clean is in order.

This helps prevent dirt from wearing out drivetrain components.

Encouraging kids to help look after their own bike can also help them build good habits and responsibility.

Remember:

A clean, well maintained bike is safer, more comfortable, and much more fun to ride.

Picking Out the Perfect Kids Bike

When choosing a kids bike, it helps to think about how and where it will be used.

Fit should always be the most important factor, because a properly fitted bike makes learning easier and improves safety.

Weight also plays its role and a lighter bike is easier for kids to control and manoeuvre.

Parents often pair a new bike with helpful accessories such as bike bells for signalling on shared paths or protective gear like kids helmets for young riders exploring trails.

Trying bikes in-store can make a big difference.

Our team helps families check sizing and ensure the bike feels comfortable before riding.

Kids Bikes FAQs

How do I choose the right wheel size for my child?

Wheel size should match your child's height and inseam rather than age alone. A properly fitted bike allows the rider to comfortably reach the ground and control the bike easily.

Do kids need gears on their first bike?

Most beginner bikes use single-speed drivetrains because they are simpler and easier to learn on.

Gears become useful as children begin riding longer distances or tackling hills.

What safety gear should my child wear when riding?

A properly fitted helmet is essential.

Younger riders may also benefit from knee pads and elbow pads, especially while learning.

Some families also add bike bells to help children alert pedestrians when riding on shared paths.

How often should a kids bike be serviced?

A quick check of tyres, brakes and chain should be done regularly. For bikes used frequently, an annual service helps keep everything running smoothly.

Can components be upgraded as my child grows?

Some parts such as tyres, grips and pedals can be upgraded.

However, because children grow quickly, moving to the next size bike is often the best long-term option.

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