There’s nothing quite like the freedom and joy of riding a bike. It’s an excellent way for kids to get some exercise and have fun at the same time.
But finding the right size bike for your child can be tricky. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of finding the perfect size for your little one.
We’ll also provide tips on how to choose the right type by following the kids bike size chart.
Table of Contents
How to Measure Bike Size for Kid
What to Prepare
You only need a tape measure to find out your child’s height. You can bring the measurements to the store to ask for recommendations, follow the chart guidelines, and find accessories your kid will need.
Step 1: Measure the inseam
- In order to get an accurate inseam measurement, have your child stand against a wall with their feet flat on the ground, and the feet should be close to each other.
- The feet should be flat-bottomed when riding a bike because they will be wearing shoes. As a result, you’ll have the precise inseam of the kid, including his or her height.
- Use a tape measure to measure from the ground to their groin.
- This is where the saddle of the bike will sit, so it’s important to get this measurement right.
Step 2: Measure the height
- Have your youngster put on their bike shoes.
- Instruct them to stand against a wall and their feet shoulder-width apart.
- Place the book’s spine on their head and push it against the wall.
- Start measuring from the bottom of the book to the ground with the tape measure.
Step 3: Match with the Bicycle Size Chart Based on Inseam
Match the figures you get from the measurement above with the following chart to size a bike for a kid.
| Wheels (inches) | Age (years) |
Inseam (inches) |
Height (inches) |
| 12” | 2-3 | 15”-18” | 36″-39” |
| 14” | 2-4 | 15”-20” | 37″-44” |
| 16” | 4-6 | 16”-22” | 41”-48” |
| 20” | 5-8 | 19”-25” | 45”-54” |
| 24” | 8-11 | 23”-28” | 49”-56” |
| 26” | 10 and over | 25” and over | 56” and over |
To figure out which bike wheel size category 4 year olds belong to, look at their inseam by referring to the child bike size chart above. They will be most comfortable for an 18 inch kids bike.
For example, our 5 year old has an inseam of 19.5 inches. If we use the bike sizing chart above, they may fit on three different-sized bikes. The bigger wheels of a size 20 or a size 18 bike would be considerably more beneficial as they mature.
In general, if your youngster’s inseam fits the bike, go with a larger wheel size. Larger wheels are more steady and enable more significant development potential. Following the kids bike size chart by height, you’ll be able to decide which one of the two sizes is best for them.
Step 4: Determine the standover height
It is the distance between the top tube of the bike and the ground. You’ll want to make sure they can easily stand over the bike with their feet on the ground and an inch or two between them and the top tube.
This should make them feel secure riding on the bike. If they have to plop down onto the seat or tiptoe to reach the ground, the bike is likely too big for them.
Step 5: Pay attention to the foot position
The foot position is essential for balance, comfort, and efficiency while pedaling. When youngsters begin to ride, their feet must touch the ground so they can control the bicycle.
The ball of your child’s foot should be flat on the pedal for training wheel bikes or pedal bikes. This enables them to apply equal pressure and avoid knee, ankle, or hip discomfort.
If the bike seat is too high, your kid’s pelvis will have to work hard to reach the pedals, which can be unpleasant. If the seat is too low, your kid won’t be able to apply enough force to pedal effectively.
Step 6: Choose The Larger Wheel Size
With your child’s measurements in hand, the next step is to find the right wheel size through the kids bike size guide. Even though two bikes may have similar measurements, their saddles and frames can vary by 5 inches.
If your child’s size falls between 12-inch and 14-inch bikes, go with the larger wheel size. This way there’s plenty of space for growth as well stability since large wheels make them more steady to ride hills in particular.
More Recommendations
If you have ever shopped for a bike for your child, you have probably come across a bike measurement chart like the one above. While this toddler bike size chart is a good starting point, it is essential to realize they are only a guide.
- When browsing for bikes online or in-store, it is advisable to ask for recommendations or suggestions from the store employee or website support.
- In that way, you will be able to save more time in looking for products and test the product immediately if it fits your kid.
- This will allow you to see which bike gives them the most comfortable ride. Keep in mind that the ideal bike should be easy for your child to control, and it should be the right size for their height and weight.
- The saddle height and inseam length can vary depending on their age group, so make sure you check both before purchasing anything.
- Another thing worth noting while shopping online or trying out models at stores near you is the reviews left by parents who have already tried different types like Schwinn and Guardian Bikes.
- You should find suitable wheelbase length – The wheelbase of a bike affects the ride quality and stability. A longer distance between your back wheels to those in front makes for an easier riding experience and means less control over steering when going around turns or curves.
- If the wheelbase distance is short, make sure your child’s knees don’t brush against the handlebars while they pedal.
- Long wheelbase bikes are great for beginners because they provide a lower center of gravity. This makes balancing and maintaining it much easier on the rider, who may not have as much experience with different styles in their riding.
- You should choose adjustable seat heights – With seat adjustments on their bicycles to accommodate this rapid development, we could save money by adjusting the seat height without buying another set.
Always choose the lowest saddle position and the biggest safe wheel size while sizing a bike for your kid. You want to get a bike seat that will allow plenty of growth adjustments in the future.
More Information About Bike Size by Age and Riding Ability
1. Beginner Riders
A beginner rider should be able to put their feet flat on the ground while sitting on the bike’s seat. It’s essential for my child to be able to stop quickly with their feet at this age. As a result, the bicycle saddle height should be set at knee level.
A 5 year old and 6 year old child can ride a size 16 bike with its seat height set to 19.5 inches. This bicycle would make an excellent first bike for a novice rider.
2. Experienced Riders
Kids from 3 year old up to 7 year old with confidence can safely start or stop their bike using their hands or foot brakes. They should be able to comfortably sit on the bike’s saddle with their toes being able to touch the ground.
It simply implies that the seat must be placed at least 2 to 4 inches above a child’s inseam. Raise the seat that will accommodate a height for 20 inch bike to allow for a comfortable leg movement while pedaling, which improves the effectiveness of each pedal stroke.
Different Bike Types for Kids
1. Bicycle Trailer
The bike trailer is a great way to get your child out of sight and on their own two feet.
Depending on which works better for traffic conditions, you can tow it behind you or in front, and you can even let your kid drive the trailer safely. Either way, they’ll be rested while riding with the comfort of being harnessed securely into place.
The bicycle trailer is an excellent choice for any trip longer than one day, as it protects your precious cargo from the elements and makes you more comfortable with its comfy seats.
Some models come equipped to hold two kids while others can easily convert into strollers so that parents don’t need extra help taking care of their little ones on the go.
2. Trailer Cycle
Though not as popular, trailer cycles are an excellent way for small boys and girls to learn how to ride and move about on two wheels.
The handlebars connect behind the seat in order that when turning it pivots, giving them more control while they maintain their balance alongside you. You may also adjust the seat height according to your kid’s size.
3. Balance Bike
Balance bikes come in all sizes to fit the needs of toddlers, older special-needs children, and even adults who are just learning how to ride. With this wide range, make sure you find a good match for your own preferences.
4. Bike For Big Kids
Children develop at varying rates, so it’s crucial to fit each child on their own height and inseam. Moreover, the most significant aspects to consider in bike sizing are comfort and security.
Children’s bike sizes vary depending on the type of bike you want to buy. Adults typically ride 26″ or larger wheels while children’s bikes come with a diameter of 24 inch kids bike and below.
Some manufacturers even offer 14 inches for kids starting to learn and smaller versions that continue this trend for smoother progression through childhood years.
Conclusion
We are all looking for an easy way to choose a kid’s bike size. Some people prefer to choose by wheel size, while others prefer inseam dimensions, and others still want to go by height.
We can also follow guides for kids bike size chart to help make a decision. There are a lot of unique approaches, but what is important is how comfortable our children will be riding their bikes.
“I ride my bike to work for years, but is that enough? Our carelessness towards our surroundings has taken a toll on the environment. And now, everyone is responsible for changes; even the most minor contribution is counted. With this hope and spirit, I started with my partner to establish Biketoworkday to help more individuals commute to their work sites on their bikes.”