GoKawiilCompare Top Kids Bike Brands
Bike Brand Age Range Weight Frame Material Shifters Brakes Woom Explore 18 mos to 14 years For 24-inch: 20 lbs, 12 oz Aluminum MicroShift Trigger Shifter ProMax hydraulic disc Prevelo Alpha Two 4 to 6 years For the 12-inch: 12.1 lbs Aluminum alloy Single speed Hand brakes with internal cables Retrospec Dart 6 to 11 years For the 24-inch: 28 lbs, 4 oz Steel Shimano Revoshift twist Hand-operated V brakes Guardian Small Bike 5 to 8 years For the 20-inch: 20.7 lbs Steel Single speed Guardian SureStop brakes REI Co-op Rev Drt 24 8 to 12 years For the 24-inch: 31 lbs Aluminum Shimano Tourney Revo Tektro hydraulic disc Priority Start 3 to 13 years For the 24-inch: 23 lbs Aluminum Shimano Nexus 3-speed Hand-operated V brakes Strider 12 Sport 1 to 4 years 6.7 lbs Steel None None
Honorable Mentions
Photograph: Adrienne So
Linus Roadster for $349: We tried the 20-inch Roadster and it's a little kids' bike, with coaster brakes and no gears. The reach is also a little far for a 7-year-old. However, it is a beautiful bike, with an aluminum alloy frame and gorgeous, vegan leather handlebar grips and seat. You also get a bell and a kickstand.
ByK E-450 for $191: This first pedal bike has an alloy frame that puts its weight at an insanely light 18 pounds. It's also cheap for everything you get—a big saddle, a bell, and both coaster brakes and hand brakes.
Best Accessories
Getting the bike is the first step. Here are a few bike accessories my children use every day. For more accessories, check out our roundups to the Best Bike Helmets and Best Bike Lights.
Photograph: Michael Venutolo-Mantovani
Nüdl Unicorn Helmet with Mips for $60: Nüdl helmets come outfitted with Mips, which is an in-helmet system that protects against rotational impact and reduces the risk of concussion. For extra peace of mind, Nüdl helmets also have a new technology called Twiceme, which is a chip embedded in the helmet that can be accessed by simply tapping the helmet with a smartphone. There, friends, passersby, and even first responders can instantly access critical medical information such as emergency contacts, allergies, or essential medical notes in the event of a bike crash. Of course, my kids don’t really care about Mips or Twiceme. What they do care about were Nüdl’s fun and kid-friendly designs. —Michael Venutolo-Mantovani
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