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The right first ride is the one your child can manage now. A balance bike suits a toddler who can straddle the seat with both feet flat on the ground and walk it along. A three-wheel scooter stands up on its own, so it's the easier start for a 2-year-old who isn't ready to balance. Whichever you choose, fit a helmet before the first ride. Prices are in CAD.
Balance bike vs scooter at a glance
| Balance bike | Three-wheel scooter | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | No pedals. Your child sits and pushes along with their feet, then lifts them to glide. | Your child stands on the deck and pushes with one foot. Three wheels keep it upright when it stops. |
| What decides the fit | Inseam and seat height | Age range and handlebar height |
| Best for | Paths, parks and driveways | Sidewalks, smooth paths and short trips |
| Carrying it home | Light bikes can be carried by the frame | Foldable models fold for a car trunk or stroller basket |
Neither one is the "right" first step. Some children start on a scooter at 2 and add a balance bike later. Others go straight to a balance bike.
How to size a balance bike
Measure your child's inseam: have them stand against a wall in shoes, and measure from the floor to the crotch. Then compare it with the bike's seat height. With the seat at its lowest, your child should be able to sit with both feet flat on the ground and knees slightly bent. If they're on tiptoe, they can't push off or stop with their feet.
- Strider 12 Sport ($179.99): ages 1 to 4, for an inseam of 12 to 18 in (31 to 46 cm), with a seat that adjusts from 11 to 17 in. It weighs 6.7 lb, has flat-free foam tires and built-in footrests, and takes riders up to 60 lb.
- iimo Balance Bike ($249.99): a metal frame, rubber tires, an adjustable seat and a hand brake. The product page puts it at about 2 to 5 years.
How to choose a scooter
- Micro Mini Deluxe LED ($169.99): three wheels with LED lights, for ages 2 to 5.
- Micro Mini Deluxe Foldable LED ($194.99): the same age range, with an aluminum frame that folds. Worth the extra if the scooter travels in the car or under the stroller.
- Micro Maxi Deluxe LED (from $229.99): the next size up, for ages 5 to 12, with an adjustable handlebar. A good choice for an older sibling, not a first scooter for a 2-year-old.
Check the age range on the box rather than buying a size up to grow into. A deck and handlebar that are too big are harder to control.
When a pedal bike with a pushbar makes sense
If your child is 3 or older and wants pedals, a bike with a parent pushbar lets you steer and push while they learn. The London Taxi 14 Inch Kid's Bike with Pushbar ($449.99) is made for ages 3 to 5, with training wheels and front and rear baskets.
Riding in winter
Snow doesn't have to mean the bike goes into storage. Strider 12 Snow Skis ($54.99) strap onto the wheels of a Strider 12, turning it into a snow glider for yards and gentle hills. They fit the Strider 12 only. For scooters, wait for clear, dry pavement: ice and slush make small wheels slip.
Helmets: fit one before the first ride
Parachute, Canada's injury prevention charity, says bike helmets can also be used for scooter riding, and that toddler helmets for children under 5 give more protection at the back of the head. To check the fit, use Parachute's 2V1 rule:
- 2: the helmet sits two finger-widths above the eyebrows.
- V: the side straps form a V just under each ear.
- 1: you can fit only one finger between the chin strap and the chin.
Ask your child to shake their head. The helmet shouldn't move. Health Canada says to buy a helmet that fits now, not one to grow into, and to look for a certification label. Parachute says to replace a helmet after 5 years, or after any crash where your child's head hit, even if it looks fine. That's also why a second-hand helmet isn't a good idea: you can't know its history.
The Micro Helmet V2 ($69.99) is made for scooters and bikes and has a dial at the back to adjust the fit. Bring your child to try it on if you can. And wear a helmet yourself on family rides: Health Canada says children are more likely to wear one when they see adults wearing theirs.
Buying it as a gift
If it's a surprise, measure your child's inseam beforehand and check it against the bike's numbers. Add a helmet in the right size so the first ride can happen on the day. For more ideas by age, see our gift guides for 2-year-olds and 3 to 5 year-olds.
Prices were current when we wrote this. Balance bikes, scooters and helmets are also at our Richmond, Burnaby and Ottawa stores. If your child would like to try a particular bike or helmet, call the store ahead of your visit to check.
