Learning to ride a bike is a rite of passage, but before any of us were able to head off with the wind in our hair, there was the tricky obstacle to master: balance. We set the bike riding wheels in motion as we handed the handlebars to Mini Joe to try out two models in the kids’ balance bikes range from US-based cycle brand Huffy.
What is a balance bike?
A balance bike is a pedal-free, chainless bicycle designed to help children develop core cycling skills. The first balance bike dates back to Karl Drais’ “dandy horse” in 1817, which wasn’t designed as a kid’s toy or learning aid; it was for adults to get them around more quickly than walking. It wasn’t until the late 1990s that this idea was revisited to help toddlers develop balance and coordination.
Today, these simple, pared-down cycles are popular with parents and kids worldwide, helping youngsters between the ages of 2 and 5 to transition to pedal cycles.
Huffy makes two different-sized and styled kid’s balance bikes. The 10-inch vintage design and the 12-inch BMX-styled character bike. Mini Joe took each of them for a trial run to see how they performed.
Huffy Vintage 10-inch (25cm) balance bike
£60
This little vintage number looks extremely cute, once you’ve got it put together. Construction isn’t too difficult, but you will need a spanner to make sure everything that needs to be tightened is tightened.
Once the wheels, handlebars and seat were in place, and the basket attached, Mini Joe was ready to ride. With the seat at the lowest setting, it was the perfect height for him to be able to either stand and walk the bike forward or sit and push it along.
With helmet in place — safety first, naturally — it took a few tries for him to get the idea and be able to control the wobble, but he persevered. He did get a little overambitious and took a little tumble, but a quick dust off and he was back in the saddle.
The classically shaped frame, with the nicely curved crossbar, meant that when Mini Joe did stumble, he didn’t bash into it and risk hurting himself. The nice chunky tyres, soft handlebar grips and padded seat were great, too, making the ride a nice smooth one.
Available in sky blue and sage green, this classic, characterful balance bike is the perfect starting point for boys or girls. The curved frame shape and low seat and handlebar placement make it great for younger toddlers, and also give plenty of flexibility for it to grow with them until they are ready to move up to a pedal-powered bike.
Huffy Disney Cars balance bike featuring Lightning McQueen
£50
Huffy has collaborated with Disney to bring some race car vavavoom to this 12-inch (30.5 cm) balance bike. Lightning McQueen’s trademark colours and race number 95 adorn the BMX-style frame, with a handlebar plaque to finish the look.
Assembly of this balance bike was a little trickier, as the handlebars didn’t slide in with quite the same ease, but with a little fiddling and a few extra minutes, we got it sorted.
The Huffy website places this more contemporary Disney model in the 2–4 year old age group, but the box suggests 3–5 years. The frame shape and higher handlebar placement make it less easy for smaller toddlers to be able to control, even when the seat and handlebars are at the lowest possible setting, so the 3–5 age grouping does feel more realistic.
Having said that, Mini Joe, who is at the younger end of the age group suggested online, still gave it a good go, and after a bit of practice, was walking it happily across the garden – he still needs to master steering, but one step at a time…
The bright colours and character styling make this a lovely option for Disney-loving toddlers. The frame size might pose a challenge for some, but it will last well, thanks to ample height adjustability.
Huffy balance bikes: What’s the verdict?
If you’re shopping for a younger, first-time rider, the Vintage model from Huffy’s kid’s balance bikes range, with a lower frame and softer ride might be a better fit. For kids already confident on their feet or wheels, the Disney character models inject another fun factor they’ll love.
Whether you prefer the Vintage look or a Disney design, Huffy offers quality products at a good price. There’s an element of construction required, but nothing overly complicated or needing more than basic tools, so as long as you have a spanner to hand, it’s no problem.
Everything felt solid and well constructed, and on both models, there’s a good range of height adjustment available in the seats and handlebars, so your mini Joes and Janes will get several years of happy scooting from these kid’s balance bikes until they progress to the big kid’s range.
Tested: Huffy kid’s balance bikes
Price: From £50
Average Joes Rating: ★★★★★
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