Learning to ride a bike is a milestone in any child’s life, but when you’re a keen cyclist yourself, it feels even more important that your kids become confident on two wheels. Kidvelo was created with the aim of making high-quality balance bikes that are not only great for kids to learn on, but also designed so that children won’t outgrow them in a flash.
Between them, the two couples who founded Kidvelo have over 40 years of experience within the balance bike industry, of teaching children how to ride, and listening to what parents need in a child’s first-ever bike. Knowing there was a lack of lightweight, affordable, well-made bikes available for kids in the UK, they set out to design high-quality bikes specifically for children aged 1-8 years, regardless of their current ability.
Since the company manufactured its first bikes in 2021, Kidvelo’s balance bike range has been built with quality, lightweight components, along with the correct geometry to ensure that beginner riders get comfortable with their balance. Larger models are also designed so that kids can ride them with pedals on or off, meaning parents don’t need to buy a new bike when their child achieves balance and is ready to progress to pedals.
It's almost a cliché that once you’ve mastered riding a bike, it’s a skill you never forget. Here are three models designed to get beginners on the road to a lifetime of cycling.
Designed for the very youngest riders, aged between 18 months and four-and-a-half years, Kidvelo’s lightest balance bike weighs in at a mere 2.89kg. Featuring 12-inch alloy wheels and pneumatic tyres, it’s longer than the average balance bike to provide extra room for a child to grow into.
There are no handlebar brakes, but that’s entirely intentional. Even if they can reach the brakes, kids under three don’t usually have the strength or coordination to pull them quickly enough, meaning that stopping with their feet can be a much safer and better way to improve their skills. The Rookie 12 also features integrated footrests, positioned to mimic pedals on a bigger bike, so that more confident beginners can experience the thrill of riding with their feet up.
A step up from the Rookie 12, this balance bike can also become a fully-fledged pedal bike when your child is ready to get their feet off the ground.
The Rookie 14 is designed to fit children aged three to six years old, making it ideal for kids who’ve outgrown their first bike, or taller beginners. As well as giving riders the opportunity to get a feel for using handlebar brakes, the Rookie 14’s supplied pedal kit allows your child to get comfortable with the idea of pedals without the need to buy them a new bike. And, to highlight the bike’s versatility, the pedals can be easily removed again if you want to hand it down to a younger sibling.
The Rookie 18 features the brakes and included pedal kit of the Rookie 14, but also comes with a larger frame – in fact, it’s Kidvelo’s biggest convertible balance bike, designed to fit kids aged between five and eight years. Having a larger bike in the range is additionally beneficial to children facing additional challenges such as dyspraxia or autism, as they don’t usually start learning to ride a bike before five – if at all.
Price: £250
(Image credit: Kidvelo)
The three Kidvelo models above all feature lightweight alloy frames and forks in a selection of bright, kid-friendly colour schemes. They also come with adjustable seats and handlebars to accommodate those inevitable growth spurts, as well as full-size threadless headsets and pneumatic tyres.
For peace of mind, there’s a lifetime warranty on frames and forks and a five-year warranty on other components (except tyres), while delivery is free across the UK.
Founded in 1891, Cycling Weekly and its team of expert journalists brings cyclists in-depth reviews, extensive coverage of both professional and domestic racing, as well as fitness advice and 'brew a cuppa and put your feet up' features. Cycling Weekly serves its audience across a range of platforms, from good old-fashioned print to online journalism, and video.
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