Balance bikes have seen a huge resurgence in popularity in the past 2-3 years as parents are beginning to realise the huge benefits in using them over more traditional training wheels or stabilisers.
I say traditional but balance bikes were the original bikes before pedals came along so its more a return to the roots of the original bicycles.
In this guide I will give a quick introduction to some of the major learner bike makers and their key advantages and disadvantages.
That way you can make an informed choice when looking for a good bike for your kids.
PUKY Pronounced "pookey" these are the premier balance bike makers that were established in Germany in the 50's.
As you can imagine with them being entirely German designed and manufactured they are by far the highest quality learner bikes on the market with all metal frames, puncture-proof rubber tyres and some models even come with a good set of brakes.
The PUKY range is impressive with all ages catered for from very young 1-2 years old up to 7 or 8.
PUKY also make a range of standard bikes for teens so their experience in bike manufacture is second to none in this group.
Like-a-Bike Another German balance bike maker established more recently than PUKY (1997) these concentrate on building more traditional wooden learner bikes with very few extras - no brakes for example.
Aimed exclusively at a much younger market you would have to upgrade to a different make when your child reaches 5-6.
RuffTuffStuff This is a relatively new British company who aim to offer 'value' over form and function.
If you're after a balance bike at a discount then you can't go wrong with RuffTuffStuff and they're available in many of the major high street retailers including Tesco and Halfords.
Skuut Pronounced "skoot" these are makers of a single bike called a "skuut".
Made of wood and similar in appearance to the Like-a-Bike learner bike range.
As this is a single bike the age range is from 2-5 and after your child gets older he will have to skip to a new make to continue using a learner bike.
I say traditional but balance bikes were the original bikes before pedals came along so its more a return to the roots of the original bicycles.
In this guide I will give a quick introduction to some of the major learner bike makers and their key advantages and disadvantages.
That way you can make an informed choice when looking for a good bike for your kids.
PUKY Pronounced "pookey" these are the premier balance bike makers that were established in Germany in the 50's.
As you can imagine with them being entirely German designed and manufactured they are by far the highest quality learner bikes on the market with all metal frames, puncture-proof rubber tyres and some models even come with a good set of brakes.
The PUKY range is impressive with all ages catered for from very young 1-2 years old up to 7 or 8.
PUKY also make a range of standard bikes for teens so their experience in bike manufacture is second to none in this group.
Like-a-Bike Another German balance bike maker established more recently than PUKY (1997) these concentrate on building more traditional wooden learner bikes with very few extras - no brakes for example.
Aimed exclusively at a much younger market you would have to upgrade to a different make when your child reaches 5-6.
RuffTuffStuff This is a relatively new British company who aim to offer 'value' over form and function.
If you're after a balance bike at a discount then you can't go wrong with RuffTuffStuff and they're available in many of the major high street retailers including Tesco and Halfords.
Skuut Pronounced "skoot" these are makers of a single bike called a "skuut".
Made of wood and similar in appearance to the Like-a-Bike learner bike range.
As this is a single bike the age range is from 2-5 and after your child gets older he will have to skip to a new make to continue using a learner bike.