Vanaf welke leeftijd een loopfiets?

From what age can you get a balance bike?

Published on: 27 October 2025 Updated on: 27 October 2025 Medewerker BikeFlip

A balance bike is ideal for teaching young children balance and preparing them for real cycling. But at what age can a child actually start using a balance bike? And when is it time for the next step, like a 12-inch children's bike? Here you can read all about the right age for a balance bike.

Balance bike: from what age?

Balance bike 1 year

Most children can start using a balance bike from around 1 year old. At this age, there are special balance bikes with a low entry model and often four wheels, so your child can safely practice taking their first steps on wheels. It's important that your child can stand independently and walk a little before starting with a balance bike.

Balance bike 2 years

Around the age of two, most children are ready for a two-wheeled balance bike. These balance bikes usually have two wheels and are slightly larger. Your child will now truly learn to balance and steer, which is perfect preparation for cycling without training wheels. An added benefit: they'll also make you much more mobile, making a quick trip to the supermarket a breeze. When choosing a balance bike, pay attention to the minimum and maximum seat height so their feet can rest flat on the ground.

When to switch to a 12-inch children's bike?

If your child can balance well on a balance bike and is tall enough, it's time for the next step: a 12-inch children's bike . This is usually around the age of 3 or 4. A 12-inch children's bike is the smallest size of a real bike with pedals, possibly with training wheels .

When switching over, pay attention to the frame size and seat height. Your child should be able to reach the ground with both feet when sitting on the saddle. This way, your child feels safe and can stop easily.

BikeFlip: the subscription that grows with you

Children grow quickly, and that means they regularly need a new bike. With the BikeFlip kids' bike subscription, you don't have to worry about bikes that are too small. BikeFlip offers a flexible subscription that allows you to easily switch from a balance bike to a 12-inch kids' bike, and then to larger sizes. This way, your child always has a bike that fits, hassle-free.

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