Classic Bikes Impeller

Buying advice for: Child / youth: Impeller

• Frame material

  The frame of a children's balance bike is usually low and lightweight to make it easy for children to get on and off. It is often made of aluminium or lightweight steel to keep the weight of the bike low.

• Chassis

  A characteristic feature of a children's balance bike is the lack of pedals. This allows the child to concentrate on balance and coordination without having to worry about pedalling. The handlebars of a children's balance bike are usually wide and easy to grip. It can also have a steering restriction to prevent the handlebars from turning and reduce the risk of falls. The saddle of a children's balance bike is positioned low to allow the child to place their feet flat on the ground while sitting on the bike. This allows the child to push off easily and keep their balance.

• Balance bikes

  The wheels of a children's balance bike usually have a diameter of 10 to 14 inches. They are usually air-filled to provide a smooth ride and may have a wide base to increase stability. There are different materials for children's balance bikes when it comes to the wheels themselves. For example, pneumatic tyres have an air chamber, similar to conventional bicycle tyres, and offer good shock absorption and traction. Foam tyres, on the other hand, consist of a solid foam core and are maintenance-free, but may not offer the same shock absorption as pneumatic tyres. And solid rubber tyres are maintenance-free and offer good durability, but may not offer the best shock absorption.

• Tyres

  The tyres of children's balance bikes are often made of robust rubber or foam to absorb shocks and provide adequate traction on different surfaces. It is important that the tyres are robust and can withstand the stresses and strains of playing and riding. When buying spare tyres or replacing them, make sure that they match the size of the balance bike and are suitable for the child's safety. The size of the tyres for a children's bike can vary depending on the diameter of the wheels. Children's bikes are usually measured in inches, with the most common sizes being 12 inches, 16 inches, 20 inches and 24 inches.

• Brakes

  Most children's balance bikes are simple in design and often do not have brakes, as they are designed to teach children balance and coordination before they switch to a bike with pedals. As children's balance bikes are primarily designed to allow children to touch the ground with their feet and thus control their speed, stopping is usually possible simply by putting their feet down. However, there are some children's balance bikes that are equipped with hand brakes, similar to bicycles for older children. These hand brakes can usually be attached to the handlebars of the balance bike and work in a similar way to the hand brakes on adult bikes. This type of children's balance bike offers children the opportunity to practise braking with their hands and prepare for the use of brakes when they later switch to a bike with pedals.