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Photograph: Adrienne So
Best First Baby Bike
Early Rider Bella Velio
Taking my toddler outside to learn to ride a bike has felt intimidating. The kid managed to fall and smash his hand on a tricycle-style scooter the first day I bought it. Early Rider relieved some of that stress with the Bella Velio balance bike, made for toddlers to use indoors rather than on the street. Instead of falling and scraping his knee on the sidewalk or street, he tumbles onto the carpet for a softer landing.
The Bella Velio is designed for ages 10 months to 24 months. It’s a short bike with fat, fully round wheels, and even though my son is a little over the suggested age range, he still likes riding it, and I can see the balance challenge it gives him. He can roll in just about any direction, which makes it both easy to maneuver and challenges him to stay balanced and going the direction he actually wants. It’s nice and low, too, so the fall isn’t bad when it happens. The small bike is a little over 6 pounds and is 13 inches tall at the handlebar, and it comes with a tall handle you can add to the back to help balance your kiddo too. Mine refused any assistance (2-year-olds are fun!), but I imagine it’s ideal for the younger ages this bike can support. Extra bonus? The bike is beautiful on the eyes, with three pastel color options, and a cream or all-black version too. The adorable design makes it a fun addition to your home rather than another ugly kid toy. —Nena Farrell
Best for 1 to 2 years old
Honorable Mentions
Photograph: Adrienne So
Linus Roadster for $349: We tried the 20-inch Roadster and it's a little kids' bike, with coaster brakes and no gears. The reach is also a little far for a 7-year-old. However, it is a beautiful bike, with an aluminum alloy frame and gorgeous, vegan leather handlebar grips and seat.
You also get a bell and a kickstand.
ByK E-450 for $191: This first pedal bike has an alloy frame that puts its weight at an insanely light 18 pounds. It's also cheap for everything you get—a big saddle, a bell, and both coaster brakes and hand brakes.
The Best Accessories
Getting the bike is the first step. Here are a few bike accessories my children use every day.
Giro Fixture II Helmet for $75: We've tried pretty much every helmet out there. Style-wise, my kids tend to prefer the skateboard-style helmets, like the Lil Linus ($69). But personally, for my own peace of mind, I prefer to put them into the Giro MIPS helmet, which is more comfortable and versatile for camping and mountain biking. The vents are bigger and it's a little lighter.
OTTOLOCK Sidekick lock: Unless you're splurging on the $1,200 mountain bike above, kids don't generally need the slight upgrade in security from a Kryptonite lock that weighs and costs twice as much as this 1.65-pound, $40 U-lock. The Sidekick has three keys so you can give your child one to teach responsibility, keep one at home, and still have a spare on your own keyring. It also has a nice soft silicone cover which dramatically lessens the chances of your kid needing another tetanus shot. Both my children and reviewer Martin Cizmar's daughter have been using this lock at their elementary schools with no problems. We will update our Best Bike Locks story soon.
Thousand Front Traveller Magnetic Bike Light for $35: Kid bike lights are different from adult bike lights; my 7-year-old is not biking 12 miles in the dark at 25 mph without me. I want bike lights that are affordable and easy to take off and stash in a bag or pocket. This is my favorite light for my kids' bikes, but if the bad reviews scare you, we also like these.
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