Bike Safety
When used with a bit of caution and common sense under proper adult supervision, bicycles can be an excellent way for children to get some exercise, develop gross motor control, and burn off all that energy.
But they are not without their risks. Possible injuries that can be caused while bike riding include cuts, bruises, pinches, sprains and strains, broken bones and fractures, head injuries including concussions, and even death.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) estimates there were nearly 240,000 reported cases of injuries to children under the age of 18 caused by bicycles and tricycles that were treated in hospital in the United States in 2014.
The number of actual injuries caused by bicycles is likely to be quite higher than this, as the data from the CPSC reporting system only looked at those injuries which resulted in medical treatment at one of 100 participating hospitals, and minor injuries were likely treated at home or another medical treatment facility not included in the reporting data.
Always be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use and ensure your child is wearing an approved helmet when riding their bike, even if it’s just a short distance. Three quarters of all American children ride a bike each month, but only about half wear a helmet every time they do so. Wearing a helmet is the easiest and most effective way to reduce bike-related head injuries. Your child should also wear visible clothing, use lights at night, and follow the rules of the road when riding with traffic.
With the above tips in mind, here are 10 of the best bikes for kids we consider to be the safest, based on available features and average customer reviews and ratings:
The 10 Best Bikes for Kids
Our take
This beautiful bike from Schwinn boasts a durable steel frame and fork that provide added stability for your little one when on the road. Made with your child’s size in mind, this proportional bike is adjustable and comes with both coaster brakes and front caliper brakes to help your child stop with even more precision.
Stand-out features include
- Full coverage chain guard to protect little hands, feet, and clothing
- Fits children 2 – 4 years old, or 28 – 38 inches tall. Adjustable saddle and a slack seat-tube angle allow the bike to grow with your child
- Includes training wheels, saddle handle for towing and storage, number plate, and limited lifetime warranty for as long as you own the bike
Our take
This sporty bike for boys and girls comes with a bell, a water bottle, training wheels, and a quick release seatpost which makes it easy to adjust the height of the seat (with carrying handle on 12-14-16 inch). The details set this bike apart including: The stars on the grips, custom RoyalBaby tire tread, and the functional yet unique training wheels. All these features make for one cool bike.
Stand-out features include
- Includes: Water bottle and cage, bell, assembly tools and HEAVY DUTY training wheels
- The combination of a front caliper brake and rear coaster brake gives many options for learning to stop
- Sturdy steel frame, a one-piece crank, ball bearing drive shaft, a full chain guard and steel wheels with pneumatic rubber 2.4" wide knobby tires featuring a custom Royal Baby tread
Our take
The best beginner’s bike around is designed for new cyclists 20 months to 5 years of age. Cub doesn’t have pedals; instead, tiny riders move forward with their feet. This approach makes getting on a bike less scary and ultimately sets them up for an easier transition to a big kid bike.
Stand-out features include
- Extremely safe design reduces risk of injury common on tricycles and training wheels
- Fits children from 20 months to 5 years old with adjustable seat posts and handlebars
- Maintenance-free, Worry-Free, Minimal assembly, air-free tires never go flat, CPSC compliant to ensure your child's safety
Our take
This bike boasts a heavy duty stainless steel frame and fork that provide added stability for your little one when on the road. It also has coaster brakes to help your child stop with even more precision.
Stand-out features include
- Alloy rims
- Padded seat for comfort
- Training wheels included
Our take
This stylish princess-themed bicycle boasts an included doll seat, a basket, and streamers for a complete stylish look. The bike comes nearly fully assembled so your child can get riding nearly right out of the box.
Stand-out features include
- Training wheels included
- Handlebar pads included
- Suitable for children aged 5-7
