Are Training Wheels Bikes Right For Your Child? A Parent's Guide

Parents often approach the topic of training wheels with a mix of curiosity and concern. As a cycling enthusiast and parent myself, I understand the questions and sometimes hushed tones surrounding this classic learning tool. You’re likely wondering if Training Wheels Bike is the right path for your child, and that’s exactly what we’re going to explore.

While I advocate for the balance bike approach as a more efficient way to learn, I want to assure you: there’s no judgment here if you’re considering or currently using training wheels. Even my own child briefly experienced a bike with training wheels before discovering the joy of pedaling independently.

Let’s address some of the most common questions parents have about training wheels on a bike, and help you make the best choice for your young rider.

Are Training Wheels Bikes Really That Bad?

Let’s clear the air: training wheels bikes are not inherently “bad.” Many of us, myself included, learned to ride using them. Countless cyclists, even professionals, likely started their journey with bikes and training wheels. We turned out alright, didn’t we?

The shift away from recommending bikes with training wheels stems from the realization that there’s often a more effective and efficient way for children to learn balance – the foundational skill for cycling. This is where balance bikes enter the picture.

The rise in popularity of balance bikes has revolutionized how we teach kids to ride. By allowing children to master balance first before introducing pedaling, the learning process becomes significantly smoother. It’s now common to see toddlers as young as 18 months starting on balance bikes and transitioning to pedal bikes by 2.5 or 3 years old – all without training wheels. This often translates to fewer tears, fewer crashes, and a much more positive learning experience compared to the sometimes frustrating process many of us remember.

Don’t just take my word for it. Here’s my son confidently pedaling without bike training wheels at just 2.5 years old.

Another drawback of training wheels on bikes is their performance on uneven surfaces. Cracked sidewalks, slopes, or even slightly uneven pavement can become obstacles. Bikes with training wheels can become unstable, high-centered, or tip over in these situations. This can be incredibly frustrating for children and quickly diminish their enthusiasm for riding.

Finally, consider the trend in high-quality kids’ bikes. Many of the best kids bike brands – like Woom and Prevelo – are designed with the assumption that children will learn to ride without training wheels. If you’re investing in a top-tier bike for your child, you might find that bike training wheels aren’t even an option, or are seen as an unnecessary add-on.

Balance Bike or Training Wheels Bike: Which Should You Choose?

In almost every scenario, my recommendation leans strongly towards starting with a balance bike. Then, transition to a pedal bike, skipping training wheels bike altogether. Even if your child is a bit older, introducing a balance bike first can still be incredibly beneficial. Explore our recommendations for the best balance bikes for 3 to 5 year olds to find a great option.

Now, are there exceptions? If your child is exceptionally athletic and possesses remarkable natural balance, or if the cost of an additional balance bike is a significant concern, you could consider skipping the balance bike phase. In this case, you can adapt a pedal bike into a makeshift balance bike. Simply remove the pedals from their pedal bike and have them practice scooting and gliding. Once they’ve mastered balance, reattach the pedals and follow a step-by-step guide on how to teach your child to ride a bike.

Transitioning Away From Training Wheels Bike: How To Do It

If your child is already riding a training wheels bike, don’t worry! It’s not a setback. You have several effective options to help them transition to riding without assistance.

My primary suggestion is to temporarily set aside the pedal bike and reintroduce a balance bike. This allows them to focus solely on developing their balance skills without the added complexity of pedaling. Once they’ve gained confidence and control on the balance bike, transitioning back to a pedal bike without bike training wheels becomes much easier. If a separate balance bike isn’t available, you can temporarily remove the pedals from their existing training wheels bike to create a balance bike.

Some children, however, may resist the idea of a balance bike, especially if they’re already attached to their pedal bike. In this situation, try gradually raising the training wheels on the bike. Adjust them so they are no longer fully supporting the bike, allowing for slight side-to-side tilting. This forces your child to start engaging their balance and core muscles to stay upright.

As they become more comfortable with this slight instability, continue to raise the bike training wheels incrementally. Eventually, they will be essentially riding on two wheels, with the training wheels only offering minimal support as a safety net. At this point, removing them completely is the next logical step. For guidance on the next phase, refer back to our article on teaching your child to ride a bike.

Another powerful motivator can be peer influence. If possible, arrange bike rides with other children who are already riding without training wheels. Your child may quickly become motivated to keep up and participate in the same way, leading them to want to ditch the bike with training wheels.

What’s the Right Age to Remove Training Wheels Bike?

The answer is simple: as soon as possible! The younger a child develops their balance, the easier and more intuitive the entire learning process becomes.

Whether you choose to remove the training wheels bike entirely or simply raise them to minimize their support, prioritizing balance development is key. If your child is struggling with balance, consider using a balance bike or converting their pedal bike into one by removing the pedals temporarily.

My Child Loves Their Training Wheels Bike! Do I Force Removal?

Absolutely not. The most important thing is that your child is enjoying riding their bike. If training wheels bike brings them joy and gets them active, that’s a win! Pressuring them too much can backfire, leading to frustration and a loss of motivation to ride.

If bikes with training wheels make them happy and confident, let them enjoy this phase. Rest assured, they won’t be riding with bike training wheels forever. Peer pressure and their own growing abilities will naturally guide them towards riding independently in due time.

Should Training Wheels Bike Be Uneven?

Yes, ideally, training wheels on a bike should be slightly uneven. Initially, if your child is very hesitant or uncomfortable, you can temporarily adjust them to be more even for added stability and confidence.

However, as they become more comfortable and confident on their training wheels bike, you should definitely raise them so they are slightly uneven. This intentional unevenness encourages the child to lean and balance, gradually developing the core skills needed for riding without assistance. This subtle instability is a crucial step in transitioning away from relying on bike training wheels.

How to Adjust Training Wheels Bike?

Adjusting training wheels bike is a straightforward process. To raise or lower them, you’ll need to locate and loosen the nuts that secure the bike training wheels to the bicycle frame. Typically, these are located on either side of the rear wheel axle.

Once loosened, you can reposition the training wheels. For beginners needing more support, lower them so they provide more stability. As your child progresses and starts to “rock and roll,” raise the training wheels incrementally to encourage balance. After adjusting, firmly re-tighten the nuts to ensure they are secure.

Observe your child riding after each adjustment. If they are still struggling with stability, lower the training wheels. If they are becoming too reliant on them and not engaging their balance, raise them further. Gradual adjustments are key to a smooth transition.

Ensuring Training Wheels Bike Safety: Installation and Maintenance

Safety is paramount when using training wheels bike. Improperly installed or maintained bike training wheels can create hazards and hinder the learning process.

First, ensure that the bike training wheels you are using are actually compatible with your child’s bike. While some are marketed as “universal,” they may not fit correctly on all bike sizes and models. If you encounter fitment issues, it’s best to seek assistance from your local bike shop for professional installation and advice.

Regularly inspect the training wheels bike to ensure the mounting bolts are tight. Vibrations from riding can cause them to loosen over time. If you can wiggle the bike training wheels by hand, they need tightening. However, be careful not to overtighten, as this could potentially damage the bike frame.

Also, check for any damage to the bike training wheels themselves. Inspect for bent or broken parts, especially after a fall or if the bike has been dropped. Training wheels are often made from less durable materials and may not withstand prolonged use or rough handling.

Which Training Wheels Bike Should You Buy?

If, after considering the information above, you decide that training wheels bike are still the right choice for your child, prioritize durability and adjustability when selecting a set.

My top recommendation is the Wald 1216 training wheels. They are known for their robust construction, fit bikes ranging from 12″ to 16″ wheels, and are readily available online and at many local bike shops.

About Us

The Rascals are a family passionate about cycling: Kristen (mom), a USA Cycling certified coach; Blair (dad), a bike mechanic and mountain bike enthusiast; and Parker (kiddo), our chief bike tester and inspiration. We started Rascal Rides to share our experiences and knowledge gained from testing hundreds of kids’ bikes, helmets, bike trailers, and more. Our goal is to help families like yours discover the joy of cycling.

If you spot us on the trails, please say hello!

Are Training Wheels Bikes Right For Your Child? A Parent’s Guide