Are Royal Baby Kids Bikes Good for your little one’s first riding experience? At usabikers.net, we understand that choosing the right bike for your child is crucial for their safety and enjoyment. While Royal Baby bikes are popular, boasting thousands of reviews and an “Amazon’s Choice” badge, our in-depth analysis reveals whether they truly live up to the hype, or if there are better options for young riders seeking a smooth and enjoyable introduction to the world of cycling. We’ll explore the pros and cons of these bikes, comparing them to other models and brands, so you can make an informed decision.
1. What Makes Royal Baby Kids Bikes Popular?
Royal Baby kids bikes have gained considerable popularity, but are Royal Baby kids bikes good? The popularity stems from a few key factors: their widespread availability on platforms like Amazon, a relatively affordable price point, and appealing aesthetics. Many parents are drawn to the bikes’ colorful designs and the perceived convenience of purchasing a bike online with numerous positive reviews.
However, relying solely on these factors can be misleading. Amazon’s Choice doesn’t always equate to the best product, and customer reviews can be subjective. Therefore, it’s essential to delve deeper into the bike’s features and performance to determine if it’s the right fit for your child, and if Royal Baby kids bikes good choice overall. This includes considering the bike’s weight, braking system, sizing, and overall design, all factors that impact a child’s learning experience and enjoyment of cycling.
2. What Are the Key Features of Royal Baby Bikes?
Royal Baby bikes come equipped with a variety of features, but how do these features stack up in terms of functionality and suitability for young riders, and Royal Baby kids bikes good choice with those features? Here’s a breakdown of some notable aspects:
- Durable Frame: The bikes generally feature a sturdy steel frame, which can withstand the wear and tear of learning to ride.
- Variety of Colors: They are available in a wide array of colors, making them visually appealing to children.
- Multiple Sizes: Royal Baby offers bikes in sizes ranging from 12″ to 20″, catering to different age groups.
- Training Wheels: Most models come with training wheels, which can be helpful for beginners.
- Easy Assembly: Many users report that the bikes are relatively easy to assemble.
However, it’s important to note that some of these features also have drawbacks. The heavy steel frame, while durable, can make the bike difficult for young children to handle. While training wheels can provide initial stability, they can also hinder the development of balance and coordination. And while easy assembly is a plus, proper adjustment of brakes and other components is still necessary for safety.
3. What Are the Pros and Cons of Royal Baby Bikes?
To get a balanced perspective, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of Royal Baby bikes before deciding if Royal Baby kids bikes good for your child.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Solid, durable frame | Not a good fit for everyone – too tall or too cramped |
| Comes in a variety of colors | Very heavy |
| Available in many sizes – 12″, 14″, 16″, 18″, 20″ | Difficult to get started pedaling |
| Better build and quality than cheap big-box store bikes | Coaster brake and low-quality front wheel hand brake (Freestyle 3 models) |
| Easy to assemble | Front brake may not come adjusted correctly |
| Comes with training wheels if you need them | Small, awkwardly thick saddle |
| Freestyle 5 models don’t have a coaster brake, which is good news | Training wheels make learning to ride much more difficult than using a balance bike. According to research from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) in July 2025, balance is key. |
4. How Do Royal Baby Bikes Compare to Other Brands?
When considering Royal Baby bikes, it’s important to compare them to other brands in the market to determine if Royal Baby kids bikes good in comparison. Several brands specialize in kids’ bikes, offering features and designs that may be more suitable for young riders. Here’s a brief comparison:
- Guardian Bikes: Guardian Bikes are known for their focus on safety, featuring a patented SureStop braking system that prevents head-over-handlebars accidents. They are also generally lighter than Royal Baby bikes, making them easier for kids to handle.
- Prevelo Bikes: Prevelo bikes are designed with a child’s proportions in mind, offering a comfortable and efficient riding experience. They are lightweight and feature high-quality components.
- Retrospec Bikes: Retrospec offers a range of affordable kids’ bikes with a focus on style and functionality. Their Koda series is a popular choice for budget-conscious parents.
- Btwin Bikes: Btwin, a brand from Decathlon, offers well-designed kids’ bikes at competitive prices. Their bikes are known for their lightweight frames and easy-to-use components.
When comparing Royal Baby bikes to these brands, it becomes apparent that while Royal Baby offers a decent entry-level option, other brands may provide better value in terms of safety, weight, and overall riding experience.
5. What Are the Different Royal Baby Freestyle Models?
Royal Baby offers different versions of their Freestyle bike, primarily distinguished by their braking systems, which affects whether Royal Baby kids bikes good choice:
- Freestyle 3: This model features a rear coaster brake (backpedal brake) and a front hand brake.
- Freestyle 5: This newer model has dual hand brakes and no coaster brake.
The Freestyle 5 is generally considered a better option because coaster brakes can hinder a child’s learning process. Coaster brakes make learning to ride more difficult because children have a natural tendency to pedal backwards. With a coaster brake, pedaling backwards will only stop the bike. This sudden stop causes a child to lose all of their forward momentum, and potentially even crash. Removing the coaster brake allows for more natural pedaling and better control.
6. What Are the Sizing Issues with Royal Baby Bikes?
One of the main drawbacks of Royal Baby bikes is their sizing, particularly with the 14-inch model, which affects whether Royal Baby kids bikes good fit. The 14-inch bike is marketed to 3-4 year olds, but the seat height is often too high for children in that age range to comfortably reach the ground. This can make it difficult for them to start, stop, and balance the bike.
The 16-inch model has less drastic sizing issues, but their stated sizing ranges are still not accurate. According to Royalbaby, the 16″ model is for kids 41.3″ – 53″ tall. A 41.3″ child would barely be able to touch the ground while seated on the saddle. This is not safe, even with training wheels. On the high end, this bike would be a clown bike for a 53″ child.
It’s crucial to measure your child’s inseam and compare it to the bike’s seat height range to ensure a proper fit. If possible, it’s always best to have your child try the bike in person before purchasing it.
7. Why Is Bike Weight Important for Kids?
The weight of a bike is a critical factor for young riders because a heavy bike can be difficult to maneuver and control. Royal Baby bikes, with their steel frames, tend to be heavier than bikes from other brands that use aluminum or other lightweight materials.
The Royalbaby Freestyle 5 16″ weighs 23.3 pounds with training wheels. That’s a lot of weight for a 4 or 5-year-old to handle.
A bike that is too heavy can lead to fatigue, making it harder for a child to learn and enjoy riding. It can also increase the risk of accidents, as the child may struggle to maintain balance or stop quickly.
8. Are the Brakes on Royal Baby Bikes Effective?
The effectiveness of the brakes on Royal Baby bikes depends on the model, which further influences whether Royal Baby kids bikes good choice. The Freestyle 3, with its coaster brake and low-quality front hand brake, is not ideal. Coaster brakes can be difficult for young children to master, and the front hand brake may not provide sufficient stopping power.
The Freestyle 5, with its dual hand brakes and no coaster brake, is a better option. However, the hand brakes are still basic and may not offer the same level of performance as higher-end brakes found on other brands. It’s important to ensure that the brakes are properly adjusted and functioning correctly before allowing a child to ride the bike.
According to the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), proper brake maintenance is essential for safety. Regularly inspect the brake cables, levers, and pads for wear and tear, and replace them as needed.
9. Are Training Wheels a Good Idea?
Training wheels can be a helpful tool for beginners, but they can also hinder the development of balance and coordination. While they provide initial stability, they can create a false sense of security and prevent children from learning to balance on their own.
Many experts recommend starting with a balance bike instead of a bike with training wheels. Balance bikes allow children to focus on balancing and steering without the distraction of pedals. Once they have mastered balancing, transitioning to a pedal bike becomes much easier.
10. What Are Some Alternatives to Royal Baby Bikes?
If you’re looking for alternatives to Royal Baby bikes, here are a few recommendations:
- Guardian Bikes: Known for their safety features and lightweight design.
- Prevelo Bikes: Designed for a comfortable and efficient riding experience.
- Retrospec Koda Bikes: Affordable and stylish bikes with good quality brakes.
- Btwin Bikes: Well-designed bikes at competitive prices.
- Joey 3.5: Coaster-brake-free, significantly lighter and easier to ride.
When choosing a bike for your child, consider their age, height, and skill level. Look for a bike that is lightweight, has a proper fit, and features reliable brakes.
11. Royal Baby Bike Video Review
If you’re a visual learner, watching a video review can provide valuable insights into the Royal Baby bike’s features and performance. Video reviews often demonstrate the bike’s assembly process, sizing, and handling, allowing you to see it in action.
12. Royalbaby Problem in a Nutshell
The core issue with Royalbaby bikes is that they often don’t provide the optimal fit and riding experience for young children. While they are better than some of the cheapest bikes on the market, they still fall short compared to brands that prioritize child-specific design and lightweight construction.
13. Royal Baby Freestyle 3 vs. Freestyle 5
The key difference between the Freestyle 3 and Freestyle 5 models is the braking system. The Freestyle 3 has a coaster brake, which can be problematic for learning riders, while the Freestyle 5 has dual hand brakes and no coaster brake.
14. Sizing of Royal Baby Bikes
Royalbaby Freestyle bikes come in five different sizes, we tested the 14 inch and 16 inch models. These bikes look nearly identical, but they have unique issues depending on the size.
15. The RoyalBaby 14″ Sizing Problem
The RoyalBaby Freestyle 14″ bike, it doesn’t fit any kid really well, and for that reason, we generally don’t recommend them. There are other bikes that will fit your child, so why buy a bike that probably won’t?
16. RoyalBaby Sizing Overview
Wheel size is a very general (and often inaccurate) way of indicating a bike’s size. What we really need to look at are two things:
- Seat Height
- Frame Size
17. Sizing – Seat Height for 14″ Freestyle
The 14″ Freestyle we tested has a seat height range of 19.25″ – 22″. With less than 3″ of range, the bike doesn’t offer much room for growth. This is especially problematic at an age where kids are growing like weeds! To be fair, most 14″ bikes don’t offer much room for growth, which is a downside for 14″ bikes in general.
17.1. Seat height should be set for flat feet or solid tip toes
For a rider using training wheels, the saddle needs to be low enough so that they can touch the ground either flat-footed or with solid tiptoes. For balance bike graduates that are not using training wheels, flat feet is ideal when first learning, and as they master pedaling, the seat height can be raised so they can touch with tiptoes.
Being able to touch the ground allows the rider to learn to start the bike on their own. Even more importantly, it allows a child to use their feet to help them stop and to keep themselves upright if they start to fall. (And YES, it’s very possible to fall even using training wheels.)
17.2. Royal Baby’s lowest seat height is too high for many riders
Royalbaby’s sizing chart states that their Freestyle 14 inch bike is a good fit for kids 37.4″ – 47.2″ tall. It is quite common for a manufacturer to state a very wide, unrealistic height range. That’s where we come in to help you hone in on a bike that will be a great fit for your child.
18. Sizing – Frame Size: Royal Baby’s disparity between frame size and seat height
Here’s the heart of the dilemma with the Royal baby Freestyle 14-inch bike (and some other bikes like it). The bike’s frame size and the room in the cockpit (distance between the saddle and the handlebars), are actually quite appropriate for its low-end stated height range (our 3-year-old testers).
But the minimum seat height is too tall for those kids to safely ride it. For riders who can safely touch the ground (our 4 and 5-year-old testers), the cockpit is already getting cramped, which limits their ability to comfortably maneuver the bike.
Look at this side-by-side comparison of our 3 and 4-year-old riders on the Royal Baby bike. Pay particular attention to how close their knees come to the front of the bike.
19. Do other bikes provide more room to move and grow?
If you’ve never seen a child effortlessly ride on a bike that was truly designed for their body’s proportions, it’s hard to understand why the Royal Baby comes up short. Dedicated kids’ bike brands have much better bike geometry that works seamlessly with a child’s body.
20. Is the tall seat height okay if you’re using training wheels?
Even with training wheels, the Royal Baby 14″ is not a good experience for either of our “good fit” 3-year-old riders. While training wheels are designed to keep a child upright, we’ve seen plenty of kids fall over while using them.
Not being able to touch the ground to help stop themselves is not a situation any child wants to be in, especially toddlers and preschoolers. Our little rider ended up riding into a ditch several times because the bike was hard to maneuver with training wheels and she couldn’t figure out how to use the coaster brake. Because her toes couldn’t touch the ground, she was unable to use her feet to help her stop. She also ended up falling over as a result.
21. Royal Baby 16 Inch Sizing
We were surprised to discover that the sizing issue that plagues the 14″ model is not as drastic on the 16″ model. However, their stated sizing ranges are still not accurate. According to Royalbaby, the 16″ model is for kids 41.3″ – 53″ tall.
22. Royalbaby Bike Features – 14″ and 16″
While buying the right size bike is clearly important, there are still many other features that affect how easy and fun a bike is to ride.
23. Weight – Royal Baby’s Heavy Steel Frame is A Lot to Handle
While the Royalbaby bikes are better than your average budget bike, they still weigh a lot.
23.1. Royal Baby 14 Inch
Our tall barely 3-year-old-tester was already 39.5″ tall, well within Royalbaby’s stated height range for the Freestyle 14″. She’s a solid little nugget at 38 lbs. At that weight, the Royalbaby comes in at 57% of her body weight. That’s like a 150 lb. adult riding an 85 lb. bike. Can you even imagine? As a comparison, the $269 lb. Guardian 14″ Bike weighs just 16 lbs, which is 43% of her body weight.
23.2. Royal Baby 16 Inch
A year and a half later, this little rider, now 4.5, is very strong and very confident. She was able to manage the weight of the Royal Baby 16 just fine, but usually needed to stand up to pedal to get the bike started. She also had to gain significantly more speed before attempting to climb her regular ramps at the skate park.
She weighs 49 pounds (much more than most kids her height), making the Royalbaby 16 (without training wheels) 44% of her body weight.
24. Brakes – Not an Ideal Set Up
Royalbaby Freestyle bikes are now offered in two different models. The Royalbaby Freestyle 3 has a front hand brake and a rear coaster brake. This is the model with over 14,000 Amazon reviews. The newer Royalbaby Freestyle 5 has dual hand brakes and no coaster brake on all wheel sizes.
24.1. Royalbaby Freestyle 3 – Front hand brake, rear coaster brake
The brakes on the Royalbaby Freestyle 14″ are not going to help your child’s riding experience. In the rear, you have a coaster brake (or back pedal brake). Based on their Amazon listing, all sizes come with a coaster brake.
The other problem with this hand brake is that it’s on the left hand, which teaches children to rely on the left hand for braking. When a child advances to a bike with dual hand brakes, this is a problem.
As kids get older and ride faster, braking with the left hand (front wheel) only can cause a child to endo (flip themselves over the handlebars). When learning to brake a child should be taught to brake with the right hand first, engaging the rear brake. If a child’s first experience with a brake is on the left hand, they will have to un-learn this bad habit.
24.2. Royalbaby Freestyle 5 – Dual hand brakes, NO COASTER BRAKE
The Royalbaby Freestyle 5 doesn’t have a coaster brake – on ANY of the wheel sizes (12″ – 20″). For a bike at this price point, this is unheard of and a huge benefit for kids learning to ride a bike.
25. Wide Street Tires
The tires are a standard street tread, which makes the RoyalBaby bike great for paved surfaces. They are also a little wider than most tires, which does provide a little additional cushioning and stability but adds weight to the bike. The tires are also taller than other brands, which contributes to the sizing issues we’ve discussed.
26. Saddle and Seat Post
The saddle is small and awkwardly shaped. It’s slightly padded, but covered in a thick vinyl/plastic that is a bit stiff. The saddle itself is also quite tall, which adds to the tall seat height problems we discussed earlier.
27. Easy to Assemble
For coming out of a box, this Royal Baby kids’ bike was actually pretty easy to assemble. It comes almost fully assembled – you’re responsible for attaching the handlebar, pedals, saddle, and training wheels.
28. Bottom Line on the Royal Baby 14 Inch Bike
While the Royal Baby 14″ Freestyle bike is much better than many bikes you’ll find at a big box store, we still can’t sufficiently answer the question, “Who is this bike designed for?” With a frame that’s a good size for a 3-year-old, its seat height is too tall for that same child to safely ride. By the time a child is tall enough to safely ride the bike, the frame is getting too small.
So what do we recommend instead? If your child has never had a bike – a balance bike. Your average 3 or 4-year-old is much better off on a balance bike than a bike with training wheels anyways. Check out our list of favorite balance bikes here.
29. Bottom Line on the Royalbaby Freestyle 5 16 Inch
As far as super-budget bikes go, the Royalbaby Freestyle 5 is actually better than most. Without a coaster brake, it removes one of the major barriers to learning to ride a bike. But its heavy weight and difficulty to get started make it difficult to recommend to learning riders.
So what should you get instead? If you’re on a super-budget, check out Retrospec’s line of Koda kids bikes, which are lighter and have better quality brakes. If you can spare an extra $75, the Joey 3.5 is also coaster-brake-free but significantly lighter and easier to ride.
30. FAQs About Royal Baby Kids Bikes
Still have questions about Royal Baby kids bikes and whether Royal Baby kids bikes good choice? Here are some frequently asked questions:
- Are Royal Baby bikes safe for kids? Royal Baby bikes meet basic safety standards, but some models have features like coaster brakes that can be problematic.
- What is the best age for a Royal Baby 14-inch bike? The 14-inch model is marketed for 3-4 year olds, but the sizing can be tricky. It’s important to measure your child’s inseam and compare it to the bike’s seat height.
- Do Royal Baby bikes come with a warranty? Royal Baby bikes typically come with a limited warranty, but it’s important to check the specific terms and conditions.
- Are Royal Baby bikes easy to assemble? Many users report that Royal Baby bikes are relatively easy to assemble.
- What is the difference between Royal Baby Freestyle 3 and 5? The main difference is the braking system. The Freestyle 3 has a coaster brake, while the Freestyle 5 has dual hand brakes.
- Are Royal Baby bikes heavy? Yes, Royal Baby bikes tend to be heavier than bikes from other brands due to their steel frames.
- Do Royal Baby bikes come with training wheels? Yes, most Royal Baby models come with training wheels.
- Where can I buy Royal Baby bikes? Royal Baby bikes are widely available online, particularly on platforms like Amazon.
- Are Royal Baby bikes a good value for the money? While Royal Baby bikes are affordable, other brands may offer better value in terms of safety, weight, and overall riding experience.
- What are some alternatives to Royal Baby bikes? Some alternatives include Guardian Bikes, Prevelo Bikes, Retrospec Koda Bikes, and Btwin Bikes.
31. User Intent
Understanding the user’s intent behind searching for “are royal baby kids bikes good” is crucial for providing relevant and helpful information. Here are five potential user intents:
- Seeking Reviews: Users want to find unbiased reviews of Royal Baby kids bikes to assess their quality and performance.
- Comparing Brands: Users are comparing Royal Baby bikes to other brands to determine which offers the best value and features.
- Addressing Safety Concerns: Users are concerned about the safety of Royal Baby bikes and want to know if they are a reliable option for their children.
- Finding the Right Size: Users are unsure about the correct size of Royal Baby bike for their child and need guidance on sizing.
- Looking for Alternatives: Users are open to considering alternatives to Royal Baby bikes and want recommendations for other brands or models.
32. Conclusion: Are Royal Baby Kids Bikes Good?
So, are Royal Baby kids bikes good? While they offer some appealing features, such as a durable frame and a variety of colors, they also have drawbacks like sizing issues, heavy weight, and potentially problematic braking systems. Other brands, such as Guardian, Prevelo, Retrospec, and Btwin, may offer better value in terms of safety, weight, and overall riding experience.
Ultimately, the best bike for your child depends on their individual needs and preferences. We encourage you to explore the resources available on usabikers.net to learn more about kids’ bikes and make an informed decision that will help your child develop a lifelong love of cycling. Visit usabikers.net today to discover more articles, reviews, and community discussions about motorcycles and the biker culture in America.
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