Parents often whisper questions about training wheels, especially to bike enthusiasts. There’s a common understanding that skipping training wheels and going straight from a balance bike to a pedal bike is often recommended. However, let’s be clear: there’s no judgment here if your child uses training wheels. Even experts and their kids sometimes start with them!
This guide addresses frequent questions about training wheels to help you make the best choice for your child’s cycling journey.
Are Training Wheels Really That Bad?
No, training wheels are not inherently bad. Many adults, even professional cyclists, learned to ride using training wheels. They’ve been a standard part of learning to bike for generations.
The shift away from recommending training wheels comes from the realization that there’s often a more effective and smoother way for children to learn: balance bikes. Balance bikes allow toddlers as young as 18 months to develop crucial balancing skills. By learning to balance first, children can often transition to pedal bikes around 2.5 or 3 years old without needing training wheels. This approach often results in fewer frustrations, tears, and falls, making the learning process more enjoyable for everyone.
Another drawback of training wheels is their performance on uneven surfaces. Sidewalk cracks, slopes, or bumps can cause training wheels to become unstable or get stuck. This can lead to frustration for children as their bike tips or wheels spin without moving forward, potentially discouraging them from riding.
Finally, consider the trend in high-quality kids’ bikes. Top brands like Woom and Prevelo often design their bikes without training wheel compatibility, focusing on lightweight frames and balance-oriented design. If you’re looking for a premium bike for your child, you might find yourself naturally moving away from training wheels.
Balance Bike or Kids Bike with Training Wheels: Which to Choose?
In almost every case, starting with a balance bike is the recommended approach. Transitioning from a balance bike to a pedal bike without training wheels is typically more efficient and enjoyable. Even if your child is a bit older, introducing them to a balance bike first can still be beneficial for developing their balance and coordination before pedaling. There are excellent balance bikes designed for older toddlers and preschoolers.
However, if your child has exceptional athleticism and balance, or if purchasing a separate balance bike isn’t feasible, you can consider an alternative. Temporarily remove the pedals from their pedal bike and let them practice scooting and gliding. This effectively turns their pedal bike into a balance bike. Once they are comfortable with balancing and gliding, reattach the pedals and guide them through the process of learning to pedal, focusing on the balancing skills they’ve already acquired.
Moving Beyond Training Wheels: Transition Strategies
If your child is already using a bike with training wheels, don’t worry! It’s definitely not a permanent situation, and transitioning away from them is achievable.
One effective method is to temporarily revisit the balance bike approach. Switch back to a balance bike until your child has developed a solid sense of balance and confidence in gliding and maneuvering. Then, reintroduce the pedal bike without the training wheels. If a separate balance bike isn’t available, you can adapt their pedal bike by removing the pedals, effectively creating a balance bike for practice.
For children who are attached to their pedal bikes and resistant to the balance bike idea, try gradually raising the training wheels. Adjust them so they are slightly higher than the rear wheel. This will introduce a slight side-to-side tilt when riding, encouraging the child to engage their balance to stay upright. This subtle instability prompts them to start developing the necessary balancing skills while still having some support.
Once they demonstrate improved balance and comfort, you can completely remove the training wheels. Peer influence can also be a powerful motivator. Riding with other children who are already biking without training wheels can inspire your child to want to keep up and learn to ride independently. Seeing their peers ride faster and perform tricks might naturally encourage them to shed the training wheels and develop their own skills.
Ideal Age to Remove Training Wheels?
The sooner training wheels are removed, the better. Early development of balance is key to making the transition to independent riding smoother and faster.
Take off the training wheels as soon as you feel your child has developed some basic balance, or at least raise them to encourage balance development. If balance is still a significant challenge, consider using a balance bike or converting their pedal bike into one by removing the pedals for focused balance practice.
My Child Loves Training Wheels and Resists Removal!
Follow your child’s lead. If they are genuinely enjoying riding with training wheels, and it’s bringing them joy and activity, that’s a positive thing! Pressuring them too much can lead to frustration and a negative association with biking.
If training wheels contribute to their happiness and confidence on a bike, let them continue to use them for a while. Rest assured, they won’t be riding with training wheels indefinitely. Eventually, peer influence, natural development, and their own growing confidence will likely motivate them to try riding without them. The goal is to foster a love for cycling, and sometimes patience and encouragement are the best approaches.
Should Training Wheels Be Uneven?
Initially, if your child feels uneasy with uneven training wheels, you can temporarily adjust them to be more level for added stability and confidence as they start.
However, as they become more comfortable and confident on the bike, raising the training wheels slightly to make them uneven is a beneficial step. This intentionally introduces a slight wobble and encourages the child to lean and balance, which is crucial for developing the skills needed to ride without training wheels. The unevenness prompts them to actively engage their balance and coordination.
How to Adjust Training Wheels for Kids Bikes
Adjusting training wheels is generally straightforward. To raise or lower them, you’ll need to loosen the nuts that secure the training wheels to the bike frame near the rear wheel. Position the training wheels at the desired height – lower for more stability, higher to encourage balance – and then firmly retighten the nuts.
Observe your child as they ride after adjusting the training wheels. If they seem unstable or struggle to pedal, lower the training wheels for increased support. If they appear to be riding very smoothly and even leaning the bike, raise the training wheels gradually to further challenge their balance. Regular adjustments are key to progressively encouraging balance development.
Ensuring Safe Training Wheel Installation
Safety is paramount when using training wheels. Incorrectly installed training wheels can increase the risk of accidents and make learning more difficult.
First, confirm that the training wheels are compatible with your child’s bike size and model. While some training wheels are marketed as “universal,” they may not fit securely or properly on all bikes. If you encounter fitment issues, seek assistance from your local bike shop for advice and professional installation.
Regularly inspect the training wheels after installation. Check that the mounting bolts are tight, as they can loosen over time due to vibrations during riding. If you can wiggle the training wheels by hand, the bolts need tightening. However, avoid overtightening, which could potentially damage the bike frame.
Also, examine the training wheels themselves for any signs of bending or damage, especially after a fall or if the bike has been dropped. Training wheels are often made from less durable materials and can be prone to bending or breaking with impact or wear.
Recommended Training Wheels for Kids Bikes
If, after considering the alternatives, you decide that training wheels are the right choice for your child, prioritize durable and easily adjustable models.
A highly recommended option is the Wald 1216 training wheels. These are known for their sturdiness and adjustability, fitting bikes ranging from 12″ to 16″ wheels. They are widely available at online retailers like Amazon and often stocked at local bike shops. Their durability and ease of adjustment make them a reliable choice for parents using training wheels.
More Resources for Kids Bike Guidance
[Link to: How to Choose the Right Size Bike for Your Child]
[Link to: Teaching Your Child to Ride a Bike Without Training Wheels]
[Link to: Best Balance Bikes for Toddlers]
About Us: Rascal Rides
We are the Rascals – Kristen, Blair, and Parker. As a family passionate about biking, we started Rascal Rides when Parker was born, wanting to share our love for cycling with other families. Over the years, we’ve extensively tested kids’ bikes, helmets, trailers, and all sorts of cycling gear.
Kristen is a certified USA Cycling coach, dedicated to sharing her passion for biking with families. Blair is our resident bike expert, mechanic, and mountain bike enthusiast. And Parker is our invaluable product tester and constant source of inspiration!
If you see us out on the trails, please say hello! We’re always happy to connect with fellow cycling families.
