21.08.2025

Finding the right children's bike size

Determining the right size for a children's bike is crucial for safety and riding fun. Instead of just looking at the age, the inches and stride length play an important role. Find out how to choose the ideal children's bike size and what you should look out for when buying.

Whether you need to buy your child's very first bike or a new children's bike for your little one: Buying a children's bike is not such a simple matter. Because the choice of bikes for little ones is huge. And if you want to buy a children's bike, there are a few things to consider. Which children's bike will fit which body size? In our children's bike size chart, we reveal what really matters when it comes to children's bikes so that you can easily find the right children's bike for your child.

When does your child need which size of children's bike?

The all-important criterion when buying a bike is its size. This is specified as the diameter of the wheels in inches. However, this inch specification is only useful for the initial selection, as frame sizes vary.

Which size is appropriate for your child is determined by their body size and stride length. Our size chart will help you to find the right bike size for your little one. But if in doubt, it's better to be too small than too big.

The stride length refers to the length of the inner leg. It determines the saddle height - another decisive factor when buying a children's bike. It is important that your child can always reach the ground easily with both feet when using their bike. It is therefore essential to measure the length of the inside leg before buying a bike

Correctly measure your height, inseam and head circumference

To simply measure your body size and stride length, the following procedure is very useful:

The child stands against a wall
A sturdy book between the child's legs
Body size: At the same time, the book can be used by placing the body size the meter behind the child and placing the book on the head at a right angle - and then measuring it on the ground
Head circumference: Should be measured 2 fingers above the eyebrows with a string or a yardstick (this measurement is only needed for helmet selection)

Why is the right size of children's bike crucial?

Until the age of 12, children do not yet have a strong sense of balance. That's why it's important to choose a bike with a saddle height that corresponds to their current stride length. Children should be able to stand with both feet at all times. A bike that is too big not only carries the risk of overloading your child, but also tends to be too heavy for the child. A rather small bike is much easier to ride.

In summary and very important

Sense of balance is not yet fully developed up to the age of 12
A bike that is too big tends to be too heavy
It's much more fun and enjoyable with a bike of the right size
Children up to the age of 12 must be able to stand completely on the ground with both feet off the saddle
With sensible preparation with a children's balance bike, there is no need for inline skates
You should start cycling at the age of four or five

Other important features for your children's bike

The weight of the bike

Children's bikes are often disproportionately heavy. Aluminum frames can help here. They reduce the weight by around half a kilo, which is quite a lot compared to the weight of the kids. In general, the lighter the bike, the better the ride. And robustness alone is decisive for stability. The more robust the bike, the more stable it is.

What purpose should the bike serve?

The purpose for which the bike is to be used ultimately determines the type of bike. Should the children's bike only be used for leisure? However, if the children's bike is to take your little one to school safely every day, then a children's city bike is recommended

The right equipment

The equipment of the new bike should be complete and initially designed for safety. For the sake of your child's protection, don't do without safety handlebar grips, adequate impact protection on the handlebars and a closed chain guard. All of these things will protect your child from unnecessary accidents and possible injuries while riding the bike

The height of the handlebars must be adjustable to suit the saddle height. This is the only way to ensure a comfortable riding position. Every child should also sit upright and back-friendly on their children's bike.

Functional brakes on bikes are a matter of course nowadays. However, children's bikes up to 16 inches should definitely have an emergency brake. The reason for this is that a child of the right height does not yet have enough strength in their fingers to hold the bike securely when operating the rim brakes. The brake lever for the front brake should therefore always be mounted on the right-hand side of the handlebars.

It goes without saying that you should make sure you have the right lights when buying a children's bike from 18 inches. After all, the bike should also be able to be used at dusk or in the dark. However, if you can rule out the possibility of riding your bike late at night from the outset, you can do without this detail.

If you opt for a mountain bike, you will most likely have to adjust the lights yourself. As a rule, these bikes also do not have a luggage rack. However, if this is desired, it can also be retrofitted without any problems. In any case, you should do without support wheels. They only make cycling more difficult. Experts now agree that these riding aids delay the learning process for children. Gear changes on children's bikes up to 16 inches are also unnecessary

The most important manufacturers of children's bikes

As is so often the case, the quality of a children's bike is determined by its manufacturer. And there are more than enough of them these days. We rely on our own experience and trust in the following manufacturers and therefore offer the widest range of models with the widest range of children's bikes: