Best kids bike for Ages 1-5 – Is it Woom or bust?

Ah the big milestone of teaching your kid how to ride a 2-wheeled bike! It’s probably one of the first ‘big’ purchasing decisions of baby gear after strollers and bassinets. After multiple brands and 2 kids who can now ride confidently on 2-wheelers, here are my recommendations of the best kids bike for toddlers!

Why Balance Bikes (and No Training Wheels!)

I too, used training wheels back in the day. However Woom bikes don’t sell training wheels for a reason, and I have now confirmed that kids learn WAY faster with a balance bike (bike with no pedals).

Instead of pedaling, children use their feet to push along the ground, which means:

• They learn balance naturally and earlier. Kids as young as 18 months can start on a properly sized balance bike.
• Transitions to pedal bikes are dramatically easier. Many children go straight from a balance bike to a pedal bike — no training wheels needed.
• They build confidence. Because kids are in control of their speed and feet, they feel safer and more confident.
• Fewer tears (usually). Kids ride when they’re ready, not when the bike demands it.

Balance bikes are lighter and simpler than traditional bikes, and that matters. A heavy bike is hard to maneuver for a toddler. The right balance bike feels almost like an extension of the child.

With that foundation, let’s look at some of the best bikes and brands for kids aged 1–5 — starting with balance bikes and moving up through pedal options.

Top Balance Bikes for Little Riders

Strider Bikes – Pioneer of the Balance Bike

Strider is one of the most recognized names in the balance bike world — and for good reason. Designed specifically to teach balance, their bikes are:

• Ultra lightweight. Many models weigh under 6 pounds — easy for tiny legs to lift and push.
• Adjustable. Seat and handlebar heights grow with your child.
• Simple and durable. Fewer parts mean fewer breakdowns.

One of Strider’s key advantages is that the brand focuses exclusively on balance bikes, so every detail — geometry, weight, and accessories — is optimized for that mission. They also have a strong resale value because parents know the brand and it holds up well over multiple kids.

Best for: Ages ~18 months to 5 years (depending on model and height)

I picked up a strider balance bike for $20 off Facebook marketplace and used it for 2 kids! It was a bit rusted where the metal was not painted over by the end of it because we left it outside in the backyard, but it was still as functional as new!

Woom Bikes – Lightweight, Premium, and Grow-With-You

Woom makes some of the nicest kids bikes on the market — including both balance bikes and pedal bikes. Woom basically has a chokehold on SF parents 🙂 What sets Woom apart:

• Exceptionally light frames. Many kids’ bikes are heavy, making them harder to control. Woom invests in lightweight aluminum frames that kids actually enjoy using.
• Thoughtful design. Components are sized and placed specifically for small hands and bodies.
• Smooth braking and gearing. As kids transition to pedals, the shift and brake systems are easier for little riders to use.

Their balance bikes are stylish, adjustable, and equipped with high-quality tires and grips. When kids outgrow the balance bike, Woom’s pedal bikes (Woom 2, 3, 4, etc.) follow in size progression, making it easy to upgrade without changing brands.

Woom bikes tend to have strong resale value because of their build quality and reputation among cycling families.

Best for: Ages ~2–5+ and size up as you go, from balance bike to bikes with gears.

Retrospec Cub Plus Toddler Balance Bike – Most aesthetic

Retrospec has become increasingly popular for families looking for a clean, modern aesthetic and a strong balance-bike foundation without premium pricing. Their balance bikes are especially well suited for toddlers transitioning out of strollers and into active riding.

What sets Retrospec apart:

• Minimalist design: Retrospec bikes feature neutral, modern colorways that appeal to parents while still being fun for kids.
• Lightweight balance bikes: While not as feather-light as high-end brands, Retrospec balance bikes are light enough for toddlers to manage confidently.
• Air-filled tires: Many Retrospec models use pneumatic tires, which provide a smoother ride over sidewalks and uneven pavement compared to foam tires.
• Good value: Retrospec strikes a balance between affordability and ride quality, making them a strong alternative to ultra-budget options.

Resale and longevity:
Retrospec bikes tend to hold moderate resale value, especially in local marketplaces, thanks to their neutral styling and durable construction.

Best for: Ages ~18 months–4 years, particularly for families starting with a balance bike and prioritizing aesthetics and simplicity.

Choosing the Right Bike: What to Look For

When you’re shopping for a bike for a 1–5 year old, keep these factors in mind:

1. Weight Matters — A Lot

A lighter bike is easier to steer, stop, pick up, and push. A child struggling under a heavy frame is less likely to enjoy riding.

• Balance bikes often weigh 5–10 lbs.
• Pedal bikes for this age range should stay under 15 lbs when possible.

2. Size and Adjustability

Kids grow fast — and height varies widely at the same age. Check the manufacturer’s recommended seat height range and measure your child’s inseam before buying. Adjustable seats and handlebars mean longer usability.

3. Brakes That Work for Little Hands

On balance bikes, foot braking (kids using their feet to slow) is standard. For pedal bikes:

• Coaster brakes (pedal backwards to stop) are common on very young bikes. Woom bikes come with coaster wheels and you have to purchase the regular wheel to replace it, which is a bit of a pain.
• Hand brakes become appropriate as finger strength improves — especially helpful with two-handed braking systems like Guardian’s SureStop.

4. Tires & Terrain

Foam tires are lightweight and maintenance-free, but they don’t absorb bumps as well as air tires. Pneumatic (air) tires are better for rough terrain or long use but require occasional inflation.

5. Accessories & Colorways

Fun colors and accessories like baskets, bells, and matching helmets can make riding more exciting for kids — and help you spot your little rider from a distance. Remember that some accessories are brand specific, while others are universal.

Final Thoughts

You can’t go wrong with Woom, and I am glad I made that investment as the kids have learned to ride pretty easily. Having said that, they are really pricey, and I would definitely go with the Strider again as the first balance bike.

Since I already owned the bikes I needed, I did not buy a Retrospec, but I would choose that as a gift due to it’s comparatively lower price point, and aesthetic bike design and colors.

As the kids get bigger though, I am not sure if I will continue to buy Woom bikes because they will be better riders who are heavier in weight themselves, so they might be able to use bikes from regular brands.