Use a bigger Islabike as a balance bike

Whilst most children develop sufficient coordination to balance and pedal a two-wheeler somewhere between 3½ and 4½ years old this is not always the case. This development happens quite suddenly and once your child is ready they should learn quite quickly but there is little point in trying to get them to cycle until this point is reached.

Some children may not take to cycling straight away and therefore may find themselves learning to ride at an older age. The great news is that it’s never too late to learn. As older children are more physically and cognitively advanced, they may find it easier to learn to ride a bike.

The Bike

A balance bike is an ideal introduction to cycling, building confidence and developing skills in a fun way. If your child is too big for our Rothan you can use one of Cnoc’s or Beinn’s by adjusting it to use as a balance bike.

To do this your child needs to be half way through the growth range. (For example, if your child’s inside leg is 47cm and their height 112cm go for the Cnoc 16). Adjust the saddle height so the child is sat on the saddle with both feet flat on the floor and a slight bend in the knee.

When you receive the bike from us, the pedals will already be removed for transit purposes. This technique requires that you leave them off the bike for the time being, until the child is confidently balancing.

If you need to remove the pedals from your bike, you will need a 6mm allen key. Refer to the Owner’s Manual for further information, or contact our customer service team on +44 (0)800 008 6297 or email info@islabikes.co.uk.

Technique

Your child will now be able to concentrate on learning the art of balance by sitting on the saddle and propelling themselves forward with a striding motion. Steering and braking skills will develop naturally as they gain experience.

Keep calm and encourage

It’s only natural to worry about your child as they learn to ride, but try and stay calm. This is a good opportunity to allow a little independence whilst still being on hand for encouragement and support. Bumps and falls will happen; when they do it is important that you react calmly, check the child is ok and then check the bike is ok. Any damage to the bike should be checked by a qualified cycle mechanic. For more information on what to do in the event of an accident please see here.

Ready to add pedals

You will know when balancing is mastered as they will confidently lift both feet off the ground as they whizz along. Once they have reached this stage you will be able to fit the pedals back on the bike. Now adjust the saddle so your child can plant the balls of their feet firmly on the floor.

Having given them the perfect start, your child will now find it far easier to make the transition to pedaling a bike, avoiding stabilisers altogether. Watch the video below for help with the technique we use at Islabikes for getting them riding independently!