How to choose a children’s bicycle

A children’s bike should be the right size, safe and easy to handle. When the size is right, children learn to ride faster, feel confident and enjoy riding. On the other hand, if the bike is too big or too heavy, it often ends in frustration (and the bike ends up in the corner).

We offer children’s bikes from Dino Bikes and ultra-light junior models from BOW – according to age, height and wheel diameter.

Quick selection based on what you need

1) First real pedal bike (smallest children)

✔ Look for: small wheels + easy handling

2) The most versatile size for learning (without stress)

✔ Look for: 12″ + stable seat

3) Your child already rides a bike and wants a “bigger bike” (one that will grow with them)

✔ Look for: 14″, comfortable handling, safety

4) For preschoolers / beginners

✔ Look for: 16″ and ideally more “adult” brake controls

5) Junior bike for longer rides

✔ Look for: 20″, stability and a comfortable riding position

Dino 20″ junior sports bike, pink and black
BOW 20″ ultra-light (weight only 7.4 kg)

6) For taller children (more athletic riding, longer routes)

✔ Look for: 24″, low weight and control

BOW 24″ ultra-light (weight only 8.2 kg)

Key specifications

1) Wheel diameter and child’s height

Wheel diameter is the quickest way to guide you when choosing a children’s bike. We recommend basing your choice mainly on the height of the child – and if you are between two sizes, choose the one that the child feels more confident on when stopping.

If you want a quick “real check”: the child should be able to safely reach the ground with their feet (at least with their toes) and comfortably maintain their balance when stopping.

10″

– height approx. 80–95 cm

12″

– height approx. 85–105 cm

14″

– height approx. 95–110 cm

16″

– height approx. 105–120 cm

20″

– height approx. 115–135 cm

24″

– height approx. 130–150 cm

You can filter the size of the bikes directly in the category.

2) Bike weight (the lighter, the easier to control)

This applies more to children than adults: a lighter bike = easier starting, turning and braking.
That’s why ultra-light bikes make sense especially for children who already ride more often and you want to make it as enjoyable as possible for them.

3) Brakes

Smaller bikes are generally easier to control, while larger bikes benefit from more “adult” brakes (better control, safety).
When a child moves up to a larger size, it is good for the braking to be smooth rather than abrupt.

4) Equipment and details that come in handy in practice

Here, the joy of cycling is often the deciding factor:

basket / accessories (e.g. “for a doll”)
chain guard (practical and safer)
mudguards (when riding in wet conditions)

For example, some Dino girls’ models commonly feature accessories such as baskets/carriers.

Mini tips to conclude

✔ If you are between two sizes, the smaller one usually wins.
The child feels more confident on it, it is easier to start and stop – and they will enjoy it more.

✔ Check their confidence when stopping.
Your child should be able to hold the bike securely and ideally reach the ground with their toes without leaning.

✔ Adjust the saddle immediately after unpacking.
For beginners, it is fine to set it a little lower (for greater stability), and you can raise it later for more comfortable pedalling.

✔ The weight of the bike is crucial for children.
A lighter bike is easier to control (starting, turning, manoeuvring) and less tiring for the child.

✔ The child must be able to operate the brakes gently and without jerking.
It is not just about the performance of the brakes, but about the child being able to operate them comfortably and have control over the bike.