Best kids’ bikes for 2024, tried and tested
The best kids’ bikes can encourage youngsters to spend time away from screens, speed up the school run, and give you an activity to do as a family during weekends. Cycling can increase cardiovascular fitness, helping little ones burn energy and sleep better. Taking their new bike out for a spin will also help them develop their balance and coordination.
With kids’ bikes starting at less than £150 and rising to £1,000, there are a lot of different options, each with slightly different features. From the number of gears to the weight, it’s important to look at all the details when shopping for kids’ bikes to guarantee the most comfortable ride.
To provide a helping hand, several models have been tested to bring honest opinions. Whether your child is just beginning their cycling journey or ready to conquer new terrain, here’s a selection of the best kids’ bikes that will make their time in the saddle more enjoyable, just don’t forget the helmet.
From easy-to-use first bikes for young children to mountain bikes designed for fearless adventurers, a variety of kids’ bicycles were tested by giving them to a child of the appropriate age to go wild. Each bike was rated based on ergonomic design, comfort, manoeuvrability, durability, and speed potential, ensuring the right balance of speed and safety.
The best kids’ bikes for 2024 are:
**Btwin kids’ 20in hybrid bike riverside 900**
– *Weight:* 9.3kg
– *Frame:* Aluminium
– *Wheel size:* 20in
– *Gears:* Eight
– **Why we love it:** High safety standards, great brakes, unisex colour
– **Take note:** No mudguards
– **Price:** £299 from Decathlon.co.uk
**Phoenix 24in mountain bike**
– *Weight:* 10kg
– *Frame:* Unspecified
– *Wheel size:* 24in
– *Gears:* Eight
– **Why we love it:** Good adjustability, long-lasting
– **Take note:** Hard to self-assemble
– **Price:** £149 from Evanscycles.com
**Bobbin Hornet 20in kids’ hybrid bike**
– *Weight:* 9.8kg
– *Frame:* Alloy
– *Wheel size:* 20in
– *Gears:* Seven
– **Why we love it:** Gorgeous design, easy-to-use gears, comfortable saddle
– **Take note:** Only two colorways
– **Price:** £266 from Amazon.co.uk
**Saracen mantra 16in kids’ bike**
– *Weight:* 6.24kg
– *Frame:* Alloy
– *Wheel size:* 16in
– *Gears:* None
– **Why we love it:** Responsive brakes, very lightweight, durable
– **Take note:** No gears
– **Price:** £199 from Bikehouselondon.com
**Frog 40 14in kids’ bike**
– *Weight:* 6.46kg
– *Frame:* Heat-treated aluminium alloy
– *Wheel size:* 14in
– *Gears:* None
– **Why we love it:** Great from age three, lightweight, easy to manoeuvre
– **Take note:** No gears
– **Price:** £299 from Winstanleysbikes.co.uk
**SmartTrike Xtend 3-stage kids’ bicycle**
– *Weight:* 10.9kg
– *Frame:* Magnesium alloy
– *Wheel size:* 14in
– *Gears:* None
– **Why we love it:** Adjustable, ergonomic design
– **Take note:** Limited colourways, small wheels
– **Price:** £249 from Currys.co.uk
**Specialized Jett 24in kids’ bike**
– *Weight:* 9.39kg
– *Frame:* A1 aluminium
– *Wheel size:* 24in
– *Gears:* Eight
– **Why we love it:** Comfortable saddle, lightweight, responsive brakes
– **Take note:** Limited colourways
– **Price:** £395 from Balfesbikes.co.uk
**Apollo zest junior mountain bike, 20in wheel**
– *Weight:* 16kg
– *Frame:* Steel
– *Wheel size:* 20in
– *Gears:* Six
– **Why we love it:** Cool saddle colour, easy gear changes, sturdy frame
– **Take note:** Heavy
– **Price:** £180 from Halfords.com
**Mongoose ritual 20in kids’ BMX bike**
– *Weight:* 14.6kg
– *Frame:* Hi-ten steel
– *Wheel size:* 20in
– *Gears:* None
– **Why we love it:** Cool design, comfortable handlebars
– **Take note:** Only comes in black, requires some self-assembly
– **Price:** £249 from Amazon.co.uk
**Woom original 3, 16in**
– *Weight:* 5.4kg
– *Frame:* Aluminum
– *Wheel size:* 16in
– *Gears:* Two (but automatic shifting)
– **Why we love it:** Extremely lightweight, shock-absorbing tyres, comfortable handlebars
– **Take note:** Quite expensive
– **Price:** £419 from Thelittlebikecompany.co.uk
In conclusion, providing comfort on-road and off-road and rigorously safety-tested, the Btwin hybrid kids’ bike encompassed everything testers wanted in one lightweight package. However, for those on a budget, the Apollo mountain bike offers durability and excellent suspension for less than £200. The Woom and Bobbin bikes were commended for their looks and design.