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10 Best Bikes for 1-Year-Olds of 2024

Updated
No more toddling around with these safe and comfy bikes for 1-year-olds.

How do you pick the best bike for a 1-year-old? You want something sturdy, with the right number of wheels to provide ample support for your baby.

Some bikes for this age group are more like toys, so there are key features to look for to ensure you get a good quality bike.

We’ve put in hours of time and effort, sorting through dozens of options, to find the ten best bikes for 1-year-olds. We ranked these based on size, safety features, durability, and ease of use.

Find the best bike to keep your 1-year-old safe and comfortable as they learn to ride.

Our Top Picks

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Image
Model
Product Comparison Table
Features

Product Image of the Avenor Baby Balance Bike
Best Baby Bike Overall
Avenor Baby Balance Bike
  • Sturdy build with durable materials
  • Works as a walker and bike
  • Fully certified
Product Image of the YBike Pewi Ride-On
Multi-Purpose
YBike Pewi Ride-On
  • Innovative design
  • Works well as bike or walker
  • Lightweight yet durable
Product Image of the Bammax Official TykeBike® Toddler & Baby Bike | Toddler & Baby Balance Bike...
Most Reliable
Bammax Baby Balance Bikes
  • Won’t scratch hardwood floors
  • Soft handlebar with EVA foam
  • Ergonomically designed seat
Product Image of the Baby Joy Balance Bike
For the Smallest
Baby Joy Balance Bike
  • Limited steering to avoid accidents
  • Non-slip wheels
  • Baby-friendly design
Product Image of the Bekilole Baby Balance Bike
Balance Bike Look-Alike
Bekilole Baby Balance Bike
  • Sturdy frame
  • Secure grip
  • Wide, durable wheels
Product Image of the Ancaixin Balance Bike
Best for Boys
Ancaixin Balance Bike
  • BPA free
  • For indoor and outdoor use
  • Fully certified
Product Image of the Hape Scoot Around Ride-On
Best Wooden Baby Bike
Hape Scoot Around Ride-On
  • Cute wooden design
  • Anti-slip rubber wheels
  • High handlebars
Product Image of the Allobebe Baby Balance Bike
Two-In-One Baby Bike
Allobebe Baby Balance Bike
  • Perfect for both indoor and outdoor use
  • Excellent for building balance and confidence
  • Safe steering
Product Image of the Radio Flyer Scoot About Sport, Toddler Ride On Toy, Ages 1-3, Red Kids Ride On...
Retro-Style Baby Bike
Radio Flyer Scoot-About
  • Retro-style
  • Widespread wheel design
  • Under-seat storage
Product Image of the XJD Baby Balance Bicycle
Duckies Design
XJD Baby Balance Bicycle
  • Excellent size for babies
  • Super cute duckie theme
  • Easy to maneuver


The Best 1-Year-Old Bikes of 2024

Here are 10 of the top bikes for 1-year-olds.

Avenor Baby Balance Bike

Best Baby Bike Overall

This premium baby bike from Avenor is one of our favorites. It’s an infant bike suitable for babies aged 6 months to 36 months.

With a sturdy, carbon steel construction, this is an ideal ride for helping your little one feel confident on wheels. It’s fully certified, and its outstanding reviews ensure it’s one of the best.

Suited on the bike are four durable wheels for indoor and outdoor use. The handles contain EVA foam, providing a comfortable grip for your little one.

The bike will also work as a walker and toy — your little one can push it around, finding their balance. Once the rider is in their seat, it promotes a natural, upright position, centering the weight across the hips.

You’ll love how easy the assembly is. It has a modular design and arrives 95% assembled. No tools are needed to put it together, so your little one will be ready to ride in no time.

Pros

  • Sturdy build with durable materials.
  • Works as a walker and bike.
  • Full safety certification.
  • Easy assembly takes minutes.

Cons

  • Only two color options.

Product Specs

Material Carbon steel
Age range 6 months to 36 months
Turning limit Yes
Seat height 10 inches
Handle height 14 inches

Our Ratings

Size
4 / 5
Safety Features
5 / 5
Durability
5 / 5
Ease of Use
5 / 5
Total Rating
4.75 / 5

User Experience

This toddler bike truly brought joy to my young grandchild, making them feel like a big kid while being the perfect size for them to easily get on and off. However, I did notice some excessive plastic hanging from the wheels, which I had to remove for safety reasons, and the manufacturing could use some improvements such as a more adjustable seat and better wheel design for balance. Despite these minor flaws, the bike's sturdiness, ease of use, and simple assembly make it a fun and helpful tool for new walkers to gain confidence in their mobility.

YBike Pewi Ride-On and Walking Toy

Multi-Purpose

We had to include the Pewi, as this high-quality bike was a favorite for our little ones. It’s a multi-purpose bike and walker, suitable for babies aged 9 months to 3 years or up to 44 pounds. It has a unique look, like a cross between a chair and a horse, but it’s an award-winning design.

The bike features four multi-directional wheels, enabling the bike to go in every direction. It’s fun for babies who are learning how to walk or want to keep up with their older sibling’s trike. The pushbike is capable of growing with your little one and has a long window for usage.

The bike has a durable and lightweight aluminum frame finished with molded plastic parts. The seat, however, is fitted with a soft foam pad for extra comfort.

The plastic makes it easy for small hands to grip and for adults to keep clean. It’s available in three colors, suitable for both boys and girls.

Pros

  • Innovative design, capable of growing with your baby.
  • Works well as a bike or walker, featuring multi-directional wheels.
  • Lightweight yet durable.
  • Three colors are available.

Cons

  • The screw cover can pop off but is easy to fix with either duct tape or by drilling a tiny hole for the air to escape.

Product Specs

Material Aluminum
Age range 9 months to 36 months
Turning limit No
Seat height 10 inches
Handle height 18 inches

Our Ratings

Size
4 / 5
Safety Features
4 / 5
Durability
5 / 5
Ease of Use
5 / 5
Total Rating
4.5 / 5

Personal Perspective

If you're looking for a versatile and durable toy for young children, this riding toy is an excellent choice. I found it to be a great tool for helping my one-year-old granddaughter learn to walk, as she can sit on it and scoot around or use it as a walker. The 360-degree wheels are soft, rubbery, and sensitive, allowing for easy movement and preventing damage to hardwood floors. It's also quite lightweight and easy to assemble, making it convenient to take with us wherever we go.

Bammax Baby Balance Bike

Most Reliable

This sturdily constructed baby bike from Bammax is great for babies who are learning how to walk. The company is known for producing high-quality products, and this bike is no exception. It receives stellar reviews from parents, praising its reliability.

The bike can help your little one develop coordination, balance, and muscles. It’s a great pre-balance bike for children aged 1 to 2 years.

Your little one should love riding this bike. The handlebar is optimized for small hands and fitted with BPA-free, EVA foam material. There’s also a turn limiter, preventing sharp turns and tumbles.

The seat is ergonomically designed and padded with PU leather to ensure small tushies stay comfortable. It’s snug and comfy, ready for long hours of fun.

The bike is also stable. It’s suited with wide, soft, non-slip EVA tires that will ride safely across smooth surfaces.

Pros

  • The tires don’t make marks on hardwood floors.
  • Soft handlebar with EVA foam and turn limiter.
  • Ergonomically designed seat.
  • Non-slip tires.

Cons

  • Not for outdoor use.
  • Doesn’t work well on carpeted surfaces.

Product Specs

Material Carbon steel
Age range 1 to 2 years
Turning limit Yes
Seat height 9.5 inches
Handle height 13.8 inches

Our Ratings

Size
4 / 5
Safety Features
4.5 / 5
Durability
4.5 / 5
Ease of Use
4 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Baby Joy Balance Bike

For the Smallest

Baby Joy recommends this bike for babies as young as nine months old. We love it for small kids because it has a baby-friendly structure. The round frame, soft handles, and cushy seat ensure maximum comfort and stability. The non-slip wheels keep your child as safe as possible, but we still recommend you guide them as they ride.

There are some more benefits to this bike. Firstly, it can help teach kids to balance. When they transition to a bigger bike in a few years, the change will be seamless. This bike helps them develop their leg muscles and coordination, making it easy to learn how to operate a bike confidently.

We also love this bike’s approach to steering. The handlebars have a 135-degree limit, so kids can’t force the bike dramatically one way. This prevents kids from falling off the bike, going off-road, and crashing into objects, whether they’re riding indoors or outdoors.

Pros

  • Suitable for kids from nine to 24 months old.
  • Helps kids cultivate balance, confidence, and strength.
  • Limited steering to avoid accidents.
  • Non-slip wheels prevent injury.

Cons

  • Small for bigger toddlers.

Product Specs

Material Steel
Age range 9 months to 24 months
Turning limit Yes
Seat height 10 inches
Handle height 14 inches

Our Ratings

Size
3.5 / 5
Safety Features
4.5 / 5
Durability
4.5 / 5
Ease of Use
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

First-Hand Impression

Got this cute little bike for my 1-year-old, and it's been a hit! At first, it took some time for my child to figure out how to ride it, but now they zoom around the house with ease. While the body is made of thin material and the wheels could be sturdier, it's still perfect for a beginner. My child is learning to steer, which means they won't outgrow it too quickly.

Bekilole Baby Balance Bike

Balance Bike Look-Alike

If you want to prepare your little one for their first two-wheeled balance bike, this is a great place to start. This pre-balance bike from Bekilole promotes confidence, coordination, muscle development, and stability.

It’s the balance bike’s close cousin, featuring three wheels — two at the front, one in the rear. It’s suitable for babies aged 10 to 24 months and has a low step-through frame.

The options are cute. It’s available in pink, red, or blue and in themes such as zebra and giraffe.

With an incredibly durable carbon steel frame, it’s a high-quality design. The bike has a non-slip EVA handlebar and a cushioned seat for comfort. This allows for a smooth ride for your little one.

It’s fully certified for safety and comes with a manufacturer’s lifetime warranty.

The bike offers maximum stability — it promotes a low center of gravity, keeping the bike steady. For added security, the tires are wide and sturdy, capable of riding indoors and out.

The handlebar includes a turn limiter set to 135 degrees to prevent tipping or jackknifing.

Pros

  • It resembles a balance bike but with more stability.
  • Sturdy frame.
  • Non-slip EVA handles offer a secure grip.
  • Wide, durable wheels.

Cons

  • Small — toddlers may outgrow it quickly.

Product Specs

Material Carbon steel
Age range 10 to 24 months
Turning limit Yes
Seat height 10 inches
Handle height 15 inches

Our Ratings

Size
3.5 / 5
Safety Features
4.5 / 5
Durability
4.5 / 5
Ease of Use
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

User Experience

This baby bike is not only adorable with its giraffe pattern, but also super easy to assemble and quite sturdy. My daughter enjoys riding it from room to room, while my younger child loves pushing it around and playing with the wheels. The two-wheel design in the front adds stability for younger children, making it a great toy for kids ages 1 to 3 years old.

Ancaixin Baby Balance Bike

Best for Boys

This cute, high-quality baby bike from Ancaixin is adorable. It’s suitable for toddlers aged 10 to 24 months, and it’s meant for use as a walker and ride-on toy.

Although this bike is not exclusive to boys, we think the electric blue color is a great pick.

You’ll likely appreciate the bike’s sturdiness. It’s constructed with a durable frame, strong enough to ride outdoors. It features double tires, two front and two rear — stabilizing the bike, preventing tumbles and falls.

It’s low, keeping your little one close to the floor. Many parents lauded how it helped their babies learn to walk. Because it’s so sturdy, it can support them as they’re leaning against it.

Another praiseworthy feature is the easy assembly. It requires no tools, and most parents finish the job in less than 30 minutes.

This baby bike is fully certified in toy safety standards, so you can feel confident when your baby is using it. It’s also BPA-free, lead-free, and 100% nontoxic, so if your toddler is a taster, Ancaixin has you covered.

Pros

  • A cute design with vibrant colors.
  • Highly durable construction.
  • 6-inch wheels capable of indoor and outdoor use.
  • Fully safety certified.

Cons

  • Too small to be comfortable for tall toddlers.

Product Specs

Material Carbon steel
Age range 10 to 24 months
Turning limit Yes
Seat height 10 inches
Handle height 14 inches

Our Ratings

Size
3.5 / 5
Safety Features
4.5 / 5
Durability
5 / 5
Ease of Use
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Personal Perspective

I recently purchased this infant balance bike for my grandson's first birthday, and it quickly became his favorite toy. The bike is sturdy, lightweight, and easy to assemble, with a paint that holds up well to scratches. Although my grandson is still learning to scoot and entertain himself, he already enjoys being pushed on it by his parents. The only downside is that the handlebars and seat cannot be adjusted, so be sure to measure your child before purchasing.

Hape Scoot Around Ride-On Bike

Best Wooden Baby Bike

This baby bike from Hape is a great pick with its wooden frame and rubber wheels. It has received outstanding reviews from parents, with many praising its appearance. It’s a bike that’s just right for most babies to gain confidence and balance.

The Scoot Around features an adorable design that is basic yet highly functional. Hape ensured the right height for optimal space to scoot with the legs. Your little one may even be able to build up some speed, so make sure they wear a helmet.

To make steering smooth, it includes a turning limiter, which also prevents nasty tip-overs during tight turns. Hape limited the steering to 135 degrees. Some parents remove this once their babies are more confident.

With four wheels, the bike offers excellent stability. The rear wheels are wide-set, providing outstanding balance.

Pros

  • Cute wooden design.
  • Anti-slip rubber wheels.
  • Outstanding stability.
  • High handlebars.

Cons

  • The seat is quite low — tall toddlers may outgrow it fast.

Product Specs

Material Wood
Age range 1 year and up
Turning limit Yes
Seat height 8.98 inches
Handle height 14.76 inches

Our Ratings

Size
4 / 5
Safety Features
4 / 5
Durability
4.5 / 5
Ease of Use
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Community Feedback

Bought this toddler bike as a gift for my one-year-old, and she absolutely loves it. She quickly figured it out and enjoys riding around on it. The bike is very sturdy and well-made, but it's definitely too small for my three-year-old who tries to ride it anyway. It's perfect for the youngest toddlers and seems quite stable. My only complaint is the plastic wheel covers falling off easily, but that's a minor issue.

 


Allobebe Baby Balance Bike

Two-In-One Baby Bike

If you’re looking for a baby bike that resembles the real deal, check out this one from Allobebe. Designed with a pair of front wheels and a single rear wheel, it requires some balance to ride. It’s recommended for toddlers aged 1 to 3 years, but we don’t suggest it for babies who can’t walk.

If your little one is steady on their feet, this bike is terrific. Many parents commend how the bike has helped their child’s stability and prepared them for their balance bikes.

The Allobebe bike also features plenty of toddler-friendly components. One of these is its limited 50-degree steering that will prevent your child from falling. Furthermore, it’s lightweight, making it a breeze for kiddies to maneuver it and build up speed for balance.

Pros

  • Perfect for both indoor and outdoor use.
  • Excellent for building balance and confidence.
  • Lightweight frame.
  • Safe steering.
  • Several color options.

Cons

  • Not for small babies — walkers only.
  • It would be best if the handlebars were adjustable as well.

Product Specs

Material Carbon steel
Age range 1 to 3 years
Turning limit Yes
Seat height 10.2 to 11 inches
Handle height Not available

Our Ratings

Size
4 / 5
Safety Features
4.5 / 5
Durability
4.5 / 5
Ease of Use
4 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

First-Hand Impression

I've used this product for both my nephew and granddaughter, and they absolutely loved it! This small bike is perfect for young toddlers as the double wheel in the front provides stability and balance while they scoot around indoors or outdoors without causing damage to walls or furniture. Not only is it a fun pastime for little ones, but it also helps improve their balance skills. Although it may take some time for younger toddlers to adjust and get comfortable, they eventually enjoy using it every day. The only downside is the limited color options, but overall, this bike is a hit with kids and parents alike.

Radio Flyer Scoot-About Sport

Retro-Style Baby Bike

For the coolest of toddlers, we present the Scoot About from Radio Flyer. Radio Flyer is famous for creating iconic bikes for children of all ages.

This retro-style baby bike is excellent for toddlers aged 1 to 3 years. It’s suited with all the right accessories to keep a baby entertained.

It features a front bumper that’s aesthetic but also functional to protect furnishings and walls. And your toddler can store all their favorite toys under the seat while they ride.

Your little one will love gliding around on this bike. The tires sit in a widespread design and provide a smooth ride with excellent stability.

Pros

  • Retro-style, great for toddlers with style.
  • It offers excellent stability with its widespread wheel design.
  • Features under-seat storage.

Cons

  • The front platform gets in the way when the rider tries to push forward with their legs.

Product Specs

Material Plastic
Age range 1 to 3 years
Turning limit Yes
Seat height N/A
Handle height N/A

Our Ratings

Size
4 / 5
Safety Features
4 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Ease of Use
3.5 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

XJD Baby Balance Bikes Bicycle

Duckies Design

The XJD balance bike is ideal for children aged 10 to 24 months. It’s one of the smallest baby bikes on the market today, suitable for early walkers or late crawlers.

The cute and trendy design is suitable for both boys and girls. Choose from 11 colors to match your toddler’s developing sense of style.

It’s incredibly lightweight, weighing approximately 4 pounds. Because of the featherweight, your little one can build up a good speed while still being able to control it.

The bike promotes independence, featuring a low seat and step-through design, which makes it easy for small legs to mount the bike.

The handlebar has a turn limiter, preventing the rider from turning more than 135 degrees. The seat is broad and comfy for little tushies, even without a diaper.

Small babies might need some help when riding — otherwise, they can use it as a walker.

Pros

  • Excellent size for small babies.
  • Lightweight structure is easy to maneuver.
  • Comfy seat.

Cons

  • The bike is small, so babies may outgrow it fast.

Product Specs

Material Carbon steel
Age range 10 to 24 months
Turning limit Yes
Seat height N/A
Handle height N/A

Our Ratings

Size
3 / 5
Safety Features
4 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Ease of Use
4 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

Personal Perspective

My one-year-old absolutely adores this bike, and it was a breeze to assemble. It's perfect for indoor or outdoor play, and while it can tip over when turning, it's small enough that it doesn't cause any real harm. The bike is durable and easy for toddlers to use independently, but keep in mind that it's on the smaller side, so larger or older toddlers may outgrow it quickly. It's been a great addition to our home, and even our three-year-old can enjoy riding it around.

Product Comparison Chart

Product Best Material Age range Turning limit Seat height Handle height
Avenor Balance Bike Overall Carbon steel 6 mos – 36 mos Yes 10″ 14″
YBike Pewi Ride-On Multi-Purpose Aluminum 9 mos – 36 mos No 10″ 18″
Bammax Balance Bikes Most Reliable Carbon steel 1 – 2 yrs Yes 9.5″ 13.8″
Baby Joy Balance Bike For the Smallest Steel 9 mos – 24 mos Yes 10″ 14″
Bekilole Baby Balance Bike Balance Bike Look-Alike Carbon steel 10 – 24 mos Yes 10″ 15″
Ancaixin Baby Balance Bike Boys Carbon steel 10 – 24 mos Yes 10″ 14″
Hape Scoot Around Ride-On Wooden Bike Wood 1 yr and up Yes 8.98″ 14.76″
Allobebe Baby Balance Bike 2-In-1 Carbon steel 1 – 3 yrs Yes 10.2 – 11″ N/A
Radio Flyer Scoot-About Retro-Style Chrome 1 – 3 yrs Yes N/A N/A
XJD Baby Balance Bicycle Duckies Design Carbon steel 10 – 24 mos Yes N/A N/A

How to Choose a Bike for a 1-Year-Old

The Size

Bike size matters. For tiny toddlers, who are just mastering their walk, both feet must be firmly on the ground when they’re straddling their bike (1).

Baby bikes don’t have set sizes. Instead, manufacturers state the seat height and what age they’re suitable for. Because of this, we suggest you measure your little one’s height and inseam before buying.

Look for a bike with a seat height that’s 1 inch shorter than your baby’s inseam. This size is low enough for their feet to reach the ground. It will allow ample leverage to push themselves forward, building speed and balance.

For Non-Walkers

If you think your baby will use their bike primarily as a walker to start with, you can choose a higher seat to allow room for growth.

No Pedals

For this age, pedals aren’t necessary. Young toddlers won’t be able to use them properly due to a lack of coordination. For 1-year-olds, it’s best to simplify the process and provide them with a tool they can use to develop balance and leg muscles.

You’ll see that none of the products in our review have pedals. Kids this age may use a bike as a walker in the beginning, standing behind it and pushing while taking steps.

Toy or Bike?

Toddlers love doing what they want, whenever they want, and it can be hard to predict how they will use the bike. Don’t feel disappointed if they initially use it as a toy, especially if it resembles one.

If you sense your little one is more adventurous, you could look for a model that resembles a balance bike. This will challenge your toddler, helping them to develop biking skills faster.

If your toddler is timid, it’s a good idea to look for a design that sparks some imagination and fun. One that’s stable and features four wheels to keep them steady is important, too — you don’t want to give them a fear of bikes.

Steering Limiter

For ride-on toys, steering varies significantly between manufacturers. Some include fixed front wheels, preventing any steering from left or right, while others have a limiter.

A steering limiter is excellent for this age. Most toddlers aren’t capable of fully controlling a bike yet, so limiting turning will help them learn. The general turning arc is 135 degrees; however, some have a broader range.

We don’t recommend a bike that provides a full range of turning. This could cause it to jackknife, leading to tip-overs.

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FAQs

What Bicycle is Best For a 1-Year-Old?

For one-year-olds, a balance bike is often the best option, like the Bammax Official TykeBike. These bikes don’t have pedals and help toddlers develop balance and coordination, preparing them for pedal bikes in the future.

Should a 1-Year-Old Wear a Bike Helmet?

Yes, a one-year-old should wear a bike helmet even on a balance bike. It’s important to instill the habit of wearing a helmet for safety from the start.

What Age Can a Toddler Pedal a Bike?

Toddlers can usually start pedaling a bike with training wheels around three to four years old. Before this, balance bikes are a great way to develop the necessary skills for pedaling.

How Do I Teach My Toddler to Pedal?

Teaching a toddler to pedal involves first ensuring they’re comfortable sitting on the bike. Then, guide them to push the pedals forward while supporting them. Make the experience fun and pressure-free.

How Do You Know If a Child’s Bike is the Right Size?

A child’s bike is the right size if they can sit on the seat, touch the ground with both feet and reach the handlebars and brakes comfortably. Always check the bike’s size guide for accurate sizing.

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Edited by

Shannon Serpette

Shannon Serpette is an award-winning writer and editor, who regularly contributes to various newspapers, magazines, and websites. Shannon has been featured on Insider, Fatherly, SheKnows, and other high profile publications. As a mother of two, she loves to write about parenting issues and is dedicated to educating other parents at every stage of their child's development.