Balance bike vs training wheels: which to choose

The balance bike: balance first

A balance bike is a bike without pedals that the child moves by pushing off the ground with their feet. The concept, invented in the 19th century, has made a strong comeback over the last fifteen years. Its principle is simple: learn balance before pedaling.

How it works on a motor level

On a balance bike, your child discovers what lateral lean feels like and learns to correct their path through micro-adjustments of the handlebars and body weight. Motor skills develop naturally: they start by walking while holding the handlebars, then glide for longer and longer between foot pushes.

The advantages

• Suitable from 18 months to 2 years for adapted models.
• Develops balance in an intuitive way.
• Light, easy to carry and often inexpensive.
• No risk of becoming dependent on training wheels.

The limits

• Doesn't teach pedaling. Moving to a pedal bike is still a step to take.
• Some children pick up bad postural habits (feet dragging on the ground once on a regular bike).
• Not great after age 4: the child is often too big and wants "a real bike."
• Requires buying a second bike (with pedals) for what comes next.

Training wheels: pedaling first

Training wheels (also called stabilizer wheels) are the traditional system. Two extra wheels mounted on each side of the rear wheel keep the bike from tipping. Your child learns to pedal in a fully stable environment.

How it works on a motor level

With rigid training wheels, the bike can't lean. Your child pedals without ever feeling the lateral balance forces. They learn the circular leg motion, braking and steering, but not balance itself.

The advantages

• Your child pedals from day one. Instant gratification.
• Compatible with the bike they'll keep using afterward.
• Reassuring for both parents and child.
• Low cost and simple to install.

The limits

• Delays balance learning: the child leans on them instead of building their reflexes.
• The removal often comes as a shock: an abrupt jump from 4 to 2 contact points.
• Creates a false sense of ease: the child thinks they're confident even though they've never worked on balance.
• In turns, rigid training wheels can cause dangerous tipping.

The third way: combining pedaling and balance

What if you could learn to pedal AND develop balance at the same time? That's the principle behind the flexible stabilizer. Unlike rigid training wheels, a flexible stabilizer like Baswil lets the bike lean naturally. The stabilizing wheels only touch the ground when the lean exceeds a certain angle, acting as a safety net rather than permanent crutches.

This approach solves the limits of both classic methods. Your child pedals (like with training wheels) but feels the balance sensations (like on a balance bike). There's no abrupt transition to manage, since balance develops progressively while your child rides.

For a deeper look at how this approach works, check out our how it works page.

Which solution by age and situation

The real question: is your child progressing?

Whatever method you choose, the central question stays the same: is your child gaining confidence and independence with each session? If yes, you're on the right track. If not, it might be time to switch approaches.

To gauge when your child is ready to ride without help, look for concrete signs of readiness rather than the age printed on the box.