More and more parents are discovering how balance bikes are safer and easier than tricycles or training wheels when teaching children how to ride a bicycle. The rise in the popularity of balance bikes has also seen more and more brands and models hitting the market. Unlike normal bicycles, as soon as a child is proficient at walking, they are able to ride a balance bike.
Although balance bikes are easy to ride and a lot of fun for children, it is very important that the saddle height is adjusted properly. Improper saddle height not only makes it harder for the child to ride the balance bike but will also have a negative impact on their enjoyment. Here is some handy advice for making sure that the saddle height of your child’s balance bike is optimal.
Determining the Proper Saddle Height
The proper saddle height for a balance bike will depend on the height of the child riding. The child’s feet should be flat when sitting on the bike saddle. For faster and easier movement, the child’s legs should be bent at a slight angle when riding the bike. With the proper saddle height, your child should first be able to walk with the bike, then run, and eventually glide as they become more proficient and confident about their abilities.
For a more scientific approach, measure the inside length of your child’s leg – from their crotch to their feet. Then adjust the saddle height to be at least 3 centimeters (1.18 inches) less than that measurement. This will allow the child to get on and off the bike and sit comfortably easily.
The Benefits of Adjustable Bike Saddles
A few balance bikes on the market don’t feature adjustable saddles; try to opt for models that do, as you have more benefits.
Making the Adjustments
With most balance bikes, adjusting the saddle height is an easy process that can be done without any prior knowledge. Adjusting will vary depending on the make and model of the balance bike. Wooden balance bikes, such as the Diggin Active Skuut, tend to be the most challenging to adjust as you need an Allen Wrench to remove the bolts holding the seat. The saddle can then be raised or lowered before reattaching it with the bolts.
With balance bikes such as the Schwinn or KaZAM Classic, you only need to loosen the bolt, slide the saddle up or down and then tighten the bolt again to secure the seat. The balance bikes that are the easiest to adjust are ones like the Tykesbykes Charger, which features quick-release seat posts that allow for near-instant adjustments.
| Your Child’s Height | Your Child’s Age | Seat Height |
| 28 – 38 inch | 1 – 4 | 26.82 – 36.82 inch |
| 36 – 40 inch | 3 – 4 | 34.82 – 38.82 inch |
| 38 – 48 inch | 3 – 7 | 36.82 – 46.82 inch |
| 42 – 52 inch | 5 – 9 | 10.82 – 50.82 inch |
| 48 – 60 inch | 7 – 13 | 46.82 – 58.82 inch |
| 56 – 66 inch | 10 – 15 | 54.82 – 64.82 inch |