Pre Ride Checks for a Balance Bike
For your child to get the best out of their balance bike it is good to do a quick pre-ride check and make sure that they bike is ready for them to ride safely and enjoy their riding.
Supporting you to SMILE when you ride.
The great thing about a balance Bike is that it is pretty simple mechanically… so there is not too much that can go wrong. With regular checks and maintenance your balance bike will provide a great experience for lots of riding.
The Seat Height
It is important for uour childs safety, confidence and motor development that the seat is set to the correct height. As a balance bike requires the use of their legs to start, move and stop the bike, the seat height really important -. Use our resource to set the height and remember your child will grow and the seat height will need to be adjusted. so check in regularly on the seat height.
The Tyres
The type of tyres on a Balance Bike can vary. Most commonly they will be either a foam tyre or a pneumatic tyre
- A foam tyre is found on the Cruzee Balance Bike and does not require any maintenance.
- Pneumatic tyres are found on the Hornit, Yedoo and Shotgun Balance Bikes. See maintenance guide below.
Maintenance for Pneumatic Tyres
Regularly Check Pressure
Regularly check the tyre pressure and pumping up the tyres when they require it Tyres will naturally lose air over time so you must check them regularly. Often written on the outside of the tyre or in the bike manual you will find information about the correct pressure for the tyre – measured in psi. .if you do not have a pump that measures the level of pressure then use the Squeeze Test. Squeeze the tyre with your thumb and index finger either side There shouldn’t be too much “give”. It should be firm to pressure..
Equipment requirement – A Mini Pump ( or Floor Pump)
You will require a pump to keep the tyres inflated so the kids can enjoy their riding. You have options of either a mini pump ( easy to carry) or an at home floor pump. You will need to assess your tyres pressure with the squeeze test when using the mini pump. The floor pump has a pressure gauge and therefore allows you to pump to a certain pressure.u
SHOP – The Floor Pump
SHOP – The Mini Pump
You can get a puncture.
You can get a puncture on your balance bike if this is the case then you will need to remove the tyre and replace the tube.. There are lots of support online for how to change a tyre…Park tools offers great ‘fix it’ support https://www.parktool.com/
Equipment requirement – A Pump – either the portable mini pump or the at home standing pump, Tyre Levers and a Bike Tube
Check the Tread
The tread on the tyres is important for grip and traction. The tread will wear out over time. It will take a lot of riding for your tyres to get to this stage but it is important to check if your child has ridden their balance bike for a long period of time, they are riding it on a wider range of terrain and if the balance bike is passed onto another sibling.
The Handlebars
The handlebar grips should have flanged ends that are intact to protect their hands if they ride into something. They will also protect the thing they ride into from the metal handlebars. For example walls if indoors. They also help prevent their hand slipping off the handlebars. You need to check for rips and tears and please replace if they are worn out.or damaged.
SHOP – Toddler Grip
Bike Care
Storage = For the longevity of your bike…we recommend that you store you bike in a covered area,,,,eg garage or shed.
Spare parts – are often available for Balance Bikes. Get in contact with the place where you originally purchased your Balance Bike and they should be able to help. goRide does not stock the parts but can access them for you through the distributors of the balance bikes they sell. . Please get in touch and we will do our best to support you.
We’re here to help. Call us on 021 025 15576 or 0800 44 33 77. CONTACT us on our contact form or via email hello@goride.co.nz.
Kids Learning to Ride
Home or playground based Kids Learn to Ride Programme using a balance bike.
Develop kids motor skills with fun & challenging activities on a balance bike. This is a great learning resource for confidence on a bike.
Improve their Biking Confidence
Give your child an amazing foundation for movement.
Prepare them for an easy transition to a pedal bike.
Hours of fun structured play suitable for 18 months to 5/6 year olds.
What is the balance bike solution for you? Your success is different to others… use our stories and support, get the right solution
Balance Bike Buying Guide
What is the best balance bike for your child? There are many factors to consider in your decision. Use our Buying Guide get the right Balance Bike solution.
The Right Balance Bike
Learn about the features of a balance bike. What will be important for your child and the type of balance bike riding they will do?
Balance Bike Riding - How old should they be?
Learn when your child might be ready to start to explore using a balance bike. What skills are compatible with learning to ride a balance bike.
Balance Bike Sizing Guide
Learn about size of a balance bike. Make sure your child can comfortably ride now and as they grow and develop..
Learning to ride a Balance Bike
Understand why the balance bike…is the best way to teach kids to ride.
Safety Tips for Balance Bike Riders
Balance bikes can give your young child the ability to ride with speed. Make sure you have considered what is important to keep them safe as eraly riders.
Make Balance Bike Riding Fun
Like any skill the more you do it the better they get. Make learning to ride their balance bike fun and they will choose to ride.
First Bike Helmet
Everything we ask for in a first bike helmet. Lightweight, good head coverage, adjustable, chin pinch guard. The back of this helmet is flat so toddlers can sit in bike seats.
The Right Kids Bike Helmet
Understand what is important when considering the right bike helmet for your child.
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