

Aim for a height that’s approximately the same as your child’s crotch area. Grab a blank piece of paper and attach it to a wall using duct tape. There are several ways you can measure your child’s inseam, but we prefer this one. To calculate whether they will be able to reach the ground on a particular-sized bike, you need to know your child’s inseam measurement.Īlthough inseam is the decisive point, manufacturers use height to indicate which size is most appropriate. Smaller or taller children may need to skip to a different age range suitable for their size.Īn essential aspect of cycling for beginners is being able to put both feet safely on the ground when they stop. Narrowing your search down to a specific wheel size is only the first step. At 26-inch wheels and beyond, bikes are usually categorized as adult size, so we’ll not focus on them in this article. The smallest pedal bikes begin with 12-inch wheels. Wheels on a balance bike can be as small as 10 inches, or as big as 14 inches. Your child’s first bike will probably be a balance bike, which is a bike that has no pedals. Manufacturers then recommend that wheel size to an age range based on the average child’s height. Kids’ bike sizes are categorized using the diameter of the wheels. The first thing you’ll probably see when looking for the correct bike is wheel sizes. To find the correct size, don’t skip the following steps. Our chart is based on average height and inseam to give you a general idea.
