Teaching Your Child to Ride a Bike: A Parent’s Guide

For many parents, teaching their children to ride a bike is a major milestone in their journey of parenthood. It’s a moment filled with excitement, pride, and maybe just a touch of anxiety (for everyone involved). 

But fear not! With the right approach and a little patience, you can help your child conquer the open road* on two wheels. Let’s dive into the essentials of teaching your child to ride a bike.

*Maybe not the open roads just yet…it’s probably better to start with the back garden or your local park. Baby steps, people. 

When should you teach your child to ride a bike?

Ahh, the age-old question about ages and how old! 

Timing is key when it comes to teaching your child to ride a bike. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, most children are ready to start learning between the ages of three and six. Look for signs of readiness, such as coordination, balance, and the ability to follow instructions. Additionally, consider your child’s interest and enthusiasm for biking. If they’re eager to give it a try or want to keep up with their school friends, it might be the perfect time to start.

For more information, read our guide: At what age do kids learn to ride a bike?

What do you need to teach your child to ride a bike?

To avoid tantrums, tears and tumbles, make sure your tot has the right gear before you start teaching them to ride a bike. Generally, you’ll need the following things:

• A suitable kid’s bike – Ensure your child’s bike is the right size. They should be able to touch the ground with both feet when seated and comfortably reach the handlebars. If you’re unsure about what to buy, have a read through our round-up of the best kids’ bikes to get those wheels in motion.
• Safety gear – Stress the importance of safe cycling from day one, so make wearing a helmet non-negotiable. Invest in a properly fitting helmet and consider additional safety gear such as knee and elbow pads, especially for beginners. These will help to prevent them from losing confidence if they fall off while learning.
• Flat, open space – Choose a quiet, spacious area free of traffic and obstacles. A smooth, flat surface like a park or an empty playing field is ideal. Try to avoid harder surfaces at first, as any tumbles onto concrete will hurt far more than those onto soft grass.
• Patience and encouragement – Teaching a child to ride a bike requires patience and positivity. Be prepared for falls and setbacks, and offer plenty of encouragement along the way. Trust us, it’ll make the whole experience more rewarding for both of you!

Teaching your child to ride a bike: step by step

Okay, now we know what’s needed, let’s break down the process into manageable steps. Remember that everyone learns differently and at a different pace, so it’s important to adapt these steps according to your child’s confidence level and ability.

Step 1: Adjust the bike

Ensure the bike’s seat and handlebars are adjusted to the right height for your child. They should be able to sit comfortably and reach the handlebars without stretching.

Step 2: Introduce balance

Start by having your child practice balancing while seated on the bike with their feet on the ground. Encourage them to get a feel for the bike’s balance by gently rocking back and forth.

Step 3: Get them comfortable coasting

Next, encourage your child to coast by pushing off from the ground with their feet and moving forward while you support them from behind. Hold onto the back of the seat or the handlebars to provide stability as they get the hang of balancing. 

Top tip: Balance bikes are a great way to introduce coasting from an early age, even when they’re toddlers! Learn more about the benefits of balance bikes.

Step 4: Practise pedalling

Once your child is comfortable with coasting on their own, it’s time to introduce pedalling. Encourage them to pedal slowly at first, focusing on coordination and balance. When they first start pedalling, you’ll want to keep a hold of the handlebars so they don’t topple over.

Step 5: Gradually let go

As your child gains confidence, gradually release your grip and allow them to ride independently. Stay close by for support and encouragement, but resist the urge to intervene unless necessary.

Step 6: Don’t forget to celebrate milestones!

Celebrate each success, no matter how small. Whether it’s a few seconds of independent riding or a successful turn, acknowledge your child’s progress and keep the momentum going.

Tips for being a good teacher

Learning to ride a bike is an important life skill that will stay with your child for years to come (as the saying goes, it’s not something you forget how to do)! Here are some top tips for being the best teacher.

• Be patient – Learning to ride a bike takes time and practice. Be patient with your child and provide plenty of encouragement and support along the way.
• Keep it fun – Make learning to ride a bike a positive and enjoyable experience. Incorporate games, challenges, and rewards to keep your child engaged and motivated.
• Lead by example – Show your child how to ride safely and confidently by demonstrating good biking habits yourself. Wear your helmet, follow the rules of the road, and practise safe riding techniques.
• Embrace setbacks – Expect falls and setbacks along the way. Instead of dwelling on mistakes, use them as learning opportunities and encourage your child to keep trying.

Is it time to get your kid’s first bike?

So, the time has come to surprise your child with their very first bike, and you want to make sure it’s a moment they’ll never forget. 
Explore our collection of high-quality bikes, trikes and balance bikes for kids from Electric Ride on Cars to find the perfect model for your little one’s journey to pedalling perfection. Whether you’re looking for a girl’s bike, a boy’s bike, a toddler’s bike or even a Spiderman bike, you’re sure to find their dream wheels here.