How to decide bike size for child

Don't Buy the Wrong Size Bike!

So your kid needs a new bike. But you’re wondering… what size bike does my child need? Wheel size is the way that bike manufacturers classify their kids bike sizes, but it’s NOT the only factor! It’s not even the most important factor!

Bikes with the same wheel size can vary drastically in overall size. As a result, your child may fit on a 16-inch bike with one brand, but a 20-inch bike with another. There are even bike brands that offer small and large bikes within the same wheel size.

The age of a child is also typically not a good indicator of size. One 5-year-old may fit on a 16-inch bike while a 4-year-old may fit on a 20-inch bike! So what’s the best way to determine a kids bike size? With our simple tricks, finding the perfect size bike for your child is quick and easy.

Kids Bike Sizes Chart

When selecting a kids bike, a child’s inseam and their height should both be taken into consideration in order to get the best fitting bike.

Click on wheel size below to see our top picks for each size bike.

Wheel Size	Age	Inseam	Height
12″	2 – 3 years	15″ – 18″	36 – 39″
14″	2 – 4 years	15″ – 20″	37 – 44″
16″	4 – 6 years	16″ – 22″	41 – 48″
20″	5 – 8 years	19″ – 25″	45 – 54″
24″	8 – 11 years	23″ – 28″	49″ – 59″
26″	10 + years	25″ +	56″ +

Visual learner? Here is a video walkthrough of our complete kids bike sizes guide. From measuring your child’s inseam to how to properly set the seat height on the bike, this 6-minute video will quickly answer all your questions.

Kids Bike Sizes: Four Steps to Finding the Right Size

Using your child’s inseam in relation to the bike’s seat height is the best and most accurate way to ensure a perfect bike fit. The frame and the wheel size work together to determine the seat height of a bike.

So by selecting a bike based on seat height, versus age, wheel, or frame size, you can ensure a great bike fit for your child even if they’ve never had a chance to try out the bike before you buy it! This not only makes riding much easier, but all the experts agree a good bike fit is necessary for safety too!

Here are the four simple steps you’ll need to follow to finding a kids bike that’s the perfect size.

(1) Measure Your Child’s Inseam

While most bike manufacturers base their sizing on your child’s age or height, we always recommend using inseam instead. It’s much more accurate!

(2) Narrow Down Wheel Size Based on Inseam

Using your child’s inseam, find the one or two bike wheel size categories they fall into. In general, as long as your child’s inseam is appropriate for the bike, it’s better to buy a larger wheel size. Larger wheels have more stability and allow more room for growth.

For example, our 5-year-old shown above has an inseam 19.5″ inches. Based on the bike size chart below, she could fit on THREE different size bikes! The larger wheels of the 16″ and 20″ however, will be much better for her as she grows. The next step will help determine which of these two sizes is best.

Kids Bike Size Chart – Inseam Measurement is Key!

(3) Find the Perfect Seat Height (

Using Child’s Inseam and Riding Ability)

Now that you know what size(s) bike is likely best for your child, it’s time to take your child’s riding ability into consideration. Why? The proper fit of a bike is based on the seat height of the bike as compared to the child’s inseam. The seat height of a bike, however, should be set differently based on if your child is a beginner, is experienced, or is using training wheels.

The seat height is the distance from the ground to the top of the seat and will help you narrow down your options even further and guarantee a great fit from day one!

Beginning Riders (

1st Bike After a Balance Bike or Training Wheels)

A beginning rider (including balance bike graduates) should be able to sit on the bike’s seat and have their feet flat on the ground. At this stage, it’s essential for a child to be able to easily stop their bike using their feet. As a result, their bike’s seat height should be set equal to their child’s inseam.

In the image above, our 5-year-old tester is on a 16 inch bike with the seat height set to 19.5″ to match her inseam. If she were a beginning rider, this bike would be a perfect size bike for her.

SIZING TIP: The seat of a child’s first pedal bike should be set at the same height as the child’s inseam.

Experienced Riders – 2nd Pedal Bike (and Beyond!)

An experienced rider, who knows how to comfortably start and stop a bike as well as use either a hand brake or a foot brake, should be able to sit on the bike’s saddle and have their tip toes touch the ground. This means that the seat should be set 2 to 4 inches ABOVE the child’s inseam. Raising the seat allows for proper leg extension while pedaling, which maximizes the efficiency of each pedal stroke.

If our 5-year-old tester was an experienced rider, this 20 inch bike with the seat height set to 22.5″ (3 inches above her inseam) would be a perfect fit.

SIZING TIP: The seat of a confident pedaler can be set 2 – 4” above their inseam.

Beginner Bike with Training Wheels

For those who plan on using training wheels, feet flat or tiptoes both work, depending on the confidence of your child. Because the child doesn’t have to balance the bike or worry about falling over as much, just set the seat according to what is most comfortable for them.

This typically means that the seat should be set 0 to 3 inches above the child’s inseam. For timid kids, setting the seat lower so they touching with their feet flat is often preferred.

With more aggressive riders, setting the seat higher allows for greater pedal efficiency so they can rider faster, but he cautious not to set the seat too high, as many kids on training wheels still instinctively stop the bike with their feet.

SIZING TIP: The seat of a bike with training wheels should be set 0 – 3” above the child’s inseam.

Balance Bike

If you happen to be looking for a balance bike, be sure to check out our balance bike sizing guide. For a quick reference though, the seat of a balance bike should be set 0.5″ to 1.5″ below a child’s inseam.

While seated on a balance bike with their feet flat on the ground, a child’s knees should be slightly bent (in an athletic stance). The slight knee bend allows them to efficiently run on the bike.

SIZING TIP: The seat of a balance bike should be set 0.5 – 1.5” below the child’s inseam.

(4) Buy for Current Fit and Growth

Now that you know the desired seat height for your child’s bike, you can begin shopping for your bike! Ideally, you’ll find a bike that has a minimum seat height that’s as close to (but without going over) the seat height you determined in step 3.

This allows the bike to fit perfectly now, but also offers the most room for growth so you don’t have to buy another bike too soon!

Here’s an example using the bikes we just saw and our 5-year-old tester. Each of the following bikes are a great fit for a child her size, but which one is best depends on the child’s experience and riding ability.

Pello Revo 16″ (bike shown in the Beginning Riders section) has a minimum seat height of 19.5”
woom 4 20″ (bike shown in the Experienced Riders section) has a minimum seat height of 22”.
Schwinn 16” (bike shown in the training wheels section) with a minimum seat height of 21”.

If our 5-year-old tester is a beginning rider, the Pello Revo is a perfect fit because its minimum seat height matches her inseam and allows her to sit with her feet flat on the ground.

If she is experienced, the woom 4 is a much better option. With its minimum seat height set 2.5” inches above her inseam, she can sit on the saddle and reach the ground with her tip toes. And it offers plenty of room for her to grow!

Lastly, if she is using training wheels, the Schwinn 16 is a great option for her if she is an average or confident rider. With a minimum seat height set 1.5″ above her inseam, she can comfortably reach the ground with low tip toes.

When selecting your child’s bike be sure to narrow down several options so that other factors such as price, weight, brake type and even color preference can also be taken into consideration.

So where do I find the best bikes and their seat heights?

Part of the reason that kids bike sizes are confusing is that there are no bike sizing “standards”. While the CPSC has rules regarding almost everything else about a bicycle, there are no rules about kids bikes sizes.

To make matters more confusing, most bike companies don’t publish the seat heights of their bikes! Not to worry, we’ve got you covered! We’ve measured the seat heights of over 50 different bikes for you!

You can find seat heights on our comparison charts for each size bikes:

12 and 14 inch Bikes Comparison Chart
16 inch bikes Comparison Chart
20 inch Bikes Comparison Chart
24 inch Bikes Comparison Chart
26 and 27.5 inch Bikes Comparison Chart

Other Kids Biking Resources

Guardian Bikes RideSizer: Enter in your child age and height and Guardian’s proprietary tool will tell you which size bike is best for them.

woom Bikes Size Finder: Take out all of the guess work of buying the right size woom bike with their bike finder tool.

For additional information on child bike sizes and what other features you should look for when shopping for a bike, check out our article Best Kids Bikes: The Authoritative Buying Guide.

For young kids that have never ridden a bike, a balance bike is likely a better option for them. Check out Why a Balance Bike Should be the First Bike for Your Toddler.

Bike Size Guide for Kids | Fit by Age and Height

CommunityGetting StartedExpert AdviceElectric BikesKids

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Not sure which bike size is the right fit for your child? Our kids' bike size chart will help you determine the correct size bicycle that your child needs.

Charles Luiting

Time for your child’s very first bike, or maybe something new in a larger size? Finding a bike that fits doesn’t need to be difficult. We’re here to help.

Q: What are the sizes based on?

A: Kids' bike sizes are best determined by wheel size. This directly correlates to the frame size: as the diameter of the wheel increases, so does the frame size of the bicycle.

Q: Do bike sizes correlate to kids’ ages?

A: Yes and no. You can often estimate what size bike your child will need based on their age, but the best way is going by their height. Kids’ heights can vary quite a bit, what with the growth spurts and all, so using their height instead of age will provide a much more accurate way to determine the appropriate bike size. And of course, you should have your child test ride the bike before purchase when possible.

Check out our handy size chart to determine the right size for your child.

Schwinn SmartStart

Parents are often concerned that their child will grow out of a bicycle too quickly. Schwinn SmartStart is our solution to help your child’s bike “grow” with them.

SmartStart bikes deliver fun that fits. When you raise the seat of a SmartStart bike, the angle and distance between the seat, handlebars, and pedals also increase. This means the bike can still provide a good fit for your child as they grow taller.

All Schwinn kids bikes from size 12” - 20” now come with SmartStart technology, as designated by the SmartStart logo on your child’s bike.

Check out our Schwinn SmartStart page.

Once you find the right bike size for your child, you’ll be ready to shop. But don’t worry, you’re not on your own. Check out our guides on bike assembly, helmet fitting, the ins and outs of training wheels, and how to tech your child to ride. They’ll be ready to ride in no time!

Sizing Help

How to choose a bicycle for a child

From the very first steps, children strive to become faster and faster, mastering more and more new skills. Biking is a great way to get active with your kids. Properly selected equipment will allow your child to master the bicycle comfortably and with pleasure. In no case should you buy a bike "for growth", too large a bike is inconvenient and even unsafe for a child.

Protective equipment and a helmet must be worn when skiing. Protection for the smallest is usually sold in sets. For the bike you will need knee pads, elbow pads and a helmet. The Globber child protection set is easily adjustable and suitable for the smallest riders. A helmet for a child should be light, well ventilated and adjustable in size. The bright color of the BBB Boogy helmet makes the child more visible, this is an additional safety. nine0003

It is customary in the bicycle industry to classify the size of children's and teens' bicycles based on the diameter of the main wheels, expressed in inches. The bike is designed in such a way that the length and height of the frame, the length of the cranks of the pedals or the width of the handlebars vary depending on the size to ensure the comfort and safety of the small rider.

In order to determine the correct size of a children's bicycle, it is worth arming yourself with a tape measure and measuring the height of the child and the length of the leg along the inner surface. So we will narrow down the search for the right model from a large assortment of bikes in all colors and sizes presented in the store. Picking up a bike “in absentia”, without the presence of a child or through an online store is only worth it if you are sure that it will fit. In any case, before the first ride, you need to check the bike for the height of the rider and adjust the position of the saddle and handlebars. Ask the child to stand above the bike so that the frame is between the legs, while the distance from the frame to the groin should be at least 7 cm. Make sure that the child is not standing on his toes, but with a full foot. Such a gap is needed so that the baby is not injured when jumping off the pedals. Then, put him in the saddle, check that the fully extended leg reaches the pedal in the lower position and that the knees do not touch the handlebars when pedaling. The saddle and handlebars of most children's bikes can be adjusted in height for optimal seating. nine0003

Additionally, if your child is new to cycling, check the lowest saddle position. In the lower position of the saddle, the child should reach the floor with his feet. Read more about teaching children to ride a bike in the article "How to teach a child to ride a bike?".

For example, a 105 cm child can choose a bike with either 14 or 16 inch wheels. If this is a boy and the length of the inner surface of the leg from heel to groin is 48 cm, then it is better to take a bicycle with 14-inch wheels. Girls, on average, have longer legs in proportion to their height, in which case a bike with a wheel size of 16 inches is better. nine0003

nine0022

Wheel diameter	Child height	Inner leg length
12"	90-105 cm	41-46 cm
14"	95-110 cm	46-51 cm
16"	105-120 cm	51-56 cm
20"	115-135 cm	53-64 cm
24"	128-150 cm	61-71 cm

Bicycles for the little ones are called balance bikes, the kid rides a balance bike pushing off the ground with his feet. The Focus RAVEN ROOKIE is perfect as a first bike for a 2-4 year old child, it is assembled on an aluminum frame so it is quite light. A soft pad on the steering wheel will protect the child from injuries while riding, and parents will like all-rubber tires, because such wheels do not need to be monitored and periodically pumped up. nine0003

Balance bike Focus raven rookie 12 2019 green

14 590

Older children will like the speed and handling of the bike more, already from 3-4 years old you can buy a bike on 12 inch wheels.

The Welt Dingo is fitted with mud fenders, chain guard and extra wheels (better removed for learning to ride). The bike is concisely and without unnecessary accessories assembled on a lightweight aluminum frame. nine0003

Bicycle Welt dingo 12 2019 orange/black/blue

7 790 12 990

A child over 105 cm tall will fit a bike with 16 inch wheels. Raven Rookie 2.0 from the German brand Focus, in addition to chain protection and soft pads, is equipped with a hand brake and a bell. Having a handbrake will help the little rider better control their speed and prepare them for bikes with a mountain bike layout. nine0003

Bicycle Focus raven rookie 2.0 donna 2017 aquablue

14 203 20 290

For middle school children over 115-120cm tall, bike manufacturers offer two main design options - models with a layout similar to children's bikes and bikes that replicate adult mountain bikes with a gearshift system and hand brakes. nine0003

Austrian Welt Dingo with 20" wheels is a great option if this is the child's first bike, it will be more convenient to learn on it.

Bicycle Welt dingo 20 2019 dark blue/orange

10 701 11 890

The

Focus Raven Rookie 20 is already a full-fledged mountain bike with a modern multi-speed transmission and hand brakes, suitable for a confident child. On such a bike, you can already take your child with you for a long bike ride. Attention, bicycles of this level already need regular technical inspection and maintenance, which can be carried out in our workshops. nine0003

Bicycle Focus raven rookie 20 2019 red

24 035

If you are 130cm or taller, you will need a bike with 24" wheels, which looks like adult models with a smaller frame. These bikes can already be configured with a suspension fork and other attributes of an "adult" bike.

Bicycle Focus raven rookie 24 2019 red

19 890 24 875

When choosing a bike for a teenager with a height of 150 cm, you need to pay attention to adult models with a lowered frame and 26-inch wheels. It is not necessary to buy a bike on which he can only ride “under the frame” - at this age, children are already very active in riding, and a large bike frame can lead to injuries.

A properly selected and adjusted bike will bring a lot of joy to your child. Riding a bicycle will develop a child's sense of balance, eye, coordination, endurance and strength. Joint bike rides are perfect for outdoor activities and will help you get to know the world around you better. nine0003

Ride your bike, have fun, don't forget your safety helmet!

How to choose a bicycle for a child? | Reminders and instructions | Question-Answer

29.05.2015 14:16

Elena Slobodyan

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

196995

Category: Children

In order for the child not to have problems with riding a bicycle and to have fewer falls and injuries, special attention should be paid to the technical parameters of the bicycle, as well as to make sure that its design is suitable for the child's age and level of physical development. It is recommended to start learning to ride a bike no earlier than three years old. nine0003

1. Child's age

For the age of three, it is recommended to choose a three-wheeled model, stable and not heavy. The child should not make much effort when pedaling. At 5-6 years old, you can switch to a two-wheeled bicycle. The set of most models includes additional safety side wheels, which are removed later. This is extremely convenient, because at the initial stages, the side wheels will help the child learn to maintain balance, properly control the bike without fear of falling. When buying, it is better to give preference to bicycles, the attached wheels of which are made of metal. nine0003

2. Child's height

When buying a bicycle, take into account not only the age, but also the height of the child. It depends on the desired diameter of the wheels and the length of the bicycle frame. To find out which wheels fit your child, divide their height by 2. 5 and another 2.54 (length 1 inch in cm). For example, height 110 cm: 110/ 2.5/ 2.54 = 17.3 inches. Therefore, you need to choose from bikes with 16" or 18" wheels. The diameter of the wheels for children's and teenage bicycles is 10, 12, 14, 16, 20 or 24 inches. nine0003

Child's height, cm: Bicycle wheel size, inches :

80-100 - 12;
90–110 - 14;
100–120 - 16;
110-130 - 18;
120–140 - 20;
130–150 - 24;
more than 150 - it's time for the child to pick up an adult bike.

3. Frame length

In addition to the size of the wheels, it is important to choose the right frame length. The optimal distance from the steering wheel to the front edge of the seat is the length from the elbow to the fingertips of the child. nine0003

4. Handlebar and seat height

Handlebar and saddle height must be adjusted so that a child with a flat back can touch the ground with their feet in case of emergency braking. Make sure that the child puts his foot on the pedal not with the heel and not with the toe, but with the whole foot.

5. Chain

Bicycle chain must be covered with a cover so that clothes do not get into it when moving.

6. Weight

The weight of a bicycle depends on the material it is made from. Aluminum bikes are much lighter than steel bikes. nine0003

7. Gear speed

You should not buy a bicycle with gears for a child under 10 years old, as he will not yet be able to carefully follow the road and change gears at the same time.

8. Handbrake

Do not buy your child a bicycle with handbrakes until the child's arms are strong enough to bring the bicycle to a sudden stop. Testing the strength of your child's hands is quite simple: ask him to squeeze an empty soda can. If a child cannot do this with one hand, he is not yet ready to use a bicycle with a handbrake. The first bike for a small child must have a foot brake. nine0003

9. Protection

If the child is not yet good at cycling, he should buy a helmet, elbow pads, knee pads, and special gloves. These protections will provide him with comfort and safety while riding.

10. Choosing a place of purchase

It is better to buy a bicycle in specialized sports goods stores, children's stores. In the store, you can talk to the manager, who will advise on issues of interest and help you make the right choice of model. nine0003

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