Tricycle or balance bike: choosing a first ride-on

Between the ages of two and four, many children are ready for their first ride-on. Parents usually choose between a tricycle and a balance bike, and the two teach quite different skills.

A tricycle has three wheels and pedals on the front wheel. It stands up on its own, so a child can sit on it from the first day without falling over. Pedalling is a new skill, and most two-year-olds take a few weeks to work out that pushing forward makes them move. That is where the push handle on our first tricycle helps: a parent can steer and push from behind while the child learns, then remove the handle when they are ready. Our tricycle suits children from about 85 to 105 cm tall and costs ₹3,290.

A balance bike has two wheels and no pedals. The child sits low and walks or runs along, lifting their feet as they gain speed. It teaches balance, which is the hardest part of riding a bicycle later, and children who start on one often move to a pedal bike without stabilisers. It falls over when the child stops, though, and needs a smooth, open space to learn on.

Think about your space. In a Mysuru flat with a corridor and a small balcony, a tricycle with a push handle is easier, and it doubles as a way to take a tired toddler home from the park. With a garden, a quiet lane or a park nearby, a balance bike may suit an active child better. Either way, a helmet is a good habit from the first ride.