How to start riding a balance bike? We know what works.

We've tried it on our own kids. The first time sitting on it, the first kick, the first few meters. We invented RePello primarily for our children, and now we can't imagine leaving the house without a balance bike. What worked for us in the beginning? How can you make kids love riding? We've put together some tips for you.

First experiences with a balance bike are important, so our first advice is: don't rush. Take your time. It's better to try the balance bike for short periods rather than immediately heading out on a trip across the entire city.

Assemble the toy together. It's part of the fun too!

You've chosen a balance bike and the courier has already delivered the package? Involve your child in unpacking and assembling it. Even a small child knows that every screw on the balance bike needs to be tightened properly.

This time spent together will be fun, you'll see. And it has another benefit – when a child participates in the assembly, they will form a stronger bond with the balance bike and appreciate it more. Even such small things determine how much a new toy will be enjoyed.

Adjust the seat height.

All our balance bikes are adjustable. This means you can adjust the seat to your child's height, ensuring a correct and comfortable seating position. But how do you know the ideal seat position? It's simple: when your child is sitting, they should have their whole feet flat on the ground, slightly bent knees, and a straight back.

In the very beginning, however, it's a good idea to set the seat a little lower. This allows the child to put their feet further away from the balance bike, which will give them more stability in their first attempts.

Getting to know the balance bike.

The "vehicle" is now ready for its first ride. However, most children won't take off right away without any prior experience. It's normal - they simply don't know how. So it's up to us, adults, to help them.

Before you start riding, get to know the new toy together. For a child, it's already an achievement to put the balance bike on the ground and then lift it up again. Show them how to do it. And once they've mastered this skill, you can continue together. Most importantly, don't rush. Everything takes time, and every child is different.

Let's get riding!

Encourage your child to climb on the seat by themselves. It might take a few tries, but it's a great way to build their confidence and independence. A soft surface like grass is a safe place to practice. Remember, your child will learn best by doing, so try not to do too much for them.

The first meters.

Once your child has mastered the basic handling of the balance bike, you can start moving. A relatively small space is enough for the beginning - the first ride probably won't be anything big. But every bit counts.

Don't worry if your child doesn't sit on the seat during the first rides and just pushes the balance bike along (this will be easier with the seat in a lower than ideal position, as we mentioned earlier). That's perfectly fine. It will take some time before the child realizes they can sit down.

Once the child sits down and pushes off, you've taken another step. And once they lift their feet after pushing off and ride, you've won. Well, not quite - now you won't be able to get your little rascal off the balance bike. They've just discovered that it's actually easy and riding is really fun.

Safety first, fun second.

Always make sure your child is wearing a helmet when riding their balance bike. Head injuries can happen quickly, even at low speeds. Start this habit early and your child will get used to wearing a helmet for all their outdoor adventures. Now, let's have some fun!

Explore our balance bikes ⤵️