Comparison of Balance Bicycles (training bikes) by Kettler & Kinderbike 
For toddlers & preschool children ages 2 to 6

Balance Bikes: The new way, the right way, for children as young as 2 years old to learn to ride a 2-wheel bicycle.

Balance Bikes make learning to ride a bicycle as natural as crawling, walking, and running.
   Sitting comfortably on the adjustable-height seat, your child is having too much fun to realize
   he or she is rapidly developing superior balance, reflexes, and coordination.

Turnertoys recommends the Kettler Sprint (Kiddio) and the Kinderbike Laufrad balance bicycles.
   After obtaining and testing samples of many of the wood and metal balance bikes available we have concluded that:
   1. The metal bikes are far superior in function and durability to the wooden bikes.
   2.  The Kettler and Kinderbike models have the best combination of quality of construction, finish, 
         and child-friendly design of any of the metal bikes.

The Kettler Balance Bike Seat height range of 13.5" - 17.5"  1. Comfortable padded saddle, adjusts for tilt angle and height. 2. Patented device limits steering angle to prevent spills caused by jack-knifing when standing still. This does not affect natural steering at full speed 3. All-steel and heavy polyethylene construction survives roughest use for many years. 4. Front mud-guard keeps things cleaner when little stunt riders blast through the puddles. Kickstand is a nice added touch. 5. Steering column alignment is automatically straight, never needs adjustment. 6. Enclosed, adjustable hand-operated disc brake resists impact, dirt, water.

The Kinderbike Laufrad Seat height range of 12" - 16.5"  1. Easy, 5-minute assembly with included Allen wrenches. 2. Lightweight, rust-proof high-strength aluminum frame and steel mechanical parts. Limited Lifetime warranty on frame! 3. Cam-action headset is same on “real” bikes, allows easy and quick adjustment.  4. Accessories include handlebar bell and front reflector. 5. Comfortable padded seat adjusts for tilt and height. 6. Caliper rear-wheel hand brake is easy for toddlers to use, provides safe, positive stopping, is also easy to adjust.  7. Handlebar can be adjusted for height and tilt angle.

 Learning to balance comes naturally at age 2.
First a child will sit on the seat; then walk a few steps. The Balance Bike rolls easily and smoothly along. Next, he or she will try running a few steps - so easy, such fun! Finally, up come the feet, and he or she is rolling along on 2 wheels! Whenever balance feels insecure, the feet go automatically back to the ground. Stopping is easy - use the hand brake, or just stand up!

 
Why Balance Bikes are best for toddlers:
     Balance Bikes let the rider learn balance first, pedaling last. With a pedal-equipped bicycle fitted with training wheels, the rider learns pedal first, balance last. Although opinions differ regarding which learning sequence is easier for most riders, it is generally agreed that a bicycle with pedals is too difficult for most very young children and that training wheels may encourage the rider to learn some bad habits which later must be unlearned. Training wheels actually make the bike unstable and hard to control!
     To function properly, a balance bicycle must be small enough that the rider can walk the bicycle while sitting comfortably in the saddle, putting both feet flat on the ground. The rider first walks the bicycle while standing over the saddle, then while sitting in the saddle. Eventually, the rider feels comfortable enough to run and "scoot" while riding the bicycle, then to lift both feet off the ground and cruise while balancing on the two wheels. 

Age recommendation: 2 to 5 years. 
     A child is ready as soon as he or she is walking and running confidently with good balance and coordination, and can place his or her heels on the ground while sitting on the seat with knees slightly flexed. A few children from age 18 months to 30 months may be a little too short to do this.  Seat height is adjustable from 13" to 17". 
     Teaching or coaching "how to ride" will ruin this toy for most children! Introduce it, explain it, and allow them to figure it out and progress with it entirely at their own pace! At most, watching an older child demonstrate it may be helpful. 

Safety:  
     We endorse the Kettler and Kinderbike Balance Bikes as products that are completely safe for children as young as 2 years old. The Kinderbike is made in Germany, with traditional German craftsmanship and quality. The Kettler Sprint™ is made in China to Kettler's exacting quality specifications; every detail of this toy is manufactured with excellent craftsmanship and attention to detail. 
     There cannot be any concerns about lead toxicity, since there is no paint anywhere on these toys: The finishes are polyester powder coat. Both bikes have real rubber wheels. The plastic used on the Kettler Sprint is safe, non-toxic polyethylene. None of these materials are ever made with toxic substances such as lead. All parts are smoothly finished, with no sharp edges.
       Balance Bikes are not toys, not means of transportation, and must not be used on vehicular rights-of-way, parking lots, or other areas used by motor vehicles. Young children must be supervised at all times, and must wear proper certified bicycle safety helmets. Balance Bikes are designed for use on level ground. Use on steep inclines (over 5% grade) is unsafe; children may be unable to stop. 

    A Balance Bike is one of the most important toy purchase decisions you can make for your young child. 
It will reward him or her with enhanced early motor development and the foundations of a strong sense of physical confidence. And of course, lots of healthy, outdoor fun!