Some kids love biking right away. Some grow into it. Some aren’t into it at all—and that’s okay too. But if you’re raising a little ripper (or hoping to), here’s a peek at what our family of four has learned through years of riding trails, dirt roads, pump tracks, and town paths in every season and stage.
Why It Matters
Biking is joy, freedom, adventure, grit all wrapped into one vessel. It also requires a surprising amount of coordination, physics, and focus! It’s self-powered and skill-building. It gets kids off screens and into their bodies. It gives them a way to move with—and eventually without—you. I’ve always been a huge fan of bikes, and as soon as our kids could hold up their own heads, I was towing them behind me and then putting them up on a Mac Ride between my arms. Now a days I have one boy who LOVES to ride and go fast, and one who would rather hike or coast on his bike (aka pedal as little as possible). It does make family rides a little challenging but, we are working through it and so far are having many successes. Below I give you an updated list of our most favorite bikes that we have used in the past and some that are in high demand right now. I also give some tips on how to help your whole family get out on a ride together with as little tears as possible.
Best first pedal bike
Woom GO 2 (14in) / $439
Both of my boys started pedalling on the original Woom 2, which we loved—but the upgraded Woom GO 2 is even lighter and more intuitive for early riders. It still has that familiar Woom feel: a swooping frame, low step-through, and quality construction that builds confidence from the very first ride. What makes the GO 2 stand out is how easily it helps little ones transition from balancing to pedaling—it’s designed for both without ever feeling like a compromise. And the option to add on all the fun accessories (basket, water bottle holder, and bell!) for $90 makes it even more exciting for kids to hop on and go. Our neighbors have one for their 3 year old, and he couldn’t be happier ripping around on it!
Pros: Easy transition from a balance bike, can be used as a balance bike by taking off the pedals, ultra light weight, holds its value (can be passed down or sold easily!)
Cons: Can’t think of any honestly!
Great All-Around Pedal Bike
Prevelo Alpha Two 16 in / $469
This bike is a sleeper hit in our house. It’s super light (just 14.4 lbs with pedals), fast, and confidence-building. It feels like the Woom 2’s close cousin, but with a slightly more sporty vibe. It has a narrow Q-factor (how far apart the pedals are) which makes it more ergonomic for little legs, and the geometry just makes kids feel stable and quick. It’s a great in-between option—more robust than your average beginner pedal bike but not as rugged as a full-on mountain setup. It’s become our go-to for errands, the pump track and mellow trail rides. My almost 6 year old has outgrown this bike, but he insists on keeping it around for how nimble and fun it is. And who am I to judge? I have a bike for just about every different style of trail and feeling that I have. Overall, its one to get and keep around for a long while.
Pros: Light, comfortable and is not super expensive
Cons: If your little one has a growth spurt, it can be too small with in a few months, but if you have younger kids or friends, it is a great one to hand down or sell!
Best Lightweight Urban Bike
Biky Air 20 / $499
If you are in a more urban setting with lots of paved trails, The Biky Air 20 is the perfect step up for your growing rider. My son calls it his “road bike” and only will ride it when we are heading out on a “road ride”. This ultra-lightweight single-speed bike is designed for kids aged 5–8. Weighing just 14.8 lbs, it’s one of the lightest 20-inch bikes available, making it ideal for younger or more petite riders who are still building confidence. Its simple design and smooth tires are perfect for neighborhood rides and paved trails. The narrow child-specific fit, low stand over bar and responsive Tektro brakes enhance safety and control. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance, easy-to-handle bike that encourages kids to ride longer and farther, the Biky Air 20 is definetly a top contender.
Pros: Super light and has a low stand over height making it easy for kids to get on and off of it.
Cons: does not ride well on dirt or on single track.
Next-Level Mountain Bike
Early Rider Hellion 20 / $1549
If your kid is the type to eye features you’d rather they didn’t, this is your bike. The Hellion 20 is a mini-shredder’s dream. It’s burly and capable—seriously, it has air suspension, hydraulic disc brakes, and a proper MTB frame with a slack head angle. It’s also beautifully built (the brushed alloy frame is stunning) and surprisingly light for how capable it is. This one is a bit of an investment, but if your kid is ready for real trail riding—especially downhill and park terrain—it’s 100% worth it. Now that our youngest is able to ride a 20 inch, our boys argue over who gets to ride it.
Pros: Inexpensive for what you get, holds its value, comes with nice components and is super well made
Cons: If you don’t have two, but have two similar sized riders, it may cause some drama. If your rider is not into the single track, this may be too much bike for them.
Trail-Ready Hardtail for Bigger Kids
Woom OFF AIR 5 / $1299
Once your kiddo has outgrown their 20-inch wheels, the Woom OFF AIR 5 is a dream upgrade. This 24” hardtail is lightweight, smooth, and built to climb and descend with serious confidence. It comes with an air fork (yes, like your bike), Schwalbe tires, and a super lightweight aluminum frame that makes techy singletrack feel accessible. Max has grown into this one, and it’s been awesome to watch his trail skills take off—he even cleaned a super techy root section the other day with out even thinking about it. For parents who want high-end quality without going full custom, this is your bike.
Pro: Nice price point, easy to build up, comfortable for the rider and one of the lighter bikes on the market
Con: It’s a one size fits all kind of bike at first, which means you may need to switch out some parts to help it fit your rider. In our case, this was not a big deal, but if you are not savvy with bikes, this may seem daunting.
Recommended/Mandatory Accessories
Below are a few pieces of gear that make both us and our kids feel safer.
- Best Helmets:
- Kali Maya Full Face Child Helmet: When your little rider starts hitting jumps or heading into downhill terrain, this helmet is our top pick. It’s super lightweight, breathable, and offers full-face protection without making your kid look (or feel) like a bobblehead. A great fit for early gravity riders and pump track lovers. It’s also super easy to take off the chin guard to make it like a regular helmet, which I love coming from a family with already SOOOO many helmets!
- Woom Helmet + Light Bundle: Ideal for everyday riders who want safety without the bulk. This helmet is super adjustable for growing heads and includes a built-in rear light for extra visibility—a huge plus for evening rides or cloudy-day commutes.
- Best Taillight:
- Fenix BC06R Rechargeable Bike Taillight: This little powerhouse punches above its weight. It’s bright enough to stand out in daylight, charges quickly via USB-C, and mounts easily on seat posts or bags. A small upgrade that brings a big bump in safety—especially during shoulder season or winter rides.
- Best Gloves:
- Woom Bike Gloves: These pint-sized gloves are a game-changer for comfort and control. They help with grip, reduce hand fatigue on longer rides, and save skin when spills happen. Lightweight and breathable, they’re also easy for kids to get on and off without a battle. Link
How to Help Your Kid Love Biking
There’s no magic formula for turning your kid into a cyclist, but these things have helped us a lot:
- Make it routine: We have a once-a-week mandatory family ride. It’s not a punishment—it’s just what we do, like brushing teeth or Sunday pancakes. Sometimes it’s a trail cruise, sometimes a town loop, but it’s always a given.
- Destination treats: Sometimes we pick restaurants or snack stops we can ride to. A smoothie or taco after or during a ride makes the effort feel extra worth it.
- Ride for real life: Living in Bend helps, but we try to ride everywhere we can—errands, school, park dates. When bikes are part of normal life, kids build skill and confidence without even realizing it.
- Keep it light: Don’t over-coach or make every ride a lesson. Play games, let them lead, stop to look at bugs, throw rocks in the river, whatever. This one is especially hard for me to do, but it really makes everything so much more enjoyable!
- Have bikes ready to go: Flat tires and bad brakes are buzzkills. Keep their bikes tuned and easy to access. Bonus: if they can get it themselves, they’ll ride it more.
- Model joy: If you’re always frustrated when you’re on a bike, they’ll pick up on it. If you’re having fun—even just rolling down the street—they’ll want in.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need fancy gear to raise bike-loving kids. But you do need patience, snacks, and a willingness to slow down. Sometimes the best rides go nowhere—but we go there together and right now that’s all that matters in our family.
Happy pedaling. Let me know if you have questions or want help finding the right bike for your crew!