My kids who are three love their push bikes. Push bikes – or balance bikes – basically teach the kids the art of balance. Think bikes at the most basic level meaning sans pedals and sometimes brakes. They are thought to be safer, more economical and get the kids on real bikes sooner!
The biggest plus point for us as parents are that balance bikes are just so easy for the kids to ride on their own. The proper balancing techniques are learnt early on and most most most importantly of all… it’s just super fun.
My kids were 2+ when they first started using their push bikes.
Out and about with the push bikes
When we recently headed to Taiping, Perak for a holiday we packed up their push bikes so they could ride around the beautiful Lake Gardens. The pathways are wide and it’s extremely conducive for kids and adults alike to ride their bikes. There are also bikes you can rent now at the Lake Gardens itself using an app. If you wish to know more about what you can do with your kids in Taiping, read this previous post.
Cycling at the Taiping Lake Gardens is indeed a wonderful experience
We also recently took a family trip to Janda Baik where we stayed at a house rented via Airbnb with some family members. The house had a huge garden which allowed our kids to bike around and spend lots of time outdoors.
Biking around the property in Janda Baik on a cool breezy evening
Where to get your push bike in KL?
There are different brands of balance bikes that vary in terms of durability, performance and quality. Initially to get them started we were not so choosy with the brand. However, we recently upgraded their bikes to the well-known Strider brand. You can purchase Strider bikes either online or at their shop in Jaya One, Section 13 in Petaling Jaya. Lazada has some options too.
Where to bike?
Take your kids and their bikes to the many accessible parks around Kuala Lumpur and Shah Alam. Be sure to get them a good quality helmet and you’re good to go! Some great parks are listed here.
We recently discovered a public area known as the BMX & Skate Park located at Bandar Utama in Petaling Jaya. If your kid has been cycling for a while and would like to try something new this is the place.
The park in PJ was a great find as the kids now look forward to riding on slopes!
Balance bikes are much safer and more practical than tricycles and training wheels. My son rides almost daily around our neighbourhood (with a parent in tow of course!) and enjoys every minute of it.
Just recently we entered him into a push bike championship (the youngest category begins at 2 years!) where he met many other toddlers on their own push bikes. You can follow @kidurokids or @pushbikemalaysia on Facebook to find out more about coming push bike races in Malaysia.
While my son did not win the 3-year-old category at the championship he definitely won our hearts with his determination and passion for the ‘sport’.
Here are some benefits we’ve personally found with the introduction of push bikes:
- They are easy to use
- They are convenient for parents
- They build strength and coordination
- They let you skip the training wheels
Now where was this type of bike again when we were kids?
