The Best Balance Bikes, Trikes and Scooters for Kids (2026)

A first set of wheels is one of the most memorable gifts a child receives, and one of the easiest to get wrong. Buy too early and the bike sits in the shed; buy the wrong type and a child who would have loved gliding on a balance bike struggles with pedals they are not ready for. This guide explains which wheels suit which age, then shares our favourite balance bikes, trikes, scooters and first pedal bikes available in Australia in 2026, all from design-led brand Banwood, with the safety gear to match.

Which wheels at which age?

• Around 2 years: a trike. Three wheels means stability from day one, and a parent push-handle takes over when little legs tire. Ideal for children who want to ride before their balance is ready.
• 2.5 to 5 years: a balance bike. The single best way to learn to ride. No pedals, no training wheels, just feet on the ground and a growing sense of balance that makes the jump to a pedal bike almost effortless.
• From 3 years: a scooter. Three-wheel scooters build coordination and confidence, and they are the practical choice for footpaths, school runs and park trips.
• 4 to 7 years: a first pedal bike. A child who has mastered a balance bike usually skips training wheels entirely and pedals within days.

Best balance bike: Banwood First Go ($299.95)

The Banwood First Go Balance Bike is our pick for most families. The adjustable saddle and handlebar grow with your child from about 2.5 to 5 years, the vegan leather seat wipes clean, and the front wicker basket carries the day's most important cargo, usually a teddy. More than anything, it teaches balance and steering naturally, so the eventual move to pedals is easy. Available in a range of classic colours.

Best trike: Banwood Trike ($299.95)

For younger riders, the Banwood Trike suits children from about 2 years. The detachable parent push-handle means you steer until they are ready, and the oak pedals, padded seat and wicker basket make it as lovely to look at as it is to ride. A classic first-birthday-to-second-birthday gift.

Best scooters: Banwood Eco and Maxi (from $169.95)

The Banwood Eco Scooter ($169.95) is a sturdy three-wheeler for ages 3 and up, made with sustainable materials, with a wide deck and a T-handlebar that adjusts through three heights. For bigger kids ready for more speed, the Maxi Scooter ($299.95) steps things up while keeping Banwood's timeless look.

Best first pedal bike: Banwood Classic Bicycle ($499.95)

When the balance bike has done its job, the Banwood Classic Bicycle is the natural next step for confident riders from about 4 to 7 years. Vintage styling, quality construction and the same colourways as the balance bike, so the upgrade feels like a graduation.

The helmet is part of the gift

Whatever wheels you choose, add a properly fitted helmet, it is not an optional extra. The Banwood Classic Helmet ($79.95) suits ages 3 to 7 with a dial-fit system that adjusts as they grow, the Classic Helmet XS ($79.95) fits the smallest riders, and the Eco Helmet ($79.95) is made with sustainable materials. All are built for biking, scooting and skating alike, with air vents to keep little heads cool.

Quick comparison

Balance bike or trike first?

If your child is around two and wants to ride now, start with the trike, the push-handle keeps you in control and there is no balance required. If they are closer to two and a half and reasonably confident on their feet, go straight to the balance bike, it teaches the skill that actually matters for riding. Plenty of families do both: trike at two, balance bike at three, pedals at four or five.

Why we skip training wheels

Training wheels teach a child to pedal while leaning on the wheels, which is exactly the habit they must unlearn to ride. A balance bike works the other way around: balance first, pedals later. Children who start on a balance bike typically move to a pedal bike without training wheels at all, often in a single weekend. It is why balance bikes have quietly replaced training wheels as the default first bike.

Safety basics for first riders

Fit the helmet properly: level on the head, snug with the dial, strap done up so only two fingers fit under the chin. Start on flat, smooth ground away from driveways and traffic, supervise every ride at this age, and check that hands can comfortably reach and squeeze any brakes. And ride shoes, not bare feet, little toes are the most common first-rider injury.

A gift that grows

Wheels make exceptional group gifts, grandparents and relatives can pool toward a bike and helmet together. For more ideas by age, see our guides to the best gifts for a 2 year old and best gifts for a 3 year old, or browse the full Banwood range.

Frequently asked questions

What age is best for a balance bike?

Most children are ready between 2.5 and 3 years, and the Banwood First Go suits riders up to about 5. If your child is steady on their feet and can straddle the seat with feet flat, they are ready.

Are balance bikes better than training wheels?

Yes, for most children. Balance bikes teach the balance and steering that riding requires, so kids usually skip training wheels entirely when they move to pedals.

Should I buy a trike or a balance bike first?

A trike suits children around 2 who want to ride before their balance is ready, especially with a parent push-handle. A balance bike suits confident walkers from about 2.5 and teaches the more valuable skill.

What size helmet does my child need?

Banwood's Classic Helmet XS fits the smallest riders and the standard Classic and Eco helmets suit roughly ages 3 to 7, with a dial-fit system that adjusts as they grow. Measure the head circumference and check the size guide on each product.

When is a child ready for a pedal bike?

Usually between 4 and 7, and much earlier if they have mastered a balance bike. A child who can glide with feet up on a balance bike is ready to pedal.

Are Banwood bikes worth the price?

They are built with quality materials, vegan leather seats, oak pedals on the trike, and a design that suits a second or third child later, which makes them strong value over their long life, and one of the most popular ride-on gifts in Australia.

What is a good ride-on gift under $200?

The Banwood Eco Scooter ($169.95) is the best pick under $200, with a helmet ($79.95) bringing the full gift to about $250.

Can a scooter and bike share the same helmet?

Yes. Banwood helmets are designed as all-round helmets for biking, scooting and skating, so one properly fitted helmet covers all of it.