Biking is a great way for kids to stay active and healthy while having fun, and choosing the right bike for a child’s age and size is essential for a safe and enjoyable experience.
As parents, we all want to give our children the best start in life. This includes encouraging an active lifestyle and teaching them the importance of exercise.
A bike is a great way to get your child moving, and it also helps with their development of balance and coordination.
As a parent or caregiver, you want to ensure that your child has a bike that fits them well, has the necessary safety features. With so many different bike models available on the market, it can be overwhelming to make the right choice.
In this article, I will provide you with a comprehensive guide to choosing the best bike for your 5 year old. I will discuss the key features to look for in a bike, recommend some top bike models for 5 year olds, and provide tips for teaching your child how to ride a bike.
Let’s get started!
List of lightweight bike for 5 year old
1. RALEIGH Bikes Rowdy 16/20/24 Kids Bike
2. RoyalBaby Freestyle Kids Bike
3. JOYSTAR Kids Bike for Boys and Girls
5. Titan Girl’s Flower Princess BMX Bike
6.Royalbaby Jenny Kids Bike, Girls Bicycle
Top 7 bike for 5 year old boys and girls
The right bike can help your child develop important motor skills, build confidence, and encourage a love for outdoor activities.
But with so many different sizes, styles, and features to consider, it can be hard to know which bike is the right fit for your child.
1. RALEIGH Bikes Rowdy Kids Bike
Bike Type: Kids Bike | Age Range: 5 – 7 years | Brand: RALEIGH | Number of Speeds: 1 | Wheel Size: 16 Inches | Frame Material: Aluminum |
Highlighted Feature:
- Lightweight and durable aluminum frame
- 16 inch wheels, the perfect size for young riders
- Single speed for easy, focus on the ride without shifting gears
- Alloy V brakes for speed control and easy stopping
- Perfect beginner trail bike for kids to take on outdoor adventures
- Mountain bike styling in a scaled-down version for fun and excitement
- Wide 2.125 inch tires provide enough traction for off-road riding
Usage Scenario:
| Topic | Percent | Reason |
| Mountain biking | 30.76% | lightweight and great for beginners |
| Trail riding | 19.23% | performs well on trails |
| School commute | 7.69% | suitable for short distance commute to school |
| Street riding | 7.69% | stock tires are great for street |
| Everyday riding | 7.69% | suitable for everyday riding |
Advantage:
| Topic | Reason | |
| Quality | 24.63% | well-built, solid, lightweight, good tires, durable, good components |
| Lightweight | 18.84% | easy for kids to handle and ride, lightweight frame |
| Value | 14.49% | great price for the features, best value in the market, great overall product, good price for quality |
| Hand brakes | 8.69% | good for mountain biking, no coaster brakes, only hand brakes |
| Easy assembly | 8.69% | quick and easy to put together, pre-mounted handlebars, brakes, and saddle |
Product Description:
The Raleigh Kids Bike is designed with an aluminum frame that is lightweight and durable, making it perfect for children between the ages of 5 to 7 years old or who are between 38 to 45 inches tall.
The 16-inch wheels are just the right size for young riders, providing a comfortable and stable ride.
The single speed feature also allows kids to focus on the ride without having to worry about shifting gears, making it easy for them to master the art of biking.
The bike is equipped with alloy V brakes that provide excellent speed control and easy stopping power, allowing kids to stop quickly and safely when needed.
When the pavement has been mastered, the Raleigh Rowdy 20 is the perfect beginner trail bike to take your kids on their next adventure.
Whether they’re looking for a slick ride to take to school or to explore the local trails, the Rowdy 20 will deliver.
Disadvantage:
| Topic | Reason | |
| Assembly | 20.83% | incomplete assembly instructions, difficult assembly |
2. RoyalBaby Freestyle Kids Bike
Bike Type: Kids Bike | Age Range: 4 – 7 years | Brand: Royalbaby | Number of Speeds: 1 | Wheel Size: 16 Inches | Frame Material: Alloy Steel |
Highlighted Feature:
- Sporty design inspired by the BMX spirit, perfect for the next cycling star
- Smooth pedaling and training wheels for easy balance and learning
- Sturdy steel frame and wide cylinder tires
- Easy assembly with 95% pre-assembled and all tools included in the box
- Compliant with CPSC standards and with high-level warranty
Usage Scenario:
| Topic | Percent | Reason |
| Gift | 19.35% | bought it for son/daughter/grandson/granddaughter’s birthday |
| Training wheels | 16.12% | wish it came with training wheels on this model, training wheels are easily installed/removed, training wheels are pretty thick compared to others, one of our girls outgrew her trike, helpful for learning |
| General use | 12.9% | good bike for kids to ride |
| Learning to ride | 9.67% | great for learning to ride, comes with training wheels |
| Great for kids | 9.67% | good for learning, comfortable for kids |
Advantage:
| Topic | Reason | |
| Easy assembly | 28.08% | tools provided, quick assembly, simple instructions, easy to assemble |
| Quality | 22.47% | well-made, sturdy, durable, high-quality construction |
| Sturdy | 15.73% | durable, well-built, frame and other components are of good quality and unbeatable |
| Good value | 6.74% | great quality for the price, affordable price |
| Design | 5.61% | cute, sporty, great-looking, nice details |
Product Description:
The RoyalBaby Freestyle kids bike is designed for children looking to take their cycling to the next level.
With a sporty design inspired by the BMX spirit, this bike is perfect for kids who love to have fun and be creative while they ride.
It has patent sealed bearing, which provides smooth pedaling and a more enjoyable riding experience.
The included training wheels make it easy for young beginners to maintain balance and learn to pedal. The water bottle holder is a nice added touch that allows kids to stay hydrated on their rides.
The shortest travel distance grips provide extra braking efficiency, while the sturdy steel frame and 2.4″ wide cylinder tires ensure that your child is protected and secure.
Assembling the bike is a breeze, as it comes 95% pre-assembled and includes an easy-to-follow instruction manual and all the necessary tools. With a fully adjustable seat and handlebar, this bike can grow with your child as they get taller.
Disadvantage:
| Topic | Reason | |
| Uncomfortable seat | 5.76% | seat is too small and uncomfortable, seat is very hard. |
3. JOYSTAR Kids Bike for Boys and Girls
Bike Type: Kids Bike | Age Range: Kids | Brand: JOYSTAR | Number of Speeds: 1 | Wheel Size: 16 Inches | Frame Material: Carbon Steel |
Highlighted Feature:
- Durable construction with high-quality materials.
- Easy to assemble with step-by-step instructions.
- Adjustable seat height to accommodate growth.
- Lightweight design for easy maneuverability.
- Comes with training wheels for extra stability.
- Available in a variety of colors to choose from.
- Smooth-rolling wheels for a comfortable ride.
Usage Scenario:
| Topic | Percent | Reason |
| Learning to ride | 27.27% | suitable for kids learning to ride, great option for kids who are learning to ride a bike |
| Gift | 13.63% | perfect for birthdays and holidays, purchased as a gift for a child |
| First bike | 13.63% | perfect first bike, stable and sturdy for a first time rider, great bike for younger kids |
| Outdoor activities | 9.09% | great for outdoor activities, used for exercise |
| Child’s love | 9.09% | kids love the bike |
Advantage:
| Topic | Reason | |
| Easy assembly | 34.84% | clear instructions and easy to put together |
| Sturdy | 26.51% | well-built and durable |
| Design | 9.09% | cute bike, appealing to the eye |
| Good value | 6.06% | great value for the price |
| Quality | 6.06% | sturdy, well-constructed, premium materials |
Product Description:
The JOYSTAR Kids Bike for Boys and Girls is designed specifically for kids and comes with several features that make it perfect for young riders.
The quick-release seat makes it easy for parents to adjust the height of the bike as their child grows. The saddle comes with a holder that allows children to learn to ride even when the training wheel is off.
This Bike has foot brake, which is perfect for young riders who don’t have the strength to manipulate a hand brake
It is made of premium steel and is built to withstand the bumps of learning. The durable steel frame is backed by a limited lifetime warranty, and the bike requires minimal maintenance due to its simple design.
JOYSTAR Kids Bike also comes with a DIY decal, allowing children to make their bike unique by sticking their name on the frame or chain guard.
The bike is easy to assemble, with 85% of the body pre-assembled and the basic assembly tools included. The only thing that is needed is a pump for the tire, and it takes a novice about 20 minutes to assemble the bike.
The JOYSTAR Kids Bike comes in four sizes: 12 inches for 2-4-year-olds, 14 inches for 3-5-year-olds, 16 inches for 4-7-year-olds, and 18 inches for 5-9-year-olds.
If you have any problem about assembly or the bike, you can contact JOYSTAR customer service.
Disadvantage:
| Topic | Reason | |
| Heavy | 7.93% | difficult for kids to lift, too heavy for young children to pedal and push |
Best bike for 5 year old Girls
4. JOYSTAR Fairy Girls Bike
Bike Type: Kids Bike | Age Range: Big Kid | Brand: JOYSTAR | Number of Speeds: 1 | Wheel Size: 16 Inches | Frame Material: Carbon Steel |
Highlighted Feature:
- DIY decals and safe chainguard
- Includes both a rear coaster brake and a front caliper brake for easy transitions.
- Durable steel frame
- Adjustable saddle and handlebar
- Includes training wheels, saddle handle, chainguard, basket and bike bell.
- Assembly instructions included.
Usage Scenario:
| Topic | Percent | Reason |
| Learning to ride | 29.09% | customers reported using the bike for their child to learn to ride, good for kids to learn to ride without training wheels, perfect for kids learning to ride a bike, great for young children learning to |
| Outdoor play | 23.63% | great for outdoor play and exercise, kids enjoy riding it outside |
| Gift | 10.9% | purchased as a gift for a child, customers purchased the bike as a gift |
| Everyday use | 9.09% | kids ride it frequently, used for everyday activities and transportation |
| Outdoor riding | 9.09% | customers reported using the bike for outdoor riding |
Advantage:
| Topic | Reason | |
| Easy assembly | 28.44% | customers found the bike easy to assemble with clear instructions and basic tools. |
| Sturdy | 25.86% | customers reported that the bike is well-constructed, durable, and made with good quality materials. |
| Cute design | 12.06% | customers liked the adorable and stylish design of the bike, which comes in different colors and sticker packs. |
| Great first bike | 8.62% | customers found the bike to be the perfect size for toddlers and kids learning to ride. |
| Appearance | 6.03% | customers liked the appearance of the bike. |
Product Description:
This bike 16-inch wheels make it ideal for riding to the park or around the neighborhood sidewalk.
Its DIY decals allow your child to personalize their bike by sticking their name on the frame or chain guard.
The JOYSTAR Fairy bike includes both a rear coaster brake and a front caliper brake for ease of use and a smooth transition to a hand-brake-only bike when they’re ready.
The durable steel frame is backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
The adjustable saddle and handlebar, seat post, and slack seat-tube angle allow for easy, tool-free adjustments, so the bike can grow with your child and prepare them for a full-sized bicycle.
The training wheels can also be removed when they are ready to ride independently.
Assembly of the JOYSTAR Fairy Girls Bike is straightforward and easy, and it comes with all the necessary components including training wheels, saddle handle, chain guard, basket, and bike bell.
If you have any issues with assembly or the bike, customer support is available to help.
Disadvantage:
| Topic | Reason | |
| Difficult assembly | 9.09% | customers found the bike difficult to assemble |
5. Titan Girl’s Flower Princess BMX Bike
Bike Type: Beginner bike | Age Range: 5 – 7 years | Brand: Titan | Number of Speeds: 1 | Wheel Size: 16 Inches | Frame Material: Alloy Steel |
Highlighted Feature:
- Durable steel frame construction
- Stylish flower princess design
- High-quality BMX style components
- Safe and secure dual-suspension system
- Easy to assemble and customize
- Versatile and suitable for a variety of terrains
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Great customer reviews and ratings.
Usage Scenario:
| Topic | Percent | Reason |
| Outdoor activities | 23.25% | used for outdoor activities like riding in the park or on the street, used for riding around the neighborhood |
| Learning to ride | 23.25% | great bike to learn on, first bike, good for a 4-year-old, easy to ride for a 5-year-old, used as a first bike for children learning to ride |
| General use | 13.95% | riding around the neighborhood, everyday use |
| Training wheels | 6.97% | used with training wheels, training wheels provide stability for learning |
| Everyday use | 6.97% | daughter wants to ride it every day, rides it easy, nice product, well made |
Advantage:
| Topic | Reason | |
| Design | 30.96% | cute and colorful design with added features like basket and doll carrier. |
| Quality | 21.29% | well-made, sturdy, heavy, good quality. |
| Accessories | 16.12% | utility basket and streamers are nice additions. |
| Easy assembly | 10.96% | easy to put together, instructions were clear and easy to follow. |
| Durability | 6.45% | built well, helping keep it nice with a kickstand. |
Product Description:
This 16-inch pink BMX bike is designed specifically for girls, with a pink and white frame, white fork, stem, and handlebar.
The bike also features a rear coaster brake, making it easy for children to stop the bike safely.
The bike comes with a doll seat, a basket, streamers, training wheels and rear coaster brake, all of which are designed to make the riding experience more fun and enjoyable for children.
The streamers are a fun addition that adds a touch of whimsy to the bike, and the training wheels are a great way to help children learn how to ride the bike safely.
It comes with multicolored seat, tires, grips, and training wheel brackets, which add a fun and colorful touch to the bike.
The bike comes 85% assembled and requires light assembly. The bike does not include a kickstand due to the included BMX training wheels.
With its many fun and colorful accessories, this bike is sure to make the learning process more enjoyable for children.
Disadvantage:
| Topic | Reason | |
| Assembly | 8.09% | difficult to put together |
6. Royalbaby Jenny Kids Bike, Girls Bicycle
Bike Type: Kids Bike, Girls Bike | Age Range: 4 – 7 years | Brand: Royalbaby | Number of Speeds: 1 | Wheel Size: 16 Inches | Frame Material: Alloy Steel |
Highlighted Feature:
- Elegant design with a one-tube and curved down frame
- Low standover height for easy on and off
- Ergonomic design for effortless and comfortable riding
- Cute colors and details specifically for girls
- Dual brakes (pedal and hand) for added safety
- Detachable height-adjustable training wheels for stability
- Bell and basket for added fun and convenience
- Extra-wide tires and pedals for balance and control
- Adjustable stem and saddle for growing kids
- Meets highest safety standards (CPSC and EU)
- Easy assembly with detailed instruction manual included
Usage Scenario:
| Topic | Percent | Reason |
| Riding experience | 23.33% | customers found the bike easy to ride, good quality, and enjoyable to ride. some even learned to ride without training wheels. |
| Kids love it | 13.33% | many customers reported that their kids loved the bike, making it a great gift option. |
| Age range | 13.33% | the bike is designed for ages 3-12 years, and customers confirmed that it was suitable for this age range. |
| Training wheels | 10% | some customers reported issues with the training wheels, including that they were not adjustable and that they continually came up. however, training wheels were only necessary for some sizes. |
| Everyday use | 6.66% | customers reported that their kids enjoyed riding the bike every day, whether it was for transportation or outdoor activities. |
Advantage:
| Topic | Reason | |
| Quality | 24.69% | customers appreciate the bike’s well-built, sturdy, and high-quality construction. |
| Appearance | 22.22% | customers love the bike’s cute, beautiful, and stylish design, with great color combinations. |
| Easy assembly | 13.58% | customers find the bike easy to assemble, with simple instructions and tools included. |
| Sturdiness | 9.87% | customers appreciate the bike’s durability and ability to withstand bumps and falls. |
| Features | 6.17% | customers like the bike’s safety features, adjustable training wheels, seat and handlebar, coaster and hand brakes, kickstand, basket, bell, and chain guard. |
Product Description:
The Royalbaby Jenny Kids Bike is specifically designed to meet the needs of young riders, with a low standover height and elegant curved down design that makes getting on and off the bike easy and comfortable.
The dual brakes (pedal and hand) and detachable height-adjustable wider training wheels provide excellent stability for beginners, while the included bell and basket for dolls make it a fun and exciting choice for young riders.
The adjustable stem and saddle allow for a custom fit, so the bike can grow with your child.
The Royalbaby Jenny Kids Bike complies with the highest CPSC and EU industrial standards. This means that the bike is trusted by millions of families globally in more than 80 countries.
The bike comes 95% professionally pre-assembled, with an elaborated instruction manual and complementary tools needed in the box. This makes it easy to assemble and get your child riding in no time.
Disadvantage:
| Topic | Reason | |
| Defective parts | 8.92% | defective left pedal assembly, training wheel bolt defective |
7. JOYSTAR Angel Girls Bike
Bike Type: Kids Bike | Age Range: 4-8 year | Brand: JOYSTAR | Number of Speeds: 1 | Wheel Size: 16 Inches | Size: 16 Inch with Training Wheels | Brake Style: Coaster
Highlighted Feature:
- Adjustable saddle and stem height for easy pedalling
- Soft seat for added comfort
- Sturdy Hi-Ten steel frame and fork for durability
- Resilient wheels with rubber off-road tires for grip and stability
- Coaster brake for easy stopping power
- Enclosed chain guard for safety
- Removable training wheels for learning balance
- Singlespeed drivetrain and smaller grip design for ease of use
- Comes with a beautiful basket and DIY decal stickers for added fun
- 85% pre-assembled with basic assembly tools included
- Timely customer service and limited lifetime warranty for added peace of mind.
Usage Scenario:
| Topic | Percent | Reason |
| Learning to ride | 30% | suitable for first-time riders, helps kids learn to ride, good for beginners |
| Riding for fun | 20% | enjoyable activity |
| Outdoor play | 20% | bike is used for fun and exercise outside |
| Daily use | 8% | used for regular bike rides |
| Gift for child | 6% | perfect for birthdays/christmas |
Advantage:
| Topic | Reason | |
| Easy to assemble | 24.06% | simple instructions, clear instructions, instructions were clear and easy to follow, simple instructions and tools provided |
| Sturdy | 18.79% | well-constructed, bike is well-built and durable, well-built and durable |
| Good quality | 11.27% | sturdy and well-made, better than other bikes they’ve purchased |
| Cute design | 9.77% | attractive appearance, adorable and vibrant colors |
| Easy assembly | 9.02% | easy to assemble, quick to put together, simple to put together |
Product Description:
When it comes to finding the perfect bike for young girls, the JOYSTAR Angel Girls Bike is a top choice.
The sturdy Hi-Ten steel frame and fork are built to withstand the bumps and scrapes that come with learning to ride, and the resilient wheels are wrapped in rubber off-road tires for outstanding grip and stability in any weather conditions.
The bike comes with a beautiful basket and DIY decal stickers, adding more fun for children to get pedaling up to speed in a flash.
The bike comes with 85% assembled body and the basic assembly tools, so parents can easily assemble the rest of the bike at home.
If any issues or concerns arise with the bike, JOYSTAR promises to take an action as soon as possible.
Safety is the top priority for JOYSTAR and that’s why they always stand on the side of their customers
Disadvantage:
| Topic | Reason | |
| Assembly | 12.19% | difficult to assemble |
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Bike for a 5-Year-Old
A. Size of the bike
Wheel size: The most important factor to consider when choosing a bike for a 5-year-old is the wheel size. The appropriate wheel size for a 5-year-old is generally between 14- and 18-inches.
The smaller wheel sizes (14- and 16-inches) are typically better for kids who are just learning to ride, while the larger sizes (18-inches) may be more suitable for more experienced riders.
Frame height: The height of the bike’s frame is also important to consider. A bike that is too tall or too short can be uncomfortable for a child to ride and can make it difficult for them to control the bike.
B. Weight of the bike
A bike that is too heavy can be difficult for a child to maneuver and control, which can lead to frustration and may discourage them from riding.
Look for a bike that is lightweight and easy for your child to handle.
The weight of the bike can also affect how quickly your child can accelerate and how well they can maintain their balance while riding.
C. Type of brakes
Coaster brakes: Coaster brakes are the most common type of brake on children’s bikes. These brakes are located on the rear wheel and are activated when the child pedals backwards.
Coaster brakes are generally easy for young children to use, but they can be difficult to modulate, which can make it hard for kids to control their speed.
Hand brakes: Hand brakes are another option to consider. These brakes are located on the handlebars and are operated by squeezing the brake lever.
Hand brakes can be more effective than coaster brakes and can help children learn how to control their speed more precisely.
D. Type of tires
Air tires: Air tires provide better traction and a smoother ride than foam tires. They are also more durable and can last longer. However, they require more maintenance and may be more prone to punctures and flats.
Foam tires: Foam tires are lightweight and require little maintenance. They are also puncture-proof, which makes them a good option for children who will be riding on rough terrain.
E. Other features to consider
Training wheels: Training wheels can help young children learn to balance and ride a bike. Look for a bike with adjustable training wheels that can be raised or lowered as your child’s skills improve.
Kickstand: A kickstand can make it easier for your child to park their bike and can prevent the bike from getting scratched or damaged.
Other features to consider include a comfortable seat, handlebar grips, and a sturdy frame that can withstand the wear and tear of daily use.
FAQ
Can a 5-year-old ride a 18-inch bike?
The suitability of a 18-inch bike for a 5-year-old depends on several factors such as the child’s height, weight, and riding ability.
Generally, a 18-inch bike is designed for children with a height range of 42-48 inches and an inseam measurement of 18-22 inches.
If your child falls within this height range and has previous experience riding a bike, then a 18-inch bike can be an excellent option.
If your child is new to riding a bike or has not yet developed the necessary balance and coordination skills, then a smaller size bike, such as a 16-inch bike, may be more appropriate.
It is important to ensure that the bike is properly fitted to the child, with the seat at the correct height and the handlebars adjusted to a comfortable position. It is also recommended to supervise your child while they are riding to ensure their safety.
In summary, a 18-inch bike can be suitable for a 5-year-old child, provided that they meet the height and inseam requirements and have previous riding experience. It is crucial to ensure that the bike is properly fitted and that your child is supervised while riding.
Can my 5-year-old ride a 20 inch bike?
Yes, your 5-year-old can ride a 20 inch bike, but it is important to take into consideration their height and strength.
The 20 inch bike is the perfect size for kids around 4 to 7 years old who are around 44 to 50 inches tall.
If your child is on the shorter side, they may have trouble reaching the pedals, which can cause discomfort and discourage them from riding.
On the other hand, if they are taller, they may find the bike too small and cramped. Before purchasing a 20 inch bike, it is recommended to have your child try it out and see if they are comfortable on it.
Can a 5-year-old ride a 24 inch bike?
A 24 inch bike is usually recommended for children between the ages of 7 and 10.
However, this can vary depending on the child’s height, weight, and coordination.
A 5-year-old may be able to ride a 24 inch bike, but it depends on their individual abilities.
If the child is tall enough to touch the ground with their feet while sitting on the bike seat and has good balance, they may be able to ride the bike safely.
It is important to always supervise children while they are riding and make sure they have the proper equipment, such as a helmet, to protect them in case of an accident.
