Balance bike
WALKING AND CYCLING COMBINED
In addition to practicing one-track riding, which a scooter can also teach, a balance bike adds the experience of sitting like on a bicycle but without pedals. Little ones can steady themselves with their feet if they start to tip and practise finding their balance.
Why a balance bike?
Scooters and balance bikes have proved useful preparation for riding a pedal bike. They have replaced the old practice of training wheels, which experts criticised as “crash wheels” because they don’t teach children to balance. Both types of “vehicle” also help children develop spatial awareness, reaction skills and motor coordination.
Where to ride?
A large, level area is ideal for practising. Children should only ride in a safe environment and not in traffic. Experts also advise against using pavements next to busy roads or steep downhill paths.
Suitable age?
Most children are ready to sit on a balance bike and control movement and speed at around two-and-a-half to three years old.
What to watch for?
Children can get used to wearing a helmet on the balance bike. When choosing a ride-on, look for a low step-through and an adjustable saddle and handlebars. The child should sit with slightly bent arms and legs so they can push off with power. A brake can be useful not only for energetic youngsters but also for parents. You should accompany your little ones on foot until they can steer and stop confidently. They can then ride alone in the private yard or other protected areas. Parents should note, however, that braking often still challenges the coordination of very young children.
Scooters & scooters
ROLL, ROLL, SCOOTER
After a dip in popularity, the scooter as a classic children’s vehicle has reclaimed its place for many years now. Even the very young learn to build momentum and start riding in no time, and older children still love to race around at speed.
Why a scooter?
Like a balance bike, a scooter is excellent preparation for cycling. Its advantage: when things get tricky, dismounting is easier than on a bike. Children pick it up quickly, but balance, coordination and reaction skills are still required: youngsters have to push off, steer, brake, stop and watch where they’re going and what’s happening around them. Cornering also needs practice.
Where to ride?
Thanks to their large wheels, scooters roll well almost everywhere – from paved roads to country tracks. Kick scooters are a bit more delicate. From a legal perspective, scooter riders must use pavements and may ride in pedestrian zones, traffic-calmed areas and on play streets. Cycle paths are not permitted for them.
Suitable age?
Children can ride a classic scooter with one wheel at the front and one at the back from around 3½ years. The mini variant with three wheels requires less balance and is suitable for about two-and-a-half-year-olds without tipping over easily. Kick scooters resemble the classic scooter but have different wheels, are lighter and often foldable. Their cooler look appeals to older children who may also want to carry them in a backpack.
What to watch for?
They can be off in a flash: because scooters can travel fast, children should wear a helmet. It’s advisable to choose the size of the scooter to suit the child. If the handlebar is roughly at elbow height, the proportions are correct.
Bicycle
RIDING LIKE THE BIG ONES
Traffic-safety trainers from organisations such as the road safety association and the police note that children are increasingly struggling to ride bicycles when they reach the fourth school year. Riding with one hand, braking correctly, looking over the shoulder while keeping a straight line – these skills are becoming harder for many children. Motor skills and coordination are often lacking, usually because they simply haven’t practised enough.
How to learn?
Children who have been active on scooters or balance bikes usually find learning to ride a pedal bike easy. At the first attempts parents can help by holding the bike steady while the child climbs on. When the child’s feet are correctly on the pedals, the adult helper can give the bike a gentle push. It can be held at the saddle or the carrier.
What to watch for?
A well-fitting helmet is essential. It should be removed when stopping at the playground because of the risk of entanglement. Parents set an example here too: one in two mothers and one in two fathers of younger children wear a helmet when cycling, making them among the most diligent adult helmet users. But half of parents still don’t. Don’t buy a bike for growth – the right size is important so the child can control the bike.
When to let them ride alone?
Age alone is no reliable guide for when parents can let their child ride a bike in traffic. Experts say children are generally mature enough only towards the end of the fourth school year. It is not enough to be able to ride safely – children must also know the rules of the road, keep an eye on traffic, recognise dangerous situations and react sensibly. Parents can practise all of this with their children by cycling together often, gaining traffic experience and talking about different situations. Every kilometre helps improve motor skills, coordination, strength and confidence on the road.
Where to cycle?
Until their eighth birthday, children who cycle must use the pavement. There they must also show consideration for pedestrians. If there is no pavement, children may ride on the road. Eight- to ten-year-olds may choose between the pavement and the carriageway. For older children and adults, cycling on the pavement is prohibited. These rules can put parents in a dilemma: the child on the pavement, the mother on the road, yet close enough to intervene? That is what is expected of the supervising adult.
Roller skates & inline skates
SHOES FOR SPEEDING AROUND
Inline skates let you go a bit faster than roller skates. The classic rollers, however, are more manoeuvrable and give beginners a secure stance. Whatever children strap to their feet, zooming about is guaranteed to be fun.
Suitable age?
Most children can start skating successfully from about five years old. Even when they soon pick up speed, they must use the pavement and not the road.
Where to skate?
Quiet streets without traffic, play streets or car parks are good for first steps. Surfaces should be flat, dry and as clear as possible of stones or other trip hazards.
How to learn?
Parents can initially support their children by standing to one side and holding a hand for security. It’s better not to grab from behind under the arms because that encourages beginners to lean forward and makes falls more likely. Inline-skating courses are offered by specialist schools, community colleges and clubs. Then it’s practice, practice, practice until they can rock ’n’ roll on the road.
What to watch for?
Skates must fit well and no child should be on wheels without a helmet, knee, elbow and wrist protectors. Beginners must also remember to practise braking. The heel brake is best for starters. A step onto grass is possible but brakes very abruptly. You can also practise falling on grass: in full protective gear, fall onto the knees, elbows and wrists. While gliding children should keep slightly bent knees and lean a little forward, and – if unavoidable – fall forwards only. Supervising adult expected.
