Kids' bike sizes: which bike for which age?

Updated October 8, 2026 · Fahrradwerkstatt Avelo, Hamburg

For a kids' bike, inside leg length matters more than age. As a rough guide: 12 inch (often a balance bike) from about 2 years, 14–16 inch around 3–6 years, 20 inch from about 6, 24 inch from about 8. Sitting on the saddle, the child should reach the ground with the balls of the feet.

Size chart (guide values)

Ages are only a guide; every child grows differently. Compare your child's inside leg with the minimum saddle height in the maker's specifications for each model.

Wheel sizeAge (approx.)Inside leg (approx.)
12 inch2–4 years30–40 cm
14 inch3–5 years37–45 cm
16 inch4–6 years42–52 cm
20 inch6–9 years50–60 cm
24 inch8–12 years57–70 cm

Light beats "room to grow"

A kids' bike should be as light as possible, ideally well under half the child's body weight. A bike that is too big is hard to control and no fun. Brands such as Early Rider, Specialized (Riprock), Orbea (Kimu) and Scott make light bikes with child-sized brake levers.

Balance bike, coaster brake, hand brakes

A balance bike teaches balance, and most children then move to a pedal bike without stabilisers. From 14–16 inch, kids' bikes have pedals; check that the brake levers are easy for small hands to reach.

Frequently asked questions

How do I measure inside leg?

Have the child stand barefoot against a wall, slide a book up between their legs and measure from the floor to the top of the book.

Should I buy a size up?

Better not: a light bike in the right size is safer, and good-brand kids' bikes resell well.

Do kids' bikes arrive assembled?

The bikes are new and packed for shipping. For any assembly or sizing question we help by e-mail, phone or WhatsApp.

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