Best kids bikes by age and height in Australia
Kids bikes are sized by wheel diameter, not frame size, and height matters more than age. A bike that is too big is harder to control and slows a child's confidence; one that is slightly small is easier to learn on.
Below are the usual wheel sizes for each height range, with our picks from the kids bikes on BikeFinder. Every kids bike we list is in the table at the bottom.
Kids bike sizes by height and age
| Wheel size | Child height | Approx. age |
|---|---|---|
| Balance bike (12 inch) | up to about 94 cm | about 18 months to 4 years |
| 12 inch | 75 to 94 cm | about 2 to 4 years |
| 16 inch | 84 to 112 cm | about 3 to 6 years |
| 20 inch | 108 to 129 cm | about 5 to 8 years |
| 24 inch | 125 to 148 cm | about 8 to 11 years |
| 26 inch | 145 to 160 cm | 10 years and up |
Balance bike (12 inch): up to about 94 cm, about 18 months to 4 years
No pedals: the child scoots and learns balance first, which usually makes the move to a pedal bike quicker.
12 inch: 75 to 94 cm, about 2 to 4 years
Usually supplied with training wheels and a coaster brake (pedal backwards to stop).
16 inch: 84 to 112 cm, about 3 to 6 years
Most have one gear and a coaster brake; some add a front hand brake.
20 inch: 108 to 129 cm, about 5 to 8 years
The size where gears and hand brakes start to appear.
24 inch: 125 to 148 cm, about 8 to 11 years
Geared mountain bikes with front suspension and disc brakes become common.
26 inch: 145 to 160 cm, 10 years and up
The last step before an adult extra small frame.
How we chose
- Size bands follow the height ranges published by 99 Bikes (see sources); individual brand charts vary by a few centimetres, so check each bike's page.
- Lighter aluminium frames preferred over steel where the price allows.
- Hand brakes a child can reach, and gears only from 20 inch wheels upward.
Prices are the ones shown on each bike page: a checked Australian retailer price where we have one, otherwise the RRP. They change often, so confirm with the seller. Some links to retailers are affiliate links; they do not change our picks.
Weight
A kids bike can weigh close to half as much as the child riding it. Aluminium frames are lighter than steel and easier to pedal and control, which usually means the bike gets ridden more.
Brakes a child can use
Look for short-reach brake levers sized for small hands. Coaster brakes are common on 12 and 16 inch bikes; from 20 inch, hand brakes are better for building good habits.
Between sizes?
For a nervous or new rider, choose the smaller size; for a confident rider, the larger size lasts longer. Measure height and inside leg and compare with the brand's chart on each bike page.
Every kids bike we list (37)
| Bike | Key specs | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Reid Classic Vintage 12 Balance | 12-inch | $99.99 |
| Avanti Lil Ripper Balance 12 | 12-inch | $119 |
| Reid Explorer S 12 | 12-inch | $139.99 |
| Reid Classic 16 Vintage | Steel · 1x1 · 16x1.75 | $199.99 |
| Malvern Star Radmax 16 | Steel · 16-inch | $229 |
| Reid Girls Classic 16 | Steel · 1x1 · 16x1.75 | $229.99 |
| Merida Matts J12 | See bike page | $279 |
| Reid Girls Classic 20 | Steel · 1x1 · 20x1.75 | $289.99 |
| Merida Matts J16 | See bike page | $299 |
| Pedal Hornet 2 20 | 20-inch | $299 |
| Reid Impact 20 | Steel · 1x7 · 20-inch | $299.99 |
| Reid Explorer S 16 | 16-inch | $319.99 |
| Reid Impact 24 | Steel · 1x7 · 24-inch | $319.99 |
| Reid Explorer S 20 | Steel · 1x1 · 20x2.25 | $339.99 |
| Silverback Skid 16 | 16-inch | $349 |
| Merida Matts J24 Lite | See bike page | $429 |
| Merida Matts J24 | See bike page | $449 |
| Reid Tract Jr 20 | 20-inch | $449.99 |
| Specialized Riprock Coaster 20 | Aluminium · 20x2.3 · 10.6 kg | $450 |
| Cannondale Trail 20 | Aluminium · 20-inch | $469 |
| Reid Tract Jr 24 | 24-inch | $479.99 |
| Reid Tract Jr 26 | 26-inch | $499.99 |
| Apollo Panther 24 | Aluminium · 24-inch | $549 to $649 |
| Pedal Renegade 26 | 26-inch | $549 |
| Silverback Spyke 24 | 24-inch | $599 |
| Cannondale Kids Quick 24 | Aluminium · 24-inch | $699.95 |
| Merida Matts J20 | See bike page | $740 |
| Norco Storm Youth 24 | Aluminium · 24-inch | $749 |
| Cannondale Kids Trail 24 | Aluminium · 24-inch | $799 |
| Orbea Laufey 20 H30 | Aluminium · 20-inch | $899 |
| Scott Scale 400 | Aluminium | $900 |
| Specialized Riprock 20 | Aluminium · 1x8 · 20-inch · 9.58 kg | $925 |
| Specialized Riprock 24 | Aluminium · 1x9 · 24-inch | $975 |
| Kona Honzo 24 | Aluminium · 24-inch | $999 |
| Giant STP 24 | Aluminium · 24-inch | $1,499 |
| Specialized Riprock Comp 24 | Aluminium · 24-inch · 11.94 kg | $1,600 |
| Specialized Riprock Comp 24 (2026) | Aluminium · 1x11 · 24x2.35 | $1,600 |
Related
Frequently asked questions
What size bike for a 5 year old?
Usually a 16 inch bike, or a 20 inch bike for a tall five year old (around 110 cm or more). Height matters more than age.
What size bike for an 8 year old?
Usually a 20 inch bike, moving to 24 inch from about 125 cm tall.
Should my child start on a balance bike?
Many children learn to ride faster on a balance bike than with training wheels, because they learn to balance first. It is a common first step from about 18 months.