Here are the best places to buy kids’ bikes. Not only does Walmart offer a wide selection of well-priced bikes for kids of all ages, but they also feature helmets, bike pads, and other accessories at low prices. If your choice is available in-store, you can even check it out in person before you buy. Dick’s offers free one-hour pickup on bikes sold in-store, so you can purchase and pick up on the same day. Most of their bikes fall between $150 and $250, but it’s well worth it for a durable bike that’s safe for your child. Target’s lenient 90-day return policy is another big perk, especially if you’re unsure which bike is right for your child. They also offer a wide variety of accessories to go along with the new bike. One of the best perks of shopping at REI is their incredibly generous satisfaction policy, which allows you to return any product for a refund if you’re not 100 percent satisfied. If you want a beautifully designed, well-made bike from a small company that prides itself on original designs, you’ll love Public Bikes. Because Maisonette offers a 14-day return policy and some items are final sale, make sure to check whether your desired bike is available for a full refund before buying. All things considered, Maisonette is a great choice if you’re hunting for a more high-end option that’s beautiful and well-designed. Customers can search for bikes for riding around the neighborhood or off-roading on mountain trails. The bike-focused site features blog posts on buying the right bike for your needs and your family. You can also browse high-end accessories including bells, pumps, pads, helmets, and more. “Parents should consider how long will their child be able to ride this size bike. They should look to get at least two years out of a bike if possible. That means finding a bike that allows some room for the child’s growth without it being too cumbersome or big to ride safely,” says Manny Saggio, Founder and CEO of The Loose Wheel Bicycle Co. in Cedar Grove, New Jersey.
Materials
You want a bike that will last for at least a few years and one that is durable as your child rides. Most bikes are made from aluminum or steel. Steel is often the most affordable choice, but it does tend to mean a heavier bike that is not as easy to haul. Aluminum bikes are lightweight and won’t rust if left outside in the rain. In terms of material, Saggio knows that most parents may not know the in’s and out’s of how bikes are assembled. He recommends parents ensure that bikes are assembled by professionals so that they are as safe as possible. “It is not a bad idea to bring any bikes purchased online or from a big box store to your local bike shop for assembly or if the bike is already assembled, have them give a quick safety check at the very least. We want to make sure that the bike has reflectors, that the brakes function, the wheels are true and that it is not going to fall apart 5 minutes into their first ride,” he says.
Return Policy
If you are buying a bike online, you will want to ensure you can return the bike if anything doesn’t fit. Getting stuck with a bike that is ill-suited for your child can lead to injury. Check out the retailer’s return policy and how difficult it is to ship back before you purchase.
Design
Some bike retailers offer a wide selection of name-brand bikes while others specialize in their own line of bikes. Consider what type of bike you want for your child (mountain or road bike) and whether the store you are eyeing has designs to suit your child’s preferences. Saggio says that is important to consider where your child will be riding their bike the most: Are they riding mainly on the streets or will they be riding offroad on trails? Should the bike have smooth road type tires or a more aggressive knobby tire? “Making sure they have the right bike for the terrain they will be traversing is really important in regards to their safety,” he shares.
Why Trust the Spruce?
This article was written by Ashley Knierim, a freelance writer with over ten years of experience. From interior design trends to decor and more, she’s covered a variety of home topics and knows what makes a product great. To make this list, she considered each pick’s suggested age, as well as how active and educational it is. Additional research was done by Julia Fields a lifestyle writer for The Spruce covering all things surrounding toys, gifts, and the holidays since October 2021. Before that, she covered similar topics including toy reviews, product round-ups, expert-focused articles, and more. Expert advice was provided by founder and CEO of The Loose Wheel Bicycle Co. in New Jersey Manny Saggio.
