Are there any advantages to metal vs. wooden balance bikes?

Yes.  Wooden bikes are much more susceptible to damage from the elements (sun, rain, snow, ice, heat, cold, etc).  As such, metal bikes are much more durable and practicle and may be more apt to be handed down from one child to the next.  Also, many of the cheaper wooden bikes have been known to splinter, which is extremely dangerous for the child.  Realistically, would you purchase a wooden motorcycle or car?  Wooden bikes were probably created as a novelty.

Why are your bikes so inexpensive when compared to similar products on the market?

Our products are not sold through retailers.  With the exception of international customers, our products are sold and shipped directly by us to the consumer.  By cutting out the middleman, we can offer our products to consumers at a considerably lower price.

What colors do you offer?

Currently, we offer red, blue and pink.  However, we plan to add yellow, green and orange later this year.

What material is your bike made from?

Our bikes are made from aluminum and lightweight steel.  The KinderBike trainer is one of the lightest balance bikes on the market.

I’ve heard of similar bikes that use turning limiters, which limit your child’s ability to steer and turn.  Do your products have this feature?

No.   For safety reasons, we chose not to include that feature on our products.  When your child is learning to ride a bike, they should learn all skills, especially steering.  One parent said it best when he wrote, "The time to learn proper steering is NOT when they’ve moved onto a standard bicycle that moves at significantly greater speeds.  Rather, they should learn to steer properly when their feet are at their sides and they can prevent a spill or fall."  There is a reason these bikes are called trainers.

Do you offer a model with a handbrake?

Starting with the 2008 model year, the KinderBike trainers come standard with a handbrake so that young riders can begin to become familiar with the concept.  According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, many children under the age of five generally do not have the hand strength or dexterity to use hand brakes.  The handbrake may be used by older, stronger riders and will afford young riders an introduction to the concept that they will see on standard bicycles.  However, the primary method for stopping or slowing this, or any, balance trainer is with the child's feet.  Incidentally, the CPSC classifies balance trainers as ride-on toys, not bikes, since they have no pedals, chains or gears.  Generally speaking, ride-on toys do not include brakes for the reasons mentioned herein.

My child has not yet turned two.  Will she be able to use this bike?

Perhaps.  It completely depends on your child’s inseam (not height or age).  The approximate seat height adjustment range is 13.5”-18.5”.  If your child’s inseam measures 14” or greater, they should be able to use the bike.  The seat adjusts quickly and easily via a quick-release collar.

I live in Los Angeles.  Is there a local retailer where I can purchase your products?

Not yet.  They won't be available via local retailers until the summer. 

Can I get discounted shipping for multiple orders?

Yes.  We always combine shipping for multiple products.  Typically, it costs only a few dollars more to ship two bikes than one.

Do you ship to Canada?

We have recently suspended shipments to Canada, a direct result of exhorbitant "broker fees" charged by the package delivery companies.  These fees are charged to Canadian customers at the point of delivery and completely out of our control.  Often, the exhorbitant fees were more than the cost of the product(s) themselves.  Once a Canadian distributorship is established, we will again offer our products to Canadian citizens.

I live in the U.K.  How can I get a KinderBike?

We get this question a lot.  We are in the process of establishing distributorships in several new markets, including the U.K., and anticipate having our products available in those jurisdictions soon.

Will you be offering other products?

Yes. Expect new products, as well as new frame colors, later this year.

These balance trainers have been in Europe for several years.  Why are they just now making their way into the US marketplace?

Interesting question.  Perhaps the concept is so simple that it has been overlooked.  Most experts agree that training wheels hinder a child’s ability to learn balance.  Up until now, there has been no other alternative.  For more information on how ride-on toys (balance trainers) play a vital role in child development, please see the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) link from our main page.

How long will it take my child to learn balance using the balance bike method?

It truly varies per child.  Some children figure it out in only an hour, while others may take a few days.  Either way children have fun while they’re learning.

My child is 6 years old and tall for his age.  Would you recommend these bikes?

We normally wouldn't recommend these bikes, since most six year olds are likely too tall for a 12” bicycle.  Again, a simple inseam measurement will tell you.  

Why don’t you have testimonials with pictures of children riding your bikes?

You can find over seventy great reviews of our company and products from links found at the bottom of the main page.  However, if you would like to submit photos or videos of your child, we would be more than happy to include them on the website.