How to Choose the Right Size Bike & Helmet: Tips for Parents

A bicycle that’s the wrong size for your child can be more than just uncomfortable. A bike that’s too big or too small can cause them to lose control and get hurt. Making sure their helmet is the right size for them is also important to protect against injuries.

Tips to help your child’s bike fit them

  • Do not push your child to ride a 2-wheeled bike until they are ready, at about age 5 or 6.
  • Take your child with you when you shop for the bike, so that they can try it out. The value of a properly fitting bike far outweighs the value of surprising your child with a new bike.
  • Buy a bike that is the right size, not one your child has to “grow into.” Oversized bikes are especially dangerous.

Read more on how to keep your child safe with a bike and helmet that fits them properly on healthychildren.org