How to Fit a Bike for a Child

From training wheels to a mountain bike, choosing a bicycle that a child can ride safely means sizing it correctly to the child. Retailers sell bikes in categories that reflect, but don't actually accurately measure, wheel sizes.


When choosing the wheel size for your child, you may buy the next size up when he's between sizes to allow a bit of growing room, but otherwise size him accurately for safety. Purchase a bicycle that has an adjustable seat and handlebars to give the bike additional growing room.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape

Instructions

    • 1

      Measure and record your child's height in inches.

    • 2

      Purchase a bicycle for your child that has a wheel size of 10 to 12 inches if your child is under 38 inches tall; a wheel size of 16 inches if she is 38 to 48 inches tall; a wheel size of 20 inches if she is 48 to 60 inches tall. If your child is a teenager and over 52 inches tall, consider a larger bicycle that has a wheel size of 20 to 24 inches. Adult bicycle wheels normally measure 24 to 26 inches.

    • 3

      Give the bicycle to the child and allow him to try it carefully with your supervision. Return the bicycle or exchange it for a smaller size if the child cannot reach the ground easily with both feet while sitting in the seat, or he cannot reach the handlebars easily enough to safely control the bicycle.

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