The Frog Bikes Tadpole combines a sturdy frame with chunky wheels and a long wheelbase – all while boasting a relatively light design, which is no mean feat. These attributes make the Tadpole ideal as a trail bike but light enough for older toddlers, especially as its tyres are well-cushioned for bumpy surfaces. The reflectors and bell are also great features to teach little ones about safety and being seen and heard while out riding a bike. With an affordable price combined with great quality, not to mention super lightweight, we think the Vitus Nippy is the best balance bike to buy in 2023. Mumsnetters warn against spending lots on a balance bike as they're used for a relatively short time, and the Nippy hits the sweet spot between performance, quality and price. Although all manufacturers recommend that you supervise children using the bikes, we can’t watch them every second, so the peace of mind knowing risk has been minimized upfront is invaluable.

Bought for Grandsons 1st birthday, he absolutely loves it, great design, solidly built, would highly recommend to buy."Age range: Suitable for two and three year olds (average inside leg 31cm) | Weight: 4.17kg | Wheel size: 12 inch | Tyres: Pneumatic What we love

Featured in our best balance bikes for kids guide, this bike will get them ready to level up to a bicycle when they’re ready. Because of the 3 wheel design, the Giraffe Balance Bike can help encourage walking, coordination, balance and motor skills. Enjoy your toddler's first bike ride with the Zebra Balance Bike. Sturdy and stable, this three-wheel bicycle ensures fun and safety at the same time. Made from 100% birchwood, this bike uses sustainable products with safety top of mind. The handlebar is designed to avoid the bike toppling over it and keep kiddies safe while scooting, the rubber covering to protect fingers and hands and the padded seat to keep them comfortable. But which balance bike is best? There are lots of different options out there from cheap and cheerful to high-spec and built-to-last. If you only have one child and know that you’ll only need a balance bike for a short time then a cheaper option might be best, but if you have more than one child it can be worth investing in something pricier that can be passed from child to child. A lot of balance bikes also have great resale value so that’s worth keeping in mind too.

2. Best budget balance bike: Peppa Pig Balance Bike

The body of the bike is impact-resistant so any bumps or scrapes won’t ruin it anytime soon. The paint is solvent-free and water-based so non-toxic for little hands; the steering wheel sports rubber grips for usability and the saddle is ergonomically designed for optimum comfort. Balance bikes are small bicycles without pedals. They allow children as young as 18 months to learn to balance and steer by propelling the bike forward and lifting their feet up to glide when ready. Whether you’re looking for a garden toy, a nursery-run solution or something hard-wearing for off-road family trails, the choosing the best balance bike for your toddler will hugely impact their first experience of cycling. Age range: Suitable from 18 months to 5 years old | Weight: 2.95kg | Wheel size: 12 inch | Tyres: Pneumatic What we love