Active and family / Black Friday 2026 Bikes and scooters: The Department Guide
Black Friday 2026 Kids Bikes: What to Check Before You Buy
Shopping for kids bikes this Black Friday? What to check first: wheel size by age, brakes, weight and training wheels, with live listings to compare.
We earn from qualifying purchases through links on this page. How we make money.
Match the bike to your child’s height and inseam, not just their age. Check the wheel size, the weight of the bike, brake levers that small hands can pull and whether training wheels are included. A bike that is too big is harder to control. More in the bikes and scooters department.
Wheel size by age
Wheel size is stated in inches, and it is the quickest way to narrow your choice. Age ranges are only rough. Two children of the same age can need different sizes, so measure and check the maker’s size chart.
| Wheel size | Typical age range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 12 inch | About 2 to 4 | Often paired with training wheels or a balance bike |
| 14 inch | About 3 to 5 | A step up with pedals |
| 16 inch | About 4 to 7 | Common first pedal bike |
| 20 inch | About 6 to 9 | May have gears and hand brakes |
| 24 inch | About 8 to 12 | Closer to a small adult bike |
Fit over age
Have your child stand over the frame to check clearance, and sit on the saddle to check reach. Both feet should be able to reach the ground, or at least the toes. When pedaling, the leg should be nearly straight with a slight bend at the bottom. Handlebars should be easy to hold without stretching.
If you cannot try the bike first, use the listing’s recommended height range and inseam, and compare it with measurements of your child.
Kids Bikes to compare
Check the wheel size against the maker's height chart rather than age alone. Listings by wheel size are below.
Live listings, shown by eBay
Opens eBay in a new tab. Check condition, seller feedback and returns.
Brakes and controls
Smaller bikes often have a coaster brake, which stops the bike when you pedal backward. Larger ones add hand brakes. Check that the lever reach is small enough for your child’s fingers to pull firmly. Some bikes have both types, which lets children learn gradually.
Chain guards keep pant legs and fingers out of the chain, and they are a useful feature on young riders’ bikes.
Weight matters
A heavy bike is tiring to ride and difficult to pick up after a tumble. Compare the listed weight against your child’s size. Steel frames are strong and common, while aluminum frames are lighter. Pay attention to the whole bike weight rather than only the frame.
Training wheels and balance bikes
Training wheels keep the bike upright while a child gets used to pedaling and steering. A balance bike has no pedals, and children push along with their feet to learn balance. Both can work. Make sure training wheels are adjustable and removable, and that the bike can still be ridden without them.
Helmets and gear
A helmet that fits properly belongs with every bike. Follow the maker’s sizing guide and the instructions in the manual. Bells, reflectors and grips make a bike more fun and easier to see.
Setting up and growing
Raise or lower the seat so your child can sit comfortably and reach the ground. Check tire pressure, tighten the bolts and test the brakes before the first ride. Children grow quickly, so look for a bike with a generous seat post range and handlebars that adjust. Many families pass bikes down, and a well-kept frame can last through more than one rider. Store the bike indoors or under cover to protect the chain and the grips. Pick a bike in a color or design your child loves, since a bike they like is a bike they ride.
Safe spots to ride
Beginners do best on flat, smooth ground away from traffic, such as a driveway, a quiet park path or an empty parking lot. Let your child practice starting, stopping and steering before adding hills. Walk alongside at first and hold the saddle or handlebar rather than the child. Check the bike each time: tires firm, brakes working, chain on and nothing loose. Kids’ bikes get dropped, scratched and left in the yard, so durable paint, tough grips and sturdy pedals are all handy. Short rides in good weather build confidence quickly.
Buying online
For marketplace listings, look for clear photos of the whole bike, brakes and tires. Check the stated wheel size, since titles sometimes list it loosely. Ask whether the bike is assembled, whether training wheels are included and whether any parts are missing. Look at the seller’s feedback, confirm that new bikes arrive in sealed boxes and read the return policy, as bikes are bulky to send back.
Frequently asked questions
How do I pick a kids bike size?
Wheel size is the starting point, but fit comes from your child's inseam. They should be able to touch the ground while seated, with a small bend in the knee at the bottom of the pedal stroke.
Are training wheels or a balance bike better?
A balance bike teaches balance first, so many children move to pedals without help. Training wheels work too, and can be removed once the child is steady.
Should I buy a bigger bike so my child grows into it?
A bike that is too large is harder to control. Choose one that fits now, with some room to raise the seat.
Found in the Black Friday 2026 Bikes and scooters: The Department Guide department.