Those of us who had to suffer through 'training wheels' as children probably wobbled from side-to-side, felt unstable, and begging for help, while trying uncomfortably to keep the bike in an upright position, and having the pedals go around hitting you on the back of your legs when your feet fell off the pedals.
Fast forward to what has been happening in foreign countries for a long time! Why spend money on training wheels, and having overly-anxious children when they already know how to pedal a tricycle? Learning to "pedal" is learned on tricycles, and is easy to do one a child has graduated to a 2-wheeled bike, ........but "balance" doesn't come as naturally when training wheels make it a 4-wheeled bike.

A good 'balance bike' is easily adjustable for the capability and the size of a child. Small tykes can sit on the seat and 'walk' their way around, while older tykes begin to realize they can choose to 'lift' their feet and feel the thrill of "coasting", with no pedals going around to hurt their legs. Recent visitors in my home (from France) brought their children's (age 2 & 4) "Balance Bikes" along on the trip, skipping the "tricycle stage" and the 'training wheels' stage. Both children were happily 'balanced' while enjoying scooting around on the balance bikes, and rarely touched the ground with their feet, except for gathering some (small amount of) speed forward, or coming to a stop. Because a balance bike won't gather more speed than a child's feet can provide, it seems that their feet seem to touch the ground less, and prevent more accidents from the beginning. Once a child has mastered true balance on their own, ...... then they will be ready for a bicycle that has pedals, gathers speed, and is more likely to make scrapes and breaks!

I've since bought these for all of my grandchildren! I think they need balance before pedals, and this solved the problem for me! I chose the Radio Flyer brand because it's always had a good reputation, is reasonably priced, and Radio Flyer brand items are usually considered family keepsakes, rarely losing their value and memories through multiple generations!

Our two year old grandson loves his bike that we got him. It was so easy to adjust the seat down to his size! Super cute design!

This is my son's favorite toy, he is constantly riding it. Radio flyer is classic and super stylish!

My son is 2 this summer and mastered it in about a month. He is a tall for his age and the lowest setting what perfect for him at the beginning of summer, and I have increased seat height about half way by end of summer.

It has been left out in elements more than once and it seems to be holding up just give, good quality! Real rubber tires and metal equipment. Good buy and good investment

Two year old loves it. Her 4 year old brother has one also. Balance bikes are perfect for new "bikers". Don't forget the helmet!!

Best money I could have spent for my little man's 3rd bday! He LOVES it! As a matter of fact his 4yr old sister has loved it too!! Sturdy and easy to put together!!