Balance bikes are small two-wheeled bicycles with no pedals or chain, designed for children to propel themselves by pushing off the ground with their feet. This straightforward approach allows young riders to focus on balance and steering without the added complexity of pedalling. Unlike pedal bikes with training wheels—which keep the bike upright but don’t teach balance—a balance bike requires children to actively maintain their equilibrium from the start.

This early emphasis on balance helps children develop confidence, coordination and motor skills, often leading to a smoother transition to pedal bikes. Many kids who start with a balance bike begin riding pedal bikes independently at a younger age, often skipping training wheels altogether.

The Bonsai by Early Rider is a refined example of the genre—a children’s bike that is both a durable outdoor toy and a beautifully crafted wooden object. The 12-inch frame is made from laminated birch, a sustainably sourced hardwood prized for its high strength-to-weight ratio and smooth, knot-free grain. Early Rider pairs this with a precision aluminum finishing kit, including a handlebar and stem developed in collaboration with Ritchey Logic.