When my little girl was 4 years old, I bought her a 16-inch bike. It was her very first bike, so I added training wheels to it. She was so excited to learn to ride it. Now, two years passed, this 16-inch bike still fits her well.
As a parent, I understand that you’re also thrilled to see your child’s enthusiasm for biking, but also want to make sure that they have a safe and enjoyable experience. That’s why I want to share my knowledge and experience here. For some children, like my lille girl, the 16-inch bike is their first bike, while for others this may be a step up from smaller sizes. Whichever it is, the 16-inch bike is a big step for them to develop their balancing and pedaling skills, and make them more proficient in controlling the brake system.
So, finding the best 16-inch bikes for your child in the 4-6 age range is very important. I hope with a right size bike, you children can become more confident and spark their love of biking.
What Age Range are 16-Inch Bikes Suitable for?
Kids’ bikes are measured with the wheel size, instead of the frame size. The size “16-inch” refers to the diameter of the wheels, which measures approximately 305mm under the ISO sizing system. These bikes are designed to be a step up from smaller sizes, like 12 and 14 inches or even balance bikes. This size is often the first “big kid” bike that children will receive.
Generally, 16-inch bikes are best suited for children between the ages of 4 and 6 years old. However, age isn’t the only factor when choosing children’s bikes. You’ll want to consider your child’s height and skill level, too. To some degree, these are more important than age.
So, What Height is a 16-Inch Bike for?
Many bike size charts for kids suggest a height range of 3’6’’ to 3’9’’ (105-115cm) for a 16-inch bike. However, these are just guidelines. Every child is unique, and they have their own pace of growth. So, measuring the height is also not enough.
To ensure that 16 inches wheel size is suitable for your child, the inseam length should also be taken into consideration. The inseam length is the length from your child’s crotch to the ground. Usually, the inseam length between 18-22 inches (45-50cm) will fit a 16-inch bike well.
16-Inch Bikes for Boys and Girls: Any Difference?
Unlike bikes for adults, most kids’ bikes are designed to be gender-neutral, including 16-inch bikes. That is to say, there’s really no significant differences between bikes for boys and girls at this stage, including the wheel size, the frame size, the handlebar, the brake system, and others.
The only difference, if exists, might be the colors and patterns on the finish of the bike. Some kids’ bike manufacturers may produce a single model with both boyish and girlish patterns to appeal to certain children.
So, there’s no need to bother about whether a 16-inch bike is for boys or girls.
Is a 16-Inch Bike with Training Wheels Necessary?
On most models, the 16 inches is the biggest size to enable training wheels. When purchasing a 16-inch bike, many parents wonder if training wheels are still necessary. The short answer is that it depends on the child’s ability and experience with riding a bike.
Like me, I bought the 16 inches bike with training wheels because that was my daughter’s first bike. At that time, she was just a beginner at riding. The training wheels were very helpful in developing her balance and coordination.
But some children who just upgrade from 12 or 14 inches to 16 inches have already mastered the basics of riding a bike. So, a 16-inch bike without training wheels may be a better choice. These bikes can help them continue to develop their balance and coordination, while also prompting a greater sense of independence and confidence.
Is a 16-Inch Mountain Bike Necessary?
A 16-inch mountain bike is a type of bike designed specifically for kids who want to hit the trails and tackle off-road terrain. It is built with sturdy frames, wider tires, and a suspension system to provide a smoother ride on rough terrain.
Many parents are asking whether a 16-inch mountain bike is necessary for their children. My opinion is, it depends on your child’s individual interests and the type of riding he or she plans to do. specifically, if your child is very interested in spending more time on trails or in bike parks, I think you can consider buying one. It can provide your child with the appropriate support and comfort.
On the other hand, if your child is more interested in recreational cycling or just riding on paved roads and smooth surfaces, a road bike or cruiser bike might be a better fit.
So, a 16-inch mountain bike is not a must for every child. I think a discussion with your child about his or her ideas on this is necessary before purchasing.
I hope these thoughts can help you narrow down your choices about a 16-inch bike for your child.
Next, I will share you with the top 5 16-inch bikes I, as well as my team member George, ever tried and tested for our children. But remember that my review is just the first step for you to find the best 16-inch bike for your boy or girl. Do have test rides.
5 Best 16-Inch Bikes for Boys and Girls
Schwinn Koen & Elm 16’’
- Weight: 20.61lbs
- Frame Material: Alloy steel
- Training Wheels: Yes
- Style: Sporty, BMX
The 16-inch Schwinn Koen & Elm Kids Bike is a good choice for boys and girls ages 4 to 6 who are just beginning to learn how to ride a bike. It comes with a sturdy alloy steel frame, which is lightweight and rust-free. It’s also equipped with a single-speed drivetrain, training wheels, and a number plate, so your child can start easily and feel like an independent rider.
The bike also comes with coaster brakes and hand brakes, providing an extra level of safety for your child. The coaster brakes are easy to use for smaller kids, while the hand brakes help advanced riders develop their braking skills.
Another great feature is the adjustable seat post. This is important for growing children who may need to adjust their bikes as they get taller. And you can do it without any tool, just need to operate the seat post clamp.
RoyalBaby Freestyle Kids Bike 16’’
- Weight: 25lbs
- Frame Material: Alloy steel
- Suspension: Rigid
- Training Wheels: Yes
- Style: Sporty, BMX
- Saddle Height: 21’’-26’’
RoyalBaby 16’’ bike is another best seller on Amazon which comes with decent quality and budget-friendly price. The frame is also made of alloy steel which is durable and lightweight. But it is about 5 pounds heavier than Schwinn’s.
This bike also has both coaster and hand brakes. What needs to be mentioned is the hand brake lever. It is patent and has the shortest grip length to ensure that even little kids can easily handle it.
It comes with training wheels, a water bottle, and a kickstand, which are versatile for both smaller and elder kids ages 4-7.
BTW, it comes 95% pre-assembled. You can put all components together quickly.
Woom 3
- Weight: 13.1lbs
- Frame Material: Aluminum
- Training Wheels: No
- Style: Sporty, BMX
- Saddle Height: 19.3’’-25’’
Woom 3 is perfect for children aged 4 to 6 years. One of the standout features of the Woom 3 is its lightweight design. This 16-inch bike weighs only 13.1 pounds, making it one of the lightest 16-inch bikes on the market. It also has many child-specific components, including a child-sized saddle, handlebars, and brake levers.
Color-coded brake levers are another smart design feature I like. It helps remind kids not to grab a handful of brakes when they’re cruising along. They’re also ergonomically designed to fit small hands and have no tools required for reach adjustment.
Additional features include high-quality tires, a kickstand, and a bell. These features add to the overall functionality and convenience of the bike, making it a great choice for parents who want a bike that their child can use for a range of different activities.
Decathlon BTwin 16’’
- Weight: 20.3lbs
- Frame Material: 100% Steel
- Training Wheels: No, but can be added
- Style: Sporty, BMX
- Saddle Height: 19.5’’-23.75’’
The BTwin 16’’ is one of Decathlon’s own kids’ bike brands and is a very popular choice among parents who want a great value entry-level bike. It uses proportionately sized components from Decathlon, making it much easier to use for smaller children. The frame is also relatively light. The bike is fitted with mudguards and a kickstand, which can be useful additions if you’re planning to take your kids for regular rides around town or to school.
It is available in a range of colors, including a variety of adorable cartoon characters for both boys and girls.
However, some parents may find that the bike’s components are not as high-end as other bikes on the market. Nonetheless, the Decathlon BTwin 16-inch bike is still a great option for parents who are looking for an affordable and reliable bike for their child.
Huffy Disney Princess Kid Bike 16’’
- Weight: 29lbs
- Frame Material: Alloy steel
- Training Wheels: Yes
The Huffy Disney Princess Kid Bike 16-inch is a charming and delightful option for any little princess. As a parent, I was impressed by the bike’s sturdy steel frame and fun features that kids will love.
The frame is equipped with rear coaster brakes, which enable your child to pedal back to stop. The training wheels can be moved to a higher position on the back wheel or removed altogether. However, extra effort may be required to do this.
This bike is a little bit heavy, weighing 29 pounds. It will be difficult for children, especially little girls, to handle and move. But if your little one is keen on Disney princesses, it can also be a nice choice
How to Choose the Best 16-Inch Bike for Your Child?
We have a full article talking about how to choose the right bike size for kids. We’ve also talked about the child’s height and inseam length ranges to fit 16 inches wheels. So, in this part, I will focus on the factors to consider when choosing a 16-inch bike for 4,5, or 6 years old children.
Weight
Children for 16-inch bikes are usually 4-6 years old and are not strong enough. A bike that is too heavy can be difficult for them to maneuver and control. It’s also possible to lead to frustration and even accidents.
Here’s a general rule: a 16-inch bike for this age range should weigh no more than 20% of the child’s body weight. So if your child weighs 50 pounds, the bike should weigh no more than 10 pounds. Some of the lighter options on the market are made with aluminum frames, which can help reduce the overall weight of the bike.
It’s always a good idea to try lifting and maneuvering the bike yourself before making a purchase, to ensure that it’s a suitable weight for your child.
Frame Design
The frame design of a 16-inch bike determines the posture of the child while riding. Some bikes have a higher handlebar height and a shorter reach to the handlebars. The geometry of the frame allows the child to sit more upright, which can be more comfortable and feel more natural for beginning riders. Riding on such bikes, children don’t need to be in an aggressive position, so it is ideal for casual riding around the neighborhood or on easy trails.
On the other hand, some bikes have a lower handlebar than the saddle, creating a more aerodynamic riding position. That is, the rider should lean forward to grip the handlebar. These bikes usually have a more sloping top tube to allow riders to have a more forward position. These bikes are more suitable for more experienced children.
Brakes
There are two main types of brakes for 16-inch bikes: coaster brakes and hand brakes.
Coaster brakes, also known as foot brakes, work by pedaling backward to slow down or stop the bike. Coaster brakes are very simple to use and require no hand strength. So they are very popular on young children’s bikes. However, coaster brakes can also make it difficult to slow down or stop quickly, especially on wet or slippery surfaces. This is why many parents don’t like coaster brakes for their children’s bikes.
Hand brakes require the rider to squeeze a lever on the handlebars to activate the brake. They can be adjusted to provide more or less braking power. So, they are more often used on older children’s bikes that can ride faster or on more challenging terrain.
Many 16-inch bikes on the market come with both coaster and hand brakes. So you won’t bother any more. Generally, bikes with hand brakes tend to be more expensive than coaster brakes.
Gears
16-inch bikes usually come with a single-speed drivetrain, which means they have only one gear. This design simplifies the operation of the bike, especially for starters. They don’t have to worry about shifting gears or adjusting the chain. What’s more, single-speed bikes are lighter in weight, which is very important for child riders.
Some bike models for kids may have gears, especially those designed for advanced riders. They have more options for riding speed on different terrains. These bikes will be more complex to maintain and more expensive compared with single-speed bikes.
Price
There is a wide range of price options available for 16-inch bikes. Some models can cost as little as $50, while others can cost several hundred of dollars. Generally, the more features and higher quality components a bike has, the more expensive it will be. For example, a bike with a lightweight frame, hand brakes, and multiple gears will likely cost more than a basic bike with a heavier frame and coaster brakes.
My opinion is, though a higher price tag might indicate a higher quality bike for children, it’s not necessary to spend a lot of money on a single bike. Our children are growing fast. A bike may only be suitable for 2 or 3 years. You may find that they need a bigger size bike very soon. Additionally, many affordable options on the market still provide a safe and enjoyable riding experience for children.
5 Best 16-Inch Bikes for Kids Comparison
| Bike Model | Schwinn Koen & Elm 16’’ | RoyalBaby Freestyle Kids Bike 16’’ | Woom 3 | Decathlon BTwin 16’’ | Huffy Disney Princess Kid Bike 16’’ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age Range | 3-5 | 4-7 | 4-6 | 4-6 | 4-6 |
| Weight (lbs) | 20.61 | 25 | 13.1 | 20.3 | 29 |
| Frame Material | Alloy steel | Alloy steel | Aluminum | 100% steel | Alloy steel |
| Brakes | Coaster and hand brakes | Coaster and hand brakes | Front and rear hand brakes | Coaster and single hand brakes | Coaster and hand brakes |
| Gear | Single-speed | Single-speed | 3-speed | Single-speed | Single-speed |
| Wheel Type | Air-filled tires | Air-filled tires | Air-filled tires | Air-filled tires | Air-filled tires |
| Training Wheels | Yes | Yes | No | No, but can be added | Yes |
| Additional Features | Adjustable seat height | Water bottle holder, bell | Lightweight | Chain guiard | Disney princesses |
| Recommended Height Range | 38”-48” | 42”-45” | 41”-47” | 43”-48” | 42”-48” |
| Seat Height Range | 21”-26” | 19.3”-25” | 19.5”-23.75” | ||
| Price | $246 | $169 | $399 | $249 | $149 |
| Where to Buy | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Woom | Buy on Decathlon |
FAQ
1. Is a 16-inch bike too big for 4 years old kids?
It depends on the child’s height and inseam. Generally, a 16-inch bike is suitable for children between 3’6″ and 3’9″ tall (105-115 cm), which is typically around 4-6 years old. However, every child is different, and you should make sure to measure your child’s height and inseam to determine the best bike size for them.
2. Can a 3-year-old kid ride a 16-inch bike?
A 16-inch bike is typically too big for a 3-year-old. Children of this age are usually better suited to a smaller bike, such as a 12- or 14-inch bike. But if you child is taller than the average height, such as taller than 3’6”, you can give it a try.
3. What size bike does a 7-year-old kid need?
For a 7-year-old child, a 20-inch bike is typically the best size.
4. How tall should you be for a 16-inch bike frame?
A 16-inch bike frame is suitable for children between 3’6″ and 3’9″ tall (105-115 cm).
5. What age is a 16-inch bike for?
A 16-inch bike is typically designed for children between the ages of 4 and 6 years old. However, the more important factors are your child’s height and inseam while determining the best bike size for them.
6. Is a 16-inch bike too small for a 7-year-old kid?
Yes, a 16-inch bike is typically too small for a 7-year-old child. A 20-inch bike is usually the best size for a 7-year-old. But you should measure their height and inseam to determine the right size for them.
7. What size bike does a 5-year-old kid need?
A 5-year-old child is usually best suited to a 16-inch bike. However, their height and inseam length are more important. Besides, you should also consider their skill level.
