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Strider recommends the model 12 with rocking base for ages 6 mo - 4 yrs old, the model 12 with no rocking base for ages 1-4 yrs old, the model 14 for ages 3 - 6 yrs old, and the model 20 for ages 8+. Specific inseam / height specs available on product pages.
LETS GO !
Before my son could walk, he was mounting a Strider bike. I bought him the Strider 12 Sport with the optional rocking base. It was on display at my local Honda dealership when I was looking to pick up my Africa Twin. I was more excited about picking this bike up than I was about getting my Africa Twin. Getting my son started on this bike meant knowing that, for the rest of his life, he would have the joy of being on two wheels. This first step was to teach him how to mount the bike in a way that would translate to his first motorcycle: approach the bike from the left (non-throttle side), place the left hand on the left handlebar grip, place the right hand on the right handlebar grip (simulating covering the brake lever), and swing the right leg over the back of the bike (no step-through).
The bike became a natural toy for him to play with. He used to rock on that Strider, mounted to the rocking base, until he was able to walk. When he was able to balance on his feet, I removed the rocking base. I used to push him all over the living room and front yard while encouraging him to "duck walk" with the bike. This taught him to control the bike while helping him develop more leg strength. When his little legs got tired, he would put his feet on the platform so I could push him for some more seat time.
As he got older, I started introducing "kick-and-coast," where he would push off the ground with his feet and then use the momentum to take a ride (like a skateboard). Then I introduced some slight declines and hills. After this step, he was ready for a motorized bike.
Those fundamentals carried straight into his next bike, a STACYC, and later the KTM SX-E 5. If you are starting a young rider, a solid balance bike is worth the investment. It takes time and patience to make this type of practice fun and safe.
Many parents of older kids have told me that they regret not getting their kids on two wheels yet. I tell them two things: 1) I didn't start riding until my early 20s, so if they start their kids now, they will already be ahead of me. 2) They make balance bikes for all ages, and it's never too late to start.
ATGATT: All The Gear, All The Time - is the only standard that we can encourage. While we are guilty of breaking the ATGATT recommendation, we do not encourage others to do so. A properly sized and rated helmet, along with protective clothing and body protection, is always best practice.
The button below labeled "STARTING YOUNG" will bring you to a brief summary of how he went from a balance bike to ripping rooster tails on his KTM. You can choose which bike to read about next from there.
Follow us on social media to see our bikes and where we are on the motorcycle journey now. We would love for you to ride with us in the comment section and join the discussion.