I bought this one for my 3.5 yo granddaughter, and a smaller one for her 20-month-old brother. I have copied and pasted this review here:
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Fisher-Price-lightweight-Balance-Bike-for-Ages-2/726472012
They were just starting out when I saw the kids two weeks ago. The 3.5 yo was close to balance riding, but my grandson was more interested in setting his helmet on backwards and sideways, then throwing it to the driveway. I did try out the noise making wheel, which is one reason I thought he would like his. I'm sure he'll catch on soon when he sees his sister gliding by on hers. Frankly, I am afraid he'll only be interested in hers because he's always trying to get in on whatever she's doing. No separate but equal for him, no sir!
I think she's a bit confused because she does know how to pedal a tricycle and sees neighborhood kids on pedal bikes every day. Still, she knows enough to use her foot power, and does not seem the slightest bit wobbly on it. I think the little one will require some hands-on training to get the hang of it.
At first, I was perplexed by this new concept, and had to ask my daughter what she meant when she first mentioned balance bikes. When you think about it, it makes perfect sense, teaching little ones to balance before putting them on a two-wheeler, skipping over the training wheels like my kids used (me too!) My son road on 2 wheels at only 3.5 years, on a very small bike with training wheels he didn't need very long. My daughters were older. When we thought they were ready we used the tried-and-true hold on to the back of the seat to get them started. I wonder if anyone has made a study of the ease of transition to two-wheeled bicycles, from balance bikes vs. training wheels?
Again, it seems like common sense to me, but I'm reserving some skepticism all the same. Maybe they are just ready when they're ready, regardless of whichever wheels you've provided thus far? Who knows?
In any case I didn't see any point in spending big money on them, although I did see them up to $209 on Walmart.com. At least one had pedals to be added later, some even had hand brakes. I did want my G-kids to have real rubber tires (vs. the rubber lookalike EVAs.) But this was more my gut feeling than objective reasoning. There must be a reason so many have EVA wheels, and I figured it was manufacturers' cost savings. But who knows? Maybe I'm wrong to think rubber wheels are better. There's no shortage of bike selection, and my gut tells me one balance bike is about the same as any other, except that sizes vary. I settled on my two because I was tired of thinking about it. I hope they last long enough to be passed on or donated. With reasonable care (indoor storage) I believe they will.
CHOKING HAZARD - Children Under 3
