What size bike for my child? The kids bike size guide
In short: age gives you a first idea, but inseam length decides the right size. A child who sits well on their bike can reach the ground, feels confident and learns faster.
Kids bike size chart
| Wheels | Typical age | Child's height | Inseam | Type of bike |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10" | 1 to 2 years | – | 23–30 cm | Balance bike |
| 12" | 18 months to 4 years | 80–95 cm | 30–45 cm | Balance bike |
| 14" | 3 to 5 years | 90–105 cm | 36–48 cm | Balance bike or first pedal bike |
| 16" | 4 to 6 years | 95–115 cm | 40–56 cm | First pedal bike |
| 18" | 4 to 6 years | – | 43–59 cm | First pedal bike |
| 20" | 5 to 8 years | 105–130 cm | 46–66 cm | Hybrid, town, mountain or road |
| 24" | 7 to 11 years | 115–145 cm | 56–76 cm | Hybrid, town, mountain or road |
| 26" | 9 to 14 years | 130–165 cm | 61–86 cm | Hybrid, town, mountain or road |
These ranges are a guide and vary from one model to another. Always check the size shown on the bike's page.
Measure the inseam in one minute
- Stand your child against a wall, barefoot, feet slightly apart.
- Place a book between their legs, spine up, and gently raise it to the crotch, keeping one edge against the wall.
- Measure the distance from the top of the book to the floor.
- Repeat twice and take the average.
Between two sizes?
- Balance bike: sitting on the saddle, your child should put both feet flat on the ground.
- First pedal bike: sitting on the saddle, they should at least reach the ground with their toes.
- Confident, experienced rider: you can go for the larger size.
- Hesitant child or beginner: choose the smaller of the two.
- Don't buy too big "to grow into": an oversized bike is heavier and harder to control, and your child loses confidence.
Our bikes by size
All our bikes are available to subscribe or to buy.
10" and 12" balance bikes (1 to 4 years): Frog Tadpole Mini (10"), Frog Tadpole, Rascal Punk, Kids Ride Shotgun Dirt Hero 12", Hornit AIRO+
14 inch (3 to 5 years): Frog Tadpole Plus, Kids Ride Shotgun Dirt Hero 14", Frog 40, Rascal 14
16 and 18 inch (4 to 6 years): Frog 44, Rascal 16, Naloo Chameleon 16", Frog 47 (18")
20 inch (5 to 8 years): Frog 53, Rascal 20, Naloo Chameleon 20", Bemoov M20, Frog City 53, Frog Road 53, Naloo Hill Bill 20"
24 inch (7 to 11 years): Frog 62, Rascal 24, Naloo Chameleon 24", Bemoov M24, Bemoov R24, Frog City 61, Naloo Hill Bill 24"
26 inch (9 to 14 years): Frog 67, Frog 73, Rascal 26, Naloo Chameleon 26", Bemoov M26, Bemoov R26, Frog City 67, Frog Road 70, Naloo Hill Bill 26"
Balance bikes · First pedal bikes · Hybrid · Town · Mountain · Road and gravel
Why bike weight matters
A standard kids bike can weigh almost half as much as the child. Our 14 and 16 inch bikes weigh around 5.5 to 6.5 kg: they are easier to start, stop and carry, and your child rides for longer without getting tired.
And when they grow?
That's the whole point of a Revolv subscription: when your child grows, you swap bikes at any time, without restarting your commitment. Delivery is free anywhere in Switzerland, and you get a 14-day trial to be sure of your choice.
Not sure? Come and try
The easiest way is to try. Visit our showroom at Rue des Rois 3 in Geneva, Monday to Friday (10:30 am to 2 pm and 3 pm to 7 pm), no appointment needed. You can also use our bike finder or email us at team@revolvbikes.com.
Live in or near Geneva? See where to ride with your child in Geneva.
Frequently asked questions
What size bike for a 3 year old?
Usually a 12 inch balance bike. If your child is tall (inseam of 36 cm or more) or already confident, a 14 inch balance bike or first pedal bike can work.
What size bike for a 5 year old?
Most often a 16 inch bike. A tall, confident child with an inseam of around 50 cm or more can already move up to 20 inch.
What size bike for an 8 year old?
A 20 or 24 inch bike depending on the inseam: 24 inch usually fits from 56 to 58 cm.
What size bike for a 10 year old?
A 24 or 26 inch bike. 26 inch usually fits from an inseam of 61 to 65 cm, depending on the model.
