How to Teach a Child to Ride a Bike (When Training Wheels Haven’t Worked)

It’s a familiar story: a child who claims they “can’t ride”, has tried training wheels, leans on them like crutches, and would rather be pushed than pedal. If that’s your child, good news—they're not behind, they've just been taught in a way that makes balancing harder. With the right fit, a light bike, and a simple, confidence-first routine, most kids crack riding in days (sometimes minutes).

This guide shows you exactly how to set things up, what kind of bike helps, a proven learning method, troubleshooting tips, and when to consider a learn-to-ride coach. It’s written for grandparents and parents who want a calm, practical approach that works.

Why training wheels stall progress

Training wheels stop a bike from leaning. The trouble is that balancing a bike is all about leaning and steering together. When stabilisers hold the bike upright, children don’t learn that connection. They steer “against” the lean, develop an awkward pedal-push pattern, and often freeze the moment the supports are removed. That’s why kids who’ve relied on training wheels may prefer to be pushed—they don’t yet feel in control.

The fix: remove the training wheels, lower the saddle, and give them a way to feel safe while learning to balance.

Fit first: comfort and control beat wheel size

Forget the number on the tyres for a moment. What matters most is minimum saddle height vs. inseam.

Quick inseam check (2 minutes):

1. Child places their back to a wall.
2. Place a thin book between the legs (gently upward to mimic a saddle).
3. Measure from top of book to the floor. That’s the inseam in centimetres.

Goal: At the lowest saddle setting, the child should be able to place both feet flat on the ground with a gentle knee bend. This creates instant safety and control - perfect for timid riders learning.

Other fit cues:

• Low standover height (easy to straddle the top tube).
• Small-hand brake levers within comfortable reach.

Choose features that make learning easier

1) Lightweight frame and wheels

A light kids’ bike is easier to start, steer, and catch. Heavy bikes feel sluggish and amplify nerves. If the child can pick it up themselves, that’s a good sign.

2) Hand brakes (front and rear) set for small hands

Many children learn faster on a bike with hand brakes and a freewheel (no back-pedal brake). Hand brakes let kids roll the pedals to the start position without accidental stopping, and build real braking skill early. Adjust the little reach screw on each lever so she can comfortably wrap two fingers around the lever.

3) Kid-friendly geometry

Look for a low centre of gravity, modest handlebar width, and cranks sized for small legs. These details add up to a bike that feels planted and predictable.

Note: at base bikes we design around these principles because they consistently help hesitant riders progress—ultra-light frames, low minimum saddle heights, and easy-reach levers are standard across our range.

Set-up checklist (do this before the first lesson)

• Remove training wheels.
• Lower the saddle so they can flat-foot with a slight bend in the knees.
• Brake reach: wind each lever’s reach adjuster in until they can comfortably squeeze with two fingers. Test on a smooth, flat path.
• Tyres pumped to the recommended pressure (printed on the sidewall).
• Pedals on and tight (unless you’re using the balance bike method—see below).
• Helmet fitted snugly (two fingers above the eyebrows; straps form a “V” under each ear, only a single finger gap between the strap and the skin).

A proven way to learn - the balance bike method

This method is ideal for a child who is anxious, tends to stiffen up, or has relied heavily on training wheels.

How to do it:

1. Remove the pedals for a short phase (a pedal spanner makes this easy - included with every base bike).
2. Find a flat, quiet path, or even better, a vacant tennis or basketball court.
3. Start with scooting: attempt to glide and raise the knees. Celebrate even a one-second glide.
4. Add brake-to-a-line games: glide and stop at the chalk mark.
5. When they're linking 3–5 second glides and braking on cue, reinstall the pedals—ideally the same day or next. Keep momentum going so they doesn’t “settle” into scooting forever.

Click here for a short video explainer.

Why it works: It isolates the balance skill without pedal coordination noise. Stopping on purpose, exactly when you want to, builds control and, importantly, confidence.

Practical Learning Tips

• Set up for success first. Fit the helmet snugly, adjust brake-lever reach for small hands, and lower the saddle so both feet can rest flat with a slight knee bend.
• Start with short wins. Keep early sessions to around 10 minutes. Always finish on a positive rep.
• Teaching brakes = control. Play “glide to the cone and stop on the line.” Praise smooth, gentle two-finger braking over speed or distance.
• Add easy turning early. Chalk a big, lazy S-curve or place cones in easy make turns. Looking ahead through the bend helps balance.
• Introduce the power-pedal start: Refit pedals (if you removed them) and practise: dominant pedal at ~2 o’clock → one strong push → both feet on → soft pedalling.
• Link the pieces. Build short sequences: start → a few pedal strokes → gentle turn → brake to a stop. Keep it playful and reset often.
• Use tiny “missions.” Give simple objectives like “ride to the bench, ring the bell, ride back.” Purpose reduces nerves and creates natural reps.
• Keep environments quiet. Choose car-free spaces with minimal distractions so they can focus on balance, braking, and looking ahead.
• Coach with your hands off the bars. If you assist, hold lightly at the back of the saddle and let go early. 
• Celebrate form, not speed. Praise looking up, gentle braking, and smooth corners. Save talk of distance and pace for later.
• Know when to stop. Quit while they’re still buzzing—short, happy sessions beat long, wobbly ones every time.

Troubleshooting: common sticking points and quick fixes

“She keeps looking down at the front wheel.”
Place cones or chalk marks ahead and cue her to “look to the next cone”. Where the eyes go, the bike follows.

“Feet shoot off the pedals.”
Lower the saddle a touch. Check shoes (grippy soles help). Remind her “heels down” when coasting.

“She’s grabbing a handful of brake and stopping suddenly.”
Teach two-finger braking and gentle squeezing. Practise slow-speed stops to a line.

“She’s anxious before you even start.”
Make the first task ridiculously easy (two scoots, one second glide), praise the try, and stop. The win matters more than the time.

“Strong preference for being pushed.”
Hold the saddle for the first 1–2 seconds only, then let go. Count the seconds she rides solo aloud so she hears the progress.

“Balance is okay, but starting is messy.”
Drill the power-pedal start separately: set pedal → push hard once → both feet on → soft pedal strokes.

1. Red Light, Green Light – “Green” = pedal, “Yellow” = coast, “Red” = stop on the line.
2. Treasure Run – Ride to pick up a soft toy and bring it back to the “nest” (best if the bike has a basket accessory).
3. Follow the Snake – Chalk a wiggly line; stay on it end to end.
4. Bridge & Tunnel – Two cones make the “tunnel”; ride through without touching.
5. Countdown Challenge – “Can you glide for 3…2…1? New record!”

Short games create natural reps and keep the tone light.

• Helmet always.
• Quiet, traffic-free areas only.
• Grass first if nerves are high, then smooth paths.
• Check bolts weekly, tyres monthly.
• Stop if she’s tired or frustrated—tomorrow is another day.

When to consider a learn-to-ride coach

A great coach can fast-track progress, especially if:

• she’s very nervous around new physical skills,
• previous falls are creating a mental block, or
• you’d like a pro to handle the first sessions so you can cheer from the sidelines.  Having the authority of a coach, rather than a parent, can completely change the dynamics in a positive way.

A single small-group session can transform confidence and give you drills to keep going at home.

Final word: small wins, big smiles

Children don’t fail to learn to ride; they just haven’t had the right combination of fit, lightness, and practice structure yet. Start with flat-foot confidence, keep sessions tiny and cheerful, choose the method that suits her personality, and celebrate each tiny win. Whether you go 16″ or a low-saddle 20″, ditch the training wheels, keep the vibes positive, and watch the magic happen.

If you’d like tailored sizing help, send us your child's height and inseam.

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Written by the team at base bikes — thoughtful, lightweight kids’ bikes designed to make learning to ride easier, safer, and more fun.