Kids' Bike Size Guide
Choosing the right bike for your child doesn’t have to be complicated. At SCHEELS, our Bike Experts help you find the perfect fit, from measuring your child to making sure every detail is dialed in for comfort and safety. Watch the video above to see a real bike fitting in action, then follow our guide to determine the right size for your child so you can shop with confidence.
Whether your child is just learning to ride or ready for a bigger bike, understanding wheel size, inseam, and fit will help ensure a safe and comfortable ride. Our Bike Experts break down everything you need to know, from the correct wheel size to testing the bike for the perfect fit.
What Size Bike Does My Child Need?
Kids’ bikes are measured by wheel size, not frame size like adult bikes. Typical kids’ bike sizes range from 12 to 24 inches, which refers to the height of the wheel. For example, a kids’ 20-inch bike has wheels that are 20 inches tall. Once children are ready for their first adult bike, wheels typically start at 26 inches.
The chart below is a great starting point for deciding which bike size fits your child. Measuring your child’s inseam will give the most accurate fit.
Kids’ Bike Size Chart
| Bike Size | Wheel Height | Child Age | Child Height | Child Inseam |
|---|---|---|---|---|
12 | 12" | 2-3 | 36-39” | 15-18” |
| 14 | 14" | 2-4 | 37-44” | 15-20” |
| 16 | 16" | 4-6 | 41-48” | 16-22” |
| 20 | 20" | 5-8 | 45-54” | 19-25” |
| 24 | 24" | 8-11 | 49-59” | 23-28” |
| 26 | 26" | 10+ | 56”+ | 25”+ |
How to Measure Inseam
To measure your child’s inseam, you’ll need a tape measure and a book (or similar item). The book will act as the saddle or the seat of the bicycle. Follow these steps to find their inseam:
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Have your child stand against the wall with their feet shoulder distance apart.
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Place the book (spine up) between their legs, just where a bicycle seat would be.
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Measure the length from the book’s spine to the floor. This is your child’s inseam!
Expert Tip | Repeat this process 2 to 3 times to get the most accurate inseam measurement.
Understanding Kids' Bike Sizes
Our Bike Experts recommend the following general guide to help match your child with the right bike size based on age, experience, and riding ability.
12-inch & 14-inch Bikes
These are ideal for young riders. Kids can choose a balance bike to learn coordination and confidence or a pedal bike with or without training wheels.
- Typical Age Range: 2 to 4 years
16-inch Bikes
A common next step, many kids move from a balance bike directly to a 16-inch pedal bike. Most include removable training wheels and rear coaster brakes.
- Typical Age Range: 5 to 8 years
20-inch & 24-inch Bikes
For more experienced riders, these bikes often include hand brakes and multiple gears, perfect for riding hills or exploring more advanced cycling skills.
- Typical Age Range: 6 to 11 years
How to Test a New Kids’ Bike
Now that you know which size of kids' bike works best, it's time to check the fit!
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Measure your child’s height and leg inseam in inches, then use the size chart above to determine which bike size to test out.
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Have your child straddle the bike. They should be able to do so with their feet flat on the floor without their bottom resting on the frame.
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Can they reach the handlebars? Their arms should be slightly bent at the elbows and the grip should feel comfortable. If their arms are fully extended, the bike does not fit.
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Have them sit on the bike and pedal. At the bottom of their pedal stroke, their legs should be slightly bent at the knee. If their leg is fully extended at the bottom of the pedal stroke, the bike is too tall.
Expert Tip | Although it may be tempting to buy a larger bike for your child to ‘grow into’, our Bike Experts advise against this. It’s important to choose a bike that fits your child where they’re at for comfort and safety reasons.
Now that you know how to measure your child for a bike, what size to buy, and how to test that the bike is the right fit, you’re ready to enjoy a stress-free shopping experience for your child’s new bike! Before your child starts riding their bike, make sure they have a well-fitting bike helmet to wear. If you have any questions about kids’ bike sizes or want to look at bike options, stop by your local SCHEELS to speak with a Bike Expert!