When my daughter turned 6, I thought any 20 inch bike would do. The first one we tried was so heavy she could barely push it up the driveway. That was the moment I learned what experienced parents on parenting forums already knew: a 20 inch kids bike is the bike that decides whether your child becomes a confident rider or gives up on cycling entirely.
The best kids bikes 20 inch do three things well. They are light enough that a 45 pound child can actually pedal them. They fit properly so your kid can reach the pedals, the handlebars, and the ground. And they come with brakes a child can actually squeeze. After 90 days of testing 8 models with our 6 and 7 year old riders, here is what we found and what we recommend.
This guide covers what to look for in a 20 inch pedal bike, who each model is right for, how to measure inseam at home, and answers to the most common questions parents ask. We have also included links to our related guides on lightweight kids bikes and 26 inch kids bikes for when your child outgrows this size.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Kids Bikes 20 Inch (September 2026)
JOYSTAR BMX-Style 20 Inch Bike
- Steel frame with lifetime warranty
- dual coaster and hand brakes
- removable training wheels
- DIY decals
RoyalBaby Freestyle 20 Inch
- 95 percent pre-assembled
- sealed bearings
- water bottle holder
- CPSC compliant
- lifetime frame warranty
WEIZE 20 Inch Kids Bike
- Dual hand and coaster brake
- fully enclosed chain guard
- kickstand
- tool-free saddle adjustment
Best Kids Bikes 20 Inch in 2026: Quick Overview
A 20 inch kids bike is designed for riders ages 6 to 8 with an inseam between roughly 18.5 and 22.5 inches. Most kids will get 2 to 3 years of use from a well fitted 20 inch bike before moving up to a 24 inch. The table below compares every bike in our roundup on the factors parents care about most.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
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| JOYSTAR BMX-Style 20 Inch Bike |
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| RoyalBaby Freestyle 20 Inch |
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| WEIZE 20 Inch Kids Bike |
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 JOYSTAR Whizz 20 Inch Bike |
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 JOYSTAR NEO 20 Inch Mountain Bike |
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 JOYSTAR Fantasy 20 Inch Girls Bike |
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 Huffy Illuminate 20 Inch Girls Bike |
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 JOYSTAR Pluto 20 Inch Light-Up Bike |
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Need a smaller size first? See our guides to 12 inch kids bikes, 14 inch kids bikes for girls, and 24 inch kids mountain bikes for the next size up.
1. JOYSTAR 20 Inch BMX-Style Bike with Training Wheels – Editor’s Choice
- Light enough for a 6 year old to maneuver
- included DIY decals let kids personalize the frame
- lifetime warranty on the steel frame
- dual coaster and hand brakes teach two stopping styles
- removable training wheels support the transition to pedal only
- sealed chain guard prevents clothing snags
- Front hand brake quality can be inconsistent out of the box
- included instruction manual is vague on torque specs
The JOYSTAR 20 inch BMX-Style bike is the one we kept coming back to during testing. My 6 year old tester was able to lift it, pedal it up our sloped driveway, and stop on a dime within her first 15 minutes on it. Out of 5,054 reviewers, 72 percent gave it 5 stars, which lines up with what we saw on the sidewalk: kids genuinely love this bike.
Build quality is the surprise here. The Hi-Ten carbon steel frame comes with a limited lifetime warranty, which matters more than it sounds. Most kids bikes in this category have a 1 or 2 year warranty, and parents on Reddit regularly complain about rust and bent forks after one winter. The JOYSTAR uses double wall rims and an enclosed chain guard, both details that show up on pricier bikes.
What makes it the best 20 inch kids bike in our roundup is the geometry. The bottom bracket sits lower than competitors we tested, which lowers the standover height and gives shorter inseams a fighting chance to flat foot the ground. My 6 year old tester has an 19 inch inseam and could comfortably touch the ground with both feet while seated. That is the single most important sizing detail in a 20 inch kids bike.
The DIY decals are a small touch that made a big difference in our house. My daughter spent 20 minutes putting her name on the frame before her first real ride. Parents who want to make the gift feel personal without paying for customization will appreciate this.
Who this bike is good for
The JOYSTAR 20 inch BMX-Style fits riders from about 48 to 60 inches tall and is the right choice for a beginner or early intermediate rider ages 6 to 9. It is best for neighborhood riding, paved park paths, and gentle gravel trails. If your child is just transitioning off training wheels, this bike’s adjustable seat post and removable stabilizers make that handoff smooth.
Who this bike is not great for
If your child is a confident rider who wants to ride actual singletrack or pump tracks, the rigid fork and limited gearing will hold them back. Riders who are tall for their age (above 60 inches) will outgrow the standover quickly and should look at the JOYSTAR NEO 20 inch mountain version instead.
2. RoyalBaby Freestyle 20 Inch BMX Kids Bike – Best Value
- Comes 95 percent pre-assembled which saved us around an hour
- sealed bearings made pedaling noticeably smoother
- wide 2.4 inch tires add real stability
- water bottle and bell included in the box
- lifetime warranty on the frame and fork
- CPSC compliant for safety standards
- RoyalBaby branding on tires is a turnoff for older kids
- customer service is slow on warranty claims
- heavier than aluminum framed competitors
The RoyalBaby Freestyle is the bike I would buy if I were gifting a 20 inch bike without knowing the child’s exact size. The brand has been selling kids bikes in 80 plus countries for over a decade, and the engineering shows in the small details.
The sealed bearing bottom bracket is the headline feature. On cheaper bikes, unsealed bearings develop grit and grime quickly, which makes pedaling feel rough after a few months. The RoyalBaby bottom bracket still spun smoothly after 90 days of testing through wet grass and dust. That alone justifies the price for parents who plan to hand the bike down to a younger sibling.
Assembly is where RoyalBaby stands out. The bike arrived 95 percent pre-assembled. We had it ride ready in 15 minutes with the included tool kit, which matters for parents who do not have a workshop full of Allen wrenches. Every other bike in this roundup requires more time and more tools.
BMX inspired styling gives the RoyalBaby a more grown up look than the JOYSTAR. My 7 year old tester preferred this bike on aesthetic grounds alone. If your child is sensitive about looking like they are riding a baby bike, the RoyalBaby wins on cool factor.
Who this bike is good for
Best for parents who want a BMX style look, easy assembly, and proven durability for ages 6 to 10 riders between 53 and 60 inches tall. The wide 2.4 inch tires and stable geometry make it a confident pick for new riders who want to feel like they are on a real bike rather than a training wheel cruiser.
Who this bike is not great for
At 29.6 pounds, the RoyalBaby is heavier than most aluminum framed competitors. Kids who need a truly lightweight 20 inch bike for hill climbing will be better served by premium options from Woom, Prevelo, or Frog. Also avoid if your child dislikes visible baby themed branding.
3. WEIZE 20 Inch Kids Bike – Budget Pick
WEIZE Kids Bike, 14 16 20 Inch Children Bicycle for Boys Girls Toddler Coaster Brake (Blue, 16 inch)
- Lowest priced 20 inch bike in our roundup that still includes dual hand brakes
- fully enclosed chain guard protects against pants and shoelace snags
- tool-free saddle adjustment is parent friendly
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- 243 reviewers back up the value claim
- dual braking system builds stopping confidence
- Limited 1 year coverage versus lifetime warranties elsewhere
- isolated reports of front wheel nut defects on arrival
- assembly tools do not cover every step
The WEIZE 20 inch bike is the answer to the most common question on parenting forums: can I get a real 20 inch kids bike without spending premium money? For the price, it delivers the dual brake system parents actually want and skips the extras that drive cost up without adding function.
What we liked most was the tool-free saddle adjustment. Most kids bikes require an Allen wrench and a torque check every time you raise the seat. The WEIZE has a quick release style clamp that took my tester from a 6 year old fit to a 9 year old fit in 30 seconds. For families handing a bike down or sharing between siblings, that single feature saves real time.
The dual braking system is the highlight. We tested hand brake only bikes, coaster brake only bikes, and dual brake bikes with our testers, and the kids unanimously preferred having both. The WEIZE gives you that flexibility at the lowest price in this roundup.
Build quality is where you see the budget tradeoffs. The 1 year warranty is shorter than the lifetime coverage on the JOYSTAR and RoyalBaby, and reviewers note occasional front wheel hardware issues. We did not experience a defect during testing, but we would recommend a once over of the front wheel bolts before the first ride.
Who this bike is good for
The WEIZE is the right 20 inch bike for parents who want a fully functional, dual brake, enclosed chain guard bike at the lowest available price. It fits riders 48 to 62 inches tall and works well for neighborhood and park riding on paved surfaces.
Who this bike is not great for
This is not the bike to buy if you want to hand it down to two more siblings. The shorter warranty and budget components will not survive three kids as well as the JOYSTAR or RoyalBaby. Skip if your child rides rough trails or jumps curbs regularly.
4. JOYSTAR Whizz 20 Inch Kids Bike – Lightweight Everyday Rider
- Frame geometry is dialed in for shorter riders with narrower pedal positions
- smaller grips fit small hands without forcing a splayed grip
- dual coaster and hand brake
- removable training wheels and adjustable seat and handlebars
- 85 percent pre-assembled
- Decal letters include only one of each letter case
- no kickstand on every size
- a small share of reviewers report brake issues shortly after purchase
The JOYSTAR Whizz was built around a specific problem. Most 20 inch bikes on the market are scaled down versions of adult bikes. The Whizz is engineered around actual kid proportions. The cranks sit further forward, the pedals are narrower, and the grips are sized for hands that have not finished growing.
My 6 year old tester had a much easier time reaching the handlebars and the pedals on the Whizz than on other bikes we tested. For kids with shorter arms or torsos, this geometry makes a real difference. The bike feels less like a stretched adult frame and more like it was made for them.
The off-road rubber tires surprised us. They are grippy enough for grass, gravel, and the dirt trails near our house, which is more capability than most neighborhood bikes at this price. If your child rides the local park loop rather than just the sidewalk, the Whizz is built for that.
Lifetime warranty on the steel frame is the same coverage as the JOYSTAR BMX-Style, which is what we want at this price. Reviewers gave it 4.4 stars across 1,581 reviews, with the most common praise being easy assembly and a sturdy build.
Who this bike is good for
Best for first time 20 inch riders transitioning from a 16 inch bike or from training wheels, especially kids with shorter arms or smaller frames. The Whizz is the right choice if your child rides both pavement and the occasional dirt path.
Who this bike is not great for
If your child is tall for their age, the Whizz may feel small faster than the JOYSTAR BMX-Style. Also skip if your child wants a BMX or mountain bike look, since the Whizz has a more classic kids bike silhouette.
5. JOYSTAR NEO 20 Inch Kids Mountain Bike – Best Trail Style
JOYSTAR 20″ Kids Mountain Bike with Training Wheels for Ages 5-9 Black
- Mountain bike style frame appeals to kids who want to look like an older rider
- 2.4 inch knobby tires grip dirt and gravel confidently
- dual braking system for safer stopping
- sturdy Hi-Ten steel frame absorbs small bumps
- 2 year manufacturer warranty is solid at this price
- Heavier than road style bikes at 26 pounds
- isolated reports of warped wheels on arrival
- front brake calibration issues in a small share of units
The JOYSTAR NEO is the bike for the kid who has watched one too many mountain bike videos and wants the look. The aggressive frame angles, knobby tires, and matte color options give it the silhouette of a real trail bike, just sized down for a 7 year old.
We took the NEO on our local dirt trail loop, which includes some loose gravel and short climbs. The tires held traction in both wet and dry conditions, and the rigid fork kept the handling predictable. The trade off is weight. At 26 pounds, the NEO is heavier than the road oriented JOYSTAR models. Kids who need to pedal it up steep hills will feel that extra mass.
Maximum weight capacity of 215 pounds is notable. Most 20 inch bikes cap out around 100 to 130 pounds, but the NEO is built to accommodate bigger kids and longer use. If your child is on the heavier side for their age or you want a bike that survives a few growth spurts, the NEO handles that.
Detachable training wheels are a real plus for parents with kids who are still building confidence. The training wheels come off with basic tools, and the saddle adjusts up to 13 inches of travel, which means the bike grows with your child over multiple years.
Who this bike is good for
Best for kids who want a mountain bike aesthetic, ride dirt paths or gravel trails, or are heavier for their age. The NEO is a good fit for ages 6 to 9 riders between 48 and 60 inches tall.
Who this bike is not great for
If your child rides primarily on pavement and you want a lighter bike for hill climbing, the rigid mountain frame and knobby tires will add unnecessary weight. Also avoid if your child needs a handbrake only setup, since the dual brake system requires coordination.
6. JOYSTAR Fantasy 20 Inch Girls Retro Bike – Style-Forward Pick
- Retro design with charming basket and bright color options that kids love
- soft seat is comfortable on longer rides
- sealed bearings for smoother pedaling
- kickstand included for independent parking
- includes training wheels for beginners
- 85 percent pre-assembled
- Front brake assembly quality varies
- mudguards are not included despite the retro look
- isolated reports of punctured tubes on arrival
The JOYSTAR Fantasy is the bike that turned heads in our neighborhood. The retro frame shape, soft saddle, and front basket give it the look of a beach cruiser scaled down for kids. My tester called it the prettiest bike she had ever ridden, which is a real consideration when you are trying to get an enthusiastic kid on two wheels.
The basket is not just decoration. It holds a water bottle, a stuffed animal, or a small picnic, which makes the bike feel like a vehicle rather than just exercise equipment. For kids who use the bike for short trips to a friend’s house or to the local park, the basket adds function.
Wide 2.125 inch pneumatic tires and sealed bearings make the Fantasy roll smoothly on paved surfaces. The coaster brake plus front handbrake combo gives kids two options for stopping, which builds confidence as they transition from a 16 inch bike.
Customer reviews average 4.3 stars across 562 reviews. The most common complaint is the front hand brake being miscalibrated out of the box, which is easy for any local bike shop to fix in a few minutes. We would recommend budgeting a quick brake adjustment as part of the unboxing process.
Who this bike is good for
Best for riders ages 7 to 12 between 47 and 62 inches tall who want a stylish bike with practical extras like a basket. The Fantasy is a confident choice for neighborhood riding, park loops, and short commutes.
Who this bike is not great for
Skip if your child wants a sporty or mountain bike look. The retro cruiser aesthetic is part of the appeal, but it is not for everyone. Also avoid if you want a bike with full fenders, since mudguards are not included.
7. Huffy Illuminate 20 Inch Girls Bike – Easiest Assembly
- EZ Build system means no tools required for assembly
- holographic streamers and pearl finish delight young riders
- adjustable seat post grows with the child
- rear coaster brake is intuitive for beginners
- lifetime frame warranty
- Coaster brake only with no handbrake option
- basic plastic disc training wheels
- handlebar can be tight during install
- Huffy customer support is reportedly difficult to reach
The Huffy Illuminate is the bike for parents who do not own a single Allen wrench. Huffy’s EZ Build system means the handlebar inserts by hand and the pedals fold down without tools. We had this bike ride ready in 8 minutes, which is the fastest in our roundup.
The aesthetic is genuinely exciting for young riders. The pearl blue finish with teal accents and holographic handlebar streamers caught the light every time my tester rode past a window. If your child cares about how the bike looks, the Illuminate has the wow factor.
Coaster brake only is the main trade off. Kids who have already mastered hand brakes on a smaller bike will feel limited, and parents who want their child to learn both styles will not get that here. For total beginners, the coaster brake is actually easier to learn since it works intuitively by pedaling backward.
Rating of 4.5 stars across 463 reviews is the highest in this roundup. The most common praise in reviews is the easy assembly and the visual appeal, with parents also noting successful hand downs between siblings.
Who this bike is good for
Best for parents who want zero tool assembly and kids who want a stylish, eye catching bike. Fits riders ages 5 and up between 44 and 56 inches tall. The Illuminate works well for neighborhood cruising and paved park paths.
Who this bike is not great for
Skip if your child has outgrown training wheels and you want them to learn hand brakes. Also avoid if you expect responsive customer service, since reviewers report difficulty reaching Huffy support.
8. JOYSTAR Pluto 20 Inch Bike with Light-Up Training Wheels – Fun Pick
- Light-up training wheels add visibility and excitement for new riders
- basket and water bottle included in the box
- dual coaster and hand brake
- 85 percent pre-assembled
- limited lifetime warranty
- available in five color options
- Front handbrake quality is inconsistent and may need shop adjustment
- training wheels can be loose
- water bottle holder position is awkward on some sizes
- some assembly is required beyond the stated 85 percent
The JOYSTAR Pluto is the bike that makes training wheels fun. The light up wheels flash when they spin, which gave my beginner tester extra motivation to pedal. It sounds small, but for a kid who is hesitant about learning to ride, that little bit of magic matters.
The included accessories are a real value add. The basket holds a water bottle or a snack, the bell adds personality, and the DIY decals let kids customize the frame. For a gift bike, the Pluto arrives looking like a complete package rather than something you need to accessorize separately.
At 26.5 pounds, the Pluto is on the heavier side. For 7 to 12 year old riders this is manageable, but younger or smaller riders may struggle with hills. The dual braking helps compensate since kids can choose which brake style feels more natural.
The most common complaint in the 2,994 reviews is the front hand brake needing adjustment right out of the box. We had the same experience in our testing. The fix is simple at any local bike shop, but worth knowing before you gift the bike.
Who this bike is good for
Best for kids still using training wheels who need extra motivation to keep practicing. The Pluto fits riders ages 7 to 12 between 48 and 60 inches tall. It is a strong pick for neighborhood riding and paved surfaces.
Who this bike is not great for
Skip if your child has already mastered riding without training wheels, since the light up wheels are wasted on them. Also avoid if your child needs a lightweight bike, since the steel frame puts the Pluto at the heavier end of this category.
How to Choose the Best 20 Inch Bike for Your Child?
Choosing a 20 inch kids bike is not just about brand or color. The right bike depends on your child’s height, inseam, riding terrain, and how much they already know. Here is what to think through before you buy.
Measure your child’s inseam before anything else
Wheel size is a starting point, not the answer. Two 20 inch bikes can have very different seat heights and standover heights. To find the right fit, measure your child’s inseam from the floor to the crotch while they stand barefoot with feet shoulder width apart. Most 20 inch bikes fit kids with an inseam between 18.5 and 22.5 inches, which roughly maps to heights between 3 foot 7 inches and 4 foot.
Your child should be able to stand flat footed over the top tube with at least 1 to 2 inches of clearance. If they have to tiptoe or cannot clear the bar at all, the bike is too big no matter what the box says.
Weight matters more than parents realize
The general rule among kids bike experts is that the bike should weigh no more than 30 percent of your child’s body weight. For a 45 pound 6 year old, that means a bike under 13.5 pounds. For a 60 pound 7 year old, under 18 pounds. The bikes in our roundup range from 22.8 to 29.6 pounds, which is the reality of steel framed bikes at this price.
If your child struggles to pedal up small hills or has trouble lifting the bike after a fall, weight is almost always the culprit. Premium aluminum framed options from Woom, Frog, and Prevelo weigh 15 to 19 pounds, but cost significantly more.
Hand brakes vs coaster brakes
Hand brakes give kids more stopping power and prepare them for adult bikes, but require hand strength and coordination. Coaster brakes work by pedaling backward and are easier for absolute beginners. The best 20 inch kids bikes offer both options, which is why most bikes in our roundup have dual brake systems.
For a child moving up from a 16 inch bike with a coaster brake, dual brakes let them transition gradually. They can start with the coaster brake they know and switch to hand brakes as their grip strength develops.
Single speed vs geared
Single speed bikes are lighter, simpler, and require less maintenance. They are the right call for most kids who ride flat neighborhood streets, paved paths, and gentle parks. Geared bikes (usually 7 or 8 speeds) help on hills and varied terrain but add weight, complexity, and cost.
Most 6 and 7 year olds are still learning to pedal smoothly. Adding gears too early can confuse them. We recommend single speed for new riders and waiting on gears until your child is confidently riding 20 inch bikes and asking for more challenge.
Frame material and geometry
Steel frames are durable, affordable, and heavier. Aluminum frames are lighter, more rust resistant, and pricier. For casual neighborhood riding, steel is fine. For kids who ride further or carry their bike up stairs, aluminum makes a real difference.
Geometry matters as much as material. Kids specific frames have shorter reaches, lower standover heights, and narrower pedal positions than adult bikes scaled down. The JOYSTAR Whizz in our roundup is engineered around actual kid proportions, which makes a noticeable difference in comfort and control.
Safety gear to pair with the bike
No kids bike roundup is complete without a helmet reminder. The CPSC requires all kids bikes sold in the US to meet basic safety standards, but a properly fitted helmet is the single most important piece of safety gear for any young rider.
Beyond the helmet, consider adding a bell, reflectors, and a rear light for evening riding. The bikes in our roundup come with at least basic reflectors, but most parents we know add a USB rechargeable rear light for visibility during after dinner rides.
Where to buy
Big box stores like Walmart and Target carry 20 inch bikes, but reviewers consistently complain about heavy steel frames and hard to adjust brakes. Local bike shops offer properly built bikes and free tune ups, but limited selection at this size. Amazon offers the widest selection and easy returns, which is why we focused our testing there.
For premium brands like Woom, Prevelo, and Frog, buying directly from the manufacturer often includes a test ride policy and longer warranty support. For the budget tier covered in our roundup, Amazon and big box retailers are the most practical options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is a 20 inch bike good for?
A 20 inch kids bike is typically the right size for riders ages 6 to 8 years old, with a height range of roughly 3 foot 7 inches to 4 foot and an inseam between 18.5 and 22.5 inches. Some taller 5 year olds or shorter 9 year olds can also fit a 20 inch depending on the specific frame geometry. Always measure inseam before buying rather than relying on age alone.
Is a 20 inch bike too big for a 6 year old?
A 20 inch bike is the right size for most 6 year olds, but only if their inseam measures at least 18.5 inches. Have your child stand over the bike’s top tube with both feet flat on the ground. If they cannot touch the ground without tiptoeing, the bike is too big. A 6 year old who is shorter or has a longer torso may fit better on a 16 inch bike for one more season.
What is a good 20 inch bike for kids?
The best 20 inch kids bike depends on your child’s riding style. For neighborhood riding the JOYSTAR BMX-Style 20 Inch is our top pick for build quality and fit. For BMX inspired looks and easy assembly the RoyalBaby Freestyle 20 Inch is a strong value. For the lowest price that still includes dual brakes the WEIZE 20 Inch Kids Bike delivers. For trail style riding the JOYSTAR NEO 20 Inch Mountain Bike has the geometry and tires to handle dirt paths.
What is the best brand of kids bikes?
Premium brands like Woom, Prevelo, Frog, and Priority consistently rank highest for fit, weight, and component quality, but they cost significantly more than the bikes in our roundup. At the mainstream price tier, JOYSTAR, RoyalBaby, Huffy, and WEIZE offer the most reliable builds based on our testing and reviewer feedback. JOYSTAR stands out for lifetime frame warranties across most of its lineup.
Is Schwinn or Huffy better?
Both Schwinn and Huffy make 20 inch bikes at similar prices, and reviewer satisfaction scores are close across both brands. Huffy is known for easier assembly thanks to the EZ Build system on models like the Illuminate. Schwinn tends to use slightly lighter frames on comparable models. For specific feature comparisons, look at the individual bike rather than the brand, since quality varies more by model than by manufacturer.
Final Verdict on the Best Kids Bikes 20 Inch
The best 20 inch kids bike for your family depends on what matters most. The JOYSTAR BMX-Style 20 Inch earned our top spot because of its lifetime warranty, dual brake system, and geometry that fits shorter riders well. For parents who want premium assembly out of the box, the RoyalBaby Freestyle is a close second. For the lowest price that still includes the safety features parents care about, the WEIZE 20 Inch Kids Bike delivers real value.
Whichever bike you choose, measure your child’s inseam before you buy, check that they can stand over the top tube with both feet flat, and budget for a helmet and a basic tune up at a local bike shop. A properly fitted 20 inch bike will give your child 2 to 3 years of confident riding and a foundation for cycling that lasts a lifetime.
When your child outgrows this size, our guide to 26 inch kids bikes covers the next step up. Happy riding.