How to Choose a Bicycle Size for Kids

Choose a bicycle that fits your child's size--and not just his sense of style--to keep him safer. It is more difficult for a child to control a bicycle that is too large or too small. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, common factors in bicycle accidents include loss of control or a rider's feet slipping off the pedals. The American Academy of Pediatrics says on its website that oversized bikes are particularly dangerous.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the distance in inches from the bottom of your child's crotch down his inner leg to the ankle, using the measuring tape. This is the child's inseam. You can also measure the inseam on pants that fit well.

    • 2

      Take the child to a store that sells bicycles. Use her inseam measurement to narrow your selection to the bikes most likely to be the right size. Typically, inseam measurements match up with these children's bicycle sizes: 14 to 17 inch inseam, 12-inch bike; 16 to 20 inch inseam, 14-inch bike; 18 to 22 inch inseam, 16-inch bike; 20 to 24 inch inseam, 18-inch bike; 22 to 25 inch inseam, 20-inch bike; and 24 to 28 inch inseam, 24-inch bike.

    • 3

      Put your child on each bike you consider. If he can't stand up and straddle the bicycle with his feet flat on the ground, the bike is too large. Likewise, if your child can't lean the bike over slightly, put her bottom on the seat, push off the ground with one foot and start riding, the bike is too large.

    • 4

      Ask your child to pedal the bike while sitting on the seat. If his knees hit the handlebars or if he looks cramped and uncomfortable, the bicycle is too small.