10 Best 16-Inch Bikes for Kids Aged 4-6 Years Old [Reviewed]

Has your little nipper outgrown their balance bike and you're now after the best 16-inch bike around?

Childrens' bikes can be quite a minefield, there are so many different choices, color (super important!), style, features - the list genuinely does go on.

You're in luck. We've broken things down for you. Below you'll find a list of what you should look for when buying a 16" bicycle and 10 of the best bikes out there...even split into categories!

Let's go!

What Type of 16-inch Bikes are Available?

There are so many different types of kids' bikes available on the market so let's take a look at the options available to you.

If your child is likely to want to venture off-road and has an adventurous streak in them, then there are the BMX-style bikes.

In design, they appear to be just like a mini BMX, with thicker tires than what you'd find on a normal 16" kids' bike. The handlebars are slightly different too, as is the geometry.

Color and style aside, there isn't a lot of difference between the frames. Some girl's bikes may have the swooping frames you associate with ladies bikes but other than that they're pretty identical.

Sure, all the bike brands out there will do "girl" colors or "boy" designs, some do gender natural ones too. However, when you're looking for a kids bike, just find the best bike that your kid loves.

If you want to jazz it up later on and personalize it, you can do that easily with stickers and other accessories.

Size-Guide For Kids Bikes/ 16-Inch Bike

Bike sizes for kids are different than that for adults. Kids bikes are defined by wheel size in inches.

Size Chart for Kids Using Height of the Child

As a rule of thumb, 16" bikes are good for kids aged 4 to 6, though don't expect them to last much beyond 6 years old. The key thing to remember that all kids are different and can be at varying heights at the same ages.

So what we'd strongly recommend is that you measure your child before purchasing a bike for them.

There is nothing wrong with using the table above to size up the bike but you may find that you get a better fitting bike if you measure the child's inseam.

For the best comfort, you should be aiming to have the minimum seat height at the same height as your child's inseam.

There isn't anything stopping you from having the inseam a bit shorter than the minimum seat height so that the child is standing on their tippy-toes but when your child is just learning how to ride a bike, it's better for them if they can touch the ground with both feet, firmly.

This is where things can get a little more complicated!

If your child is already confident with pedals then you can opt for a larger bike (only slightly though). You can usually spring to a minimum seat post around 2 inches taller than the inseam of the child.

You should also think about the bike's standover height. Let's say that your child is not quite ready for a 16" bike but it's close, you can get around this by going for a bike that has a top tube that slopes so your child can still stand over the frame without any issues.

Inseam Measurements for Kids Bike Chart

Buyers' Guide: How To Choose The Right 16-Inch Bike

Frame Materials

When you're looking at 16-inch kids' bikes, you will find that the most common materials for the frames are either steel or aluminum.

Steel is the more durable of the two so for kids, it's a good option and it will stand up to a lot of use. The issue with steel is that it can make the bike quite heavy, especially when you start adding other components to it.

Aluminum is lighter, though ever so slightly less durable. It's a bit of a trade-off with durability but not much, to be honest. Aluminum bikes are still going to be durable enough for 4 years old.

Gearing

The vast majority of 16-inch kids' bikes are single gearing.

This removes the need to focus on anything other than learning to ride the bike. Save the gears for when the child is confident and ready for a larger bike!

Brakes

When you get into the 16-inch bicycle territory, what brakes are available start to get a bit mixed.

Some models have a rear coaster brake and a front caliper brake. Whilst some will opt for caliper brakes for the front and rear.

In some cases, it will be coaster braking all the way.

The general rule is that those bikes with caliper brakes on the front and rear tend to be more expensive. Whether it's a worthwhile expensive is up to you. It does give your child the opportunity to learn how to use caliper brakes straight away and there could be some merit in that.

Tires

Bikes for kids often come with air-filled tires. They will have a tire that has an inner tube inside.

Depending on where you take your kids to ride, you are able to vary the tire pressure. If you're hitting a few off-road surfaces, you might want to lower the air pressure to give a more comfortable ride. It also means that you're less likely to pick up punctures too (no guarantees there, though!)

Whereas, if you're taking your kids and their bikes onto smoother surfaces, take the tire pressure up a notch or two and it'll decrease the rolling resistance.

Training Wheels

Depending on which bike you go for, you will find that some bikes come with training wheels, others don't.

The reason for this?

16-inch bikes are in the middle of the market. Some kids know how to ride without training wheels, some don't.

If your child hasn't ridden a balance bike or any bike before getting a 16" bike, then getting one with training wheels is recommended, this way you won't need to buy them separately.

Small tip - make sure the training wheels are easy to remove as once your child has mastered their balancing skills (which they will!), then you'll want to take the training wheels off, doing so without too much fuss is the best thing all round.

Weight

Ideally, when you're looking at a kid's bike, you want the lightest possible, just like when you're looking for an adult bike!

The best kids bikes are going to be made from aluminum (or even carbon fiber if you're really splashing out) and with this, you should expect a weight of around 16 - 19lbs.

The lighter the bike is, the easier it is to handle and control so there is a lot of upside to it. Of course, lighter bikes do attract a higher premium and at 16" kids are going to grow out of them so it's worth considering the cost.

Adjustability

As your child grows - which they do, sometimes at a surprising rate!! - then you'll need to make some adjustments to the bike to ensure the fit works for your child for as long as possible.

Be sure to check things like seat height and how much that can be adjusted. Seat height is an important factor when looking for 16" kids' bikes as it is the one factor that can be easily adjusted and change how well the bike fits.

Colors/Patterns/Designs

Part of the enjoyment of owning a bike as a child is the vast array of colors, patterns as designs they come in!

Some 16" bikes come with stickers in the pack so your child is able to add their touch to their bike in a style that suits them.

It is also common to find that 16" kids' bikes come in several different color options!

Extra Features

Depending on the kids' bike you're after, you might be surprised at how many extra features it comes with.

For example, girls' bikes often come with a basket or a doll's seat at the back.

If your child is going to need training wheels be sure to check whether or not the bikes you are looking at come with them. Some do and some don't and this can be an added expense if you need them.

Assembly

Some degree of assembly is likely to be required.

Putting on training wheels is straightforward and shouldn't require any more than a spanner - which commonly, the manufacturer will supply too!

You may need to pop the seat post in and obviously adjust the seat height, this is the same for the handlebars.

However, unlike adult bikes, 16" kids bikes aren't as complex, especially when it comes to getting the right fit so it won't require too much skill or time - you'll be glad to know!

Best advice, follow the manufacturer's instructions included and you'll be up and running in no time.

Our Best 16-Inch Bikes

High-End

Cannondale Trail 

Want to share the trails with your kids? This is the best bike for you!

Key Facts

As the name would suggest, the Cannondale Trail 16 is ideal for any 4 to 6 years old kids wanting to venture off-road - in a stylish manner too!

The geometry is suited for trail riding and the frame is made out of Cannondale's SmartForm C3 aluminum. To increase durability the forks are made from steel.

Coaster brakes are all you get with the Cannondale Trail pedal bike. It does give kids great control, and this is especially true when off-road so it seems like a good decision, although an unusual one not to include a linear-pull brake.

If you're wanting a bike with training wheels, then you can attach them to the bike within minutes (and remove them). No tools are required for this so that's a nice extra bonus!

Available in two attractive colors; 'Electric Blue' or 'Acid Red' (the color is nicer than the name, we promise!).

Guardian Ethos

Has your child got their eyes set on neighborhood rides and a bit of trail riding? The Guardian Ethos could be the ideal bike.

Key Facts

We ought to kick off with the highlight of this bike and that's the braking system. Guardian has SureStop technology.

What this means is that when the brake lever is applied, both front and rear brakes are activated. The huge upside to this is that the bike will stop up to 44% more quickly than other bikes so your kid is getting the best stopping power.

A lot of people found that it helped their child to become more comfortable on a bike more quickly as the brake came naturally to them.

Whilst coaster brakes appear on a lot of the bikes we look at in this review, coaster brakes can be confusing to kids when they're getting used to a bike with training wheels.

Guardian found that when a child is learning to balance on a bike and you start to pedal backward, it can be easy to lose your balance. Moreover, the brake is then activated and this can lead the child to fall. Overall, Guardian believes this can slow the child's ability to learn how to ride a bike down.

The geometry of the Guardian Ethos is intended for a beginner rider, who likes to be in an upright position.

The concept is that the child's weight will be over their hips. This replicates the weight placements as they're used to when they're walking or standing. The result of this is that they're able to master how to balance on the bike more quickly as the position will be familiar.

Best 16-inch Bikes that are Lightweight

Co-op Cycles REV 16

Co-op is REI's in-house brand and it's a good place to start this review with.

Key Facts

For starters, it comes with an aluminum frame so it's instantly lighter than those 16-inch bicycles for kids that are made from steel.

As for color options, there is the choice of 'Blue Breeze', which is a very light blue, or 'Red Spark'. Both colors are sharp, though some would say, not the most exciting options for a kids bike.

The thing with Co-op is that they like your child to personalize the pedal and by leaving it fairly plain (except for the logo), this allows your child to make it their own bike. In fact, Co-op positively encourages your child to personalize it by including stickers with the bike.

To add a little more style to the pedal bike, the handlebars are in the style of those found on a BMX - it even comes with a padded crossbar!

Overall, it should appeal to both boys and girls due to its choice of colors and the option to make it their own. It should appeal to parents due to its top-quality components, attractive price tag and styling.

Priority Start 16

Low maintenance, stylish kids bike.

Key Facts

Priority Bikes got its break with a Kickstart campaign and it has gone on to become a very well-respected brand.

The Priority Start 16 is a bike that gets upgrades every year and they're genuine upgrades, better brakes, a better saddle, tougher wheels, the lot. Priority Bikes isn't a brand that rests.

When you look at this kids' bike, it's classic, the design is simple and that filters through to its rideability. It's easy to pedal and handle.

Geometry on 16" bikes is hard to get right. The Priority Start gets things right. It's not too upright and it's not too aggressive. You get a good amount of stability, but it also gives you the flexibility to leaning into corners.

The Priority Start bikes are impressive, they offer a lot of features and high-end components without the high price tag.

Opting for both brakes to be calipers is a good move too that should see your kid become confident on this 16" bike in no time.

Budget

RoyalBaby Freestyle

The easy to assemble, easy to ride, stylish bike with training wheels on a budget.

Key Facts

This is a pedal bike that comes with a steel frame so it's sure to last as long as you'll need it.

A nice small-ish touch is on the tires. The tread is fantastic and will be good in the mud, cycle paths, etc. But the exciting part is that RoyalBaby has customized the tread. It's these little touches, that gives you a sense that this mountain bike style bike has been well thought through.

When you're learning to ride, braking is a hurdle to overcome so having two different methods is a great safety net. The front brake is a caliper brake, whilst the rear is a coaster brake.

One of the reasons this 16-inch bike is so attractive is that it comes with so many additional extras, especially considering its affordable price point.

The accessories you get are:

• Water bottle
• Bottle cage
• Bell
• All the assembly tools you'll need
• Training wheels

If all of that wasn't enough, this 16-inch bike is available in a choice of 7 different colors!

Raleigh Rowdy

For that confident child in your life!

Key Facts

This 16" kids bike is attractive because whilst it isn't the most budget of budget bikes, it offers a lot of high-end features for a budget-friendly price tag.

With caliper-only brakes, it is designed for the most confident rider. This is also apparent throughout the geometry of these bikes. The reach is longer than what is found on other 16" bikes and the handlebars are quite wide.

It's the best bike for kids who want action. The frame is lightweight, and it has all the mountain bike features you could possibly want on a 16" bike.

The extra-wide handlebars on this 16" bike may initially take a little bit of getting used to but once mastered, they do help the handling of this bike as your child will have more control. Also, the handlebars are flat, which is quite unusual for a 16" bike, though do remember this bike is basically a mini mountain bike so this is to be expected. It may not be the best choice if you're wanting your child to be on paved roads all the time.

Overall, the Raleigh Rowdy is a bicycle that is fantastic for riders who are confident, have ambition, and will be heading off the beaten track. That's not to say it's not a bike for beginner riders because it can be.

Best 16-inch Bikes for Boys

Schwinn Scorch

A 16-inch boys bike that is the product of years worth of parent's feedback. This one is well researched!

Key Facts

Schwinn works hard to make sure their riders are comfortable and kids are just as important in this, which is why the Scorch features 'Smart Start Geometry'.

The concept behind this is that it will give your child the perfect fit. It also increases the control the child has, so for those learning to ride a pedal bike after coming from a balance bike, this should help!

Something you may notice is that the position of the pedals is quite narrow, that's intentional and done with kids in mind.

A 4 to 6-year-old has a body width that is narrower so this makes the pedaling and handling easier.

Overall, this is one of the best bikes, especially if you're on a budget.

Mongoose Legion BMX Style

For the kids in your life who want that sporty bike!

Key Facts

The frame itself is made from Hi-ten steel so you can sure of reliable performance. Mongoose is well-respected in the BMX/Mountain bike world and when you look at this bike, it's easy to see why.

It offers a responsive ride so for those kids wanting to dip their toes into off-roading, it's a great bike to get started on.

The color is fairly stunning at an attractive bright orange. It feels perfect for a BMX and one people will no doubt admire.

When it comes to seat height, it is quite low in comparison to other types of bikes, this is down to the BMX nature of the design but do keep this in mind if you only foresee your child using this bike for roads, you may wish to invest in a different seat post to make the ride more comfortable.

Best 16-inch Bicycles for Girls

Electra Sprocket

For those 4 to 6-year-old kids who want a playful geometric design with plenty of innovation built-in.

Key Facts

The Electra Sprocket 16-inch pedal bike is ideal for kids who are learning to ride but also those who are reasonably confident on a bike.

Part of the reason it's one of the best 16-inch bikes for girls is that it uses Electras' flat foot technology. Now what this means is that the rider will be able to firmly get their feet on the ground without them ever having to leave the saddle.

Training-wise, this will build up a great deal of confidence as your child gets used to training wheels or being without them! It's good to know that this bike comes with them and gives you the option, without the extra expense of having to get a set should you need them.

The geometry on this bike is quite upright, so a lot of riders should find it comfortable.

Another reason this is a fantastic 16-inch bike is that it comes with an aluminum frame so the weight of it is relatively light, whilst still being durable.

Schwinn Elm

Attractive kids bike that any girl would want to be seen riding!

Key Facts

It's fair to say that this kid's bike is going to appeal to most 6-year-olds girls and that's half of the battle.....motivating your child to ride a bike. The Schwinn Elm comes with a cute basket and plenty of accessories to make her want to ride this 16" bike.

This bike does come with training wheels and they're easy to attach/remove them so it's a great kids bike for those wanting to get started on a bike with training wheels, later transiting to be without them.

Having the choice of brakes is always good as it gives the child an option to use the coaster brake, whilst getting used to using a linear-pull brake system. It's a good way to grow confidence so it's good to see this set up on a bike, especially one that is relatively inexpensive.

Common Questions & Answers

What age is a 16-inch bike for?

The height of the child does play a part in this but a 16-inch bike is best for kids around 4 to 6 years old. We always recommend falling a sizing guide when choosing a bicycle.

How tall should you be for a 16-inch bike?

A 16" bicycle should be ridden by kids around 3.7 inches to 4.2 inches.

Is a 16-inch bike good for a 4-year-old?

In most cases, a 16" bicycle will be perfect for a 4-year-old.

Can a 6-year-old ride a 16-inch bike?

Providing the height of the 6-year-old is within the range, then a 16-inch bike will be perfect.

Final Thoughts

So that's it! 10 of the best childrens' bikes around.

For us, the best 16-inch bike has to be the Priority Start 16. It's a bicycle that has seen numerous upgrades throughout the years, with Priority Bikes always aiming to improve.