Kids Bike Size Chart | Height, Inseam, Age | How to measure

Whether for getting around or simply for enjoyment, childhood and cycling are inseparable. When purchasing a new children’s bike, the correct bike size is crucial. To make it easier for you, we have prepared a user-friendly children’s bike size chart selection (by height, by age, by inseam). Furthermore, you can find all the answers to the most pressing questions about teaching your child to ride a bike in the safest manner.

At a Glance

  • The most important factor for determining the right bike size is the child’s inseam measurement (inside leg length from floor to crotch). This ensures they can safely reach the ground with both feet.
  • The height of your child’s body and their age can also be relevant factors when selecting an appropriate children’s bicycle. Once you have obtained the inseam measurement, you can consult a bike size chart (as provided in this article) to find the suitable bike size for your child.
  • The bike should be adjusted so the child can touch the ground with both feet at the lowest saddle height. This double-sided ground contact provides necessary safety when learning to ride.

Kids bike size chart by inseam

Measuring your child’s inseam is the best way to find the right bike size. The correct frame size is the only way to ensure that your child reaches the floor safely and easily with both feet at the lowest saddle height.

Inseam length (Inch)Inseam length (cm)Wheel size
12”-14″85-90 cm10 inches
14”-17″35-42 cm12 inches
16″-20″40-50 cm14 inches
18″-22″45-55 cm16 inches
20″-24″50-60 cm18 inches
22″-25″55-63 cm20 inches
24″-28″60-72 cm24 inches
28 inches and longer72 cm and longer26 inches

Kids bike size chart by height

Child height (Feet)Child height (cm)Wheel size
2’9”-3’1″85-90 cm10 inches
3’1”-3’3″90-100 cm12 inches
3’3″-3’7″100-110 cm14 inches
3’7″-3’8″110-115 cm16 inches
3’8″-4’0″115-120 cm18 inches
4’0″-4’5″120-135 cm20 inches
4’5″-4’9″135-145 cm24 inches
5 Feet and tallertaller than 145 cm26 inches

Kids bike size chart by age

AgeWheel size
2 years10 inches
3-4 years12 inches
4-5 years14 inches
5-6 years16 inches
6-8 years18 inches
7-9 years20 inches
9-11 years24 inches
11-14 years26 inches

Inseam (inside leg length) as a crucial factor for selecting the size of a children’s bike

The crucial factor to consider is the length of your child’s inseam (inside leg length). It refers to the distance between the floor and the crotch and provides information on whether your child can still touch the ground with both feet at the minimum saddle height of the child’s bike (contact with the ball of the foot is sufficient!). This contact with the ground on both sides should always be ensured and is particularly important during the initial riding exercises, as it provides the necessary safety for the child.

The height of your child’s body or their age can only serve as rough guidelines when choosing an appropriate child’s bicycle. Even though children with “typical” development tend to have a fixed or narrow relationship between height and stride length, it is strongly recommended that you make the effort to measure the inseam length yourself. This way, you can protect both yourself and your child from any frustrating disappointments. Once you have taken the measurement, refer to the kids bike size chart above to find the suitable bike size.

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How to measure your child’s inside leg length

To measure the inseam, you will need a ruler and a medium-sized book. Have your child stand against a wall without wearing shoes, trousers, and possibly a diaper. Place the book or spine vertically between your child’s legs against the wall. Gently raise it upwards into the crotch, applying light pressure. Measure the distance between the floor and the book spine or the top edge of the book to determine the inside leg length. Once you have obtained the inseam measurement, refer to the kids bike size chart by inseam above to find the corresponding bike size.

This saddle has the right height for the kid riding its bike

Which frame height should you choose for the children’s bike?

In general, children’s bikes do not have frame sizes like those found in adult bikes. Instead, the appropriate size for children’s bikes is typically determined by the wheel size in inches. Please refer to the kids bike size chart above for guidance. The bicycle saddle is also crucial in this regard. It should be adjusted in a way that allows the child to touch the ground with both feet. This double-sided contact with the ground is extremely important as it provides the child with the necessary safety, particularly during their initial riding attempts.