Getting the right bike size for your kid is the start of your kid’s cycling journey. Since your kid is seven years old, the question you need to ask is, what size bike for 7 year old?
A seven-year-old can comfortably ride an 18-inch or a 20-inch bike. However, they need to be 3’9″ – 4′ 3″ or 4’0″ – 4′ 5″ tall with an inseam of 20 – 24 inches or 22 – 25 inches, respectively.
But how do you know your kid’s height and inseam length? Well, that’s what we will look at in a few.
This guide will look at these two parameters, factors to consider when buying a bike for your seven-year-old, bike types to choose from, and training tips to apply to teach your kid to ride a bike, especially if they are first timers.
Let’s get started!
What Size Bike for 7 Year Old Boy?
Before answering this, let’s look at how to measure your kid’s height and inseam below.
How to Measure the Height of Your 7 Year Old?
Below are the guidelines to follow to measure how tall your kid is:
- Make sure the child is barefoot and with no heavy clothes. You may ask, why barefoot, and your kids will indeed ride with shoes on? The reason is to get the most accurate result, which will end up with the right bike size.
- Second, have your child stand against the wall with legs straight, arms at the sides, and shoulders at the level.
- Then, place a book on the head (it should be ninety degrees to the wall) and make a mark (probably using a pencil)
- Now, it’s time to measure the distance from the mark to the floor. There you have it, Your kid’s height!
- Lastly, do not forget to record your kid’s height
Once you get your kid’s height, you can use the chart below to see what bike suits your seven years old child.
| Age | Height (In Inches) | Wheel Size |
| 3 – 4 years | 3´1´´ – 3´7´´ | 14″ |
| 4 – 5 years | 3´7´´ – 4´10´´ | 16″ |
| 5 – 7 years | 3´9´´ – 4´3´´ | 18″ |
| 5 – 8 years | 4´0´´ – 4´5´´ | 20″ |
| 8 – 11 years | 4´5´´ – 4´9´´ | 24″ |
From the above table, a seven-year-old with a height of 4’0″ to 4′ 5″ can ride a 20-inch bike, while one with a height of 3’9″ – 4’3″ can ride an 18-inch bike.
How to Measure Your Kid’s Inseam Length?
The inseam is the inside leg of your kid. This is important when getting them a bike. Getting the inseam correct will allow your kid to touch the ground, pedal, and sit on the bike upright. So, you have to get it right.
Below are the easy steps to follow:
- Make the child stand upright against the wall with legs shoulder apart and with shoes on
- Then, place a hardcover book between the legs and push high (until it touches the crotch) but be careful not to hurt your kid
- Using a tape measure, measure the length between the book’s spine to the floor and note down your kid’s inseam length
Once you get the inseam, you can use the chart below to see the size bike your kid needs.
| Child’s Age | Inseam | Wheel Size |
| 3– 4 years | 16 – 20″ | 14″ |
| 4 – 5 years | 18 – 22″ | 16″ |
| 5 – 7 years | 20 – 24″ | 18″ |
| 5 – 8 years | 22 – 25″ | 20″ |
It’s clear from the above chart that your 7-year-old with an inseam of 20 to 24 inches can ride an 18-inch bike, while those with an inseam of 22 to 25 inches can ride a 20-inch bike.
Factors to Consider When Bike Buying a Bike for Your 7 Year Old
1. Your Kid’s Height, Age, And Inseam
When wanting to buy a bike size for your 7-year-old kid, the starting factor to consider should be their height, age, and inseam. Be careful, however, not to think of just their age.
That is because one seven-year-old may be taller than their age mates, thus demanding a bigger bike. On the contrary, another one may be shorter than other age mates, requiring a smaller bike.
So, even if you know their age, you can use the steps discussed above to measure their height and inseam to get them a good bike fit.
2. Your Kid’s Confidence
You will agree that we parent like buying a bike your kid can grow with. While this is practical in finance, it may differ according to your kid’s confidence.
While some kids are masters in controlling the bike and ride easily, it cannot be said of others.
Why buy a bike that your seven-year-old can’t handle or ride comfortably? It doesn’t make sense!
So, if your kid is a newbie, you can buy them a balance bike first to gain the confidence of balance before transitioning to a pedal bike. It’s that simple!
3. Bike Weight
Imagine riding a bike that is three-quarters your weight. That can be insanely hard to control or even maneuver sharp corners.
Well, the same applies to your child. You should ensure you check the bike’s overall weight before buying. That is essential, especially when your kid is new to riding.
Ensure the bike weight is within the range your kid can handle and control. It should be lighter also for easier carriage.
4. Gender-Specific Designs
You may wonder if getting a girl or boy-specific design matters. Ask your child, and you will be surprised! But why should you deny them their gender-specific designs when they are readily available?
Though the designs have no functionality impacts, the step-through designs are more girl specific and allow them to get off quickly and on the bike. Also, involve your child in choosing a color that will motivate them to ride.
Bike Types for 7-Year-Old
Below are some of the bike options that are suitable for a seven-year-old:
a) Balance Bike
A balance bike is essential for kids who are beginners or getting a bike for the first time.
Trying to pedal and balance all at once can be a challenge, so getting a balance bike first will help the kid learn to balance, thus boosting their confidence as they ride.
However, choose a balance bike that should be safe and durable. One balance bike with these features is the Bixe Balance Bike (Check on Amazon).
This bike is safe and durable as it has been tested rigorously with the weight of larger children, and its durability is astounding. It suits kids who are 4 – 9 years old.
b) Pedal Bike with Stabilizers
Once your seven-year-old has learned to balance, you can get them a pedal bike. A pedal bike with stabilizers or training wheels will help the child learn to pedal independently and without fear of falling.
The good news is that the stabilizers are detachable, so once the child has learned to pedal and balance the bike, you can remove them.
Our top recommendation is the Schwinn Koen & Elm Kids Bike (Check on Amazon).
This bike has adjustable and removable training wheels. It comes with a durable, sturdy steel frame in various colors and suits kids who are 2 – 9 years old.
Training Tips to Help Your Kid Ride a Bike
Now, after evaluating the concerns and buying a bike for your kid, it’s time to think of how to help them to get started riding. Below are essential training tips to use:
- Ensure they wear protective clothing like a fitting helmet and knee and elbow pads to cushion them if they fall. You can get your kids cycling protective gear here.
- Ensure that the bike fits perfectly
- Be patient with your kid and congratulate them on every achievement
- Make riding fun by riding beside them
- Choose a flat low, traffic area for your kid to train
- If your kid needs a little boost, hold them at the armpits and remember not to hold the bike (your kid should be in complete control of the bike)
People Also Ask
1. What Size Bike for 7 Year Old Boy?
A 7-year-old boy can ride a 20-inch bike if he is 4’0″ to 4’5″ tall or an 18-inch bike if he is 3’9″ to 4’3″. So, it depends on how tall they are.
2. Is a 20-inch Bike Good for a 7 Year Old Boy?
Yes, a 20-inch bike is suitable for a 7-year-old who is 4 ‘0 ” – 4’ 5″ tall and has an inseam of 22 – 25 inches.
3. Is a 16-inch Bike Too Small for a 7 Year Old?
While a seven-year-old comfortably rides a bike that is 18 or 20 inches, we can turn to your child’s height and inseam. If your seven-year-old is shorter, they can ride a 16-inch bike. However, a 16-inch bike is suitable for a 6-year-old.
In summary, what size bike for 7 year old?
A seven-year-old can comfortably ride either an 18-inch or a 20-inch bike. However, they need to be 3’9″ – 4′ 3″ and 4’0″ – 4′ 5″ with an inseam of 20 – 24 inches and 22 – 25 inches, respectively.
Though it can be challenging to get the right fit, you can use the above guide when shopping for your seven-year-old bike.