Getting the right bike size for your eight-year-old can be difficult, particularly if you don’t know their height and inseam length. So, the question that usually pops up is what size bike for 8 year old?
Your eight-year-old can ride either a 20-inch or a 24-inch bike. That means they need to be 4’0″ to 4′ 5″ tall or 4’5″ to 4′ 9″ tall with an inseam of 22 – 25 inches and 24 – 28 inches, respectively.
But how do you measure their height and inseam length? Also, how do you know a specific bike will fit your 8-year-old? Well, that’s where I come in.
This guide will discuss how to measure your child’s height and inseam length, bike types to consider for your eight-year-old, and riding tips you can apply to teach your kid to ride a bike (especially if they are beginners).
Let us get started!
What Size Bike For 8 Year Old?
Knowing the right size bike for your eight-year-old means first knowing their height and inseam. Below is how to do it:
How to Measure Your Child’s Height and Inseam?
The kid’s height and inseam determine what bike size is right for them. Measuring the height and inseam will also guide you before purchasing your ideal bike.
- How to Measure Your Kids’ Height?
- The first step is getting ready by ensuring you have a tape measure and a notebook
- Next, have the child remove bulky clothes and shoes (this ensures you get the correct measurements)
- Make the child stand straight against the wall, place the notebook on the head and let it touch the wall, and put a mark (using a pencil)
- Measure the length between the mark down to the child’s feet or the floor
- Lastly, note down the measurements
After getting your kids’ height, you can use the table below to see which bike size fits them.
| Age (In Years) | Height (In Inches) | Wheel Size (In Inches) |
| 2 – 4 | 2´10´´ – 3´ 4´´ | 12 |
| 3 – 4 | 3´1´´ – 3´7´´ | 14 |
| 4 – 5 | 3´7´´ – 4´0´´ | 16 |
| 5 – 6 | 3´9´´ – 4´3´´ | 18 |
| 5 – 8 | 4´0´´ – 4´5´´ | 20 |
| 7 – 11 | 4´5´´ – 4´9´´ | 24 |
The chart above shows that an 8-year-old who is 4 ‘5 ” to 4′ 9″ tall can ride a 24-inch bike, but if they are 4’0″ to 4′ 5″ tall can ride a 20-inch kids’ bike.
How to Measure Your Kid’s Inseam?
The inseam is the inside leg of the child. Inseam differs; some have a bigger inseam, and others have a more petite inseam.
The following is how to measure the inseam:
- Ensure you have a hardcover book and a tape measure
- Make the child stand against the wall with legs shoulder-width apart
- Push the book carefully until it touches the crotch of your child (make sure not to hurt the child)
- Measure the length between the book’s spine to the ground to get the child’s inseam
- Write down your measurements.
Getting the correct measurements of the inseam is vital to get a bike where your child can sit upright, touch the feet on the ground, and reach the pedals easily.
The chart below will help you determine which bike fits your 8-year-old according to its inseam lengths.
| Age (In Years) | Inseam Length (In Inches) | Wheel Size (In Inches) |
| 2 – 3 | 14 – 17″ | 12″ |
| 3 – 4 | 16 – 20″ | 14″ |
| 4 – 5 | 18 – 22″ | 16″ |
| 5 – 6 | 20 – 24″ | 18″ |
| 5 – 8 | 22 – 25″ | 20″ |
| 7 – 11 | 24 – 28″ | 24″ |
The table above shows that an 8-year-old with an inseam of 22 – 25″ and 24 -28″ can ride a 20″ and a 24″ bike, respectively.
Bike Types for 8-Year-Old
We are going to discuss two types of bikes that are ideal for your 8-year-old. They include:
1. Balance Bikes
These bikes are for kids learning how to balance and move a bike.
Balance bikes also prepare the kid for pedal bikes because balancing is a crucial part of riding, and so transiting to pedal bikes will be easier if they have learned how to balance on a bicycle.
For example, the Bixe Balance Bike (check on Amazon) is a good choice for kids aged 4 to 9 learning to ride.
This bike is safe and durable. It has been tested rigorously with big children’s weight, so it shall hold your 8-year-old’s weight.
2. Pedal Bike with Training Wheels
After the child has learned how to balance a bike, they can now advance to pedaling. You should get them pedal bikes with training wheels (stabilizers). The training wheels ensure the child’s safety and also help them maintain balance.
Once they have learned how to pedal and maintain their balance, you can remove the stabilizers.
By removing the stabilizers, you help the child learn to ride on their own without relying on the training wheels.
Consider the following pedal bikes with stabilizers for your kid:
a) BMX Bike
BMX stands for Bicycle Motocross. These bikes are for racing, off-road riding, and doing banger stunts. So, if your kid likes such maneuvers, a BMX bike is worth it.
More so, it’s lighter and comes with a durable frame and tires to withstand the time. However, it’s good to note that BMX bikes lack brakes.
Our most recommended BMX bike for your 8-year-old is the Costic BMX Kids Bike (check on Amazon). This bike is a unisex option for kids ages 3 to 8.
It comes with removable training wheels, a water bottle, and multiple colors for you to choose from.
b) Mountain Bike
If your kid likes taking challenges or is an off-road lover, a mountain bike should be in your arsenal.
The best part is that mountain bikes come with knobby tires for good friction in various terrain, have disc brakes to offer crisp stoppage, and have suspension already set up to absorb bumps and potholes.
One best recommendation is the Joystar Neo Kids Mountain Bike (check on Amazon). This unisex bike is available for ages 4 to 12. You can get it in 16,18, and 20 inches with training wheels and multiple colors.
Training Tips You Can Apply
Now, once you have bought a bike for your kid, the next step is to train them to use and ride the bike. This is usually a significant step, especially for first-timers. You can use the following tips to motivate your child:
- Start with a balance bike to help your child learn how to balance, as this is the most crucial part of riding
- After the child has learned how to balance, introduce them to pedaling by choosing a pedal bike with stabilizers, as it will be easier for them to maneuver
- Choose a low-traffic and flat surface to avoid dangerous falls
- Get the proper safety gear for the child, like the Kids Cycling Protective Gear (check on Amazon)
- Ride regularly alongside your child to build their confidence
- Be ready to help whenever your child needs help, notice every milestone, and commend them each time
People Also Ask
1. What Size Bike for an 8-Year-Old Boy?
An 8-year-old boy can ride a 20-inch or a 24-inch bike, depending on height and inseam. If your boy has a height of 4’0″ – 4’5″ or an inseam of 22 – 25 inches, he can ride a 20-inch bike, but if he has a height of 4’5″ – 4’9″ or an inseam of 24 – 28 inches, he can ride a 24-inch bike.
2. What Size Frog Bike for an 8-Year-Old?
Although most Frog bikes come with 20-inch wheels, which is a good fit for most 8-year-olds, you can still have options with 24-inch that suit taller 8-year-olds.
3. What Size Bike for 7-8 Year Olds?
If you have a 7-year-old, or one nearing their 8th birthday, a 20-inch bike will serve them perfectly. This means your kid has an inseam of 22 – 25 inches or a height of 4’0″ – 4’5″.
4. What Size Mountain Bike for 8-Year-Old?
If your 8-year-old wants a bike for on-road and off-road terrains, the go-to bike is a mountain bike. The perfect size should be either 20 or 24-inch, according to height and inseam.
5. What Wheel Size Bike for 8-Year-Old?
The rule is simple when looking for the bike wheel size to get your eight-year-old. They need either a 20-inch or 24-inch wheel size. However, choosing between the two requires knowing your kids’ height and inseam.
In conclusion, what size bike for 8 year old?
As seen, an 8-year-old needs a 20-inch or 24-inch bike. If they are 4’0″ – 4’5″ tall or have an inseam length of 22 – 25 inches, you should get them a 20-inch bike.
On the other hand, if your 8-year-old is taller with a height of 4’5″ – 4’9″ or has an inseam length of 24 – 28 inches, then you should get them a 24-inch bike.
Related Searches.