“Daddy, buy me a bike.” We are all familiar with this statement, which usually catches us off-guard. So what rings on your mind next is what size bike for 6 year old?
The bike size for a 6-year-old depends on two significant parameters, height, and inseam (inside leg). They can comfortably cycle a bike with 18-inch or 20-inch wheels. However, they should fall under the height of 3’9″ – 4’3″ and 4’0″ – 4’5″, respectively.
But why the difference? Well, it depends on the height of your little one. One six-year-old can be chubby and shorter, while another can be slimmer and taller. That’s where the difference in the wheel size comes in.
It is, therefore, advisable to measure your child’s height and inseam before buying a bike so that you can get the most comfortable and practical bike. It will also help you know if your 6-year-old needs an 18-inch or 20-inch bike.
This guide will help you scale down on the right bike for your kid and discuss how to measure the height and inseam of your kid. As a bonus, I’ll briefly highlight the teaching tips you can apply to your six-year-old, especially if they are trying out.
Follow along!
What Size Bike for 6 Year Old? Guide to Kid’s Bike Size
Before the sizing guide, note that kids’ bikes are not sized like adult bikes. However, the sizes vary according to wheel size.
This is because while adult bikes need only to change the frame size, kids’ bikes change almost everything, including the frame, seat height, geometry, and wheels, as they grow faster.
So, the wheel size varies according to the kid’s height and inseam. A bike that fits a five-year-old, you’ll be surprised that it won’t fit kids who are 6 or 7 years old.
But does this mean you should buy your kid a bigger bike? Certainly not! It would be uncomfortable and hard to pedal.
What can help you know the correct bike size for your six-year-old? Consider these parameters:
Measure Your Child’s Inseam and Height
Getting the correct bike size for your six-year-old involves measuring their height and inseam. So, if you are the guesswork person, or I think, type of person, I pardon you.
Before you even start with the measurements, you need to have a place to note their height and inside leg length.
But how do you do it? Follow the step below:
How to Measure Your Kids’ Height?
Measuring your kid’s height is a simple task. All you need is to follow the following easy steps:
Step 1: Tell your child to remove the shoes and any bulky clothing and unbraid the hair in case of girls
Step 2: Let the child stand on a flat surface (without a carpet), against the wall, with arms at the side, shoulders on level, legs straight, feet flat, and looking forward
And Step 3: Now, it’s time to take the measurements and note their height down
You can use the height size chart below to see the bike size suitable for your six-year-old.
| Age | Wheel Size | Height (In Inches) |
| 2 – 3 | 12″ | 2´10´ – 3´4´´ |
| 3 – 4 | 14″ | 3´1´´ – 3´7´´ |
| 4 – 5 | 16″ | 3´7´´ – 4´0´´ |
| 5 – 6 | 18″ | 3´9´´ – 4´3´´ |
| 5 – 8 | 20″ | 4´0´´ – 4´5´´ |
| 7 – 11 | 24″ | 4´5´´ – 4´9´´ |
It’s clear from the sizing chart below that a six-year-old can ride an 18-inch or 20-inch bike if their heights fall under 3’9″ – 4’3″ or 4’0″ – 4’5″, respectively.
How to Measure the Inseam?
To measure your kid’s inseam, you need to follow these easy steps:
Step 1: With shoes on, let your kid stand straight with their legs slightly apart. You may wonder why shoes are on. Well, it’s typical that your kid will be riding with shoes on, so they should put on their boots for accurate bike size.
Step 2: Place a hardcover book between your kid’s legs and push it slowly until the book spine (top) touches the crotch. Remember to be tender while sliding the book not to hurt your little one.
Step 3: Using a tape measure, measure the distance from the book spine to the ground and record it down. Good job! You now know your kid’s inseam.
Step 4: Use the inseam to narrow your kid’s bike size. You can use the table below:
| Age | Wheel Size (In Inches) | Inseam (In Inches) |
| 2 – 3 | 12″ | 14 – 17″ |
| 3 – 4 | 14″ | 16 – 20″ |
| 4 – 5 | 16″ | 18 – 22″ |
| 5 – 6 | 18″ | 20 – 24″ |
| 5 – 8 | 20″ | 22 – 25″ |
| 7 – 11 | 24″ | 24 – 28″ |
From the size chart above, it is clear that a 6-year-old can ride an 18-inch or 20-inch bike, given that they have an inseam of 20 – 24 inches and 22 – 25 inches, respectively. So, it majorly depends on where your kid falls.
Best Bike Types for A 6-Year-Old?
Now that you have your child’s inseam and height, it’s time to know which bike to buy. Two options that fit a six-year-old include the balance bike and the pedal bike. Let’s see how to choose between the two bikes.
1. Balance Bikes
If you think a six-year-old is too old for a balance bike, you must think again. These options are the best when your kid is trying out a bike for the first time.
Again, they are excellent when your kid wants to build confidence and are the best transition to pedal bikes.
But what makes balance bikes stand out when teaching your kid how to balance? The short answer is that your kid can balance when seated, which is fantastic.
The long answer is that in addition to that, they come with wide handlebars, lightweight, longer wheelbase, and a high maximum seat height that can support your 6-year-old.
One balance bike we can’t go without mentioning is the Bixe Balance Bike (Check on Amazon). With positive customer reviews and great satisfaction, this balance bike suits kids 4 – 9. It’s comfortable, safer, and friendly to your kid.
2. Pedal Bike
If your kid is brave enough or has mastered balancing on a bike, it’s time to transition to a pedal bike.
Still, if you have foregone the balance bike, you can get a pedal bike with removable stabilizers until your kid learns how to balance independently.
One top recommendation in this category is the JOYSTAR Kids bike (Check on Amazon). This 18-inch bike comes with training wheels that will protect your little child from falling and for comfort.
The colorful decals, a bell, reflectors, and kickstand are other features that make it a fantastic buy.
How to Motivate Your 6 Year Old Kid to Ride a Bike?
You will agree that though kids ask for a bike, they will certainly be afraid to fall or pedal. The good news is that there are different ways to help them pedal easily and love their bikes. The following are some things that should be on your to-do list:
- Start by ensuring your child has the proper safety gear, for example, a helmet (Check on Amazon)
- Pick a flat and open place to practice (avoid grass as it can make it hard to push the bike)
- Hold your child from behind and not the cycle. This will boost the child’s confidence
- Ride together with your child to instill confidence
- Repeat these steps regularly until the kid is comfortable riding by themselves.
- Be ready to offer help whenever your child needs it.
People Also Ask
1. What Size Bike for 6 Year Old Boy?
If your 6-year-old boy has a height of 3’9″ – 4’3″ or an inseam length of 20 – 24 inches, he can comfortably ride an 18-inch bike.
On the other hand, if your boy is taller, with a height of 4’0″ – 4’5″ or an inseam length of 22 – 25 inches, he can comfortably ride a 20-inch bike.
2. What Size Bike for 5 – 6 Year Old?
If your child is five years old, nearing their 6th birthday, or has a height of 3’9″ – 4’3″ and an inseam length of 20 – 24 inches, the bike wheel size should be 18 inches.
The best part is that if they have just turned five, they will use the bike long enough before they outgrow it.
3. What Size Frog Bike for A Six Year Old Boy?
A 6-year-old will need a frog bike with an 18″ or 20″ wheel size. For the 18-inch wheel size, the boy should be 3’9″ – 4’3”’or have an inseam of 20 – 24 inches.
But for the 20-inch wheel size, your boy should be 4’0″ – 4’5″ tall or have an inseam length of 22 – 25 inches.
4. Can A Six Year Old Ride A 20-inch Bike?
Yes! If your 6-year-old is taller, he can comfortably ride a 20-inch bike. He only needs to be 4’0″ – 4’5″ tall and have an inseam of 22 – 25 inches.
5. What Age Is an 18-inch Bike for?
A bike with 18-inch wheels is suitable for a kid who is six years old. Though some taller five-year-olds can ride 18-inch bikes too. For the 6-year-olds, they need to be 3´9´´ – 4´0´´ tall or have an inseam of 20 – 24 inches
In conclusion, what size bike for 6 year old?
As discussed, a six-year-old can ride an 18- or 20-inch bike. However, the 18-inch is suitable for six-year-olds with an inseam of 20 – 24 inches and a height of 3’9″ – 4’3″.
On the other hand, 6-year-old olds with an inseam of 22 – 25 inches and a height of 4’0″ – 4’5″ can ride a 20-inch bike.
Now, the ball is on your side. Use the provided inseam and height charts to find your kid’s best bike.
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