The Best BMX Bikes
One of the best parts of many kids' childhoods is learning how to ride a bike for the first time. But children's bikes have grown up quite a bit over the last few decades, and many bikes for young people now have many of the same features and styles that define adult bicycles as well. The days where a little kid had to make do with a simple tricycle are long behind us, which is why we've made this list of the best children's BMX bikes on the market. Not every bike for tykes will pass muster, so we came up with three ground rules a bicycle has to abide by for it to get on our list: it has to be safe, it has to look cool, and it has to be durable enough to stand up to some dings and scrapes. We found a bevy of great options for getting your child into the world of BMX bikes, from the Mongoose freestyle bike with its semi-pro flair to Dynacraft's Hello Kitty option for the girly girl in your life. Of course, the Hello Kitty style might look cute, but we were impressed by its ruggedness nonetheless. No matter what your child's taste or ability looks like, there's a BMX on this list they're sure to love, so read on and get ready to ride.
Mongoose Legion Freestyle Sidewalk BMX Bike
The smoothest ride
This option from Mongoose provides everything your child needs to get their feet wet in the world of BMX bikes and look good doing it. Kids and younger teens will appreciate the streamlined halting abilities that come from only having back brakes, and the wheels come in a variety of sizes to accommodate youths of all sizes and abilities. Plus, the solid orange color scheme and cast-aluminum wheels give this bike a sleek design that your child will love riding around the neighborhood with. When it comes to overall style and function, few BMX bikes can top this ride from Mongoose.
Pros:
- While mainly intended for kids, the folding-bike size option allows adults to get in on the fun as well.
- This bike is sturdy enough to accommodate not only many different heights but different weights, as well.
Cons:
- The assembly can be a bit tricky, particularly the brakes.
JOYSTAR Totem Kids Bike
Training for greatness
For children that still need a little practice (or a few inches of growth) before they tackle the big BMX bikes, this bike from Joystar proves that “training wheels” don’t have to be synonymous with “uncool.” This starter bike has a surprisingly rugged design that comes in a variety of fun colors, from pink to mint green. But a bike needs to be safe before aesthetic concerns come into play. Luckily, this ride has a chain guard, a reliable footbrake, and a riding saddle with a holster to keep your child secure while riding. A standout in the world of children’s BMX bikes, Joystar has created something with a big-kid aura that your little ones are sure to love.
Pros:
- The heavy, sturdy assembly means it can take some bumps and tumbles without you having to worry about permanent damage.
- Its decals can be placed on the bike tubing, allowing for a greater degree of personalization.
Cons:
- The aforementioned heaviness means smaller children might need some help getting the hang of this bike at first.
Dynacraft Hello Kitty Girls BMX Street Bike
Say hello to quality
BMX bikes that can combine the appeal of popular brands with the quality of independent craftsmanship are always winners in our book, and this Hello Kitty bike from Dynacraft definitely fits the bill. We’ve yet to meet the little girl that doesn’t appreciate a good Hello Kitty product. The training wheels can be adjusted or removed to suit your child’s comfort and ability, and the frame can hold up to 81 pounds, making it ideal for a wide range of young body types. This bike makes a great gift for little kids who want an adorable way to enter the world of BMX bikes.
Pros:
- Even the wheels are adorned with an unobtrusive Hello Kitty logo, which is a level of detail we can’t help but applaud.
- The metallic construction sets it apart from the more common plastic bikes one tends to find for this age range.
- This bike is easy to assemble, cutting out one of the big difficulties of BMX bikes for kids and parents alike.
Cons:
- Kids who aren’t already big Hello Kitty fans might be better served by a more low-key bike.
Royalbaby Kids Bike
Get the royal treatment
Don’t let the name “Royalbaby” fool you. This company makes great BMX bikes for a wide age range of young kids, and their freestyle bike is top of the line. This bike comes out of the box almost totally assembled, and with a single-speed, it guarantees a level of safety for your child that other training bikes may not have. A wide range of colors and tire sizes are at your disposal. With innovative safety measures such as a non-slip resin pedal, this bike marries security and style perfectly. If you’re searching for BMX bikes for little ones that have all the appeal of a grown-up model, Royalbaby could be just what you’re looking for.
Pros:
- A free child-sized water bottle is included with this bike, and it has its own water bottle holder so your little one can stay hydrated while they ride.
- The pneumatic tires and sturdy build make this bike suitable for riding on dirt roads and rough terrain as well as suburban sidewalks.
Cons:
- The visible “Royalbaby” logos may be off-putting to some children.
COEWSKE BMX
Simple and clean
If you want a simple, no-frills cycling option to introduce your child to the possibilities that BMX bikes can offer, this choice from COEWSKE is a fine fit. Thick tires add a level of safety and durability to the riding experience, and we’re especially fond of the unique mint-and-white color scheme available on this bike. With most assembly completed beforehand, safety accouterments like flanged grips and an enclosed chain guard, and a price point that many competitors can’t touch, this COEWSKE bike makes a great intro bike for kids who want a no-fuss, no-muss time on two wheels.
Pros:
- The heavy construction is unique among bikes at this price range and makes for a safer ride.
- It’s outfitted with a handbrake as well as a pedal brake, giving children extra stopping options.
Cons:
- Using the handbrake requires a level of dexterity that some younger children may lack.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What sets a kid’s BMX bike apart from a tricycle?
BMX bikes tend to have a greater range of versatility when it comes to speed, safety measures, and even the ability to pull off small tricks if your child is trained enough. Plus, BMX bikes are designed to have a more grown-up air to them, as opposed to the childlike perception that comes with tricycles.
What are the most important safety features for a kid’s bike?
You always want to make sure that your child’s bike has good stopping power, that the tires are durable and won’t pop or deflate easily, and that the chain is securely fashioned. Some BMX bikes have features like saddle belts to help keep kids in place, but handling and braking is the top priority for any bike, especially a kid’s bike.
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