We're Australian parents and cycling enthusiasts on a mission to help every child experience the joy of their first bike.
BalanceBike.au was born from a simple frustration that many Australian parents know all too well. Back in 2023, when our founder Sarah was searching for the perfect balance bike for her then 18-month-old daughter Mia, she found herself overwhelmed by conflicting information, overseas-focused reviews that didn't account for Australian conditions, and a general lack of trustworthy, comprehensive guidance.
After spending countless hours researching inseam measurements, comparing EVA foam tyres versus pneumatic air tyres, and trying to decode which balance bike brands actually shipped to Australia with reasonable delivery times, Sarah knew there had to be a better way. She teamed up with her partner James—a keen mountain biker and mechanical engineer—along with their friend Tom, a former early childhood educator, to create the resource they wished had existed.
We believe that learning to ride a bike is one of childhood's most important milestones. The confidence, independence, and pure joy that comes from those first solo rides stays with children for life. Balance bikes have revolutionised how kids learn to ride by teaching the crucial skill of balancing first—without the crutch of training wheels that can actually delay the learning process.
We also believe that Australian families deserve resources tailored to our unique conditions. From the scorching summer sun that can warp inferior plastic components, to the varied terrain of our suburbs (hello, Queensland hills and Melbourne's flat paths!), to the specific safety standards required for products sold here—context matters. That's why every recommendation on our site considers the Australian experience.
Unlike many comparison sites that simply aggregate specifications from manufacturer websites, we take a hands-on approach to testing balance bikes. Our team has collectively put over 200 hours of real-world testing into the bikes we recommend. We borrow bikes from friends, purchase our own units, and yes—we let our kids (and the kids of willing friends and family) actually ride them.
We pay attention to the details that matter: How does the seat height adjustment mechanism hold up after dozens of readjustments? Do the handlebars develop that annoying wobble after a few months? Can a toddler actually lift and manoeuvre the bike themselves, or does it require constant parent intervention? How does the bike handle the gravel paths at the local park versus smooth concrete?
We test for durability by leaving bikes outside (intentionally) to see how they handle the Australian elements. We check rust resistance, colour fading, and tyre degradation. We assemble each bike ourselves to assess how parent-friendly the setup process is, timing exactly how long it takes and noting any tools required.
Yes, we earn affiliate commissions when you purchase through our links to Amazon Australia. This is how we fund our testing, maintain this website, and keep providing free resources to Australian families. However, our recommendations are never influenced by commission rates. We've actively chosen not to promote certain high-commission products because they simply weren't good enough for Australian kids.
If we wouldn't recommend a balance bike to our own friends and family, it won't appear on our site. Period. Our reputation is built on trust, and we take that responsibility seriously.
We love hearing from fellow parents! Whether you have questions about choosing a balance bike, want to share your child's riding milestones, or have feedback on our guides, we're always happy to chat. Drop us a line through our contact page, and we'll get back to you as soon as we can—usually within 24-48 hours.
Thank you for trusting BalanceBike.au as your guide to this exciting journey. Here's to raising the next generation of confident, capable little riders!
Happy riding,
The BalanceBike.au Team
Use our comparison tools and guides to discover the best bike for your child.