Essential Balance Bike Accessories Every Parent Should Consider

Balance bikes are wonderfully simple by design—but the right accessories can significantly enhance safety, comfort, and enjoyment. From essential safety gear to fun add-ons that make riding more exciting, this guide helps you decide which accessories are worth investing in for your little rider.

Essential: Helmets

A helmet isn't optional—it's essential. Every child should wear a properly fitted helmet every time they ride, no exceptions. Here's what to look for:

Key Features for Toddler/Young Child Helmets

• Australian Standards certification: Must meet AS/NZS 2063
• Proper fit: Snug without being uncomfortable; won't rock forward or backward
• Lightweight construction: Heavy helmets are uncomfortable and may strain small necks
• Good ventilation: Essential in Australian heat
• Adjustable sizing: Dial-fit systems grow with your child
• Visor or brow coverage: Protects from sun and improves visibility
• Bright colours: Aids visibility to others

Helmet Buying Tips

• Take your child to try helmets—fit varies between brands
• Buy new—you don't know the history of second-hand helmets
• Replace after any impact, even if damage isn't visible
• Replace every 3-5 years as materials degrade
• Let your child choose the colour/design—they're more likely to wear it happily

Highly Recommended: Protective Gear

While not as critical as helmets, protective gear can boost confidence and prevent minor injuries.

Knee Pads

Knees are the most common contact point in falls. Good knee pads feature:

• Hard outer shell for impact protection
• Comfortable, flexible inner padding
• Secure straps that stay in place during activity
• Breathable materials to reduce sweating

Knee pads are especially valuable for beginners, hesitant riders, or when learning on hard surfaces.

Elbow Pads

Elbows often hit the ground in forward falls. Elbow pads provide:

• Protection for a commonly injured area
• Confidence boost for nervous riders
• Often sold in sets with knee pads

Gloves

Padded cycling gloves protect palms (another common contact point) and improve grip:

• Padded palms cushion falls
• Improve grip on handlebars, especially in hot weather
• Protect hands from blisters during longer rides
• Look for child-specific sizing with easy-on/off closures

Nice to Have: Bells and Horns

A bell or horn isn't just fun—it teaches important cycling etiquette and helps keep your child safe on shared paths.

Why Bells Matter

• Teaches children to alert others of their presence
• Builds good habits for future cycling on shared paths
• Helps pedestrians hear approaching children
• Adds an element of fun that encourages riding

Choosing a Bell

• Easy operation: Small hands need bells that are easy to ring
• Clear, pleasant sound: Loud enough to hear, not harsh or startling
• Secure attachment: Won't fall off or get in the way
• Fun designs: Animal sounds, colour options, or character themes add appeal

Most bells fit standard handlebar sizes and install easily with a simple clamp mechanism.

Practical Accessories

Handlebar Grips

If your balance bike's original grips wear out or you want an upgrade:

• Look for soft, cushioned grips appropriate for small hands
• Bright colours add visual appeal
• Ensure they fit your handlebar diameter (usually 22.2mm)
• Bar-end plugs prevent injuries from exposed handlebar tubes

Carry Straps

When little legs get tired, you'll be carrying the bike home. Carry straps make this easier:

• Shoulder straps distribute weight comfortably
• Some wrap around the frame; others clip to specific points
• Essential for families who walk to parks or riding spots
• Also useful for carrying the bike over obstacles

Baskets and Bags

Small baskets or bags let children carry "cargo":

• Front baskets attach to handlebars (small items only to avoid affecting steering)
• Small saddle bags attach behind the seat
• Great for carrying a stuffed toy, water bottle, or snack
• Add to the "real bike" experience children love

Fun Extras

These accessories aren't necessary but can increase enthusiasm and personalisation:

Stickers and Decorations

• Let children personalise "their" bike
• Reflective stickers add both fun and visibility
• Character stickers (from favourite shows) increase attachment to the bike
• Easy way to refresh an older or hand-me-down bike

Streamers

Handlebar streamers are a classic bike accessory:

• Colourful and eye-catching
• Flutter in the wind as children ride—pure joy!
• Inexpensive way to add excitement
• Easy to install in handlebar ends

Spoke Decorations

• Beads that clip onto spokes create colour and sound
• Reflective spoke clips add visibility
• Let children help decorate for ownership feeling

Number Plates

Small front number plates are popular with kids:

• Can display child's name or a racing number
• Adds a "real bike" or racing feel
• Available in various colours and designs

Safety and Visibility Accessories

Reflectors

While most balance biking happens in daylight, reflectors add visibility:

• Wheel reflectors catch headlights from the side
• Front and rear reflectors for approaching/following vehicles
• Some helmets include built-in reflective elements
• Required by law on bikes ridden at night (though balance bikes shouldn't be)

Lights

If you ever ride in low light conditions:

• Small LED front lights (white) and rear lights (red)
• Battery or rechargeable options available
• Flashing modes increase visibility
• Not essential for typical daytime balance bike use

Accessories to Skip

Some accessories aren't worth buying for balance bikes:

• Kickstands: Add weight and can catch on things; children can simply lay the bike down
• Expensive upgrades: Children outgrow balance bikes quickly; save premium components for pedal bikes
• Training wheels: Completely defeats the purpose of a balance bike!
• Heavy accessories: Anything that significantly increases bike weight makes learning harder

Australian-Specific Considerations

Sun Protection

Our intense sun requires extra consideration:

• Helmets with sun visors or brims
• Lightweight, breathable protective gear
• Consider UV-protective clothing for longer rides
• Sunglasses designed for children

Heat and Ventilation

• Choose helmets with maximum ventilation
• Avoid dark-coloured seats that absorb heat
• Consider seat covers for bikes stored in sun
• Keep water bottles handy (small handlebar-mounted bottles work well)

Accessory Priority Guide

If you're wondering where to start, here's our recommended priority order:

1. Helmet: Non-negotiable, essential from day one
2. Knee pads: Highly recommended for beginners
3. Bell: Inexpensive, teaches good habits, adds fun
4. Carry strap: Practical for parents who walk to riding spots
5. Elbow pads/gloves: Additional protection for nervous riders
6. Fun decorations: Streamers, stickers—whatever sparks joy!

Remember, the best accessory is one that gets used. A helmet that fits well and that your child likes wearing is worth more than the most expensive model that stays at home. Focus on essentials first, then add fun extras that will motivate and excite your little rider.