Children's Bike Manufacturers Guide: Early Rider

Choosing your child's first bike? Then you've probably already heard the name Early Rider. For twenty years, Early Rider has been manufacturing balance bikes and traditional bicycles that develop balance, motor skills, and other essential abilities in children — so it's no exaggeration to say that many cycling talents grew up riding Early Rider. How do you choose the right bike to introduce your child to this hobby, and what makes the Early Rider range special for kids? We’ll tell you in this article.

Early Rider – history and values

Early Rider is a bicycle manufacturer based in the United Kingdom. The brand was born in 2005 from a father's desire to create a quality bike for his children. He wanted kids to feel just as comfortable on a bike as adults — to steer freely and move without restriction. That’s why Early Rider focuses on high-quality construction and clean design — you'll notice their kids’ bikes look very much like adult bikes (just smaller). Early Rider believes that great equipment helps children learn faster, build confidence, and develop a love for active living.

What makes Early Rider bikes special?

Early Rider bikes are built to last and, thanks to their strong frames, are both high-quality and safe for children. Only top-grade, durable materials like aluminum, stainless steel, and wood are used for the frames. Early Rider doesn't hide these materials — their bikes maintain a minimalist design that stands out in the kids' bike market. A good example is the hand-brushed aluminum frames or the wooden balance bikes that have become a signature of the Early Rider brand.

Their designs are specially adapted to growing and ever-changing bodies. Ergonomic principles ensure that each balance bike or pedal model fits your child's height and physical capabilities, allowing free and comfortable movement. To achieve this, Early Rider created extremely lightweight yet strong frames — making the bikes easy to control even for the smallest riders. Every detail is carefully considered, so you can be confident that the geometry and adjustable components will grow with your child.

Most popular Early Rider models

Which Early Rider model is the best choice for your child? Let’s help you decide.

• The Early Rider Bella Velio and Super Velio balance bikes are made for the youngest riders from 10 months of age. Thanks to patented design solutions, these bikes gently develop balance skills without hindering movement — they automatically bring the child back to a vertical position when tipping begins.

• The Early Rider Seeker is a versatile kids’ mountain bike. It’s sturdy, lightweight, and equipped with wide tires and a wide cassette — allowing kids to ride smoothly both in the city and on forest trails or tougher terrain.

• The Early Rider Belter stands out because it uses a belt drive instead of a chain. Compared to a traditional chain, a belt requires far less maintenance, runs more quietly, and reduces the risk of injury from sharp components.

• The Early Rider Charger balance bike is lightweight, fast, and stylish. Its construction is especially durable — a great choice for families with more than one child or those wanting to pass the bike down to future generations.

• The Early Rider Hellion was made for little adventurers who love trail riding and jumping over obstacles. Considered one of the lightest kids’ mountain bikes on the market, the Hellion absorbs shocks well and stands up to whatever adventures your child takes it on.

• The Early Rider SuperPly balance bike is made from high-quality wood and aluminum — built to last and warm to the touch. It’s one of the most popular choices for parents looking to start their child’s bike journey in the best way possible.

Kids’ bikes: how to choose the right one?

While the kids’ bike selection isn’t as vast as adult models, it’s still wide enough to make choosing a bit tricky. We recommend focusing on these three factors to make your decision easier:

• The most important — age and height. It’s now standard for kids to start learning on a balance bike. From as early as age 1, a balance bike helps kids get used to cycling, and a properly sized kids' bike helps them gain essential riding skills. Choosing the right size is crucial — only then will your child feel comfortable and safe.

• Physical ability. If your child is just learning to balance, a balance trike might seem like a good first step, but we recommend not hesitating and going for a balance bike as soon as possible — it develops skills more effectively and prepares them better for a pedal bike.

• Individual preferences. Color, material, and design come down to taste. However, many parents especially appreciate the Early Rider SuperPly wooden balance bike and the brushed aluminum kids’ bikes like the Seeker, Belter, and Hellion.

Still have questions about choosing your child’s first bike? Visit us at the Velonova store at J. Baltrušaičio g. 1, Vilnius, or reach out to us online.