I want to get my 4 yr old son a two wheeler with training wheels. At least, I think I should get training wheels on it.
Edited to add: He has tried a two wheeler with training wheels before so I know he can physically use one.
He's on the autism spectrum and has sensory issues. He also has a problem with balance (which is why I want to work on him learning to balance).
I'm looking for links (or names) of bikes that would be good. (I don't think his father will spend more than $65.)
Should I get him a seat with a back...or a curve to help him stay on?
Ack, so many questions.
Help!


Can he pedal already? If not, I would recommend a larger TRIKE to start with. Our son (who has sensory issues) wouldn't even ATTEMPT a bike (even with training wheels) because it felt too tippy at age 4. You don't want to turn him off before he ever gets started. Trikes are better too because you can go faster. Bikes with training wheels are SLOW.
Then, I would move up to a push bike (i.e. a pedal-less bike) like this:
(there are some wood ones that are cheaper that you can try).
When you're ready to move to a bike (age 6 or so, I'd say), you might be able to skip training wheels. If he needs, them, make sure they are heavy duty training wheels.


Yes, he can pedal. He's had a trike for a year. I highly doubt ds's father will buy a push bike and then buy a regular bike in another year (yes, he's cheap).
I'll keep it on my list though...Just in case no one else has a suggestion for a good bike. :)
Thanks for replying!


I'm going to be keeping an eye out here, too.
My oldest wants to ride a bike, yet she's terrified of the height and instability (even with training wheels).
My second loves being on the bike, but she has difficulty maintaining pedaling to the positioning of her legs.
I'm wondering if anyone has experience with any alternative style or adaptive bikes.


This link has "what kind of bike should I buy" about 2/3 of the way down. Just know that 4 is still very young to be riding a 2 wheeler. Many typically developing kids don't learn until 6 or 7.



has some nice larger sized tricycles (up through adult size) and 12" training wheels for bicycles 16"-26".


This link has "what kind of bike should I buy" about 2/3 of the way down. Just know that 4 is still very young to be riding a 2 wheeler. Many typically developing kids don't learn until 6 or 7.
The bike that they recommended is too big. The smallest they have is a
20". Ds would need a 16". Also, there's no way his father would spend $250 on a bike. Even getting him to pay $50 is like pulling teeth.
The OT's that we've worked with start kids on two wheelers at age 4.
I just got rid of his tricycle today. He really has no interest in it. He wants the 'big boy bike'. ;)
I wonder if I should put a link to this thread in TAO. Would that be allowed?


Well, I'm gonna post a link to this thread.


I wonder if I should put a link to this thread in TAO. Would that be allowed? Yep linking so we can discuss it here is perfect! :)


Great. Did it. :D


Just gotta second the push/balance bike. We got one for 3 y/o DD earlier this spring and the difference in her ability to balance is amazing. Stunning. She's not quite ready for a full-on bike w/o training wheels yet, but she's soooo much closer than before. And I'm amazed at how much it improved her balance overall. I even suggested it to an pediatric OT friend I had.
It's been that wonderful for us. $50 at Target. Nicely built. You could likely get half that back in resale when you're done. And then you can always find a used child-sized bike at a thrift store or bike store later on for very little money.


Another vote for Likeabike. We just got one for my 2yr old ds. He loves it.


I actually think he'd be bored with a push bike. Also, his physical therapist says that he wants him to get the exercise and motion of pedaling.


I don't know much about bikes and special needs (I just followed the link from TAO). I just wanted to toss out that if you buy an inexpensive bike and the training wheels aren't sturdy enough you can buy more "robust" training wheels at a bike store. That's what we did with dd's 16" bike. The training wheels that came with it were crummy little plastic things. The bike store was able to sell us larger, sturdier wheels with rubber around the outside.


I strongly recommend stopping at a local independent bike shop where you can get some help fitting him as well as possible. They also often have used or refurbished bikes for sale and he can try them out in the parking lot. I don't have a particular brand recommendation because kids are so different, but a good bike shop can help you make a good decision.