Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiQCLblPPno




Occasionally, I see people questioning what first bike to purchase for your children. Here is my quick review of the skuut balance bike $80.

Background: A balance bike is basically a small bike w/o pedals and a limited range of movement of the handlebars. The child scoots forward flintstones style and quickly learns how to balance two wheels. Eventually, they can move to a full bike w/o training wheels.

Use: We purchased for X-mas in 06 when my son was 1.8 years old. He wasn't tall enough for his legs to reach the ground over the seat so we kept it in the house. From about 2 years to 2.4 we he rode it around the house to build his confidence. At 2.5 he was ready to head outside. Within 1 day he was fully riding outside. Now he is 2.8 and is flying. He has a range of about 3 miles with me running alongside or biking behind him (very slowly).

Skuut Review: $80. The skuut is cheap compared to the like-a-bike (240-280). It does have some construction issues, but they are pretty easily fixed because of the wood construction. He rides it almost everyday, so it is starting to show wear.

Skuut:

Like-a-bike: