Toddlers and pre-schoolers
Start with a balance bike, helmet and pad set. Add a horn once they love scooting about.
Kids cycling starter set: what you need
A first bike is a big moment, and a few extras make it safer and more fun. Here is our kids cycling starter set, from the bike itself to the small bits that help young riders feel confident.
What goes in a starter set?
Six pieces that get young riders rolling safely.
THE BIKE
Balance bikes through to bigger-wheel kids' bikes.
What to prioritise
Sized by age
Kids' Bikes
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HELMET
Adjustable helmets sized for growing heads.
What to prioritise
Safety first
Kids' Helmets
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PADS
Knee and elbow pad sets for early wobbles.
What to prioritise
Softer landings
Kids' Guards
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LEARNING
Stabilisers and a learning bar for first pedals.
What to prioritise
Steady start
Training Wheels & Accessories
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BE HEARD
Fun horns and a bell kids love to use.
What to prioritise
Heads up
Kids' Horns & Bells
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BE SEEN
Front and rear lights for dull days.
What to prioritise
Easy to fit
Bike Lights
Shop the RangeHow to choose the right kit
Size the bike by height
Wheel size matters more than age. Your child should be able to sit on the saddle with the balls of both feet on the ground. A bike that is too big is harder to control and knocks confidence.
Get the helmet fit right
Measure around the head just above the eyebrows and choose the size that covers that number. The helmet should sit level, not tipped back, with the straps snug under the chin. Check the fit again every few months as heads grow.
Balance first, pedals second
Many kids learn fastest on a balance bike, then move straight to pedals. Stabilisers suit children who want to pedal right away. Either way, short and fun sessions beat long ones.
Make them easy to see and hear
A horn or bell lets kids warn walkers on shared paths. Small clip-on lights help them stand out on grey days or at dusk. Bright clothing helps too.
Which set suits your child?
First pedal bike riders
A right-sized kids' bike with stabilisers or a learning bar, plus the helmet and pads they already know.
Confident young riders
A bigger-wheel bike with gears, a well-fitted helmet, lights and a bell for park paths and family rides.
Your starter set at a glance
| Item | Why it matters | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Kids' bike | The right size builds control and confidence. | Check both feet reach the ground when seated. |
| Helmet | Protects the head in a tumble. | Recheck the fit every few months. |
| Knee and elbow pads | Take the sting out of early falls. | Great for balance bike and scooter days too. |
| Stabilisers | Let kids pedal before they can balance. | Raise them a little over time. |
| Horn or bell | Lets others know they are coming. | Teach a quick ring before passing walkers. |
| Lights | Help kids be seen in low light. | Clip one on the front and one on the back. |
Keep their kit ready to ride
- Squeeze the tyres before each ride and pump them up when they feel soft.
- Check the brakes work and the handlebars are tight after any knock.
- Wipe helmets and pads clean and let them dry fully before storing.
- Swap out a helmet that has had a hard knock, even if it looks fine.
Frequently asked questions
What should a kids cycling starter set include?
The essentials are a bike that fits and a helmet that fits. After that, knee and elbow pads, a horn or bell and a set of small lights round things out nicely. Stabilisers or a learning bar are optional extras for children who want to pedal before they can balance.
What size bike does my child need?
Go by height and leg length rather than age alone. Your child should be able to sit on the saddle and touch the ground with the balls of both feet, and reach the brakes comfortably. If they are between sizes, the smaller bike is usually easier to learn on.
Balance bike or stabilisers?
Balance bikes teach steering and balance first, and many kids move straight to a pedal bike without stabilisers afterwards. Stabilisers let children pedal and brake from day one, which some kids find more fun. There is no wrong choice, so go with what keeps your child keen to ride.
Do kids have to wear a helmet to ride?
Yes. Australian road rules require bike riders to wear an approved helmet, and that includes children. Rules about where kids can ride, such as on footpaths, vary between states, so check your state's road rules. Whatever the rules, a well-fitted helmet is the most important piece of kit in the set.
Does a kids' bike need a bell and lights?
Bell and light requirements vary by state, so it is worth checking your state's road rules, especially if your child rides on roads or shared paths. Even where they are not required, a bell or horn helps kids warn walkers, and small lights make them easier to spot in low light. Both are simple to fit and remove.
Explore our Top Sports
Ready for their first ride?
With the right bike and a few smart extras, the first ride is the start of years of fun. Explore our full cycling range for the whole family.
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