Last Updated on June 29, 2022 by ellen
Are you considering a Hape Balance Bike scooter? Check out my thoughts on this wooden toddler bike and how it helps first-time riders.
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Hape Balance Bike Scooter
The Hape Scoot Around Balance Bike is a free-riding bike for toddlers. It helps promote balance and muscle movement for young riders.
My granddaughter is a little speed racer. We enjoy fun playtime when I watch her each weekend. Recently, I decided to introduce her to riding a bike.
She is 12 months old so she’s definitely too young for her first pedal bike. But, a balance bike scooter encourages active play at her age.
Benefits of a wooden toddler bike
There are many benefits of a balance bike over a tricycle.
First, it helps with the development of coordination and gross motor skills. Your child will learn to steer and balance while riding. Also, they’ll develop the muscles in their legs and core from scooting around.
Second, it’s a great way to introduce your child to the concept of riding a bike. They’ll get a feel for the motion and how to control the bike. At her age, she is much too young to pedal. But, the bike helps her balance and improves motor skills.
Third, it’s lightweight and easy to maneuver. The Hape Scoot Around is made from durable wood and has sturdy plastic wheels. It’s also very lightweight, so your child can push it around and put it away easily.
What age is best for a balance bike?
The best age for a balance bike is 12 to 36 months. If your child is younger than 12 months, they may not be able to control the bike. If they’re older than 36 months, they may be ready for a pedal bike.
Your child should be able to stand independently in order to use the bike. Younger kids will have problems getting on and off the bike.
Key skills a balance bike helps with
There are three skills a balance bike helps with.
First, it helps with the development of gross motor skills. Your child will learn to steer and balance while riding. Also, they’ll develop the muscles in their legs and core from scooting around.
Second, it’s a great way to introduce your child to the concept of riding a bike. They’ll get a feel for the motion and how to control the bike.
Third, it helps with the development of coordination. Your child will learn to steer and balance while riding. Also, they’ll develop the muscles in their legs and core from scooting around.
How to choose the right size bike
The Hape Balance Bike is for ages 12 months and up. It’s perfect for younger children because it has 4 wheels and is low to the ground.
Children ages 18 months and up may want to size up to the First Ride Balance Bike that has 3 wheels. Or, the Hape Explorer Balance Bike which has 2 wheels (ages 3 and up). It is still a balance bike because it has no pedals.
Either option is a stylish beginner bicycle that works well for outdoor play. Children older than 4 or 5 are old enough for a traditional bike with training wheels. As your child matures, you can tradition them to a different bike.
Is the Hape Balance Bike for indoor or outdoor play?
I was thrilled to see that the tires left my kitchen floor scuff free. Your child can ride the Hape Scoot Around inside or outside.
Little ones may find it easiest to scoot the bike around the flat floors in the house. As they improve, you can take the Hape balance bike scooter outside to improve motor skills when they are fully ready. It’s great for adventurous strolls around the neighborhood.
Product details
Floor to seat height: 228mm or 8.98 inches
What age is the balance bike scooter for?
Children ages 12 months and up will enjoy this bike. As long as your child fits comfortably on the bike, they will enjoy it. Much will depend on how quickly they grow. I can easily see my granddaughter enjoying this toy until she is 3 or so.
Hape is a trusted toy provided that offers many different types of toys from ages birth and up.
Hape Balance Bike Scooter review
The Hape Scoot Around was very easy for my husband to put together. It took maybe 30 minutes out of the box to ready to ride. You will need to have a flat head screwdriver and a crescent wrench to put this together.
I love that the bike is made mostly of wood. It has a lightweight frame because of its size and the wheels have a rubberized coating that lets kids play inside or out.
The comfortable seat has a wooden stopper at the back to help your child learn to scoot around on it. My granddaughter was easily able to grasp the handlebars and move the steering wheel around as she sat on the bike.
The height of the seat is about 8.75″ and the handlebars are up high for comfort as they grow. There are 4 wheels, two in front and two in the back which gives the most stability for younger kids as they learn to ride and for their knees as they get bigger.
I highly recommend the Hape Scoot Around Balance Bike for your little one. It helps them develop key skills and is a perfectly cute addition to your outdoor toys.
Your child will enjoy their ride around the house or the driveway with the Scoot Around. You can purchase this at stores like Target. Or, find it on Amazon. (available in blue or green)
Ellen is a mom of a 25-year-old son and 30-year-old daughter. She is Grandma to one adorable toddler. In what little spare time she has, she loves to read, watch movies, and check out the latest toys and games.