I have a special needs child with balance issues and she doesn't have a lot of strength in her legs. How hard is this to pedal?
929437
It has been a while since I ordered and returned this item. I ordered it for my wife because of back surgeries and "weak legs", but she didn't get to try it since it was the wrong model. Some of the reviews at the time of ordering complained about it being one speed and therefore making it difficult to pedal on hills and inclines. Depending on your child's age it could be a good way to strengthen her legs. Being a retired spec. Ed. teacher, I know this type of exercise is important, but I don't know her particular circumstances. If she has a physical therapist, they would be the best to give advice. Hope this helps. It has been a while since I ordered and returned this item. I ordered it for my wife because of back surgeries and "weak legs", but she didn't get to try it since it was the wrong model. Some of the reviews at the time of ordering complained about it being one speed and therefore making it difficult to pedal on hills and inclines. Depending on your child's age it could be a good way to strengthen her legs. Being a retired spec. Ed. teacher, I know this type of exercise is important, but I don't know her particular circumstances. If she has a physical therapist, they would be the... » Read More It has been a while since I ordered and returned this item. I ordered it for my wife because of back surgeries and "weak legs", but she didn't get to try it since it was the wrong model. Some of the reviews at the time of ordering complained about it being one speed and therefore making it difficult to pedal on hills and inclines. Depending on your child's age it could be a good way to strengthen her legs. Being a retired spec. Ed. teacher, I know this type of exercise is important, but I don't know her particular circumstances. If she has a physical therapist, they would be the best to give advice. Hope this helps. « Show Less
929438
I am 6ft 4 so it wasnt hard for me,Its really a toy,I think she can handle it,might be to big for her,I had 2 daughters and I doubt they would have liked it..Its very safe,doesnt go very fast,kids next door use it and he is small and 8 years old.Its kind of expensive for a toy..My daughters liked big wheels..
929439
It has been a while since I ordered and returned this item. I ordered it for my wife because of back surgeries and "weak legs", but she didn't get to try it since it was the wrong model. Some of the reviews at the time of ordering complained about it being one speed and therefore making it difficult to pedal on hills and inclines. Depending on your child's age it could be a good way to strengthen her legs. Being a retired spec. Ed. teacher, I know this type of exercise is important, but I don't know her particular circumstances. If she has a physical therapist, they would be the best to give advice. Hope this helps.
1073193
I don't think most balance bikes have a foot rest. I think in fact it would be dangerous as it would prevent the child from being able to stop himself quickly enough, as the feet serve as brakes on a balance bike. My son just picks up his feet when he is coasting. It is not as though a kid young enough to be using a balance bike will be likely to coasting for long enough for that to be a problem. Also, since the feet also serve in the place of pedals, they need to put them down to keep going. I would recommend looking for a video of a kid using a balance bike--it wasn't until I saw some other kids using theirs that I realized how much they can really do on them.
679671
I have a 36" tall 2 year old, she can ride the balance bike like a pro. My 4 year old can still ride it even though its to small for him so I figure she will have a good year or two she can ride it.
1709550
I have a small three year old that has trouble reaching the pedals. It really is a nice, solid, big tricycle that they can ride for ever!
2174488
I don't know about the "less expensive" part, but the wheels are unable to be LOCKED so the pedals are always turning. We have found that to be a pain with our 2 year old granddaughter. She always wants her feet on the pedals and she can't pedal fast enough=kind of a pain, and she has gotten hit in the shins pretty hard. I would definitely recommend a type that can be both locked and unlocked when child is ready.
886767
Bought this bike for my 4 yr old who is on the lower range of the height scale, and her legs were too short. She's about 4.5 now, grown a few inches and can reach the pedals now, but it is still a bit awkward. If your daughter is on par with a 5 year old's height, it may work but my guess is that she will still be riding at a very slow pace to begin.
1122725
I think you would be better off taking pedals off bigger bike. My child is 8, 66 pounds and has almost outgrown this. She is probably on a 20-24 inch bike now.
1402478
My daughter is 6 and a half years and still reaching the pedals can not touch the floor level with the feet. if the seat was less high it can be easier, I thought adjusting the seat with another style to reduce the height
460437
Definitely. My daughter is 37 inches and she reaches the pedal just fine. We bought this so she wouldn't grow out of it so fast like the other ones. She is even able to tote her 9 year old sister around with no problems as well. The product is worth it.
911236
Yes, in fact my daughter isn't quite tall enough to be able to peddle and she still enjoys riding along. They can peddle as much or as little as they want.
483656
I bought this for my 3 year old grandson and put blocks on the pedals (and he is a bit tall for his age). So it would depend how long his legs are. Best to find one in a store and sit him on it (I did) to see if pedal blocks would work.
1709556
Hello Linda, I bought this for my 2 year old, the pedals were a little hard for him to reach. We moved the seat up as far as it would go and ended up also making some pedal blocks. My son is very tall for a 2 year old and he couldn't reach the pedals. The bike is awesome though and he loves it! Kristen
33171
it is not for people with balance problems like myself. it has nice big wheels to go over rougher ground. some older people just need a bit of strength help. like a tricycle it is more tippy than 4 wheels for sure.
981258
Donna..I bought this for my granddaughter for Christmas. She just turned 4 in January (she's a little thing) her parents put the seat down for her so she could pedal easier. I'm not much help..she loved it and it will work for her for a couple of years I think.
1513469
It depends on your granddaughter's height. My 18 month old can almost pedal it and she's in the 75th percentile for height.
641970
It is not light. But w training wheels it is stable, easy for a small 4.5 yr old to ride on flat, downhill, and very slight uphill grades. I think they are pretty heavy bikes for kids... Pretty typical
1192968
I don't think so. My 3 year old grandaughter was just old enough to pedal it. I'd stick to some thing that glides by their feet on the floor.