The Best Training Wheels for New Riders

Learning how to ride a bike is a rite of passage for many children and adults, and training wheels can be a wonderful teaching tool for learning independence and balance. Many sets of training wheels come with adjustable heights so you can begin raising the wheels off the ground as the rider gets more confident on their bike. Training wheels have a pretty standard design, with bracket attachments (arms) on either side of the rear tire. Most sets are easy to attach and remove, as well as adjustable. We chose a variety of sizes and diameters for new bike riders of all ages.

The Best Training Wheels of 2022

What to Consider

Safety

Construction, quality components, and the correct installation are all critical when choosing and installing training wheels. The training wheels should be set slightly higher than the rear tire, for balance training as well as safety, and always double-check your bolts before the rider sets off. Like all bike components, training wheels should be checked for stability and tightness before each ride, and adjusted if something seems off.

Bike Sizes

The bracket/arm length of the training wheels determines the best size bike for each set, and we’ve also listed the appropriate bike sizes in the specs for each set we feature. These training wheel options come in a range of sizes that will work with everything from 12-inch bike wheels to 26-inch bike wheels, and everything in between. Be aware that each bike is different, and some bikes might not work with certain sets of training wheels, even if they appear to be appropriately sized. We’ve highlighted instances where this is the case.

How We Selected

To recommend the best training wheels, we looked first at safety and construction to make sure there were no red flags for durability or stabilization. Then we curated a list of training wheels sized for various bikes, and with wheels of varying sizes, from 12-inch wheels to 26-inch wheels. Most of these choices are adjustable, and all are highly rated for safety and ease of use.

For more great bike gear, check out our picks for the best bike bells, frame bags, and water bottle cages.