Best 18 inch Wheel Kids Bikes For (Boys & Girls) -2023 Guide


best-18-inch-bikes-for-kids

Can’t really decide what’s the best 18″ bike for your kid?

The best part is you understand that your kid isn’t too big to get a 20 inch bike and not too small to get a 16 inch.

Sometimes kids between 5 and 6 can outgrow the bikes their peers are riding. In that case, these bikes can close the gap.

But the problem is most of the 18 inch bikes still have that babyish feel and most kids at this age don’t want it.

We chose not to lead you to that same path. Instead, we focused on style & design that will appeal to any boy or girl. The weight of these bikes ranges from 23-28 lbs. Depending on your kid’s abilities, you should make the final decision.

Here’s what we got for you!

Top Pick

The Royal Baby Freestyle is our top choice because of its unisex design and greater color options. Whether you need a kickstand or training wheels, this bike has got it all. The tires are wider than average 18-in bikes and makes for a stable and comfortable ride.

Budget Pick

If you want something that won’t break your bank, the Mongoose Stun is your best option. It’s more of a boy’s bike but girls will love it too. There’s some level of adjustability and should be enough to last until your child gets past 7 or 8 years of age.
Images Product Name
RoyalBaby Kids Bike
Schwinn Koen Bike
JOYSTAR Totem Kids Bike
COEWSKE Kid's Bike
RoyalBaby Girls Kids Bike
Mongoose Stun Freestyle BMX Bike
Huffy Kid Bike
RoyalBaby HandDisc Brake Kids Bike
Segway Ninebot Kids Bike
Genesis Cute Girls Bike

10 Most Popular 18-inch Bikes For Kids 2023

1.RoyalBaby Kids Bike

RoyalBaby Kids Bike

In terms of quality and overall value, you can’t beat Royal Baby! This top-rated 18-in bike is perfect for kids who are too big for a 16-in and too small for a 20-in bike. The unisex design appeals to both girls and boys.

The bike comes almost fully assembled. You just need to put the wheels and brake in place. There’s a rear reflector that you can attach but it’s only usable when you don’t install the kickstand. So, that’s up to you to decide.

It offers good safety because your child can brake with both front hand brake and rear coaster brake. This gives him a bit of freedom in choosing what sort of braking system suits him.

The seat is softer than most other bikes in this range. On top of that, the height and angle can be adjusted that leaves a bit of room to grow with your kid. It’s got 2.4-in pneumatic tires that should offer ample of stability in different types of track.

There are few flaws in this bike but they are not deal breakers. The word ‘baby’ is everywhere on the bike frame. For some kids at this age, it could be a big turn off. The bottle holder provided is not usable when the seat is near about the lowest height.

Pros:

  • Comes almost fully assembled saving you time and effort.
  • Extra Bell and DIY decal for fun.
  • Adjustable seat height and angle is good for growing kids.
  • Use either kickstand or rear reflector.

Cons:

  • Can’t use the bottle holder when the seat is low.

 

 

2.Schwinn Koen Boys Bike

Schwinn Koen Boys Bike

The Schwinn Koen is just a little more lightweight than the Royal Baby. Everything about the bike is loveable right from the design to the functionality. A kickstand with training wheels- not a lot of bikes can achieve that.

The seat along with the handlebars are adjustable. And you will need no tools whatsoever to adjust them. It’s the perfect 18 inch bike that will grow with your kid for a considerable period of time.

The braking system has both front hand brake and rear coaster brake. If this is your kid’s first bike, the coaster brake will help him to come to terms with biking. What’s more? The chain is enclosed inside a chain guard and that will offer safety from unintentional accidents.

While the kickstand is a great addition, it can be a little hard for kids below 6 years to get it down. Sometimes, the factory setting might not be perfect. But with some adjustments, everything will work smoothly. Highly recommended!

Pros:

  • Both seat and handlebar is adjustable.
  • Training wheels and kickstand are usable together.
  • Chainguard keeps feet from slipping inside the chain.
  • Lightweight and stylish steel frame.

Cons:

  • The kickstand can be bit hard to put down.

 

 

3.JOYSTAR Totem Kids Bike

JOYSTAR Totem Kids Bike

Some parents love their kids’ simple and minimalist. The Retro style Joystar Totem could be a great 18-in bike for your kid. It doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles but is pretty effective.

Most users have highly praised the build quality of the bike. The frame is made from premium steel and hence the durability. Almost everything comes pre-assembled. As the instructions are pretty much general, it might take some time to figure out what goes where.

For first-timers, it’s good to have training wheels and also a kickstand. Training wheels are handy, but they can sometimes come loose. So, you need to tighten them up frequently.

We found the pedals to move easily with minimal effort and the coaster brake on it isn’t stiff like in some bikes in this category. For convenience, you can adjust the height to match with your growing kid.

With the package, you will get a DIY decal and can give the bike a customized look. To keep your child’s feet safe, there’s a chain guard in place. Overall, there’s nothing wrong with the bike that will keep you from buying it.

Pros:

  • Sturdy and durable steel frame.
  • Training wheels and the kickstand is great for first-timers.
  • Pedals and the brake works smoothly.
  • DIY decal for customization.

Cons:

  • Instructions aren’t specific and will take some time to figure out the assembling process.
  • The training wheels might come loose now and then and need tightening.

 

4.COEWSKE Kid’s Bike

COEWSKE Kids Bike

The Coewske is one of the most loved 18 inch girls bikes with training wheels. Its best selling point is the front basket and rear doll carrier that makes every little girl want this bike.0

The rear brake coaster brake and front hand brake makes it a lot secure for your girl to stop while riding. Moreover, the chain is enclosed inside a chain guard and it will keep the feet out of trouble.

The good news is everything comes assembled leaving only 5% work to be done! Just install the training wheels, pedals, handlebar and saddle. One regret is the bike doesn’t come with a kickstand, but it shouldn’t be an issue.

The tires aren’t as wide as the Royal Baby we reviewed at the beginning, but good enough to offer stability and traction on most tracks. If this is your daughter’s first bike, it’s well worth the money!

Pros:

  • The seat and handlebar both have adjustable height setting.
  • Front basket and rear doll carrier makes it perfect for girls.
  • Wider footrest for enjoying riding.
  • Enclosed chain guard is safe for kids.

Cons:

  • The training wheels might become loose and needs retightening on a regular basis.

 

 

5.RoyalBaby Girls Kids Bike

RoyalBaby Girls Kids Bike

For Royal Baby fans who want something specific for their little girls, this is the best 18 inch bike in the market. It’s well assembled and neatly designed to suit girls 6 years and above.

Your kid will absolutely love the front basket. Whether it’s dolls or toys, she can carry it wherever she rides. The Additional bell and DIY decal are icing on the cake.

You can adjust both the seat height and handlebar. The seat goes from 21.7-in all the way to 27.6-in. So, there’s plenty of room to grow. The pneumatic tires on this bike are effective and are quite stable.

A big plus is it comes with training wheels. For newbie riders, it’s just perfect. You also get a kickstand and front reflector. The only issue here is you don’t have much room to install the reflector when the basket is attached.

Pros:

  • Durable steel frame is suitable for heavy usage.
  • Enclosed chain guard keeps the feet from hurting.
  • Have room for growth with adjustable seat and handlebar.
  • Comes with training wheels, kickstand, reflector and basket.

Cons:

  • You will have to choose between reflector or basket. There is not enough for both.

 

 

6.Mongoose Stun Freestyle BMX Bike

Mongoose Stun Freestyle BMX Bike

The Mongoose Stun is one of the coolest looking bikes in the market. Its distinct orange color and stylish decal makes it appealing to boys. If you are looking to transition from a 14-in or 16-in bike, this is one to get.

The height of the handlebar goes from 31.5-in to 34-in and the height of the seat adjusts from 20.5-in to 23-in. So, there’s a bit of room to grow. However, they aren’t the easiest to play with. You will need a socket wrench to make it work.

The bike doesn’t have any room for training wheels. It’s for kids who have already learned balancing and now want to ride freely without support. As a bonus, there’s a kickstand.

The Mongoose doesn’t have any hand brakes. It has only the rear coaster brake and that should be okay for most kids. The only real flaw we see is the tires are cheap and might need replacement after a period of time.

Pros:

  • Removable kickstand is great for parking the bike.
  • Great design and outlook.
  • Chain guard for maximum protection.
  • The seat and handlebar can be adjusted to some extent with a bit of effort.

Cons:

  • The tires are not of the highest quality. Might need replacement at some point.

 

 

7.Huffy Kid Bike

Huffy Kid Bike

 

The Huffy MotoX is a quality 18-inch boys bike with training wheels. It doesn’t have the sleek-looking profile of the Mongoose but certainly, the additional training wheels are great for first-timers. What’s more? It’s one of the most lightweight bikes in the 18-in category. 

It has a quick connect assembling process that makes it easier for parents to make the bike run in no time. The braking system consists of both the coaster brake and the handbrake. Newbie kids will have it easy to control their riding.

The seat has a generous amount of padding which feels comfortable to ride for a long time. The tires are quite supportive and should perform good on most solid tracks. We found the wheels rolled smoothly and the alloy spokes could be the reason behind it.

The only thing that could be added was the kickstand. But anyways, that’s not a deal breaker by any means!

Pros:

  • Easy and fast assembling with quick-connect system
  • Lightweight frame makes it easy to maneuver.
  • Comfortable seat padding helps to ride longer.
  • Smooth-rolling experience with alloy spokes backed wheels.

Cons:

  • There’s no kickstand.

 

 

8.RoyalBaby HandDisc Brake Kids Bike

RoyalBaby Kids Bike Boys Girls Space Shuttle

If design and outlook is all that matters to you, this Royal baby bike is perfect for you. It’s got a high-tech and futuristic design that can attract any kid whether boy or girl. The magnesium frame gives it a unique feel and keeps it lightweight. It’s truly the best 18-inch bike for the money can buy.

The bike is made from high-quality parts. Though magnesium is a softer material, it gives the proper blend of strength and light-weighted ness. The glossy paint is the final touch that makes the bike look extremely appealing.

It comes almost fully assembled. All you need to do is install the front wheel and the brake. It’s one of the few 18-in bikes that has both rear and front brakes on the hand. If you want your kid to transition to a full-featured bike sooner, this is the one to get.

This Royal Baby model doesn’t feature training wheels. But the good thing is you get a kickstand, front and rear reflector. As for flaws, there’s one. The back hand brake doesn’t stop the bike entirely and you will have to make some adjustments to make it work smoothly.

Pros:

  • Thick 2.4-in tires makes for a smooth and stable ride.
  • Both the rear and front brakes are hand brakes.
  • Heavy-duty kickstand doesn’t break, crack or fall off.
  • Has one of the best design profiles in the market.

Cons:

  • The front brake needs some adjustment to work smoothly.

 

 

9.Segway Ninebot Kids Bike

Segway Ninebot Kids Bike

Some kids got a massive craze for mountain bikes! Especially boys! And it’s understandable. This Segway Ninebot has that mountain bike profile and 9 out of 10 boys will love having one.

The bike has a front suspension that makes it far more stable than other bikes in the list. Also, the bearing system is designed in a way to reduce friction. Overall, it offers a smooth riding experience.

You can adjust the saddle height to some extent. The bell and kickstand are nice additions and always come handy. The tires have shock absorption properties and give the ultimate mountain biking feel.

Keep in mind, there’s no training wheels on this. So, it’s not designed for complete newbies. If your child already has some experience with previous bikes, then go for it. Though the bike itself is on the lighter side, it still takes a lot of effort to push the handle. But that shouldn’t stop you from buying it.

Pros:

  • Enclosed chain is safer for kids.
  • Front-wheel suspension and shock reduction tires makes smooth riding.
  • Coaster brake + Hand brake offers more control over stopping.
  • Sleek and streamlined design.

Cons:

  • Needs some effort to push the pedals.

 

 

10.Genesis Cute Girls Bike

Genesis meets most girl’s expectations from their bike. It’s got the shiny purply outlook and doesn’t look babyish by any means. The BMX style handlebar could be a deal-breaker if your child loves that sort of design.

The seat height can be adjusted and it doesn’t require any tools. It’s equipped with a quick-release post and that makes life easier. Though you get both the kickstand and the training wheels, you can only attach one of the two.

The braking system is composed of a rear coaster brake and a front hand brake. While everything is solidly built, the training wheel is the weak point. It keeps falling off. Nevertheless, it’s a bike worth buying!

Pros:

  • Comes with a fashion bag.
  • BMX style handlebar makes it look stylish.
  • Adjust seat height effortless with quick-release post clamp.

Cons:

  • The training wheels keeps falling apart and needs adjustment on a regular basis.

 

 

Things to Consider While Choosing Kids Bikes

An 18 inch bike is not commonly bought for the kids. But when you start to notice that your kid has outgrown his 16 inch (Perfect bike size for 4 year old)  but not enough for a 20 inch, then before choosing the right size 18 inch bike you should consider these following factors.

1. Your Kid’s Height

Kids’ growth doesn’t follow any fixed formula. While choosing a bike for your kid the general guideline is to measure your kid’s inseam height which should be the same or a little shorter than the minimum seat height of their bike.

An 18 inch bike is usually suitable for kids between 5 and 6 who have outgrown their 16 inch bike. However, age is not the key factor here. Your kid’s height is to consider to decide whether to buy a 16 inch or an 18 inch bike for him.

2. Brakes

Look for whether the bike features a hand brake or a coaster brake. Coaster brakes had been popular for a long time for the learning kids. And 18 inch bikes are usually for kids who are still learning. 

But, recently studies have suggested that coaster brakes may hinder your kids from learning control. However, coaster brakes are somewhat helpful to get them familiar with the biking terms. 

So, try choosing one that has both a front hand brake and a rear coaster brake. That way you can ensure a secure riding for them. Later on when they grow big shift it with a dual hand brake.

3. Weight of the Bike

An 18 inch bike is usually made for little kids who are still learning or practicing. Thus, the bike’s weight is definitely a matter of concern.

A heavy metal construction of a bike means sturdy, safe and a durable one. But, it’s problematic when it’s too heavy for your kid to handle. 

So, try to choose a moderately heavy, yet sturdy bike according to your child’s ability and preference. What good is it if they suffer more than they enjoy riding a cycle. The bikes we reviewed in this list ranges from 23-28 lbs.

4. Training Wheels

Kids of 4 to 6 years often learn how to paddle a bike quickly. But, it takes time for them to learn the balance. 

Although, some suggest that training wheels delay your child’s learning process. But, we suggest, it’s still better to delay than getting your child injured during the process. So, try to choose a bike with training wheels.

Final Words

Did you manage to find the right bike for your kid? There’s nothing complicated here. It all comes down to the outlook, ease of installation and certain features like seat adjustability and braking system. If your kid has a liking to a particular color or style, go for it.

About Sujana Vij

Hi, this is Sujana. I am an independent strong woman. My noteworthy identity is I am a mother of two children and also a baby site blogger. Besides, the part of my job I love to help parents by giving them useful and practical suggestions that I gained through many difficulties. Normally, we use many products or items for our baby. As a mother, I know how difficult to choose the best product for your baby. In addition, if you are a rookie parent then it's much more difficult. You might need to talk to real parents. That's why I share my experience and feelings upon the best baby products and parenting tips