A few weeks ago I was sent a Kettler Balance Bike to review for the Back to School month on PlayPennies. I was really excited about it, I’m on the market for some kind of transportation for my child as she ventures to school for the first time and I’m not really sure what she’ll enjoy, and what will work.
So far we’ve tried out a scooter and she really enjoyed it, but she hasn’t quite gelled with it as well as I’d hoped and it isn’t right for the long uphill hike to school every morning. What we need is something that will not exhaust her before she even gets to the gates! And that I can keep up with, obviously. I’m not cut out for running up hills at 8am.
The bike arrived in an enormous pink box. We got the Sprint Air Princess bike and my child was nearly faint with excitement. I was dreading the assembly, if I am honest. I can put things together alright but I always worry that it’s not tight enough and that it will come undone while she’s using it.
However, this bike assembled in ten minutes flat. I had to double-check the box to make sure I hadn’t missed anything because it was so easy. The instructions are simple pictures and most of the parts are solid. The only instruction they didn’t have was how to install the balance spike but it was pretty self-explanatory.
The bike is aimed at kids two years and older and retails for £59.99. It's sturdy and well made and is definitely very good quality. The paint gleams efficiently, the metal used to make the frame is very strong (I sat on it to check), and the extras, like padded handles and a comfy seat, are really good quality.
That said, I just don’t get it. I don’t. I showed the bike to friends and family and they didn’t get it either. Yes, it’s supposed to get your children to learn how to balance on two wheels. Yes, it’s adorable and zippy and fits neatly into small spaces. But why have a bike that teaches them to ride on two wheels and not include any pedals?
I mean, surely it’s easier to learn how to ride a bike if you have pedals? Or is that just me? As far as my daughter is concerned the bike is a complete no-no. Once I’d built it, we went outside to the park for her to test drive it and she was terrified. She struggled to move it forward without taking both feet off the ground and, because the momentum was so limited, her balance was immediately compromised.
“Why can’t I make it go forward, mommy?” she asked me, “Where are the pedals?”
Out of the mouth of babes, I think. Look, the idea sounds good enough in theory and, I’m sure, there are many parents whose children will find these bikes to be very useful. However, for almost £60 I want a bike with pedals and training wheels.
And finally
While the quality of the Kettler Air Princess Balance Bike is undeniable, and the range of colours really lovely, this feels like more of a gimmick than a necessity.
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