Impeller test & comparison »top 9 in january 2020

The 9 best walker bikes at a glance.

An impeller is the perfect attunement of your child to the first real bike. Pay attention to the correct tires when buying. Promising pneumatic tires a quality damping, while plastic wheels particularly puncture-proof are. The stability of the frame is also very important. Metal and steel frames stand out here in particular. Wooden frames, on the other hand, are more environmentally friendly.

To ensure the greatest possible safety for your offspring, you should also observe the manufacturer’s age recommendation. Most wheels are approved for ages 2 and up. The maximum age for bikes varies between 3 and 5 years. Find the ideal balance bike for your child in our product table.

The quality management for our test and comparison procedure is TÜV-certified according to ISO 9001

30 – 40 cm
31-41 cm
30 – 37 cm
33-43
33 – 43 cm
28-36 cm
28-43 cm
29-39

Impeller comparison
Illustration *	Compare winner				Price-performance winner
Model *	Puky LR M 4056	Kettler 0T04015-0035 balance bike Speedy Rocket	Bikestar children’s balance bike classic	Kettler Speedy 2.0	LCP Kids TRAX	Pinolino 239414 Vespa Wanda	Pinolino wooden balance bike Jojo natural-red	Puky Wutsch Berry	Bandits & Angel’s impeller
valuation at Amazon *	195 reviews	1 reviews	51 reviews	51 reviews	57 reviews	29 reviews	48 reviews	1 reviews	126 reviews
Recommended age according to the manufacturer	2 – 5 years	2 – 5 years	2-3 years	2 – 4 years	2 – 4 years	3 – 5 years	2 – 5 years	1.5 – 3 years	2-3 years
Max. Load capacity	25 kg	50 kg	25 kg	50 kg	20 kg	20 kg	20 kg	20 kg	no manufacturer information
frame material	metal particularly stable	steel particularly stable	metal particularly stable	steel particularly stable	steel particularly stable	Wood environmentally friendly	Wood environmentally friendly	metal particularly stable	metal particularly stable
Tires Pneumatic tires are particularly well damped. Plastic, rubber or foam tires are puncture-proof.	foam tires puncture-proof	Plastic tires puncture-proof	pneumatic tires good cushioning	Plastic tires puncture-proof	rubber puncture-proof	plastic puncture-proof	pneumatic tires good cushioning	foam tires puncture-proof	foam tires puncture-proof
adjustable height
Wheel Size	12 inches	10 inches	10 inches	10 inches	10 inches	10 inches	10 inches	10 inches	10 inches
Weight	3.3 kg	4.3 kg	4.8 kg	3.3 kg	3 kg	4.6 kg	4.6 kg	2.4 kg	3.1 kg
brakes	No	No	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No
steering limit	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	No
benefits	very stable frame very robust tires soft fit	stable frame very robust tires	robust, wide tires with stand	very stable frame particularly light construction with handlebar impact protection	stable frame available in other colors	particularly cute design puncture-proof tires	stable frame soft fit with butterfly and flame stickers to stick on yourself	stable frame ergonomic seat particularly light available in other colors	with board Handlebar also adjustable in height 49 – 55 cm
product details	product details	product details	product details	product details
Questions and answers about the product	Questions and answers about Puky LR M 4056	Questions and answers about Kettler 0T04015-0035 balance bike Speedy Rocket	Questions and answers about Bikestar children’s balance bike classic	Questions and answers about Kettler Speedy 2.0	Questions and answers about LCP Kids TRAX	Questions and answers about Pinolino 239414 Vespa Wanda	Questions and answers about Pinolino wooden balance bike Jojo natural-red	Questions and answers about Puky Wutsch Berry	Questions and answers about bandits & Angel’s impeller
To offer *	To offer "	To offer "	To offer "	To offer "	To offer "	To offer "	To offer "	To offer "	To offer "
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Impellers Buyer’s Guide:
How to choose the right product from the above wheel test or comparison

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A balance bike for children is the entry point for getting around on wheels. It is considered the predecessor to bicycles or mountain bikes and as an alternative to riding a tricycle.
The motor skills and especially the child’s sense of balance are trained with an impeller. As a parent, the balance bike offers you increased mobility. Even distances that the child cannot walk can now be mastered with the help of an exercise bike.
The most important criteria when buying are: an adjustable saddle, the presence of padded handles and the appropriate maximum load capacity of the bike. Also pay attention to the age recommendations of the manufacturer.

The balance bike is often your child’s first vehicle. When they later switched to bicycles, the children had already learned the most important thing: maintaining balance and steering. This makes cycling less difficult later, you may even be able to do without the support wheels, but when buying, you shouldn’t just pay attention to the price. Not even if the best wheel should cost a little more. There are large quality differences between the different providers. They are considered toys, so they only have to meet the minimum standard for usability. After a somewhat more turbulent ride, the handlebars can fall off. Pollutants have already been found in the materials.

In our overview of wheel tests 2019/2020, we compare models in different categories for you, so that you can find the best wheel for your child in the wheel comparison. In the guide to the wheel comparison you will also find everything you need to know about your personal wheel comparison winner.

1. The advantages and disadvantages of an impeller

Here is an overview of the advantages of the bikes:

Training of motor skills
Promotion of the sense of balance
Increased mobility

no training wheels
mostly no brakes

2. Buying advice: You have to pay attention to this when buying a wheel

The motor benefits of an impeller have long been proven. Your child learns to move on the bike using legs and feet. Your child is also active, moving and improving his coordination skills. The recommended age for the bikes is around an age of two and a half to three years, before that the children often cannot control the movements and the driving speed well enough. In the following wheel comparison we will introduce you to various criteria that you should pay attention to when buying.

Most of the accessories that you know from tricycles or children’s scooters are not necessary for smaller children with the balance bike. Even if you provide more security at first glance, the opposite is usually the case.

2.1.Bremsen

The brakes are mounted around the handlebars and can thus ensure that they lock. The brakes stop either the rear or the front wheel and thus increase the risk of injury. It is better if you teach your child to brake in slow steps on an impeller without braking. The bikes usually stop children with their feet, so you should make sure that your child always wears shoes while driving.

2.2. bell

Children mostly use the bell only for playing, but not for traffic safety. Therefore, it is usually superfluous and, thanks to its position on the handlebar, ensures a higher risk of injury in the event of a fall.

2.3. kickstand

You know the side stand from bicycles. This extra is also rather pointless. Children hardly use it, but put their bike on the ground after playing. The side stand also increases the risk of the child being injured in the event of a fall.

2.4. handlebars

The steering lock is limited on some bikes. Of course, this makes cornering more difficult, and it also creates clamping points that can be painful for your child.

2.5. Frame trapdoor

Children usually do not swing their legs over the saddle, but stand over the wheel and pull it up. For this you should pay attention to a low frame clearance, as with the two models of Puky LR M kiwi and LR1l BR kiwi.

A practical 2 in 1 bike from Geuther

2.6. saddle

The saddle should be adjustable so that your child comes to the ground completely with both feet.

2.7. running board

With a running board, the wheel can also be used as a children’s scooter. This saves you a double purchase.

2.8. Padded handlebar grips

All sharp edges must of course be thickly padded so that your child not yourself injured. If you take the wheel out of the basement after the winter, you should definitely check the upholstery.

2.9. tires

There are different types of tires: from soft foam, air-filled rubber tires, solid rubber tires and hard rubber tires. The first three variants cushion the journey better and offer a more pleasant driving experience than the latter. Solid rubber tires are still more resistant to aging than air-filled tires.

2.10. colour

Sure, girls usually want a different design than boys. This is where the LR M bike from Puky and Speedy 10 from Kettler come to the rescue: They are available in different colors and designs.

11.2. Recommended age

There are bikes for children aged 1 year, 2 years or 3 years. Of course, these are of different sizes, those for the especially small children are extra padded and pose less risk of injury.

12.2. Maximum load capacity

Although small children are not that difficult yet, your balance bike should be able to withstand a little more. Sometimes children climb on the bike while playing in pairs or an adult sits up briefly. Therefore, the maximum load should never be too low.

Most bikes, like those from various 2019-2020 wheel tests, have a load capacity of 20 to 25 kilograms.

13.2. frame material

The frame material is mainly made of aluminum, metal or wood. Children usually prefer the models made of aluminum or metal, as they are more colorful.

tip! When practicing with your chosen wheel comparison winner, you or another adult should definitely be there. To do this, go to flat and protected areas. Sloping terrain is not suitable as it can become too fast. You should also not let your child practice next to the road. Also think of a bicycle helmet.

3. Pollutants

Pollutants: You should know that

PAK: They are used, for example, in rubber products such as car tires and rubber grips. Many PAH compounds are carcinogenic in an increased dose.
DEHP: Mainly used as a plasticizer for PVC fabrics. It has been prohibited to use DEHP in toys since 2008.

Children with handles, saddles and handlebar pads have the most skin contact. It is precisely these that should absolutely be free of excessively dosed pollutants. In the Stiftung Warentest’s impeller test, excessive doses of plasticizers, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and plasticizers such as the prohibited diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), were found in wheels, handles and seat covers on some models. On the FirstBike Big Apple and Monz Mini Viper bikes, DEHP was found in the grips during the wheel test of the Stiftung Warentest in 2008, and it was found in the saddles on the Coolproducts 14 “and Kawasaki MX Trainer models. In theory, none of them should have been sold. If you have already bought one of these racing bikes, you should exercise your right to exchange them. According to the providers, the handles on the Mini Viper have already been changed.

4. The most famous models

4.1 Balance bikes for children aged one and a half and two years

For this age group, you should prefer a 10-inch mini balance bike. Puky has launched the most popular four-wheel model: the Puky Wutsch. With the 10 inch wheel, Puky appeals to a very young target group of children from the age of 1.5 years and is a good alternative to the tricycle due to its four wheels and increased stability.

The Bike Star 10 inch bike with brake and side stand offers a two-wheel alternative. Recommended for children between two and three years old. Practical: It is already 85% pre-assembled for delivery, you only have to do a short final assembly. The Bike Star balance bike also impresses with its particularly low step-through and non-slip footboard.

4.2 Balance bikes for children aged three and over

The table shows a comparison of the most popular two-wheel models:

model	description
Puky balance bike LR M	The absolute bestseller among children’s balance bikes. It is made of steel and with 3 kg it is one of the lightest models. The wheel without brake is available in many different colors and even with a Lillifee pattern. The saddle is ergonomically shaped and the tires are made of soft foam. The frame clearance is very low, which makes it easy for your child to ride on it. Thanks to the running board, it can also be used as a children’s scooter. It is suitable for children from 2 years. Price: from approx. 50.00 euros.
Kettler balance bike Speedy 10	The Kettler impeller is the biggest competitor to the Puky LR M. It was the comparison winner in the impeller test at Stiftung Warentest. The wheel weighs approx. 3.2 kg and has no extras, alternatively it can also be bought with a handbrake. The seat is adjustable, so the wheel can be used for a long time. The tires are made of plastic tires and have ball bearings. Like the Puky model, it is also available in different versions. On the left you see a picture of the "Princess Edition". It is suitable for children from 2 years. Price: from approx.32.00 euros.
Puky LR1 BR	This model is very similar to the LR M, but also has a side stand and a brake. This makes it more expensive than the other models. The tires on this model are not made of foam, but filled with air. It is suitable for children over 2.5 years. price from approx. 74.00 euros. Your child likes pirates? This bike is available in Capt’n Sharky design. And if your child doesn’t want to part with it later, no problem. The first bicycles in the Sharky design can also be purchased.
Pinolino Jojo balance bike	The only wooden balance bike among the top 4 is the Pinolino Jojo model. It is made of solid birch wood and is therefore very stable. Nevertheless, it is relatively light at 4.6 kg. The saddle is also adjustable here, so your child can use it for several years. It is suitable for children from 3 years old. In some wooden impeller tests, this model scores consistently well. Price: from approx. 48.00 euros.

Tip: The impeller is often still in top condition, but the child has grown too big. Therefore, it might be worthwhile for you to look for a used wheel in addition to the search in our overview of wheel tests. Ask your friends or search on the notice board in kindergarten.

The baby wheels from I’m Toy are available in cute designs

4.3 Impellers from the age of 1 year

The toddler or baby balance bike is also called a slide or slide bike. They are recommended for children from the age of one. From Puky there is the Pukylino, which looks like the Puky Wutsch, but is smaller. The Pukylino is available in four different colors: green, red, lovely pink and ocean blue. The manufacturer I’m Toy offers a very small wheel with its solid wood slide. The special feature: They have an animal design and a seat cushion covered with plush fur.

4.4 Adult bike

The balance bike for children comes from the balance bike, also called walking machine or trolley, with which adults used to ride. The impeller, which was developed by Karl Drais in Karlsruhe in 1817, is also considered the forerunner of today’s bicycle. The children’s balance bikes, however, only became popular in the 1990s.
A wheel is also the entirety of a front or rear wheel on a bicycle or mountain bike, also incorrectly referred to as a tire. Well-known suppliers of this type of wheel are Easton and Mavic.

5. Children’s bike at the discounter

Of course you can also buy your children’s balance bike at the discounter. However, the discounter price hardly differs from that of the brand manufacturers, sometimes the discouter wheels are even more expensive, but come with more extras.

Tip: The Ratzfatz balance bike from Hudora is also very popular. The version 4.0 of Hudora is in silver and red, the version 5.0 of Hudora in black and green, and there is also the version princess especially for girls. The Ratzfatz impeller has solid rubber tires and a brake. The disadvantage, however, is that the Hudora impeller has to be assembled after purchase.

Tip: Your child is already older and needs a first bike or mountain bike? You can find detailed children’s bike tests at Ökotest and Stiftung Warentest, for example .

And this is how the first attempts with an impeller look like: