The Puky LR M comes with soft foam tyres that are lightweight and flexible, and won't suffer from punctures. They've also managed to come up with a really cool looking bike by using magnesium alloy, a lightweight material that is a more environmentally friendly, fully recyclable alternative to aluminium. If you're looking to invest in a bike you can sell on, the Islabikes Rothan is hard to beat. How we choose our recommendations Parent testers

Age range: Two to four years old (85 to 110cm tall with an inside leg of 40cm minimum) | Weight: 3.8kg | Wheel size: 12 inch | Tyres: Pneumatic What we love

7. Best height-adjustable balance bike: Strider 12 Sport

Size: Cycling UK advises that your child should be able to sit comfortably on the balance bike, knees slightly bent and feet flat on the floor. Weighing in at just 2.95kg this is quite a feat of balance bike design. They've even managed to include a footplate for your child to rest their feet on as they gain confidence and start moving at speed - but you don't get brakes. But which balance bike is best? There are lots of different options out there from cheap and cheerful to high-spec and built-to-last. If you only have one child and know that you’ll only need a balance bike for a short time then a cheaper option might be best, but if you have more than one child it can be worth investing in something pricier that can be passed from child to child. A lot of balance bikes also have great resale value so that’s worth keeping in mind too. The frame also grows so you can have the bike in a small frame mode and then when your child has outgrown it you can adjust the frame to make it bigger. Yes, it's a bigger cost upfront, but if you buy when your child is at the balance bike stage you get three bikes in one, plus there are no hassles of shopping for new bikes for quite a few years! They've taken all they know about balance bikes and obsessed over every single detail - the design, the materials, the weight (a mere 2.89 kg for the smallest 12" wheel balance bike the Rookie 12) and the customer service (including a lifetime warranty).

They can be used from as young as 18 months and teach toddlers how to balance and move on a bike without the added complication of using the pedals. They’ll also build their confidence and learn bike control which will make the transition to a full pedal bike almost seamless when they’re older. What to consider when buying a balance bikeThe Gingersnap Balance features a Hi-Ten steel frame that's ultra-lightweight at just 5kg yet nice and sturdy, so it won't be too heavy for little ones. The lightweight frame also comes in a wide range of cute colors, from the classic Blossom Pink, all the way through to our glossy hue, Mint Green. Weighing it at 2.95kg the AIRO combines a really lightweight bike frame with pneumatic tyres, which means that your Sprog should enjoy a much more comfortable ride than on a cheaper bike with solid tyres.

Specialized bikes. Quite pricy but v light weight and good quality."(Recommended by Mumsnetter CaraDuneRedux) Our verdict We have a Hornit balance bike for DS and he absolutely adores it. I do too because it’s super super light for when I inevitably have to end up carrying it sometimes.” (Loved by Mumsnet user Rainallnight) Our verdict Comfort. The entire bike has been designed so that it can be easily adjusted to the child's height. The seat has a wide range of adjustment. We can change its height within the range from 34 cm to 42 cm. The GOSWIFT balance bike is distinguished by a sporty and dynamic design. There are no protruding elements or sharp edges. The bike is so light that a child can carry it on its own. It weighs only 3.8 kg. The seat is ergonomic and soft, which increases the comfort of a small cyclist and protects him from chaffing. All terrain air-filled tyres with ball bearings ensure smooth riding. There's plenty of cheaper balance bikes out there, but if you're planning to invest in Islabikes, then the Rothan will be the start of your journey. Be prepared to become addicted to the range - we've reviewed loads of Islabikes over the years, and love them! I'm sure many of our readers would be surprised if an article about the best balance bikes didn't feature an Islabike. However, opinion is split on the Rothan.Some raved about its lightweight and the fact that unlike some other balance bikes it comes with a brake. and the price - sufficiently cheap to be within many people's budget and could be a real bargain 2nd hand. Also, light and durable and can go really fast. However, many balance bikes do offer rear brakes, which could be helpful as kids develop into speedy riders much later on. This could also go a long way to aiding their confidence and also protecting their shoes. In all cases, the best balance bikes featured are lightweight and very easy for young children to manoeuvre. They are well constructed to last the abuse that their riders will inflict, and come recommended by many different parents. The AIRO features footrests which have been stylishly contoured into the frame and the air-filled rubber tires on aluminium rims make for a smooth free-wheeling experience. The neoprene padded stem provides additional safety, while the fully adjustable seat makes it perfect for ages 18 months to 5 years (with a recommended inside leg of 11.8" to 18.1" / 30-46cm ).