Training wheels turn an unsteady two-wheeled bicycle into a more steady four-wheeled bicycle that can make it easy for your child to learn to ride. Bicycling is good exercise for your child, and regular exercise can help him slim down or stay at a healthy weight. Most children need one hour of exercise a day, according to the National Institutes of Health. Whether you purchased a second-hand bike without training wheels, or simply need to attach training wheels to a new bike, secure the wheels firmly to keep your child safe and comfortable.
Step 1
Examine the bike's rear wheel. Look for the bolts in the center of the wheel that keep the wheel attached to the bicycle.
Step 2
Place an adjustable or crescent wrench over the bolt nearest you, and a second wrench over the bolt farthest from you. Using the second wrench keeps the whole assembly from turning around as you attempt to loosen the first bolt. Rotate the wrench nearest you until the bolt is loose enough to remove by hand.
Step 3
Pick up one of the training wheels. Place the wheel close to the ground and thread the opening in the metal bar over the screw where you previously removed the bolt. Push the training wheel assembly toward the bike frame until it is flush against the bike.
Step 4
Thread the bolt back onto the screw with your hand. Turn the bolt until it just touches the training wheel bar. Hand tightening the bolt allows you to easily adjust the height of the training wheels once you attach both.
Step 5
Reposition yourself on the other side of the bike. Repeat the process of removing the bolt, attaching the training wheel and hand tightening the bolt.
Step 6
Hold the handlebars of the bike parallel to the ground to determine the final placement for the training wheels. Sheldon Brown, writing for Harris Cyclery, recommends that bike training wheels not be flat on the ground, but at a height so that the bike has a slight lean when your child is not on it. Slide the training wheels up or down as needed.
Step 7
Tighten the bolts on both sides of the wheel assemblies with your wrench. Stand back and make certain that the bike leans slightly to one side.Your child will learn to ride faster and balance more easily with properly adjusted training wheels.
Tips and Warnings
- Adjust the seat height when you attach the training wheels so you child can touch the ground with both feet. Always require that your child use a helmet when riding. Move the training wheels farther off the ground as you see your child's balance improve.
- Check the tightness of the bolts periodically to ensure they have not come loose.
Things You'll Need
- Bicycle
- Adjustable wrench
- Crescent wrench
- Training wheel assembly
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