Riding a push bike is typically a child's first experience with bikes. Designed without pedals, a basic push bike is easy for toddlers to use as a walker, and they eventually learn to push themselves across a room. As children grow, they usually develop an interest in riding other types of bikes. Understand the differences between push bike types and bicycles, and help your child learn and enjoy bicycling as a long-term activity.
Push Bike Origins
The first two-wheeled bike was introduced in 1817 by inventor Baron Karl von Drais in Germany. Called the Draisine, or Laufmaschine, the contraption was the first bicycle prototype ever produced, but instead of pedaling, a rider had to stand astride wooden planks and walk the bike forward. It was also referred to as a running machine and was the first push bike made, according to Design Real. This running machine was soon replaced by bicycles with pedals.
Push Bikes
Although bicycles are also referred to as push bikes, typical children's push bikes do not have pedals and are designed for toddlers to use as a type of walker. However, all bikes derived from the same early bicycle inventions, and a toddler can develop some of the same skills needed for learning to ride a tricycle and bicycle later with a basic toddler's push bike.
Toddler Push Bikes
Push bikes provide a way for toddlers to exercise their legs, core and arms, learn balance and control, and develop strength and skills beyond walking, according to TricycleKids. A push bike, or learner bike, also gives a toddler a similar sensation to that of riding a regular bike as he glides across the floor. Some learner bike brands include Beginner's Balancing Bike by Radio Flyer, Bino Bike, Early Rider and Rolli Rider, according to Thingamababy After getting the hang of a learner push bike, children can more quickly graduate to tricycles and eventually bicycles with training wheels.
Recreational Bicycles
Other types of push bikes include bicycles for the casual rider, such as touring, recumbent and tandem bikes. Touring bikes are not designed for high performance, and like recumbent bikes, they are typically ridden by casual cyclists. Touring bikes aren't designed for steep hills or rough terrain, but they can withstand some extra weight and are ideal for carrying small loads, according to The Care Exchange. Recumbent bikes allow you to sit upright while pedaling and enjoy more of the scenery. Recumbent bikes also come in tricycle versions.
Performance Bicycles
Common push bikes normally referred to as performance bicycles include road, mountain and hybrid bikes, according to The Care Exchange, as well as cross and BMX bikes. Road bikes, or road racing bikes, are designed with light frames and narrow tires. Mountain bikes are built stronger for off-road use and to withstand rough terrain and riding. They typically come with high-performing brake systems, fatter tires and more comfortable seats. Hybrid bikes are a combination of mountain and road bikes and were the precursor to cross bikes used in cyclocross racing. Cross bikes are designed with drop handlebars and handlebar-end shifters, and they are typically lightweight and have tubular tires, according to Harris Cyclery. BMX bicycles are lightweight and designed for the extreme sport of BMX riding and jumping.
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