Upper Austrian Chamber of Labor Tests Balance Bikes: Two of Eight Models Fail

Price Says Nothing About Quality

The load capacity test was particularly critical: it was carried out on a treadmill on which the bikes ran for one hour loaded with 50 kilograms. One of the models could no longer be examined afterwards because the rim of the front axle broke – resulting in an overall grade of "nicht genügend" (insufficient).

Load Test on the Treadmill

Assembly also caused considerable problems with at least one model. In this case, the downgrade was due to the fact that the bike could only be assembled after the frame had been reworked with a saw and file. Such an effort on the part of buyers is not acceptable for a children's toy.

The so-called drop test, in which the balance bike is dropped 50 times in each direction and then examined for damage, was also not passed by all products: while minimal damage to the frame was found on seven bikes, on the eighth the rubber of the handlebar cover came off and the metal of the handlebar became exposed, resulting in an increased risk of injury.

Defects in Drop Test

Based on the test, the Chamber of Labor also gives concrete recommendations for purchasing. For example, the saddle and handlebars should be able to "grow with" the child, meaning they should be infinitely adjustable. In addition, the balance bike should not weigh more than 30 percent of the child's body weight.

Recommendations from the Chamber of Labor

With the publication of the test, the Upper Austrian AK aims to provide parents with guidance when buying a balance bike and to point out safety defects that are not always obvious at first glance in retail outlets.

Overall, the test shows that there are considerable quality differences among balance bikes – even within a similar price range. Consumers should inform themselves thoroughly about materials, workmanship, and safety features before buying.