A 5-year-old almost always needs a 16-inch bike. If they're shorter than 3 ft 5 in (105 cm), go with a 14"; if they're taller than 3 ft 11 in (120 cm), they can move up to a 20". The typical height at this age is about 3 ft 7 in (110 cm).
- Typical height
- 3′7″ 110 cm; range 3′4″–3′11″ (101–119 cm)
- Their bike
- 16" or 14-inch
- Bike weight
- < 12.1 lb 5.5 kg: 30% of about 40 lb (18 kg)
Calculate with their exact height
How tall is a 5-year-old?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), half of 5-year-old boys are taller than 43.3 in (110.0 cm) and half of girls are taller than 43.1 in (109.4 cm). Between the 3rd and 97th percentiles (94% of kids) the range is wide: from 3′4″ to 3′11″ (101-119 cm). In the US, the CDC growth charts give a median of 42.9 in (108.9 cm) for boys and 42.4 in (107.7 cm) for girls. That's why age is a guide, but height is what decides the bike: measure your child barefoot against a wall before you buy.
| 3rd percentile | Median | 97th percentile | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boys | 39.8 in (101.2 cm) | 43.3 in (110.0 cm) | 46.7 in (118.7 cm) |
| Girls | 39.6 in (100.5 cm) | 43.1 in (109.4 cm) | 46.6 in (118.4 cm) |
What size bike they need
16" bikes fit kids from 3 ft 4 in to 3 ft 11 in (102-120 cm), and nearly every 5-year-old falls in that range (according to the WHO, 94% are between 3 ft 4 in and 3 ft 11 in, or 101-119 cm). It's the best-selling size at this age and the easiest to find. If your child is on the tall side (on the CDC growth charts, the 90th percentile at this age is about 3 ft 9 in / 114-115 cm), also look at 20" bikes: they start at 3 ft 9 in (115 cm), but only if your child can reach the ground and already pedals confidently. For smaller kids, a good-quality 14" will work better than a 16" they can't reach the ground on.
| Size | Height | Inseam |
|---|---|---|
| 14-inch | 3′0″–3′7″ (92–110 cm) | 15–19 in (38–48 cm) |
| 16-inch | 3′4″–3′11″ (102–120 cm) | 17–22 in (44–55 cm) |
How to check the fit
Seated: the toes of both feet on the ground. Standing over the bike, there should be some clearance between the crotch and the frame. With the pedal at the bottom, the leg almost straight. If they already pedal well and their knees come up near the handlebar, raise the seat: lots of kids ride with the seat low "to be safe" and get twice as tired.
Ideal bike weight
A 5-year-old weighs about 40 lb (18 kg): by the 30% rule, a bike of 12 lb (5.5 kg) or less. Light aluminum 16" bikes come in around 12-13 lb (5.5-6 kg) (the Woom GO 3, 11.9 lb / 5.4 kg without pedals). A bike that weighs twice as much shows on every hill and every time they lift it.
Brakes: coaster brake or hand brakes
At 5, most kids can brake with hand levers, as long as they're small and light. Check that they can reach them with two fingers without stretching their hand. Coaster brakes are still common on 16" bikes; if you choose one, make sure it also has a front hand brake so they learn to use it.
Gears
Not needed. A single-speed 16" weighs less and is easier to ride. Gears come with 20" bikes.
Training wheels or a balance bike
If they still use training wheels, this is a good time to take them off. Lower the seat so they can put their feet flat, remove the pedals for a few days and let them push off like on a balance bike down a very gentle slope. Once they glide several yards with their feet up, put the pedals back on.
What to look for when you buy
- 16" is the near-certain size, but check the inseam and the minimum seat height.
- Check the weight in the specs: aluminum beats steel.
- Brake levers for small hands, with adjustable reach.
- No suspension: at this age it only adds weight.
- A kickstand is optional; a helmet and gloves are a must.
Frequently asked questions
What size bike for a 5-year-old?
16 inches in most cases (3 ft 4 in-3 ft 11 in / 102-120 cm tall). Under 3 ft 5 in (105 cm), a 14"; over 3 ft 11 in (120 cm), a 20".
How do I get my 5-year-old off training wheels?
Remove the training wheels and the pedals, lower the seat and let them push off with their feet down a gentle slope. Once they go several yards without putting a foot down, put the pedals back on.
How much should a 16-inch bike weigh?
Ideally no more than 30% of the child's weight: about 12 lb (5.5 kg) for a 40 lb (18 kg) child. Light aluminum ones weigh 12-13 lb (5.5-6 kg).
Sources
- WHO: Height-for-age, boys 2 to 5 years (percentiles)
- WHO: Height-for-age, girls 2 to 5 years (percentiles)
- WHO: Height-for-age, boys 5 to 19 years (percentiles)
- WHO: Height-for-age, girls 5 to 19 years (percentiles)
- CDC: Growth charts data tables, stature-for-age, 2 to 20 years
- Woom: Compare woom bikes
- Islabikes: Size chart
- Trek: Precaliber kids’ bikes
- Decathlon: Btwin Original 100 20" manual
- Mercê C et al. (2022). Learning to Cycle: From Training Wheels to Balance Bike. IJERPH
- Two Wheeling Tots: Kids’ bike buying guide