Balance Bike
A balance bicycle is a training bicycle that helps children learn balance and steering.
It has no pedals, cranskset, chain or training wheels.
Balance bikes have been made out of both metal and wood. They are generally purpose-built (especially for very small children, for whom normal bicycles are generally not available).
It generally does not have a brake as the age group it caters will struggle with it.
To function properly, a balance bicycle must be small enough that the rider can walk the bicycle while sitting comfortably in the saddle, putting both feet flat on the ground. The rider first walks the bicycle while standing over the saddle, then while sitting in the saddle. Eventually, the rider feels comfortable enough to run and "scoot" while riding the bicycle, then to lift both feet off the ground and cruise while balancing on the two wheels.
The first balance bicycle was the dandy horse, and was invented by Karl Drais the and is the earliest recorded form of a two-wheeler without pedals. His first reported ride from took place on June 12, 1817.
The dandy horse incorporated the two-wheeler principle that is basic to the bicycle and motorbike and helped the beginning of mechanized personal transport.
More recently, wooden and metal balance bikes have undergone somewhat of a renaissance with the introduction many new models.
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