Brakes on Balance Bikes - Are they really necessary?

SlowingDown

Not much more to add to the title really. Most of the balance bikes you see now have a rear brake or option for a brake but are they really needed and do your kids use it or just scuff their feet?

The reason I ask is that the Puky LR is on my shortlist but the brake option adds on quite a lot of cost.

ride_whenever

the brake is good because it teaches kids braking... balance and braking are a good combo to learn together then pedalling at a later date

cycledad2

In theory great, although theres no way my son can actually reach the brake or pull it with his tiny little fingers.....

baudman

Nup.

They stop with their feet. They don't really understand it. Nor do they have the strength to use it. If the bike comes with it... fine. But I wouldn't bother sourcing one with a brake. I reckon it's more just some effective marketing to concerned parents.

blakef111

not needed but good to have, the levers are smaller and easier to pull, however this kid doesn't need them!

pansy_pots

Definately not neccesary as my oldest 2 have managed fine without. However may be a good investment against the damage to shoes done by braking with the front of their shoes!

SlowingDown

Thanks everyone. For a number of reasons (not least the silly money people will pay for stuff on ebay - bye-bye old wooden learner bike...) I went for a brand new Islabikes Rothan in the end, which has the brake.

I like the idea of it being there but still feel that my 2 year old will not make a great deal of use of it for a while, especially when she has a perfectly good pair or shoes she can scrape to death.