A big Thumbs Up for the Brilrider!

So it all started from the below conversation:

He: Kids are loving the ride-ons, lets get them a cycle!
Me:Yes absolutely, let me check the options!

I do some research and find out from a fellow mom about the 'Balance Bike'.. Now whats this? Hmm did some research and it was in line with our way of bringing up children- 'Give them the right tools, right environment and they will learn themselves- be there to guide them along but no spoon feeding'

Me: The BrilRider is for 4k!
He: Really? An infant cycle, without pedals, without support/ trainer wheels, it looks overpriced definitely! Let me do some research..

A typical process of buying kids stuff ;) Finally we got one (Luckily at a discount during sale) and voila as expected, my kids welcomed it and came another soon in our house (Ah no fights!)

I was in tears (happy tears :)) when I saw my 28 mo son gracefully balancing his brilrider. A moment of sheer delight, pride and surprise! and all those memories of my childhood when I was learning to balance the cycle by 8/10 years flashed in a second- I smiled and said yes it was a right decision :) Well my daughter too is almost there :)

Now if you are sailing in the same boat as we were, let me make things simple for you in simple words :)

A) What is a balance bike?

• It is a cycle without pedals and support wheels
• Kids push it with their legs, set it in motion and gradually learn to balance it themselves
• It has an adjustable saddle and handle, can be used till kids are 5 years

B) Suitable time to buy:

• After 1 yr, but make sure you baby is able to walk steadily without support
• Also, its never too late. If you have not introduced a cycle to your kid, any age is good age (till 5 yrs or upto 30 kg)

C) What to expect when

Between 1- 2 years: 

• Kids will get used to the brilrider
• Independently handle it, lift, manoeuvre it around
• Sit on it and use it like a ride on-  push with the legs and set it in motion

Between 2-3 years:

• Lift and move the brilrider on their own
• Use legs for breaking efficiently
• Smoother rides even on turns

3 years and Above: Balance the brilrider and rest legs on the foot rest when in motion and balancing

D) Set Your expectations right

The milestones above are indicative and each kid is different than other. So you need to patient and let the kid explore at its own pace. Do not force kids, its a gradual process of learning and you will see phases of 'I am bored', 'I want to carry the brilrider everywhere I go', 'Stay away' and so on..

E) Cost

They currently have three models, the Brilrider and Brilrider AF is pried at Rs 3,990 and the Brilrider Flight is priced at Rs 5,990. There are balance bikes that Decathlon also sells, but I have not used it personally hence I would abstain from commenting.

F) How can you help

• A decent space for kids to experiment and explore
• The brilrider is very light weight and compact, carry it in your car when you are stepping out for those short trips
• Encourage but don't force
• Play the game of 'Catch me if you can' that will motivate them and inculcate confidence to ride the brilrider at a decent speed (A step before they lift both the legs up!)

G) Safety

• Don't forget to buy the little helmets!
• Preferably make the kids wear full length pants, just in case you are not buying the knee guards
• The brilrider conforms to CE EN71-1,2 and 3 child safety norms

Lastly- a question you all might have: Does this imply we need not buy those cute kiddy ride-ons if we opt to buy the balance bike?Well, in my experience- NO. Brilrider is a gradual learning tool not a substitute for the ride-ons which are more 'doable' for a year old baby. Get those simple easy ride-ons for an engaging play and the brilrider as a developmental and progressive tool.. Cheers :)

This write up is a completely independent analysis based on personal experience as a parent and is in no way linked/ sponsored by Bril India.