Wooden bikes have a long history. The very first wooden bike is believed by many to have been designed by Leonardo da Vinci while the earliest useable and much copied velocipede was a German designed balance bike or running bike known as the laufmaschine from the 1800’s.

More recently wooden bikes have gained popularity in a number of formats from children’s balance bikes through to high end, and very expensive designs such as the stunning Revovo hardwood bikes.

Wooden Balance Bikes
In 1997 a German company called Kokua really pioneered the genre of wooden bikes known as balance bikes, run bikes or running bikes with their Like a Bike.

Since that time countless companies have copied the original well built and popular Like a Bike wooden bike design, predominantly with poor quality knock offs with little innovation that often leave children owners heartbroken and their parents disappointed.

(Try Google “poor quality balance bikes” “poor quality wood bikes” and “like a bike copies”)

One company that has developed its own unique and innovative take on wooden balance bike design is the Australian company Live Play Create with their TIKE.

There always seems to be so much to carry on every outing.  Water bottles, snacks… sunscreen, changes of clothes, nappies, wipes, hats, tissues…….  and then the plush  best friend absolutely has to come as well.  You end up looking like you are heading to the nearest airport for a lengthy sojourn rather then a ride through the local bushland or park.

Live Play Create now have a very cool and functional way to share some of the load.

Introducing the tike buddy bag ..perfect for carrying the best friend, water bottle, hat and snacks for the ride.  This balance bike carry bag will be an indispensable addition to the tike (a bonus for mum and dad as well)

The buddy bag has 2 handlebar straps plus a fork strap for extra stability and is compatible with most popular children’s bikes and scooters.  So if the older sibling is jealous they can have one too.

Available for $24  or with the tike stand for $ 40

Balance bikes are a great way to teach your child balance and coordination from an early age.  Eager to explore their new freedom from 18mths on, balance bikes provide a safe and effective method to provide this freedom and develop your child’s motor skills.

With recent explosion in the number of balance bikes on the market there is and expected amount of confusion for parents. Live Play Create, as Australia’s leading manufacturer of balance bikes,  see a plethora of new models enter the market every year – and this year is no exception.  These are almost always cheap imports with little or no quality control, made of inferior componentry and that are unsustainably resourced.  Most of the product, or importers, are not around even 12 months later once the enthusiastic importers realise that cheap and quality do not go hand in hand.

The following guide should assist you in identifying what to look for when comparing balance bikes.