Hey there, parents! Want to learn how to teach a kid to ride a bike? You’re in the right spot! We all know that riding a bike can be tough, but for kids with special needs like ADHD or autism, it can be especially challenging; but not impossible! Every child is unique and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to teaching an autistic child to ride a bike. You just need to get creative and adjust your strategies based on what works best for each kiddo. With patience and perseverance, your kiddo is gonna ride like a pro!
How to Teach Your Kid to Ride a Bike
Help your kiddo learn faster with videos from Goally’s TV app. It’s designed to help neurodivergent kids learn life skills. It includes interactive safety, hygiene, and social skills videos for kids. Your child practices what they learn mid-lesson by choosing the right answer for the next step in the story. Check out a lesson on wearing your helmet below!
| Steps | Description |
|---|---|
| Get the right size bike | A smaller bike is usually better for safety. Your child should be able to stand over the top bar with both feet on the ground and easily reach the handlebars while seated. |
| Use a balance bike | A balance bike is designed without foot pedals, which helps your child develop balance and control. Once they’re ready to use a full bike, they’ll only need to learn the pedals. |
| Start with the pedals off | Take the pedals off, lower the seat, and let your child scoot and coast until they develop balance. Then, add the pedals and let them coast and pedal. |
| Teach turning | Have your child master turning with the pedals still off. This will make turning with the pedals on easier. |
| Find a gentle slope | Find a nice, gentle slope of thick grass to soften any potential fall. |
| Reinforce success | Be patient and don’t try to force the process. Your child may not be pedaling right away but with continued practice, they’ll get it. |
| Teach braking | Show your child how to apply both brakes at the same time if the bike has both front and rear brakes. Using just the front brake can launch the rider over the handlebars. Using just the rear brake reduces braking power and the bike is more likely to skid. |
Next, Pick the Perfect Bike to Teach Your Kid
Size matters! Ensure your child’s feet touch the ground when seated. Here’s a handy table with recommended bike sizes based on age and height:
| Age | Height | Bike Size |
|---|---|---|
| 2-4 | 2’10”-3’4″ | 12-inch wheels |
| 4-6 | 3’4″-3’10” | 14-inch wheels |
| 6-8 | 3’10”-4’2″ | 16-inch wheels |
| 8-10 | 4’2″-4’6″ | 20-inch wheels |
| 10-12 | 4’6″-4’10” | 24-inch wheels |
Keep it simple – start with a balance bike or one with training wheels.
Bikes to Teach Autistic Kids to Ride
Nowadays, there are tons of bike options out there that can make cycling easier for your child. The key is to figure out what challenges your child might face and find a bike that can help. That’s where adaptive or specialized bikes come in! These babies have been a game-changer for kiddos who struggle with learning to ride.
Goally | The Safest Tablet for Kids
So what kind of bikes are we talking about? Well, it depends on your child’s needs, but there are lots of options to choose from. Whether it’s a balance bike, a three-wheeler, or something else entirely, there’s a bike out there that can benefit your child. So let’s get them out there and riding like a pro!
| Type | Description | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Bike | This is a bike with pedals that requires the child to balance and pedal at the same time. | Teaches the child how to pedal and balance at the same time. |
| Balance Bike | This bike doesn’t have pedals and the rider pushes it forward with their legs instead. | Teaches balance skills first without the distraction of pedaling, great for kids who struggle with two physical actions simultaneously. |
| Tandem Bike | This is a two-seater bike that lets a parent and child ride together. The parent can pedal and steer while the child can pedal and hold onto the handlebars. | Reduces stress for both the child and parent while learning how to pedal and steer. Helps transition to riding their own bike. |
Each type of bike has its own unique benefits, so it’s important to choose the one that works best for your child’s needs. Whether it’s a regular bike with labeled pedals, a balance bike for teaching balance skills, or a tandem bike for reducing stress, there’s a bike out there that can help your child learn to ride with confidence.
How to Master the Art of Balance ⚖️
It’s all about balance! Before pedaling, encourage your child to coast on the bike with feet off the ground. Use a “scoot and glide” technique for balance bikes. Coordination comes with practice.
A task analysis can be incredibly helpful for autistic kids, as it breaks down the balancing process into smaller, manageable steps. Here’s a simple task analysis to help your child develop balance on their bike:
- Stand next to the bike.
- Grab each handlebar tightly.
- Straddle the bike.
- Keep one foot on the ground
- Put the other foot on the pedal.
- Keep your eyes forward, not down.
- Now, shift your body weight side to side while still holding the handlebars.
- Gradually lift the foot from the ground, trying to maintain balance.
- Place both feet on the pedals, attempting to balance for a few seconds.
- Increase the duration of balancing attempts, eventually maintaining balance without support.
Remember to be patient and offer plenty of praise as your child progresses through each step. Breaking down the process into smaller tasks can make the skill more approachable and achievable.
Read More: How to Teach Yes No Questions to Kids with Autism
Next, Introduce Pedaling
Now for the fun part – pedaling! Help your child place one foot on the ground and the other on a pedal. Guide them to push off and pedal. Cheer them on as they start to ride independently.
Teach Art of Steering a Bike
Steer clear of obstacles! Teach your child to look ahead and gently turn the handlebars. A fun game of “follow the leader” helps practice steering skills.
Teach Your Kid to Stop Safely on Their Bike
Whoa there! Teach your child to use the brakes gently. Remind them to keep their weight back when braking. Practice makes perfect – and safe stops!
Goally | 100+ Streaming Video Classes
Does your child need some extra guidance on building essential life skills? Goally’s skill building tablet for kids includes a TV app that has the most robust video library of skills training videos for kids. Ranging from content like “How to Brush Your Teeth” to “How to Make Friends at School,” we have dozens of interactive video lessons for kids with thinking and learning differences.
HERE’s a video explaining how to works.
Learn How to Ride a Bike: Done ✔
You did it! With patience, practice, and a dash of fun, your child with special needs can master the art of bike riding. Enjoy the ride and celebrate their newfound independence! Remember, take it one step at a time. Kiddos with autism can get overwhelmed easily, so give clear, concise instructions and wait until your child understands before moving on. Break down the steps into a clear plan and help your child practice each one until they feel confident. And guess what? Goally’s got your back! Use our visual schedule to assign bike practice time for your kiddo and encourage them to keep at it. With patience and perseverance, your child will be cruising down the street in no time.
FAQs About Autism Bike
What is an autism bike? An autism bike is a specialized bicycle designed to meet the specific needs of children with autism. It can include features such as adjustable seats, handlebars, and pedals, as well as sensory support. What are the benefits of using an autism bike for a child with autism? An autism bike can provide numerous benefits for a child with autism, including improved physical coordination, increased independence, enhanced socialization skills, and reduced anxiety. What types of autism bikes are available? There are several types of autism bikes available, including balance bikes, tandem bikes, recumbent bikes, and adaptive bikes with specialized features such as weighted pedals and handlebars. How can I choose the right autism bike for my child? To choose the right autism bike for your child, consider factors such as their physical abilities and limitations, sensory preferences, and developmental needs. Consulting with a therapist or bike specialist can also be helpful. Can riding an autism bike help with sensory integration? Yes, riding an autism bike can help with sensory integration by providing opportunities for proprioceptive input, vestibular stimulation, and tactile feedback through contact with the bike's handlebars, pedals, and seat.
This post was originally published on 04/20/2023. It was updated on 02/02/2024.
Goally
We help parents teach their kids life skills, like doing bedtime and morning independently. Backed by science, we incorporate evidence-based practices and expert-informed designs in all of our apps and content.
