Your 2 year old kid comes to you and asks that you get him a bicycle that looks very similar to the one your neighbor's kids have. You agree and decide to search around for an identical bicycle. Before you set off to buy the bike your kid wants, remember that 2-5 year old kids have various levels of balance and coordination. Some of them are good enough to start riding kids bicycles, and some are not. Therefore, you have got to analyze your kids preferences, look for kids bicycles that provide great support to your kid regardless of their ability to balance.
If your son has a good level of balance and coordination, it is better to buy him a balance bicycle. Riding a balance bicycle gives your kid an advantage, i.e. it can help your kid learn balancing the bicycle without him having to focus on pedaling. It is what makes a balance bicycle unique because it provides your kids with the needed skill to ride a two-wheel bicycle effectively.
On the other hand, if your 2-5 year old kid is yet to master balancing skills, the time is now to help him get his act together. Of course, you shall help him by making him use a three-wheeled bicycle or a tricycle instead, at least until he is ready for a balance bicycle. A tricycle does not need to be balanced hard and it is also easy to steer, and thus it is considered the most suitable of all kids bicycles. It goes without saying that tricycles are the most appropriate bikes for kids that can barely balance on their own. Although the extra wheels and additional frameworks make a tricycle heavier than a balance bicycle, it helps your kid rides it easily around the corners as it remains upright.
It is also important to pay attention to the size. Generally, all the kids in the age group of 2-5 years old are better off riding a 12 inch wheel bicycle. This kind of kids bicycles normally has coaster brakes or back-pedals. It is sometimes also supported by a direct drive that allows kids to have backwards pedaling. The 12 inch wheel bicycles are also normally completed with stabilizers.
In a nutshell, think about his ability to balance before deciding to buy him any of those kids bicycles. Choose the right bicycle for your kid, it helps your kid enjoy the ride thoroughly with no fear about unnecessary accidents.