Riding a bike is one of the most enjoyable hobbies you can do as a child. We all remember that feeling of freedom as we learnt how to cycle without stabilisers for the first time. The best kids’ bikes will encourage children to take to two wheels, offering a great way to explore the local area or enjoy an adventure on holiday, while improving health and fitness, too. Infants can start to use balance bikes from as early as 18 months if they’re confident at walking and can straddle the bike. Starting early can help improve a child’s balance, independence, coordination and motor skills. As your child grows and transitions to a pedal bike, the options of what kind to choose really opens up for them.You’ll need to think about the terrain on which your kids will use the bike. Is it for cycling to school or just for weekends exploring the parks and countryside around you? Whether your child is ready for gears or not is also a consideration, and you’ll need to think about where the bike will be stored when not in use.Children’s bike sizes are usually referred to by their wheel size, with common sizes ranging from 14in to 24in. When looking for a new kids’ bike, you might also want to consider whether it will still be suitable for your child as they grow. For example, look at whether the bike has an adjustable saddle and handlebars. You might also be planning to pass on the bike to a younger sibling, which means it’ll be part of the family for even longer, so you can stretch your budget a bit more. Remember, no matter what age your child is, they should wear a helmet every time they use their bike. As with choosing a bike, the best way to find the right size helmet for your child is to take some measurements, in particular the circumference of their head. Don’t be tempted to buy a larger helmet for your child to grow into, as it won’t fit properly at first and therefore won’t offer the right protection.With all that in mind, keep scrolling for my pick of the best kids’ bikes on the market. Read more: Best kids’ scooters, tested The bikes were put through their paces by our mini testers (Kat Storr/The Independent)Best overall – Hornit Hero 16in: £359, Hornit.comBest mid-range pick – Squish 16in pedal bike: £330, Argos.co.ukBest for school run – Frog 44: £390, Evanscycles.comRead more: Best kids’ bike helmets, tested