A Skuut (pronounced "scoot") is a very popular "walking" or "balance bike" made for 2 to 5 year old children. It is a GREAT "first bike" for young kids who want to learn how to ride a bike. It is a perfect solution for parents who want to provide their child with the best first bike experience and a smooth transition into riding real bicycles. Frankly, kids that start on Skuuts have a less scary experience of learning to ride a bike for the first time, and they tend to be able to transition to riding real bicycles without training wheels faster.

Why is it so great?

Because it provides the exhilaration and excitement of riding a bike that kids love without being scary. Learning to ride a bike can be very scary for young children because they have to learn 3 brand new skills: Steering, Balancing, and Pedaling. The Pedaling motion tends to distract children the most - it's a new leg motion that they have to concentrate on so much that steering and balancing becomes secondary, causing scary crashes.

The Skuut is made mostly of wood and has no pedals and no training wheels. Kids don't have to learn a new pedaling movement. They simply kick off the ground as if running or walking - a movement they are comfortable with - thus pushing themselves and the Skuut bike forward. The Skuut has the same steering and balancing challenges of a real bike, but is so much simpler because your feet are always ready to grab the ground if something goes awry.

The Skuut allows kids to master balance, coordination, and steering...it also teaches them the independence of riding a bike on their own, without the fear. Once a child masters the balance and steering on a Skuut, they are ready for an easy transition to a traditional two wheeler bike (without training wheels).

The Skuut comes fully assembled and is safe to ride indoors and outdoors (sidewalks are great for them! ...and so are hardwood floors)

As is the case with any balance bicycle, on a Skuut, the rider learns to balance first and pedal last. This is opposite to the process on a traditional bicycle with training wheels, where the rider learns to pedal first and balance last. Generally speaking, a bicycle with pedals is too difficult for very young children to master and training wheels can encourage some behaviors which later must be unlearned (balancing crutches).

- No sharp edges anywhere

- Easy to stop - just put your feet down

- The gap between the frame and the fork is filled with felt. This prevents little fingers from getting pinched in the gap and also prevents the front wheel from making sharp turns, which is a common cause of crashes on regular bikes.

- Lower center of gravity - because the child rides a Skuut low to the ground, it has a much more stable center of gravity than bicycles with training wheels. It corners easier and is very stable.

- Harder to tip over and fall off of. Because the child's feet on a Skuut are so close to the ground, they are always ready to put them down to stabilize in case of any loss of balance.

- Retails for $89.99

- Body constructed from heat-treated softwood and hardwood, coated with nontoxic lacquer.

- Seat is padded cotton - removable & washable

- Length: 33 inches

- Weight: 10 lbs

- Height to handlebars: 21 inches

- Seat Height - adjustable from 13.5 inches to 16.5 inches

* Seat height is adjustable in several different positions.

- Soft, yet durable rubber handlebar grips

- 12" pneumatic rubber tires

The Skuut bike isn't the only option on the market. In fact, there are many other wooden toddler-size bicycles without pedals or gears available on the market. And frankly, they all work equally well, their designs are similar and they all help kids learn the basics quickly. Perfect for easy and fast transition to real bicycles without training wheels.

Most parents and kids I have met that own skuuts love them!

Other types of popular learner bikes include: LikeAbike $315

Rolli Rider $149

PedoBike $219

Kettler Sprint Balance Bike: $129

Since the Skuut is a transition bike, it makes sense to purchase the learner bike that is of highest quality, but at a reasonable price. Unlike other options, some of which are mentioned above, learner bikes have a typical price range of $150 - $350! The Skuut retails for $89.99...

Whether you choose a Skuut, a KiwiBike or a likeabike, balance bikes are generally designed for the age range of toddlers up to 5 year olds. Though, it really depends on each child's aptitude, desire and physical readiness. Most importantly, the bike should 'fit' well with the child; in order for a balance bike to work properly it must be small enough so that the rider can can sit comfortably on the seat while walking the bicycle, and can put both feet flat on the ground.

1. The Skuut rider begins by walking the bicycle while standing over the seat.

2. Once comfortable with this motion, the rider walks the bike while sitting in the seat.

3. As the comfort level increases, the rider will run and "scoot" while riding the skuut.

4. Ultimately, the rider will cruise while balancing only on the two wheels, lifting both feet completely off of the ground.

• Always make sure your child is wearing a helmet - elbow or knee pads are also a good idea.
• Do not let your child ride near streets
• Start by explaining to your child how to stop the balance bike by using his/her feet.
• Regularly check that all fasteners and screws are tightly fastened.
• Always use the Skuut on a flat area - avoid hills, sloped pavement, and areas with obstacles.