Safety gear to learn biking

[hehateme]

Hi:

I just got a Mini Glider Balance Bike for my 2.5 year old son.
I want him to start using it indoors so he is ready when the weather becomes warm. We already have a helmet. Is there any other safety gear I should buy before he can start learning how to ride?

Thanks

[AlbrightRC]

We started at 18 months with a balance bike indoors (no helmet)..we purchased a helmet when he was closer to 2 and started riding it outdoors. He's now almost 4 and we just purchased a 16inch bike with training wheels and all he wears for safety gear is a helmet.

[LaCostaMom]

We always used helmet on the balance bike. I thought about getting them elbow & knee pads and borrowed a set but they were pretty useless. IMO, the kids are so low to the ground and running relatively slow that beyond the helmet, I don't think any other safety gear is important.

DS is now on a 2-wheeler sans training wheels & I immediately looked into pads & such. But he hasn't really taken any spills.

I think that as long as we keep them in good helmets (they all seem to have the same safety ratings with rounded backs being slightly safer in that there are no "points" to catch on anything) and teach them rules of riding safely, we're in good shape.

Good luck & enjoy this fun part of childhood!

[hillview]

Always (always) just a helmet. Helmet since he was a year old. Not optional.