9 steps to teach a child with balance issues to ride a bike

At Cycling UK, we believe cycling should be accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Through our behaviour change programmes, we help people across the country discover the joys of cycling. Backed by years of experience teaching through community organisations, our cycling development officers bring a wealth of expertise and a tailored approach to meet each person’s unique needs.

For children facing balance challenges, often linked to ADHD or dyspraxia, our team uses tried-and-tested strategies that focus on patience, creativity, and building confidence to make learning to ride a fun and rewarding experience.

1. Create a distraction-free environment

Choose a quiet location: select a spot away from peers or busy areas. A quiet, open space helps the child focus on learning without additional stress and distractions.

Children can feel embarrassed because they’ve been struggling to learn, and they know their friends can already ride. Picking a place where they can focus better and not feel self-conscious will help

Amanda Wagstaffe, Golspie Bothy project

2. Start with a balance-focused approach

Adapt to a balance bike: remove the pedals to create a balance bike, allowing the child to concentrate solely on balance. This widely used technique, favoured by our cycling development officers, can be applied to any sized cycle, regardless of the child’s age or stage. It’s an effective way to help develop balance gradually and overcome barriers to cycling.

Lower the saddle: set the saddle low so that the child can place both feet flat on the ground. This provides a sense of security, reduces the fear of falling, and allows them to focus on balance without feeling unstable. This adjustment is particularly helpful for children who feel anxious or nervous about riding.

3. Incorporate playful, goal-oriented games

Set small, fun goals: playful exercises shift the focus from fear to fun and help maintain attention. For example, the child can ‘walk’ their bike while seated on the saddle or engage in a game where they ‘frog jump’ along a painted line or marked path.

What is a frog jump?

A frog jump involves the child scooting forwards in short bursts while sitting on their balance bike, similar to how a frog leaps. It’s an imaginative way to encourage movement while building balance and coordination.

Make it imaginative: transform the space into a ‘sea of sharks’ where the child must move towards markers or specific points to get to ‘safety’. This type of creative play makes the learning process more enjoyable and keeps the child motivated.

4. Encourage confidence-building on a scooter

Start with a scooter: Cycling UK instructors find that starting with a scooter allows the child to gain core balance without pedals and brakes, which also means fewer distractions. Scooting builds essential balance skills transferable to a bike.

The best way to start is with a scooter until they can prove they have balance and hold both legs up for 8-10 seconds, if you can get one with pneumatic tyres is better

Iain Bamber, cycling development officer Inverness

Practice balance holds: have the child balance on the scooter for 8–10 seconds while counting aloud. Counting adds rhythm and reinforces focus.

5. Use a supportive stance instead of holding the saddle

Stand beside the child: experienced instructors avoid holding the saddle, as it reduces the child’s ability to develop core balance. Instead, stand beside them with one hand on their back and the other on the handlebars, guiding them without taking over.

6. Introduce fun counting exercises to improve focus

Count together: counting out loud as they lift their feet helps keep children engaged, turning the process into a fun, shared activity that maintains their focus.

Getting them to count out loud (very loud) when he lifts his feet up while scooting help distract him from what he's doing even if you count with him in a loud voice

Iain Bamber

7. Adapt to their attention span and progress slowly

Set flexible session durations: for children with ADHD, some sessions may be short, around 10 minutes, while others might last an hour. Cycling UK instructors recognise the importance of flexibility, especially for children who may lose focus more quickly.

Celebrate small steps: teaching a child with ADHD often involves breaking the process into achievable steps. Our team celebrates each milestone, knowing that gradual progress is key.

8. Focus on patience and persistence

Be prepared for a long journey: teaching a child with ADHD or balance issues may take months. Our instructors understand that consistency is essential, as success is often a journey of cumulative victories that lead to independence.

Celebrate their progress: remind the child (and yourself) of each step they achieve towards riding independently.

9. Stay positive and keep a supportive mindset

Keep the atmosphere positive: a supportive approach is essential when teaching children to cycle, especially those who may feel nervous or lack confidence.

Creating a pressure-free, enjoyable environment is key. We always focus on encouragement and making sessions fun, which helps children build confidence faster

Marianne Emordy, senior project officer, Play Together on Pedals

Be open to taking breaks: if a child feels frustrated or anxious, taking breaks can help keep cycling enjoyable. Our instructors know that patience and adaptability make the journey smoother.

Learning to ride a bike is a significant milestone for any child, and for those facing balance challenges, the journey can be even more rewarding. At Cycling UK, we’re committed to breaking down barriers and ensuring that everyone can experience the joy of cycling.

By focusing on patience, creativity and tailored support, our programmes help children build confidence, develop skills and embrace the freedom that comes with riding. With these strategies in hand, you’re ready to guide the next generation of confident, happy cyclists.