Mini Bikers

Mini Bikers: learn to cycle for children from 18 months

Mini Bikers is a national learn-to-cycle programme for children, described as award-winning in its own presentation, which teaches children aged between 18 months and 10 years to ride a bike through balance bike and pedal bike training. The programme describes itself as the UK's first afPE-approved and accredited learn-to-cycle programme.

The initiative was born in 2015. Its founder, who delivered Bikeability training directly in primary schools, noticed that many children could not take part because they did not know how to ride a bike. This, together with the realisation that the earlier you learn the easier it is and concern about declining physical activity among children, gave rise to the programme. The stated vision is to introduce cycling into children's lives as early as possible.

Balance and pedal courses by levels

The main offering is bespoke Balanceability courses structured in three levels. Each training programme runs over four weeks, according to the weekly class information. The levels are:

• Toddler Balanceability: for children aged 18 months to 4 years.
• Level One Balanceability (balance bikes): ages 3 to 10.
• Level Two (pedal bikes): ages 3 to 10.

The company states it has introduced the first training programme specifically aimed at children from as young as 18 months. In addition to regular courses, it offers 1:1 cycling lessons, road safety education and school training programmes.

School training and accredited programmes

Mini Bikers presents itself as an accredited provider of Bikeability training across the UK. In the school setting, it guides children through their cycling journey following a structured programme with fun interactive activities. It also delivers Scootability training, focused on scooter handling.

Bike and accessories store

The company has a cycle store that sells a wide range of lightweight children's balance and pedal bikes from Frog, Cuda and Forme Bikes, as well as accessories.

Birthday parties and freestyle track

Mini Bikers offers children's birthday party experiences on a freestyle bike track, with balance bike or pedal bike options. The track allows riders of all ages to explore a course with ramps, bridges, rollers, seesaw and limbo.

Weekly classes and free sessions

The programme includes weekly classes. At the time of scanning, the website advertised free Dr Bike and balance bike sessions for toddlers, with a countdown of 18 days, 10 hours and 0 minutes. The Dr Bike sessions were listed in Hinckley and the balance sessions for children aged 18 months and up.

Ratings and presence

The company shows a rating of 4.9 based on 141 Google reviews. Testimonials highlight the patience and ability of the instructors, the progress of children with an initial fear and the possibility of moving from a balance bike to a pedal bike without stabilisers. Instructors such as Yas, Terry, Kelly and Jas are mentioned.