A new company is introducing a product to challenge the conventional method. It is a new type of children’s bike accessory called the Gyrowheel. The gyrowheel is designed to replace traditional training wheels by swapping out the standard front wheel of a children’s bike. A kids bike that contains a spinning disk generates a force to self stabilize the bike. The spinning disk creates a force that is powerful enough to hold the wheel upright at very low speeds. This allows kids to learn the pedal and then gradually ratchet down the power.

The wheel retails for about hundred dollars. 12 inch Gyrowheels are designed to fit 12 inch kids’ bikes and 16 inch Gyrowheels are designed to fit 16 inch kids’ bikes. What size bike you should buy depends on the rider’s inseam. It’s best to take a look at the size chart on the individual bike as they vary in style and dimensions.

• 12 inch bikes typically accommodate riders who are 34-46 inches in height
• 16 inch bikes typically accommodate riders who are 38-52 inches in height

If a new rider is between sizes, the manufacturer recommends the smaller of the two appropriate sizes. A smaller bike allows for easier handling, including steering and pedaling. It also allows the rider’s feet to touch the ground more readily, which makes new riders feel more confident. Further, they recommend that new riders start out by pushing along the ground with their feet, so an appropriately small bike is particularly important for this.