When it comes to getting your kids onto electric balance bikes, there’s one big question: 12-inch or 16-inch? It’s not as simple as picking the bike that the brand says is the right size for their age because all kids vary in size and ability, even at three years old. So we’ve decided to try and answer the question for you by sourcing both 12-inch and 16-inch YCF electric balance bike for our kids, Bonnie and Jax, and the results might just surprise you.
Bonnie, our fearless three-year-old, has been on balance bikes since she could walk. She’s no stranger to throttles, and with her tall-for-her-age frame (100cm and growing), we thought the 16-inch would be a no-brainer. But as we quickly learned, size does matter when it comes to matching bikes to kids.
Small but mighty
The 12-inch YCF is the entry-level size of electric balance bikes. It’s designed for smaller riders, generally aged two to four years, with a compact frame that’s perfect for pint-sized pilots. Jax, at five years and 120cm tall, can still ride it, but let’s just say he looks like an adult crammed into a toddler’s play car. Bonnie, on the other hand, fits it like a glove.
This bike weighs around 8.5kg, which makes it light enough for even tiny riders to pick up after a spill, like Bonnie. With an easily adjustable seat height starting at about 35cm, Bonnie’s feet comfortably reach the ground, giving her the confidence she needs to zoom around. The 170W brushless motor has three speed modes and is surprisingly torquey. It provides a strong and predictable boost in the fastest map, Bonnie’s favourite, and a docile opening in the slow map making it ideal for beginners who are just getting a handle on throttle control. The bike’s top speed maxes out at 20km/h, which is fast enough for fun but safe for younger riders. The compact aluminium frame and smaller wheels make it highly manoeuvrable for kids who are still mastering their balance and want to stand up and turn it using their own strength.
For Bonnie, the 12-inch is easy to handle and forgiving when she gets a bit wobbly. The smaller size means she can catch herself if the bike tips, and the lightweight frame doesn’t intimidate her. However, with her being on the taller side for her age, the 12-inch feels like a temporary solution. She’s growing out of it faster than we expected, and while it’s still fun for zipping around, she’s starting to crave a bigger challenge. And, as a tight-arse journo, I want a bike that lasts more than a year before it’s too small.
Big Kid Energy
Enter the 16-inch YCF electric balance bike, the “big kid” balance bike designed for ages four to eight. With a 250W brushless motor, three-speed settings, and a top speed of 25km/h, it’s a serious upgrade for more experienced riders. While it’s heavier at 11.5kg, it’s built for kids who are ready to handle a bit more bike.
This bike has a seat height of 46.3cm, which is perfect for taller riders like Bonnie. She can plant her feet on the ground and reach the brake lever without a struggle. The larger frame and wheels offer more stability, making it easier for her to ride confidently. However, the increased size does mean it’s slightly harder for her to pick up after a fall or turn around on her own without power. Occasionally, she’ll whinge for me to come over and help, even though she could manage on her own if she tried.
The 16-inch YCF electric balance bike also has three speed settings – Slow (16 km/h), Medium (20 km/h) and Fast (25 km/h). While these settings offer a bit more flexibility for different terrains and confidence levels, the power delivery is still smooth and docile. Even in Fast mode, Bonnie has to push with her feet on steeper uphill sections because the torque isn’t overly aggressive. This makes it a great choice for kids who are still getting comfortable with throttle control, though seasoned riders might find the lack of punch a bit frustrating. On flat ground, though, it flies, with enough top speed to keep Bonnie grinning from ear to ear.
A Smooth Comparison
When comparing power and speed, the 12-inch’s 170W motor is actually more responsive and stronger off the bottom. I know, weird right?! By contrast, the 16-inch’s 250W motor offers a more docile throttle opening with less torque than we expected. However, the torque on both bikes is still gentle; it’s not like the Beta E-Kinder 16 Pro that Jax rides which will rip your arms out. This is a blessing for throttle newbies but might feel underwhelming for kids who’ve been riding for years.
The 12-inch has a top speed of 20km/h, while the 16-inch pushes that to 25km/h. The extra 5km/h may not sound like much, but it makes a noticeable difference when Bonnie is keeping up with her older brother, Jax.
Which Bike Fits Best?
For Bonnie, who’s three-years old and 100cm tall, the 12-inch is a good fit for now. If I won lotto and could buy both I’d have bonnie on the 12-inch for another six months. It’s lightweight, easy to control and matches her size. She can stand over it, lift the front wheel and point it in the direction she wants to go if there’s no room to turn around with the wheels on the ground.
However, because she’s tall for her age, she’s already reaching the physical limits of the 12-inch. The 16-inch, while slightly big and heavy, is manageable for her thanks to the adjustable seat post which when all the way down allows Bonnie to get her feet on the ground. She’s not as comfortable turning it around if she’s standing up and trying to manhandle it but she still manages most the time. She can reach the ground and the controls comfortably, and it’s clear that she’ll grow into it over the next few years.
Jax, at five-years old and 120cm tall, has officially outgrown the 12-inch. He still enjoys it for a quick spin but looks and feels cramped on the smaller frame. The 16-inch YCF electric balance bike, on the other hand, is a perfect fit for his height and experience. The larger frame and faster speeds make it a much better match for his riding style. But after riding the Beta E-Kinder 16 Pro in the aggressive map for two years was left wanting much more throttle response from the 16-inch YCF electric balance bike.
The rest
Having tried other electric balance bikes, like the Beta E-Kinder 16 Pro, Stacyc 12-eDrive, Sherco EB12 and Kawasaki Elektrode, we found the YCF 16-inch to be slightly better built with the brakes still in good nick and light enough for Bonnie to use, but it is less powerful, which might be a downside for confident riders but is a win for beginners. The Kawasaki Elektrode is another great option, but it doesn’t come in different sizes, limiting its versatility. The Stacyc 16eDrive is punchier but also heavier, while the Sherco EB12 or Beta E-Kinder 12 is a strong contender in the 12-inch category.
Which Bike Should You Buy?
If your child is younger (two to four) and on the smaller side and not great at riding a bike with a throttle, the 12-inch YCF is the clear winner. It’s light, easy to handle, and perfect for building confidence. If they crash too many times on a bigger bike, they will lose interest and confidence fast. But if your kid is taller, more experienced, or ready to grow into a bigger bike but is still three-years old, the 16-inch YCF is worth the investment.
For Bonnie, the 16-inch is the way to go despite its heavier frame. She’ll get years of use out of it, and it’s a great stepping stone before moving on to a full-size dirtbike. It’s lack of bottom-end punch actually works in Bon’s favour as it makes it easier for her to handle because it is physically at her limit. Jax, meanwhile, has already moved on from the 12-inch and loves the freedom and speed of the 16-inch. But, as an experienced rider, ended up pushing with his feet a lot when trying to fly up hills at the skate park from a standing start.
Ultimately, the choice comes down to your child’s size, age and experience. If you want to save some cash and you reckon your three-year-old is taller than 100cm, knows how to use a throttle and has confidence riding, go the 16-inch.
YCF 12-inch
Frame: Aluminium Tubular
Wheelbase: 681mm
Max Length: 981mm
Max Width: 531mm
Max Height: 559mm (handlebar)
Seat Height: 414mm (minimum)
Ground Clearance: 100mm
Weight: 9.8kg
Rear Brake: Drum
Front Rim: 12″
Rear Rim: 12″
Load-less Engine Type: 170W Brushless Motor
Battery: Lithium 24V 2.6Ah
Charging Method: Fast Charger
Run Time: 40-70 mins (speed setting dependent)
YCF 16-inch
Frame: Aluminium Tubular
Wheelbase: 771mm
Max Length: 1177mm
Max Width: 550mm
Max Height: 695mm (handlebar)
Seat Height: 463mm (minimum)
Ground Clearance: 142mm
Weight: 11.5kg
Rear Brake: Drum
Front Rim: 16″
Rear Rim: 16″
Engine Type: 250W Brushless Motor
Battery: Lithium 24V 5.2Ah x 2
Charging Method: Fast Charger
Run Time: 40-70 mins (speed setting dependent)
