Together with the ADAC, Stiftung Warentest has tested children’s bicycles. The frightening result: Faulty brakes, pollutants in the saddle and cracks in the endurance test with well-known brands. But cheap bikes can convince the experts.
In a current issue (6/2022), Stiftung Warentest and ADAC tested a total of twelve 20-inch children’s bicycles (the specification refers to the wheel size; 20-inch bikes are suitable for children around 120 cm tall). In addition to driving, i.e. the driving characteristics and driving comfort, even at night and in the rain, the bikes were also examined for the following criteria: suitability for the child, handling, safety
Particularly surprising: Expensive and well-known bicycle brands in particular are not convincing in the test. The “good” models also include the cheapest in the test for around 300 euros.
Overall, only three children’s bikes scored “good”, none achieved the top mark “very good”. Four other models manage to do “satisfactorily” in the overall rating. The reason for the devaluation here: the laboratory has detected high levels of the phthalate plasticizer DPHP in the saddles of many bikes. The five other bikes fail the test with the rating “poor”. In addition to the softeners in the saddle, the experts here also criticize the safety and durability of the bikes.
Four models did not achieve the required braking effect for a total weight of 60 kilograms. The saddle clamp on one model tore in the endurance test, on another the pedal crank cracked during the endurance test. The experts cannot recommend the affected bicycles because they pose a potential safety risk for children.
One of the three bicycles rated “good” is the Skyride 20-3 Alu Light from Puky for around 510 euros (to XXL bicycle). In terms of safety and durability, the bike even scores “very good” and is also free of pollutants.
Second place goes to the inexpensive Kid 200 Street from Cube for around 300 euros (to Lucky-Bike). The bike is ideal for children, offers a lot of safety on the road and the testers also praised the bike’s high-quality workmanship.
The Decathlon bike in 3rd place is also quite cheap at around 310 euros (to Decathlon). The bike not only impresses in the endurance test, but also when riding at night and in the rain. Thanks to reflectors, the bike is clearly visible from all sides, even in the dark.
On the other hand, five well-known brands cannot convince the ADAC experts. Since this is about the safety of the child, which cannot be guaranteed, we advise against buying these bikes. The affected brands are:
The bikes not only brake badly, some of them also break down in the endurance test. In road traffic, these defects can also lead to major accidents and injuries.
The only good news is that you don’t have to dig deep into your pockets to get a good bike. You can get the test winners from as little as 300 euros. The defective bikes are quite expensive with prices between 430 and almost 600 euros.
You can read the detailed test report for a fee at Stiftung Warentest.
