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Autumn is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque seasons to be out and about in the Hodder Valley on one of our e-bikes, whether you’re exploring with the family, or enjoying some scenic solitude. Hiring an e-bike gives you the perfect way to get out into nature at its most beautiful and enjoy all the advantages that autumn has to offer, while making short work of Lancashire’s well-known hills and fells. Aim High The higher the hill, the better the view – so don’t forget your camera. Choose a route that has a bit more altitude than you might tackle on a conventional bike, so you can really feel the benefit of the e-bike’s power boost. (Read our previous blog post for a reminder of how an e-bike works ). You might head towards Whitewell Woods where the shade of the autumn leaves casts a honey-coloured hue at this time of year, and make your way up Hall Hill for one of the best views of Mellor Knoll and the Hodder Valley while the hillsides are bronze with bracken. Why not plan your ride to coincide with a hearty, warming lunch at The Inn at Whitewell or Red Pump? If you’re looking for accommodation nearby, it doesn’t get much more autumnal than Browsholme Hall’s ‘Woodland Glade’ micro lodges. Forest Foraging Whether you have a warming homemade crumble in mind, or a festive flavoured gin, woodlands and hedgerows provide an abundance of tasty treats for you to take home at this time of year, and – unlike speeding past in a car – e-bikes give you more chance to spot sloes, blackberries, beech nuts, crab apples, elderberries and more. Bring a backpack for any findings, or add a rear pannier to your bike hire booking and take advantage of the extra (waterproof) space to bring dry clothing in case you get caught in a seasonal shower. Visit the Woodland Trust website for recipe ideas, and be sure to follow their guidelines for safe and sustainable foraging. Show Us Your Knits… Although crisp, bright October days still offer plenty of sunshine – it’s not going to be as warm as a summer bike ride. If you’re not planning on pedalling up too much of a sweat, lose the lycra and get wrapped up in your winter woollies. You’ll enjoy any stop offs more if you can enjoy the view without feeling the chill. Autumn Arts and Crafts Who says a wreath is just for Christmas? A homemade autumnal wreath for your door or table can bring some much needed colour and ‘warmth’ to your home at this time of year. It doesn’t have to be perfect – half the fun is in the gathering and the making. During your e-bike ride, collect different leaves, seed heads, pine cones, rose hips, feathers, rushes, reeds and more for a seasonal garland with lots of texture. There’s plenty of ideas on sites like Instagram and Pinterest, or take inspiration from local florists like Flowers from the Heart in nearby Slaidburn. Family Fun E-bikes are a great way to explore with the family and get the little ones (and big kids) excited about the outdoors this autumn, especially during the October Half Term. Although you have to be 14 to ride an e-bike on the road, we’ll soon be adding children’s e-bikes to the hire fleet (and sales website) for use on private routes. Until then, we have conventional kid’s bikes available to hire or buy – or they might prefer to bring their own – and parents or grandparents will have no trouble keeping up, thanks to the integrated electric motor on our e-bikes. For younger children we have toddler trailers or rear fixed kids seats available, plus a ‘tag-along’ also coming soon. Nurture A Love Of Nature Keep an eye out for the last of the conkers to take home and string for a game, or find a quiet space to embrace your inner Andy Goldsworthy with some land art. (Don’t forget to tag us if you put them on Facebook or instagram) Bring along some paper and crayons for the kids to try bark or leaf rubbing, or pocket the perfect materials to build a fairy garden or dinosaur land when you get home. Earn Yourself A Pub Lunch When it comes to award-winning eateries, we’re absolutely spoilt for choice in and around the local area. There are too many to list here, but keep in mind that – as well as The Red Pump and Inn at Whitewell – The Parkers Arms in Newton, James’ Places, The Higher Buck in Waddington, Three Millstones in West Bradford and Spread Eagle at Sawley will all offer a warm welcome to e-bikers once you’ve cycled up an appetite. Don’t forget to ring ahead. Barking Up The Right Tree The foliage across Lancashire offers a dazzling display of colours throughout September and October. Download the Woodland Trust’s ‘Tree ID’ app before your ride and you’ll be able to impress the family by identifying trees using their leaves, bark or branches. Vitamin D-elightful Autumn often brings clear and bright blue skies, allowing us to soak up the last of the sunshine before the winter weather begins to draw in. Keats described Autumn as the season of ‘mists and mellow fruitfulness’, and with dappled sunlight shining low through the trees – it’s hard to feel anything but mellow. Sunshine is our main source of Vitamin D and Good Housekeeping Magazine reports that a little sun can also contribute to: being a healthier weight, enjoying improved sleep and having lower blood pressure. Combine the sunshine and fresh air with the endorphins released during exercise and an autumn e-bike ride is set to put you in a great mood. And, should the weather turn drizzly? At least you’ll feel you’ve earned a fireside lunch even more. Don’t forget to look out for rainbows between shifting showers. The Power Of Outdoor Exercise Stephen Buckley, head of information at MIND charity reminds us that physical health and mental health are undoubtedly linked and (especially in current circumstances) advises getting exposure to the outside world as much as possible and creating routines that include physical exercise, The MIND website also points out that spending time in nature has been found to help with mental health problems including conditions like anxiety and depression, it may also help combat seasonal affective disorder. And according to British Cycling, studies have also shown that regular cyclists enjoy the general health of someone approximately 10 years younger. As a low impact exercise, it is also much kinder on your joints than many other aerobic activities. And Finally… Wonderful Wildlife One of the many advantages of an e-bike is the fact that it is just as quiet as a conventional bicycle, and – unlike a car with its humming engine – is unlikely to startle and scare away wildlife before you get a chance to see it. Look out for deer along woodland edges, especially early in the morning. Roe deer are the ones you’re most likely to spot in the Forest of Bowland. Many birds begin their migration at this time of year, so keep an eye on the sky for impressive starling murmurations. Kingfishers, however, are UK residents all year round, and beautiful flashes of their blue feathers have recently been spotted darting above the River Brennand. Hire one of our e-mountain bikes and head for the exciting off-road trails of Gisburn Forest and you’re likely to see an abundance of birdlife as you pass Stocks Reservoir. According to United Utilities, Stocks is rated as the most important of the organisation’s 160 reservoirs for wildfowl, and is high amongst the best sites in north west England. “Up to 30 species of wildfowl can be encountered during an average winter and amongst often spectacular numbers of common species one might come across more uncommon species such as Red Throated Diver, Whooper Swan, Gadwall, Ring-Necked and Long-Tailed Ducks. From October to March, the most numerous water birds are Mallard, Teal, Wigeon, Pochard, Tufted Duck and Canada Geese.” To get started with YOUR autumn adventure – give us a call, and Stef or Roger will be happy to help. image credit: Joe Hayhurst https://vimeo.com/466265779

If you’re choosing a bike for a 3-year-old, the options can feel overwhelming. Wheel size, weight, balance vs pedals, inside-leg measurements… and every review site seems to list 20 different models. In reality, choosing the right bike at this age is simple when you focus on what actually matters: light weight, confidence, fit and ease of control. In this guide, we’ll cut through the noise and explain exactly what makes a great bike for a 3-year-old, how to size it properly, and which models suit early riders best - including the Woom GO 2 and the Woom WOW, our two most popular options for this age group. 🔑 Key Takeaways A great bike for a 3-year-old should be lightweight, stable, and easy to control - far more important than fancy features or suspension. Most 3-year-olds fit either a 14” balance-first bike (like the Woom WOW) or a 14” first pedal bike (like the Woom GO 2). Avoid heavy steel bikes, coaster brakes and “grow into it” sizing - these slow progress and dent confidence. Woom, Frog and Early Rider make some of the lightest, best-engineered kids’ bikes - but Woom is often the easiest for beginners. Local sizing and quick test rides (like we offer here in the Ribble Valley) are the fastest way to pick the right bike the first time. 🧭 Jump to: What matters at age 3? Balance bike or first pedal? Sizing guide Best bikes for 3-year-olds Comparison table What to avoid FAQs What actually matters when choosing a bike for a 3-year-old? Three-year-olds are still developing balance, coordination and leg strength. So the right bike should make riding simple, stable and fun. The four things that matter most are: 1. Weight - the biggest factor of all Most big-box-store kids’ bikes weigh 8–12 kg, which is often the same as the child riding it. That’s like giving an adult a 30–40 kg bike. A 3-year-old’s bike should ideally weigh under 5 kg for balance bikes and under 6 kg for pedal bikes. Lighter bikes help children: Start pedalling without wobbling Brake safely Pick the bike up by themselves Build confidence rather than frustration 2. Geometry that matches how children naturally move A good kids’ bike keeps the rider upright and centred, not tipped forward. This improves both visibility and balance - especially important around parks, dogs, driveways and siblings. 3. Child-sized brakes (no coaster brakes) Coaster brakes - where kids have to pedal backwards to stop - are common on cheap bikes but make learning harder. Hand brakes designed for small hands are much safer and easier. 4. Correct saddle height At age 3, children should be able to place their feet flat on the ground when seated. This massively improves confidence during early riding. Balance bike or first pedal bike - what’s better for a 3-year-old? Both can work brilliantly depending on your child’s confidence. Choose a balance bike if: Go for a balance bike when your child still needs to master coasting, steering and basic confidence before pedals enter the picture. Your child hasn’t yet learned to glide confidently They get nervous on anything too “big” or heavy They like scooting more than pedalling Choose a first pedal bike if: Pick a first pedal bike when your child already coasts confidently and is ready to turn that balance into real riding. Your child already glides well on a balance bike They’re excited to “ride a real bike” They’re physically strong enough to push pedals Most 3-year-olds fall into one of these two camps, which is why we recommend either the Woom WOW (balance-first) or the Woom GO 2 (pedal-first). Sizing guide for 3-year-olds Most 3-year-olds fit bikes in the 12–14 inch wheel range depending on height and confidence. Wheel Size Inside Leg Typical Age Best For 12" ~30–36 cm 2.5–3.5 years Balance-first riders 14" ~36–44 cm 3–4 years Confident balance riders ready for pedals If you’re unsure, bring your child to our Ribble Valley showroom - we can size them in seconds and let them try both alongside each other. Best bikes for 3-year-olds (2025 UK guide) This list keeps things intentionally simple - the goal is to highlight just the bikes that genuinely work for most 3-year-olds, rather than overwhelming you with everything on the market. 1. Woom WOW – best balance-first bike for age 3 The Woom WOW is ideal for cautious riders and those still mastering balance. It’s ultra-light, very low to the ground and has a beautifully stable geometry that helps children build confidence fast. 2. Woom GO 2 – best first pedal bike for age 3 The Woom GO 2 is a lightweight 14” pedal bike designed to make the transition from balance riding as smooth as possible. Dual hand brakes, narrow pedal stance and low centre of gravity make it far easier than most generic first pedal bikes. Other respected alternatives (we don’t stock these, but parents often ask): Alongside Woom, a few well-regarded lightweight brands often come up in conversations with parents researching the best bikes for kids. Frog 40 – lightweight and well-engineered; slightly heavier than Woom. Early Rider Belter 14 – premium belt-drive design; fantastic but very costly. Hornit AIRO – popular lightweight balance bike; great value. Woom WOW – Balance Bike Ultra-light balance bike ideal for cautious or beginner 3-year-olds. View build Woom GO 2 – 14" Kids’ Bike Lightweight 14” first pedal bike for confident 3-year-olds ready to ride independently. View build Woom Helmets & Accessories Lightweight helmets and accessories designed specifically for young riders. View range Comparison table - best bikes for 3-year-olds Here’s a quick side-by-side look at the bikes most 3-year-olds perform best on. Use it to compare weight, type and who each model really suits in the real world. Bike Type Weight Best For Woom WOW Balance bike (14") Very light Cautious beginners Woom GO 2 First pedal bike (14") Ultra-light Confident balance riders Frog 40 Pedal bike Light General-purpose families Early Rider Belter 14 Pedal bike Light Premium builds What to avoid when buying a bike for a 3-year-old A few common mistakes make learning harder for 3-year-olds. Here are the things worth avoiding so your child gets the easiest, most confidence-building start. Heavy steel bikes - they slow learning dramatically. Coaster brakes - confusing for young riders. Suspension forks - add weight, no benefit. Bikes to “grow into” - oversized bikes kill confidence. Character bikes (Peppa Pig, Spider-Man etc.) - usually very heavy. Conclusion - so, what’s the best bike for a 3-year-old? For most families, the decision is wonderfully simple: Choose the Woom WOW if your child is still mastering balance or prefers scooting-style riding. Choose the Woom GO 2 if your child already glides confidently and is ready to start pedalling independently. Both are designed around real children - extremely light, confidence-building and easy to handle. They’re also a world apart from the heavy, frustrating “toy store” bikes that slow progress. If you’d like help choosing the right size or want your child to try a couple of models back-to-back, you’re always welcome to visit our Ribble Valley E-Bike showroom. We specialise in Woom kids’ bikes and fit dozens of children each month. FAQs Parents often ask the same core questions when choosing a bike for a 3-year-old. Here are clear, quick answers based on what we see in-store every week. Is a 3-year-old too young for a pedal bike? No - many 3-year-olds can pedal confidently if they’ve mastered balance first. The Woom GO 2 is designed exactly for this stage and is far easier to ride than heavy supermarket bikes. Should a 3-year-old start with a balance bike? If your child is cautious or hasn’t yet learned to glide, a balance bike like the Woom WOW is the perfect starting point. It teaches steering and balance before introducing pedals. What wheel size is best for a 3-year-old? Most 3-year-olds fit either a 12” (balance) or 14” (pedal) bike. Inside leg measurement matters more than age - aim for a saddle height low enough for feet to rest flat on the ground. Do lightweight bikes really make a difference? Absolutely. Lightweight bikes accelerate confidence, reduce wobbling and make starting, stopping and manoeuvring far easier for small riders.

Ribble Valley E-Bikes has the perfect way to keep up with the kids this October Half Term!Whether you bring their own bikes from home, or hire from our selection of (non-electric) children’s bikes, parents and grandparents will have no trouble keeping pace with the kids on one of our e-bikes. You can easily match their energy levels with the helpful boost of the electric motor!Little brothers and sisters not quite ready for their own bike? They can ‘ride’ with mum or dad using one of our toddler trailers (with helpful rear storage area) or rear-mounted children’s seats.You can read more about how an e-bike works in our blog post ‘What is an e-bike and who is it for?’There’s an amazing number of routes you could take direct from our Dunsop Bridge HQ, or you can even hire e-bikes on a longer term basis and keep them for a few days to really make the most of the Lancashire Half Term.Lancashire may be in ‘tier 3’ but there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the best the county has to offer. Getting out in the fresh air and soaking up the autumn scenery is a great way to enjoy a little ‘normality’ with family and friends at the moment.It’s important to follow all relevant government guidelines, but in most circumstances, the ‘rule of six’ still applies in the great outdoors – so exploring the countryside on an e-bike is a great way to catch up with loved ones. And – thanks to the electric motor on our e-bikes – you won’t be playing ‘catch up’!From outdoor art to forest foraging, take a look at some of our suggestions for things to do with the kids in Lancashire this autumn.With Christmas approaching, hiring one of our fantastic children’s woom bikes is also a great way to ‘try before you buy’. And the same goes for the ‘big kids’ and our e-bikes!Check out our sales website here.While you’re in Dunsop for a fun-filled activity day, why not also squeeze in a visit to some of our neighbours? You can stock up on delicious snacks from Puddleducks Tea Room, and maybe enjoy a walk with some furry friends at Wood End Alpacas?We’d love to see you, just give us a call to book.Have a lovely Half Term Holiday – however you spend it.