Stacyc 12 Edrive Stacyc 16 Edrive

Stacyc has taken the humble balance bike, which is frequently a child’s first foray into life on two wheels, and added an electric motor for even more fun

Balance bikes have become the modern way of learning to ride a bicycle, replacing the old-fashioned world of a regular bike with stabilisers. However, the need to physically push the balance bike along limits how much fun your little one can have on it. Thanks to Stacyc that’s no longer the case.

With its take on balance bikes, Stacyc has not simply created a tiny version of the standard electric bike. Where typical e- bikes use torque sensors to match the motor’s output to the rider’s input through the pedals, the lack of pedals on a balance bike means power from the electric motor is instead applied using a throttle.

There are two sizes of Stacyc available.

The smaller options with its 12.5in wheels is suitable for three- to five-year- olds, while children aged from four to eight are better suited to the 16in wheeled model.

In both cases, an aluminium frame is used to keep the weight as low as possible and in the centre of this sits the proprietary motor, with the battery pack clipped to the front of the frame for ease of access. On the 12in Stacyc the 20V battery is a 2Ah unit, while there’s an increase to 4Ah for the 16in model. Both versions have three power selection settings, starting with a maximum of 5mph in the low/training mode, moving up to 7mph (Stacyc 12)/ 7.5mph (Stacyc 16) in medium/ standard mode and then high/advanced speeds of 9mph and 13mph respectively.

The controls are really simple, comprising an on/off switch and twist- grip throttle for the motor on the right side of the handlebars and a brake lever for the rear hub- mounted brake.

The composite wheels, reminiscent of ‘80s BMX bikes, should take lots of knocks without worry and come fitted with chunky tyres that will soak up the bumps and blows of enthusiastic riding from little ones.

► £629/£829 stacyc.com