Frog Tadpole 12" Balance Bike

We are happy to review the Tadpole 12” balance bike! The quality and the workmanship is awesome and the customer service was excellent. Our 3yr old granddaughter LOVES her Frog! I (Papa Jack) made the grievous mistake of buying a cheaper version of a balance bike with foam tires and NO HANDBRAKES. It worked OK for teaching her to balance, but as soon as she learned that, she had no way of stopping except to risk injury by dragging her feet and having them fold up under her on occasion. I was lucky enough to have found the Tadpole on line and available. She picked up the use of the handbrake almost immediately and with just a very few reminders as she rides, she has now learned to use the brake instead of her feet. I am already looking for the Big Girl bike she will need soon, I’m sure. This was such an improvement over the first balance bike that I think that they should be outlawed unless they have handbrakes. Without them they are just too dangerous.

This bike is really well built and very solid. Unfortunately it’s still too tall for my short 21 month old. She has been riding a tadpole mini with 10” wheels for months and I thought the 12” wheels would be more fun for her on dirt trails, but this was a big size jump. She can fit a Strider fine, but the minimum seat height on the Tadpole is over 12” so she’s on tiptoes with it. I’m sure it will be a lot of fun when she’s tall enough, but not the right bike for right now.

This bike is perfect for our 2 year old grandson, who is rough and tough on everything. He was able to get on it and balance right away. It is very sturdy and durable. I would highly recommend this bike.