We have spent a total of 18 hours researching and evaluating each adult training wheel kits on our list. Over the course of a month, we came up with what we think is the best adult training wheel kit of 2018. The Bike USA Stabilizer Wheel Kit stood out from other options on the market because of its impressive durability, and its ability to give first-time bike users the confidence boost that they need. Not only is the Stabilizer wheel kit easy to install, but also comes with the necessary components to fit most bicycles.
Did you miss out on learning how to ride a bike when you were a child?
Does someone you love need extra assistance to ride a bike due to a disability?
Has a recent surgery impaired your balance, and you want to continue your lovely beach cruiser bikes?
There are plenty of choices out there, but it isn’t advisable to try all of them. Not to mention, it will be more expensive in the long run if you purchase a low-quality set.
That’s why we’re here. This article will provide an overview of the top adult training wheel kits of 2018 for your convenience; based on weeks of research, crowdsourcing, and hands-on testing.
Read on to learn more about which adult training wheels we think are the best out of all of the kits we have checked out.
5 Best Adult Training Wheel Kits of 2018
| Blanket Support | Height | Width | Material |
|---|---|---|---|
| RBD Health Adjustable Blanket Lifter/Support | 23” to 31” | 16” wide | Steel |
| DMI Blanket Lift Bar Support Frame | Up to 19” | 20” wide | Metal |
| Rolyan Blanket Support for Foot of Bed | 12” | 19” wide | PVC |
| Sammons Preston Folding Bed Cradle | Up to 18” | 13” wide | Metal |
| Essential Medical Supply Adjustment Aluminum Blanket Support | Up to 22” | 20” wide | Aluminum |
How Do Adult Training Wheel Kits Work?
Adult training wheel kits, also known as stabilizers, consist of additional wheels that are installed parallel to the back wheel of your bicycle. They can be added on to your bicycle temporarily or permanently.
Adult training wheels are a great asset when you are beginning to learn how to ride a bike, scared of falling off, or if you have balancing issues.
These kits are also useful for adults who are disabled but still want to enjoy riding a bicycle. So whether you want to learn how to safely ride a bike or to have an exercise tool that is user-friendly for disabled individuals, having an adult training wheel kit will get the job done.
Buying Guide
Training wheels were primarily developed to help kids improve their balance as they learn to ride bicycles. Traditional training wheels are sometimes too small and weak to be effective, even for kids. It can be difficult determining which kit would be most effective.
That’s why we’ve compiled a small list of things to consider before making any decisions about purchasing a training wheel kit.
1. Tread Life
Are you going to use your training wheel kits temporarily or permanently? It is important to determine how long you would like your tires to last, especially for permanent cases.
2. Usage: balancing, rough terrain, etc.
Different training wheels are designed with different activity intensities in mind. Some training wheel kits are meant for simple activities like practising your balance or learning how to ride a bicycle. Other kits are made for more strenuous activities like riding through rough terrain. For starter you may start off with kick scooters (list) which are closer to the ground.
3. Material
1. Steel – Steel frames are widely known for being comfortable, durable, and inexpensive. Although steel frames tend to be heavier than their counterparts, what you sacrifice in weight will be made up for in comfort. So, if you don’t mind pedaling about with a heavy set of training wheels, then this will be a good fit.
However, keep in mind that steel tends to rust quickly, so if your area is prone to heavy rain steel frames may not be ideal.
2. Aluminum – Aluminum is one of the stiffest and lightest materials on the market. It is perfect for competing. Many professional cyclists choose to race with aluminum frames because they are so light. If aluminum is good enough for the pros it’s good enough for us!
However, there are downsides to aluminum frames. First, they may be lighter but they are less comfortable. Second, the material is less shock absorbent compared to other materials. It’s a minor drawback if you’re looking for a material that is robust enough not to rust quickly or crack if you fall.
4. Wheels
The wheels of your training kit have the greatest impact on the quality of your bike ride. Great wheels can make your bike faster. The type of wheels that would suit your needs is highly dependent on what activity you’ll be doing. If you do a lot of climbing, light wheels would be better for you. If you are time trailing, aerodynamic and deep sectioned rims are the ones for you. For training purposes, it’s good to choose sturdy and heavy wheels.
How We Assessed and Evaluated These Products
Our search began by listing all the local bike shops we could find within 30 miles. Upon visiting each bike shop, we took note of all the adult training wheel kits available.
We also expanded our search to include local malls to see what types of adult training wheel kits are available to shoppers. We recorded approximately 15 different adult training wheels.
Then, we swept through the internet to find out how customers liked the products. We also went to www.top5reviewed.com to see the opinions of other product review websites in regards to training wheel kits.
We gathered feedback from our friends, acquaintances, and readers to see which kits were preferred. We also performed a mini-survey online to see what product on our list was most popular among those who are interested in the product.
We then established the most common buying criteria of adult training wheel kits like design, adjustability, usage, tread life and material. We later scored each training wheel kit on our list based off of these categories. We excluded a few that received mostly negative feedback, and had materials of inferior quality.
Next, we grouped all the products by their scores and narrowed down our list to five adult training wheels that seemed promising. Finally, we obtained the five models for hands on product testing.
Our Top Picks
While testing the Wald 742 Training Wheels (16-26-Inch), we found that it was fairly easy to install on to a 24” bike, but it requires a little bit of experimentation to find the right height for the training wheels. However, that’s to be expected since they were designed to serve a wide range of needs.
Once we found the right height, we were able to ride the bicycle. We also let some of our coworkers who didn’t (yet) know how to ride a bicycle give it a try. They gave feedback and let us know that the training wheels were effective in reducing their nervousness.
Their fear of tipping over and falling was gone, and we observed that their maneuvering was more relaxed and controlled. It was able to support up to 150 pounds. We also loved that it could support children and adults who needed the extra stability.
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
The second kit of adult training wheels that made it on to our list is the EVO Mobility HD Multi-Fit Adult Bicycle Training Wheels - SM-906. Upon first glimpse of the product, we were happy to see that it looked strong and sturdy. We love that it is a well-built system designed to maximize support for a physically challenged rider.
We used it with a 26” wheel, and we liked that it had a wide range of adjustability. It took us about 15 to 20 minutes to install this set of training wheels, so that’s an important thing to consider if you’re thinking of getting a quick attach and detach set.
Upon installation, we noticed that there was a high possibility of over tightening the wheel mounting bolt and U-bolts; which results in crushing the wheel bearing and the frame. Be careful not to over tighten.
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
During our evaluation, we found out that it takes a few tries to get the clearance and alignment of the training wheel correctly to the ground. We tried it on a 26” bicycle wheel, and it was quite an easy installation albeit lengthy. The instructions were clear, and the included photos made it easier to set up.
The mounting brackets gave us a range of adjustments to calibrate the clearance between the ground and the training wheels. It is best to have a socket wrench handy upon installation. It took us about 1 hour and 45 minutes to set up the whole thing (including reading the manual carefully).
We also urged one of our coworkers to try it since he didn’t know how to ride a bike. The training wheels did a great job of supporting him (he weighs 220 lbs) He zoomed to and fro in the yard with a huge grin on his face, so that gives this particular set a lot of bonus points.
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
Upon testing the Sunlite HD Adjustable Training Wheels, we determined that it is a robust set of training wheels. It fits well on bicycles with gears. We had successful trials when 5 of our colleagues rode the bike with these training wheels in place.
We did notice that the wheels on this set are not inflatable, meaning that this kit is not suitable as a permanent fixture on your bicycle. The clearance between the training wheels’ frame and our bike’s gears were not a problem.
We installed it on a 26’’bike wheel, and we think that it worked well. It improved the rider’s stability after a few rides.
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
On this particular set of training wheels, a coworker brought his 12-year-old son’s bike (24” wheel), and we attached the training wheels to it. His son had motor coordination issues and he needed to find a set that would provide stability while teaching him how to ride a bike.
We observed while him and his son first tested the kit, and it went great. We could see that his son overcame his fear of falling. The bike also remained stable while he took turns.
We also loved how the wheels are made of rubber, so we didn’t have to worry about flat tires.
When we tested it ourselves, we were impressed with the quality of the training wheels. It made learning how to ride a bike at an older age fun and safe.
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
Our Recommendations:
Editor's Pick: Bike USA Stabilizer Wheel Kit
It took us a few hours to choose which kit was the best among all five contenders. After careful deliberation, we were able to determine the best adult training wheel kit based on scores, feedback, and hands-on-tests that we conducted.
If we were to buy an adult training wheel kit for a friend or a loved one, we’d go for the Bike USA Stabilizer Wheel Kit. Its heavy-duty steel-frame, rims, and hubs (which include multiple spacers for a range of adjustments) gave users more confidence and stability- especially to those who didn’t know how to ride yet. We believe that this set of training wheels is especially effective for those that require assistance with their balance.
Runners Up: 1st Runner Up: Wald 742 Training Wheels (16-26-Inch)
The Wald 742 Training Wheels came close to our first pick of editor’s choice because they can be attached to most regular bikes (bikes with 16’’ to 26’’ wheels) due to the three holes located on the brace. It’s also sturdy enough that the rider will feel secure about not tipping over, and it’s a great way to get stability on your journey to learning how to ride a bike.
2nd Runner Up: EVO Mobility HD Multi-Fit Adult Bicycle Training Wheels - SM-906
The EVO Mobility HD Multi-Fit Adult Bicycle Training Wheels- SM-906 is our 3rd pick simply because it has all of the necessary components that an adult training wheel kit should have. We found this kit to be really good at improving a person’s stability. It is stylish because it doesn’t look like a child’s training wheel set, and it supports up to 265 pounds. It is a very practical set of wheels.