Does your child get anxious at the thought of their bike without training wheels? Do you feel tired from constantly chasing them on their bike to prevent injuries? Look no further! Edgar has an innovative solution for you! He has created dynamic training wheels to help your child transition to a big kid bike injury free.
Although the bike DOES have training wheels, they differ from traditional ones. If installed correctly, the wheels do not touch the ground, promoting balance and preventing falls. This design catches the child if they lean too far to one side, thus reducing the risk of physical and emotional trauma that may deter them from trying again. Below is a teaser video showcasing the dynamic training wheels in action.
Why Dynamic Training Wheels?
Dynamic training wheels are suitable for both cautious and daring children. Melianna takes extra precautions to avoid getting hurt, while Xander is the opposite and forgets his injuries quickly. A severe bike fall could be emotionally scarring to Melianna, while a fall would not even phase Xander emotionally.
Edgar designed these dynamic training wheels with children like Melianna in mind, providing both physical and mental benefits. However, they can also benefit children like Xander physically. Edgar’s vision is for his bike to be passed from one family to another, helping children learn to ride without training wheels injury free. He created a Facebook page for this bike named Bike UNO. If you prefer to borrow Bike UNO rather than build dynamic training wheels, check it out!
What You’ll Need
- Bike: I have linked the exact bike Edgar used for reference.
- Training handlebar for mounting the dynamic training wheels. With this method, you won’t need to hold on to the handlebar while your child is riding.
- Wood planks for vertical and horizontal posts. Edgar used two 17 inch planks (vertical posts) and two 12 inch planks (horizontal posts).
- Wheels: Edgar used old golf push cart wheels, but other options include regular training wheels (that come with the bike) or stroller wheels.
- Hinges x 2
- Metal tie bands x 6
- Eye bolts x 4
- Pipe clamps x 4 (more for safety if necessary)
- Foot protection cover (optional) can be made from plastic, wood or thick cardboard. Meli’s foot kept getting caught under the dynamic training wheels.
- Wood screws for hinges and pipe clamps
- Extension springs x 2
Time To Put It All Together
I will explain the process for one side of the dynamic training wheels. Make sure to repeat all of the steps for the opposite side.
Of note, Edgar had already prepared for his DIY video by creating clearance holes and attaching an eye bolt to one vertical post, one inch from the edge and centered. He also attached a hinge to the edge of one horizontal post. Below displays diagrams of how the product should look.
After completing the previous step, screw one of your eye bolts 5.5 inches from the edge with the hinge, then secure it with a bolt and washer.
Then, as shown in Diagram 2, connect the boards by placing the horizontal post perpendicular to the vertical post at the 4.5-inch mark. Then take one extension spring and connect each end to both eye bolts.
To use the foot protection cover, cut a 4 x 13-inch rectangle from the material of your choice, leaving a quarter inch of space at the top and bottom of the cover in relation to the horizontal post. Then attach the cover to the horizontal post using three wood screws.
Next, secure one wheel to the horizontal post with one of the metal tie bands. Although, Edgar ended up using two bands for extra safety. Make sure the metal band secures the wheel very tightly.
Depending on the type of bike you have, you may need to add clearance holes to the vertical posts so the boards can be flush with the wheel axle. Then add the pipe clamps to the inside of the vertical posts so the dynamic training wheels are secured to the bike handlebar. The diagram shows four pipe clamps, but Edgar ended up using two clamps on each vertical post.
Below is Edgar’s full DIY video for a visual step-by-step guide.
Final Thoughts on Dynamic Training Wheels
As you can see from the video, dynamic training wheels offer a safer way for your child to learn balance and prevent injuries compared to transitioning from traditional training wheels. We hope you found this information helpful in teaching your child how to ride a bike without stress or injury. Please share your thoughts, questions, or experience with the dynamic training wheels in the comment section below. We would love to hear your feedback! We would love to know! Check out Super Simple DIY Dad for more exciting ideas!
