Children's bikes at Stiftung Warentest: These brands are not convincing

Children’s bikes at Stiftung Warentest: These brands are not convincing

In a current issue (6/2022), Stiftung Warentest tested a total of twelve 20-inch children’s bikes. In addition to handling, i.e. ride characteristics and riding comfort, even at night and in the rain, the bikes were also examined for the following criteria: suitability for the child, handling, safety and durability as well as pollutants in the handle and the saddle.

Not all bikes are convincing. Overall, only three kids’ bikes get a “good” rating, none get the full “very good” rating. Four other models manage to make “satisfactory” in the overall rating. The reason for the devaluation here: the lab found high levels of the phthalate plasticizer DPHP in the saddles of many bicycles. The remaining five wheels fail the test with a “poor” rating. In addition to in-saddle softeners, the experts here also criticize the safety and durability of the bikes.

Four models did not achieve the required braking effect for a total weight of 60 kilograms. The seat clamp of one model tore during the endurance test, on another the pedal thread crank cracked during the endurance test. Experts cannot recommend the affected bikes as they pose a potential safety risk to children.

Particularly surprising: Expensive and well-known bicycle brands in particular are not convincing in the test. The “good” models also include the cheapest in the test for around 300 euros.

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