Does the Strider™ balance bike have brakes? Why no hand brakes?
The beginning rider should only use his/her feet against the ground to control speed and to stop. For the advanced rider, the Strider™ is designed to accept an optional foot-operated rear friction brake that not only stops the Strider™ quickly, but also creates a cool skid mark when applied hard! The brake is a simple one-bolt installation. We researched various “stopping” methods as they relate to really young children. In the end, in a panic situation, the natural instinct of children is to put their feet down. Even children capable of using a brake revert to planting their feet if they have to stop quickly. The hand brake option does not make sense based on child anatomy… just gripping the bar is a handful for a 2-3 year old hand… their fingers are not long enough or strong enough to pull a brake lever.
