Turbo Teal is the sort of colour that makes other children in the park stop mid-scoot and stare. But the Ridgeback Scoot XL Balance Bike earns its place on more than looks alone.
One of the questions parents ask most often when shopping for children's bikes is whether to go for the standard 12-inch Scoot or step up to the XL. The answer comes down to height.
The Scoot XL bike is built for taller children who've outgrown the standard size but aren't ready for pedals yet. Its 14-inch wheels and longer frame give bigger legs proper room to stride. If your child is on the taller side for their age, it's worth measuring up before you buy.
What sets Ridgeback bikes apart from most of the competition is the care that goes into each build. This bicycle is a solid example of that. The aluminium frame keeps the weight manageable, the saddle and handlebars adjust as your child grows, and two seat posts come included straight out of the box.
Among scoot balance bikes currently available in the UK, that level of thoughtfulness isn't always a given at this price point.
The rear hand brake tends to be the detail parents circle back to. Plenty of scoot XL kids' bikes at this level leave it out entirely. This ridgeback bicycle includes a small lever shaped for little hands, with the cable running neatly inside the frame. It builds proper braking habits before pedals ever come into the picture, which makes that transition considerably less daunting for everyone involved.
The 14-inch air-filled tyres handle the usual British mix of grass, mud, and damp pavement without complaint. Ridgeback cycles also hold their resale value well, so if a younger sibling is on the horizon, it's worth keeping the box.
Ridgeback bicycles are built to last well beyond the balance bike years. Turbo Teal just makes the ride a bit more memorable along the way.