Joystar BIKE016sv-18 Kids Bike Review
Our verdict
The Joystar BIKE016sv-18 is a practical 18-inch single-speed for kids who have outgrown a 16-inch wheel but are not yet ready for a full 20-inch bike. At $134.89 with coaster and hand brakes included, it covers an often-overlooked size range without a big price jump.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Kids who have maxed out a 16-inch bike and need a stepping stone before moving to a 20-inch model
Skip if
Your child is already tall enough for a 20-inch wheel, or you want a lightweight bike as this one comes in at 22.8 lb
- Bike type Kids Bike
- Wheel size 18.0 in
- Frame material Carbon Steel
- Frame size 18 Inch With Training Wheels & Handbrake
- Speeds 1
- Brakes Coaster+Handbrake
- Priced 10% below the category median ($150.26 across 82 tracked models)
- Weight of 22.8 lb - heavier than 68% of the 83 models we track
- Min rider height of 109.0 in - higher than 98% of the 83 models we track
Our scorecard
-
Owner rating4.3/5
4.3 average across 110 owner ratings
-
Popularity0.4/5
110 owner reviews, fewer than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other mountain, road, electric, cruiser, folding, hybrid and kids' bicycles we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
["The BIKE016sv-18 uses an 18-inch wheel size that sits between the two most common children's bike sizes. The carbon steel frame keeps costs reasonable, and Joystar includes training wheels so kids transitioning from smaller bikes can phase them out at their own pace.", 'Braking is handled by a combination of a coaster brake and a hand brake, which is a useful setup for young riders who are still building confidence. The coaster gives an intuitive fallback while the hand brake introduces proper braking form early.', 'At 22.8 lb, this bike is not the lightest in its class. Smaller or younger kids may notice the weight when lifting it or when starting from a stop. The rigid frame and single-speed drivetrain keep maintenance simple, which is a genuine advantage for busy parents.']
Pros
- 18-inch wheel fills a useful gap between 16 and 20-inch sizes
- Dual braking with both coaster and hand brake
- Training wheels included for beginners
- Single-speed drivetrain means no gear maintenance
- Carbon steel frame is durable for everyday use
Cons
- 22.8 lb is on the heavier side for this wheel size
- Carbon steel frame will rust if left in wet conditions without care
- Only 110 reviews makes buyer confidence harder to gauge
Specifications
| Bike type | Kids Bike |
|---|---|
| Wheel size | 18.0 in |
| Frame material | Carbon Steel |
| Frame size | 18 Inch With Training Wheels & Handbrake |
| Speeds | 1 |
| Brakes | Coaster+Handbrake |
| Suspension | Rigid |
| Drivetrain | Single Speed |
| Wheel material | Alloy Steel |
| Seat | Plastic |
| Color | Silver |
| Weight | 22.8 lb |
| Min rider height | 109.0 in |
| Age range | Kids |
| Skill level | Beginner |
| Power | Manual Pedaling |
| Model year | 2020 |
Performance notes
18-inch alloy steel wheels, rigid suspension, single-speed chain drivetrain with coaster plus hand brake. Frame is carbon steel. Bike weighs 22.8 lb. Max rider weight not specified. Min rider height listed at 109 cm (approximately 43 inches).
What buyers say
With 110 reviews and a 4.3 star rating, the sample size is smaller than comparable Joystar models. Reviewers who left feedback generally point to fit as the main draw, with parents noting the size works well for kids in the 5 to 7 year range who have outgrown 16-inch options.
More from Joystar
Similar mountain, road, electric, cruiser, folding, hybrid and kids' bicycles to consider
Frequently asked questions
Does the Joystar BIKE016sv-18 come fully assembled?
The bike arrives partially assembled. Most buyers complete setup by attaching the handlebars, front wheel, and pedals. The process typically takes 20 to 30 minutes with basic tools. Joystar includes the needed hardware and an instruction sheet.
Are training wheels removable on this bike?
Yes, the training wheels are bolt-on and can be removed once the child is ready to ride without them. Removing them is straightforward with a basic wrench. The bike functions normally without the training wheels attached.
What age range is the 18-inch wheel size designed for?
Joystar lists this bike for kids in general without a tight age bracket, but an 18-inch wheel typically fits children roughly 5 to 7 years old depending on leg length. The listed minimum height is approximately 43 inches, so measuring your child before buying is a good idea.