Joystar Kids Bike Review
Our verdict
At $89.99 with a carbon steel frame, coaster brake, and training wheels already attached, this Joystar 12-inch is a solid value pick for a child's first pedal bike. Over 3,400 reviews back it up, giving it a 4.4 rating.
Check price on AmazonBest for
First-time riders ages 2 to 4 who need a simple, light starter bike with training wheels
Skip if
Your child is ready to ride without training wheels or has already outgrown a 12-inch wheel size
- Bike type Kids Bike
- Wheel size 12.0 in
- Frame material Carbon Steel
- Frame size 12" With Training Wheels
- Speeds 1
- Brakes Caliper, Coaster
- Priced 40% below the category median ($150.26 across 82 tracked models)
- Wheel size of 12.0 in - smaller than 81% of the 83 models we track
- Weight of 9.89 lb - lighter than 95% of the 83 models we track
Our scorecard
-
Owner rating4.4/5
4.4 average across 3,400 owner ratings
-
Popularity4.8/5
3,400 owner reviews, more 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 Joystar 12-inch keeps things simple, which is exactly what a beginner bike should do. It weighs under 10 pounds and ships with training wheels, so younger kids can get on and start pedaling without a long setup process. The single-speed chain drive and coaster brake mean your child stops by pedaling backward, which is intuitive for small kids.', 'At $89.99 it sits below most comparable 12-inch bikes on the market. The carbon steel frame is standard for this price range and handles normal neighborhood and driveway use without issue. The caliper brake provides a hand-activated stopping option as the child grows more confident.', 'The 3,400-plus reviews at 4.4 stars suggest most families have a smooth experience out of the box. Keep in mind this is a beginner bike built to be outgrown, not a long-term investment, so right-sizing matters more than anything else here.']
Pros
- Under $90 puts it among the more affordable 12-inch options
- Ships with training wheels already included
- Light weight at roughly 9.9 lb makes it manageable for small kids
- Dual braking with caliper and coaster gives flexibility
- Rigid frame means fewer moving parts to maintain
Cons
- Carbon steel frame will rust if stored outdoors long-term
- Coaster brake only suits younger beginners, not kids ready to advance
- 12-inch wheel size has a short useful life as kids grow quickly
Specifications
| Bike type | Kids Bike |
|---|---|
| Wheel size | 12.0 in |
| Frame material | Carbon Steel |
| Frame size | 12" With Training Wheels |
| Speeds | 1 |
| Brakes | Caliper, Coaster |
| Suspension | Rigid |
| Drivetrain | Single-Speed |
| Wheel material | Rubber |
| Seat | Plastic |
| Color | Cherry Pink |
| Weight | 9.89 lb |
| Max rider weight | 30.0 lb |
| Min rider height | 32.0 in |
| Age range | Kids |
| Skill level | Beginner |
| Power | Pedal Power |
Performance notes
12-inch wheels suit riders from about 32 inches tall. The single-speed drivetrain and rigid frame keep maintenance minimal. Max rider weight is rated at 30 lb, which is appropriate for the target age group of 2 to 5 years. At 9.89 lb the bike is light enough for a young child to handle without much parental lifting.
What buyers say
With 3,400 reviews and a 4.4 rating, buyer feedback is consistently positive for this price range. Buyers most often highlight easy assembly and the value for money. Occasional complaints focus on the training wheels needing tightening after initial setup.
More from Joystar
Similar mountain, road, electric, cruiser, folding, hybrid and kids' bicycles to consider
Featured in
Frequently asked questions
Does this bike come fully assembled?
It arrives partially assembled. Most buyers report attaching the handlebars, front wheel, seat, and training wheels, which typically takes 20 to 30 minutes with basic tools. No special tools are required.
Is the 12-inch wheel size right for my child?
The 12-inch wheel is designed for riders starting at about 32 inches tall, generally children ages 2 to 5. If your child is already 4 feet tall or confident on a balance bike, a 14-inch or 16-inch wheel would be a better fit.
Can the training wheels be removed later?
Yes. The training wheels attach with standard hardware and can be removed as the child gains balance confidence. Once removed, the bike functions as a standard single-speed pedal bike with the hand caliper brake.