STACYC 12E-Drive Balance Bike

PRODUCT: The Stacyc 12eDrive is designed for kids with little or no experience on a balance bike that have an inseam of 14 inches or more. A child can learn to push, balance and coast in the non-powered mode, then, with a flip of the switch, graduate to the powered mode. Stacyc’s 12eDrive bike features an aluminum Tig-welded frame, BMX-style steel forks, 12-inch composite wheels with pneumatic tires and an adjustable seat. The proprietary drive system has three different power levels, a thermal protection controller for the motor and a BMX chain with a freewheeling rear hub. An industrial-grade lithium-ion battery is used for power.

POSITIVE: We can go on for days saying positive things about the Stacyc 12eDrive—from its easy assembly and sturdy construction throughout to its ease of operation—but the biggest upside to this balance bike are all the smiles and laughs it produces. The battery fully charges in less than an hour, and depending on the terrain and aggressiveness of the rider, one charge can last 40 minutes or more. Changing out batteries is a breeze and can usually be done by the kids themselves. The seat and handlebars are fully adjustable just like high-end BMX bicycles, with the front of the seat doubling as the perfect handle for carrying. The Stacyc 12eDrive weighs under 20 pounds with the battery installed, so transportation is easy for any mom or dad on the go. With three different locked power levels, you have the security of knowing your child can’t switch to a faster setting that they are not prepared for by accident. This is a well-built and thought-out unit.

NEGATIVE: The one major problem we experienced with the Stacyc 12eDrive was getting the kids off the bike when it was time to eat dinner or do homework. The only other issue we had was some of the smaller riders’ hands are so small that pulling in the brake was difficult.

BOTTOM LINE: The Stacyc 12eDrive electric balance bicycle is an amazing machine! Yes, it’s a little pricey in the beginning, but we guarantee it will outlast any plastic power-wheels-type contraption by tenfold. When you see a little ripper going through the process of pushing a bike to riding a bike and see the pure joy of freedom on their faces, it’s priceless!

This model is a workhorse that we had virtually no problems with, and we definitely put it through the wringer. At one point we had four different kids (ranging in ages from 3 years of age to 10 years old) riding it nonstop as fast as we could recharge the three different batteries all weekend long. If you have little ones and are thinking about purchasing a balance bike, the Stacyc 12eDrive is what you need.

PRICE: $599 (includes one battery and one charger)

CONTACT: www.stacycstabilitycycles.com