Fleet bike guidance

  1. General guidance
  2. Adult fleet bike recommendations
  3. Children's fleet bike recommendations

Children's fleet bike recommendations

The recommendations below are based on Bikeability Scotland’s recommended bike specification for delivering school cycle training. 

Size – Typically 26” wheels or 24” for smaller children - a range of sizes is recommended to fit children of different heights. 26” wheels are standard but consider 24” and 20” wheel bikes where required. You may need more bikes than there are children per session to ensure the correct size of bike is available for each child.

Price – Recommended retail price of between £250 and £500 - to ensure quality, durability and easy maintenance.

Frame material – Aluminium alloy - light weight, durable and good value.

Brakes – V brakes with short reach brake levers - quality rim brakes are effective and simple to maintain. Short reach brake levers accommodate small hands.

Short Cranks (130-150mm) - quick release seat post clamp

Height adjustable stem - limited range of gears (no more than 10) on a cassette freehub. 

Avoid 

  • Heavy steel frames
  • Rear suspension
  • Heavy front suspension
  • Large number of gears (10+)
  • Wide, knobbly mountain bike tyres
  • Mechanical disc brakes
  • Gears on a freewheel block 

Fleet bike guidance v0.1 March 2026, review: March 2028