Teaching Son with a Balancing Issue How to Ride a 2 Wheeler Bicycle

Updated on June 05, 2008
F.W. asks from West Bloomfield, MI
6 answers

I'm hoping someone can put me in the right direction. My almost 9 year old had a balancing problem because his tympanic nerve was not developed well. He still has a little bit of balancing issues, but overall is doing well. He cannot ride a 2 wheel bike, he still uses training wheels, and the other kids notice it (not in a good way). A big part of his problem is he is afraid. Does anyone know of a special class with a occupational therapist, or someone trained with kids with special needs, that can teach him? Places like the Abilities Center require an evaluation first, which costs anywhere from $800.00 on up. I'm trying to avoid that cost. All I think he needs is a controlled setting with lots of padding around, and a very patient teacher. Any adivce is welcome. Thank you!

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L.S.

answers from Detroit on

I'm not sure if this will work but how I taught my daughter to ride in one weekend:
1)Find a gently sloping grassy hill (fortunately we have one in our front yard) without obstacles (no trees / fences for a wide stretch).
2)Lower the seat of the bike all the way down so his knees are slightly bent and his feet firmly on the ground (no training wheels - for starters you could leave them on then once he's gotten the confidence of the lower seat and feet on the ground remove them).
3) Have him sit on the seat and use his feet on the ground to move the bike around on flat (grassy)surface first (it is easier to fall on grass).
4)Have him move the bike down the gentle slope the same way.
5) Have him practice lifting his feet (one or both at a time quick and low then longer and higher up to pedal level) while in motion ("glide"). Have him "glide" for longer and longer periods (on the way down the grassy slope). Then progress toward putting feet on pedals.
6)Add some pedalling down the gentle grassy slope and lift the seat gradually. You might want to go thru this as you raise the seat a little bit every day until he has the feel of his balance point at the higher seat level.

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H.F.

answers from Detroit on

Your local school district may be able to help. I actually know an occupational therapist or two. What town are you located in?

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M.M.

answers from Detroit on

how about gymnastics where they strap you for safety and put it on a balance beam and you are surrounded by foamy stuff :) could build confidence!

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J.L.

answers from Detroit on

$800?!? I don't remember paying that amount for our son, plus insurance is starting to pay since he was diagnosed with sensory integration disorder. He started going once a week since Feb., and is pretty much cured. It is amazing what they can do there. His therapist is Dave and would highly recommend paying him a visit. (no pun intended)

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C.B.

answers from Detroit on

Our 7 yr old has balancing issues. She falls just walking alot. We tried over and over to help her learn to ride her 2 wheeler and she was so afraid and couldnt keep it straight enough to balance herslef. So one day her friend came over we put both 2 wheel bikes outside an extra 16" and my daughters 20" and left them there. Her friend picked up the 16 " bike and starting to ride it that gave my girl the confidence so over the weekend they both learned to ride 2 wheel bikes. Needless to say that came with plenty of bruises. But in the end she was so proud of herself.

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S.G.

answers from Detroit on

I can't recall where I read this method but it worked wonders. The big obstacle is trying to balance and pedal at the same time.

Find a long low slope like a long driveway. Put your son on the bike but just have him roll the bike down keeping his feet at the side, instead of on the pedal. Anytime he feels unstable, he can always put his foot down. Once he is able to roll down the hill on two wheels, then just start pedaling. Once you are in motion, then physics will keep him balanced.

If he can roll down the hill on two wheels, he would have figured out all of the other things, moving handle bars and shifting his weight, on the bike to keep the balance. Pedaling in the last thing.

Good luck! I taught 2 kids how to ride in couple of hours. The 3rd is having some trouble because he's just naturally more cautious than the other.

Give it a go.

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