Plan to practice a unicycle for kids? This one-wheeled vehicle is already tricky for adults. So your biggest problem is how to teach kids to ride a unicycle in detail and safely at home?
There are five stages in the learning curve: getting on the bike, finding balance, dismounting, moving, and launching. Besides, you must also take safety caution while teaching your kid to handle this bike.
This guide will show you what you do in each step. You can learn more interesting information about unicycling too. So let’s jump in!
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How To Teach Kids To Ride A Unicycle Safely And Effectively?
There are five steps in your kid’s journey. We will discuss what you two need to do in each step. But check this video first. It will help you picture how the upcycling journey of your kid will look like:
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Step 1: Getting on the unicycle
Since a unicycle only has two wheels, it will be challenging for your kid. So how to teach unicycling? Here is what you should do to help them:
- Pick a wall with a rail to grip that is ideally at chest height near some level ground.
- Get your kid to grab the seat with one hand and the rail with the other while they stand next to the wall.
- Determine which foot will be their dominant foot by asking them or seeing which foot they place on the pedal first.
- Ask your kid to sit on the unicycle seat, then explain where to place the lead pedal at 4 o’clock.
- The unicycle should wind up underneath your child after they push on the pedal. Tell them to press on the other pedal to go backward.
Step 2: Staying balanced
Your little rider should feel at ease with balancing and resting in the seat. You can leave them sitting on the bike for longer. During this time, keep asking your kid to:
- Put their weight on the seat.
- The best sitting position is upright.
- Keep their pedals horizontal.
- Keep one hand straight out while the other hand is on the wall.
- Choose a fixed point ahead and keep their eyes on it.
Step 3: Dismounting
Learning the right ways to dismount may be challenging for your new rider.
In this case, ask them to get off their unicycle and walk forward so that it can fall to the ground. But do not let them catch their bike.
This tip helps your kid to know about the movement of the bike. Moreover, it will build confidence in your kid about getting on and off their new vehicle.
Step 4: Moving
Encourage the tiny rider to walk along the wall rail slowly. Get them to ride repeatedly after finishing one rotation and stopping.
The rider will first need your help, so assist them. You can:
- Hold their free elbow and hand.
- Ask them to look at the fixed point, not their feet.
- Do not let them stand on the pedals; instead, place all their weight on the saddle.
Step 5: Launching
It’s time for your little rider to launch once they have successfully moved comfortably along it.
You may encourage them to curve away from the moving path or shoot out at a 90-degree angle from the wall. The second option will be better, but it depends on your kid’s confidence.
Make sure your rider is comfortable dismounting in an open field before letting them try releasing from the wall on their own.
Repeat those steps several times until you can see that they can get off the front of the bike without trying to grab the saddle.
Benefits Of Unicycle With Kids
Why should you let your kid learn unicycling? The following benefits will help you answer this question.
Cardiovascular health
Unicycling is a low-impact exercise. It gives the same cardiovascular effects as many more rigorous workouts for your kid’s joints.
Cardiovascular exercises may temporarily make your child feel exhausted. Yet, as their body becomes familiar with an active lifestyle, it enhances stamina.
Coordination
Japanese schools often include unicycling in their curricula because it helps students develop and improve their balance and motor abilities.
Your child must stay focused to remain balanced on the unicycle, but this activity may help them unwind and relieve stress.
This is one of many successes in education in Japan.
Mental health
You will have more time with your kid, strengthening your relationship and giving you two chances to relax.
Best Age To Start Learning To Ride A Unicycle
Many parents start to teach their children how to ride a unicycle when they are 6 to 10. The key is to ensure that you can find a unicycle that fits your kid’s height, and he should be able to control the bike.
Don’t worry much about the size, as unicycle manufacturers offer multiple size options. They even allow you to raise and lower the seat post.
When searching for a unicycle for your children, your selection for the recommended wheel size will be as follows:
- 3 to 5 years old: 12-inch wheels
- 5 to 8 years old: 16-inch wheels
- 8 years old and older: at least 20-inch wheel
Can A Kid With Great Balance Learn To Ride A Unicycle?
Yes. Balance is the most crucial skill you’ll need to perfect when learning how to ride a unicycle. This rule applies to all ages, including kids.
If you can’t keep your balance when pedaling your bike, you’ll find it far more difficult to accomplish it when you try to stand up straight.
Most unicyclists realize that they have optimal balance around the age of 10. After that, the goal is more on becoming comfortable on the unicycle.
Related: What Are Pros And Cons Of Electric Unicycles?
Cautions When Practicing A Unicycle For Kids
Always put safety first during your lesson. There are some things to check before you start.
Teaching space
You need a flat surface for the riding lesson. It should be free of debris and have a long wall without any nooks or doors.
When choosing the space, look out for these things:
- Glass: This material is fragile and too hard for a unicycle to ride on.
- Carpet: Unless you have a very thin carpet, keep it away from the riding path.
- Flagstones: They should be smooth, and the gaps are minor.
Safety gear
Your kid will fall several times before they can ride the unicycle. The falls are unavoidable, but they help your kid grow up.
However, it’s preferable to equip your rider with safety gear to avoid severe injuries. We recommend wrist, elbow, and knee guards.
Conclusion
We have shared with you the guide to teaching your kid to ride a unicycle. The last word of advice is to stay calm. Do not rush up any step of the process.
Hopefully, you will find this article helpful. It may be hard, but your kid needs such challenges to be stronger.
For any further information, please feel free to ask. Thank you for reading!
