Training Wheels: Installing, Adjusting, Removing

Training wheels look like a fit-and-forget accessory, but their height adjustment decides how well they work — and how smoothly they eventually leave. Here's the full lifecycle.

Installation: attach the brackets to the rear axle, and set both wheels about 5 mm off the ground — the bike should lean just slightly side to side. Wheels touching the ground fully teach nothing; wheels too high tip the rider. Check the mounting bolts monthly; they loosen with vibration.

Five millimeters of clearance: the setting that actually teaches.

As confidence grows (weeks, not years), raise the training wheels a turn at a time — the bike tilts more, the child balances more. Watch for the sign they're obsolete: riding with both wheels rarely touching, leaning through turns.

Removal day: drop the seat so feet are flat, and head to the grass. Feet-first glides, then pedal restarts — most kids adjusted-up properly ride unaided within a session. New bikes arrive with the brackets in the box; models like the XJD Girls Bike with Basket & Doll Seat – Pink come ready for the whole cycle.