The PUKY LR M on Test

The PUKY LR M balance bike promises to lower the barriers of entry to cycling – for kids and parents alike. Thanks to an attractive price, child-friendly safety features, and even a kickstand, it seems to tick all the right boxes. But can the PUKY deliver on its promise in our test?

This individual review is part of a group test of ten balance bikes. Head this way for our
buyer’s guide and an overview of the test field.

laufrad test quick guide kids bikes Puky LR M DOWNTOWN WEB 1 — **PUKY** LR M | **Weight:** 3,56 kg | **Price:** € 99
**Recommended inseam length:** 29,5–35 cm | Manufacturer’s Website

As the only balance bike on test with a price point under € 100, the PUKY LR M lowers the barrier of entry to the world of cycling – not just for parents on a tight budget, but for the kids too. Its steel step-through frame with built-in footrests makes climbing on a breeze for little riders.

laufrad test quick guide kids bikes Intro DOWNTOWN WEB 9104

laufrad test quick guide kids bikes Puky LR M DOWNTOWN WEB 8 600x400 — End caps and a handlebar pad offer a bit of extra safety.

laufrad test quick guide kids bikes Puky LR M DOWNTOWN WEB 6 600x400 — The bulky clamp at knee height really doesn’t need to be there.

Both the saddle and handlebar are height-adjustable to dial in the fit. In terms of health and safety, the bike features impact-protection grips, a padded handlebar, and a plastic cover around the headset to soften early riding mishaps. That said, the cover’s clamp points awkwardly toward the knees. Fortunately, there’s a quick fix: just loosen the bolt and rotate it 180 degrees.

The tiny wheels are made of solid plastic and feature simple plastic rims. No pump needed. But that comes at a cost: less grip and twitchier steering compared to the larger rubber tires found on higher-priced alternatives. There’s no steering limiter either, which lowers the safety score. The integrated kickstand is a nice touch but adds weight to an already heavy little bike.

laufrad test quick guide kids bikes Puky LR M DOWNTOWN WEB 11 600x400 — Whether tires, rims, or spokes – plastic wherever you look.

laufrad test quick guide kids bikes Puky LR M DOWNTOWN WEB 2 600x400 — The wide footboard was a popular feature with our test kids.

laufrad test quick guide kids bikes Intro DOWNTOWN WEB 8821

Conclusion

The budget-friendly PUKY LR M makes getting started easy – but riding it comes with certain compromises. The small plastic wheels result in twitchy handling, and the total weight is on the heavy side for a balance bike. Thoughtful features like padding and a kickstand are well-intentioned but not entirely practical. For just a bit more money, other brands offer better build quality, brakes, and significantly more riding fun.