How to Remove Pedals from a Kids Bike

Here are our clear instructions, with photos, for how to remove pedals from a kids' bike.  We recommend that kids learn to ride a bike without pedals, or simply start their journey of learning to ride on a balance bike when they are young. Learning to ride without pedals means the kids learn the all important skill of balance without having to worry about pedals. And then the next important skill of braking can be learnt, still without pedals, and using the handbrake.  When pedals are introduced, or re-introduced for the kids' who simpy took them off their bikes, now all they have to learn is pedalling. They'll even have a fairly good handle on steering (excuse the pun). What does all this mean? More fun and more confidence for the kids!

What you will need:

15mm spanner or 15mm pedal spanner

Step 1: Remove the left-side pedal:

Place the open end of the spanner onto the square, flat surface between the pedal and pedal arm (the crank). Turn in a clockwise direction - reverse to pedalling direction, like as if you were applying the brakes. This direction applies to both pedals (in case you are wondering, pedals use a reverse thread to normal)

Step 2: Remove the right-side pedal:

Place the open end of the spanner between the pedal and crank arm. Turn in an anti-clockwise direction. When off, pedals are marked with R and L - this is for when you re-fit the pedals. R is for the right leg/side and the spanner this would go forwards as in the same direction as you are pedalling After you have removed the pedals, of course the pedal arms ( cranks ) will be intruding a little on the push along or scooting action. We have found most kids find a way to work around this inconvenience. A little later, upon confidence growing to the point where they are balancing safely, we suggest you encourage a return to the pedal action as soon as reasonable.

Articles related to removing pedals on a kids' bike:

• Learning balance speed without training wheels
• Turning your kids bike into a balance bike