RASCAL is changing kids’ cycling for the better.

When they lost their partnership with their former children’s bike supplier in 2017, they decided to take matters into their own hands - and they did it right. Today, the RASCAL brand produces lightweight, beautiful, and functional bikes for kids that are making their mark not only locally, but internationally. And it all started, in a way, out of stubbornness…

"Out of a bit of frustration, we told ourselves we’d make our own bikes - better and more beautiful than his," recall founders Jakub and Ondra.

What started as a symbolic attempt to fill a market gap quickly grew into a real vision. Two years of hard work, development, and testing led to their first results in 2019 - and a dream became a company with a clear philosophy.

A bike as fun and transportation

From the beginning, RASCAL has focused exclusively on kids' cycling. The goal wasn't just to create a functional bike, but something more - a tool that helps children see riding not just as sport or fun, but as a first step toward independence.

"Our aim is to make cycling fun, playful, and safe for children, so they can learn to ride easily and quickly."

The unique design plays a key role: specific components, a lightweight frame, and especially the brand’s signature brushed aluminum finish with color-changing lacquer that shifts hue depending on the light - a small but distinctive signature.

How to raise a little cyclist?

Starting with a balance bike, learning balance, and then pedaling… At RASCAL, they understand well that learning to ride a bike is a process. Before a child pedals on their own, they go through many steps - each one playing a crucial role. The two most important milestones? Switching to a single-track balance bike, then to a pedal bike. So how to make sure kids do it naturally, safely, and joyfully?

"The most skilled kids can handle a 14-inch bike as early as around two years old," says the brand’s founder.

It all begins long before a child ever touches a bike. The first step is balance and motor skill development - ideally using toys specially designed for that, like the rubber bouncer from Micro or other balance aids. These help kids understand how to control their bodies in space.

Next comes the balance bike - ideally a two-wheeled, pedal-less one. Great options include the Rascal Punk or the wooden Rascal Trunk. The balance bike phase is absolutely essential - it teaches kids to maintain balance much more effectively than training wheels. Learning to control their body and ride in a natural posture makes the later transition to a regular bike much smoother.

Only once the child masters the balance bike with confidence is it time for their first “big” bike - typically 14 or 16 inches. The choice depends on the child’s height and confidence. The key is for the child to be able to sit upright and place their feet flat on the ground, giving them the confidence to stop anytime and feel safe.

TIP: For the first two sessions, remove the pedals. This helps the child get familiar with the bike, using it like a balance bike and adjusting to its size and weight. The transition from a small balance bike to a bigger one is a bigger leap for kids than adults might realize.

Once the child is comfortable on the new bike and can ride it without pedals, the next step is learning how to brake - slowly, steadily, even through games. Only then do the pedals come into play. And definitely no training wheels - they can actually be harmful. Kids who master a balance bike already have the balance. Training wheels would force them to relearn everything.

"The important thing is to make riding fun. And above all, don’t force it - kids should enjoy themselves, not meet their parents’ expectations. Try to treat it like a game. Real ‘cycling’ usually starts around the age of six or seven."

How to tell when a child has outgrown their bike?

Kids grow fast-and a bike that fit perfectly in the spring might already be too small by winter. Here’s how to tell:

• The seat post is at its maximum height.

• The child’s knees bump into their chest.

• They look scrunched up on the bike.

Especially with smaller bikes (12", 14", 16"), they typically last one to one and a half seasons. It's good to check size regularly and don’t hesitate to upgrade in time.

Trying multiple models before buying is smart - each brand has a different geometry. For example, WOOM has a more upright riding position, while RASCAL is sportier. Let your child try both - they’ll often tell you what feels right. And that’s always the best guide.

Lightness, safety, responsibility

RASCAL consistently highlights the importance of lightweight bikes. Heavy supermarket models often weigh almost as much as the child themselves - not only uncomfortable but also dangerous.
A children’s bike should be light so it’s easy for kids to control, carry, and ride safely.

But it’s not just about the bike itself - RASCAL also emphasizes often-overlooked essentials like wearing gloves or helmets even on balance bikes.
"Kids copy what they see from parents. A helmet should be a given - even for adults."

Cycling as part of life

RASCAL is aiming higher than just sports fun. The brand’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that a bike can be the first step toward greater independence and sustainability.
"In general, it’s good to gradually teach kids that a bike isn’t just a toy or sports gear - it’s a real means of transportation."

And that’s what sets the brand apart - not just the product, but the overall approach. Raising a little cyclist starts at home, with good examples and a spirit of adventure.

Tips from the founder

Tip #1
Make sure kids always ride with gloves as well as a helmet. Gloves aren’t just to keep hands from sweating or for looking cool - they protect hands from scrapes in a fall. And they really work.

And don’t forget: kids should wear helmets even on balance bikes! When I go for a walk in Lužánky Park, 90% of kids on balance bikes aren’t wearing helmets. That’s bad, because they won’t want to wear one later on a regular bike. They simply won’t be used to it. So teach them from the start that helmets are natural. It’s the only real protection they have when riding.

Tip #2
I personally like when kids know how to use a kickstand. Proper parking teaches responsibility for their bike - one of the first bigger possessions they’ll own. In Germany, Denmark, or really anywhere in the West, it’s standard for kids to ride to kindergarten or school with parents, or on their own when older. Kids can definitely use bikes for that too. I believe it could hugely benefit the next generation.

Tip #3
Another great idea is to play bike games with your kids: slaloms, one-handed riding, switching hands on the handlebars. It’s not only fun, but also builds riding skills, coordination, and important sensorimotor abilities.

And to wrap it all up, here’s one last piece of wisdom: Red is the fastest color - everybody knows that.