I put my son on a run-bike at 18 months and as he approaches his 3rd birthday at the end of this month, he is already riding his pedal bike (no training wheels)! It took him half of block to figure out the pedals this spring but now he's rippin' it up! I'd encourage any parent to get their kids on a run-bike or strip the cranks/pedals and training wheels of their kids' bike if they are struggling with balance!