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How to Assemble a Kids’ Bike

Jena Greengus


Congratulations on your new Schwinn kids’ bike! Before they hop on, it’s important to ensure the bike is fully assembled, tires are inflated, and brakes are working properly. Follow our step-by-step guide below, watch our assembly video for a visual walkthrough, or download the owner’s manual for reference.

If you have a Schwinn SmartStart® kids' bike, the assembly process may be different. Check out our SmartStart assembly guide for instructions.

Need help along the way? No worries! Give us a shout, and we’ll be happy to help.

Tools You’ll Need for Assembly:

  • Scissors
  • 6 mm hex key
  • 15 mm open-end wrench
  • Air pump

Step 1: Unbox Your Bike

  1. Carefully lift each part out of the box.
  2. Carefully remove all protective packaging materials. IMPORTANT: Cut away from the bike and parts to avoid damage.
  3. Inspect your bike for any shipping damage and confirm all parts are included.

Step 2: Install the Training Wheels

If your bike includes training wheels, go ahead and get those installed first. They’ll help keep the bike stable while you finish the rest of the assembly.

Your bike may use tool-free star nuts which can be tightened by hand, otherwise use a 15 mm wrench to tighten the nuts.

  1. Remove the axle nuts and washers on both sides of the bike. The square washer should remain on the axle, with the notch seated in the bike frame.
  2. Place one training wheel bracket on the axle over the square washer. Loosely reinstall the washer and axle nut. Repeat on the other side. You’ll tighten the nuts fully in a later step.
  3. With the bike upright, adjust each bracket so the training wheels sit about ¼” above the ground.
  4. Tighten each axle nut securely.

Step 3: Install the Front Wheel and Handlebars

  1. Slide the front wheel assembly into the bike frame.
  2. Slide the handlebars on, aligning the pin with the notch on the stem.
  3. Screw on the top cap and tighten snugly using a 6 mm hex key.
  4. Tighten the side clamp bolt securely.

Step 4: Install the Pedals

If your bike has folding pedals, just turn them away from the bike and they’ll click in place.

Otherwise, if your bike has screw-in pedals, follow these steps:

  1. Match each pedal with its corresponding crank arm.
  2. Hand-tighten each pedal by turning the spindle, then fully tighten with a 15 mm wrench. IMPORTANT: Always tighten pedals by turning the wrench toward the front of the bike. If hand-tightening the pedal is difficult, remove it from the crank, reorient it, and try again. Do not cross-thread the pedals.

Step 5: Install the Seat

  1. Open the quick-release lever on the bike frame.
  2. Insert the seatpost into the seat tube and lower it to your desired height. IMPORTANT: Make sure the minimum insertion line is not visible.
  3. Rotate the seat so that it is aligned with the top tube.
  4. Close the quick-release lever so it leaves a clear imprint on your palm. If the lever closes too easily, tighten the adjustment nut. If the lever is too hard to close, loosen the adjustment nut.

Step 6: Inflate the Tires

  1. Find the recommended inflation pressure marking on the side of the tire.
  2. Remove the valve cap, attach the pump, and inflate the tire. IMPORTANT: Never exceed the recommended pressure.
  3. Replace the valve cap, and repeat for the other tire.

Step 7: Adjustments and Safety Check

  • Check that all parts are secure. Recheck after the first ride to make sure nothing came loose.
  • Adjust seat height so it’s about hip level when your child stands next to the bike, and they can touch the ground while seated.
  • Test the brakes by lifting the rear wheel off the ground and giving it a spin. Test that the brakes engage firmly and stop the wheels. Pedal backwards to use the coaster brake, and squeeze the hand brake lever if your bike includes one. If the brakes do not operate properly, do not ride the bicycle until the issue has been corrected.

Be sure to read the owner’s manual that came with your bike before taking your first ride. It contains crucial information about safety, performance, proper use, and maintenance.

Once everything is tightened and adjusted, you’re all set! Strap on your child’s helmet, make sure it fits just right, and they’re ready to ride. For tips on how to help them get started, check out our guide on learning how to ride a bike.