Teaching 4.5yo to ride no stabilisers

[foreverchangingnappies]

As the title says, I’m trying to teach my child to ride with no stabilisers. He’s just over 4.5yo and has mastered pedalling/steering/braking with stabilisers.

Have been trying without for the past couple of days, and he’s absolutely fine pedalling (being held under armpits), but can’t seem to figure out the balancing and keeping upright bit! He leans too far left/right. Should I keep persevering or is he just not ready?

Hes keen to try and we’ve been out twice to a flat grassy area for 20-30 mins at a time to practice. So haven’t been trying for long, but don’t want to keep pushing if he’s just not quite ready!

I don’t really want to put the stabilisers back on unless I’m sure he’s not ready for without.
And I don’t have the option of removing his pedals. Any tips please?

Then use the towel/scarf method instead of holding the seat, then he can still pedal without fear of falling, with minimum assistance

Removing the pedals is so he can learn to balance and isn't forever, you put the pedals back on when he's got that part, so it will be motivating for him!