balance bikes for 12 year olds

[jetcat]

before i get totally confused googling, i thought i would ask here

My 12 year old has dyspraxia, and her OT has said she has a very poor mid line (or words to that effect - it was a bit term overload IYSWIM) She is also undergoing assessment for Aspergers, and is generally very un-cordinated and balanced.

I saw a balance bike for my toddler, and wondered if such a thing existed for a 12 year old??

Yes, the one my daughter has will take an adult weight. It's the largest size like a bike. It was about £175.

thanks vjg - will go and and google with at least a little more info than i had before

have you found one ? just wondering if ismilar might encourage ds (almost 12) to finally ride a bike.

Where would I get one for a 6yo? DD can (just about) manage pedals now, but DS2, err,no. I've seen them for toddlers and thought what a good idea, but didn't think I would be able to find one for him.

not yet liz, but only really half looked at the mo. will have a proper look later when kids are in bed and i can get some peace

will post back if i have any joy

I don't know what these are like. I've emailed to find out what sort of age they can go up to.

I've just looked at the big likeabike, it says £210 (official site).

google 'retained reflexes' and 'crossing the midline' and see if many of those things apply, if so find a sensory trained OT who can give you exercises that will help. we also did 'therapeutic listengin'.

I htink difficulties crossing hte midline means you cant follow something with your eyes from left to right without moving your head, which makes things like looking at the board pretty tricky.

improvements over the last year are noticeable - coordination improved, less cross at things, more part of things.

The bike rescue project in york turn regular bikes into balance bikes. I guess that could be done on any size bike.
www.yorkrecycling.net/index.php?id=84
www.flickr.com/photos/bikerescue/3945520790/in/set-72157603339146497/
You will need to get the bottom bracket removed, along with chain / cranks etc.

If you need the steering limited, its bit harder but there are bike mechanics who can do it for you- basicly its a limiter on the steering head bearing.

The puky XL has 12 inch wheels, its going to look daft for a child bigger than about 5 or 6.

But Loudlass was asking about one for a 6 y.o so that would be ok.

kinda depends on the size of child... I'd be very tempted for a 6 yr old to mod a regular bike. it will look more "normal" and less "baby" . Will also last longer.

LOL he's a tall 6yo, he would need a 14/16 inch wheel on an ordinary bike (might have helped if I'd said that to start with!). My 7yo DS1 has an 18inch wheel bike (that is the right size for now), and DD has a 20 inch wheel. I breed tall children despite being a shortarse vertically challenged myself!!