Base 16 – Lightweight Kids’ Bike Design Meets Child-Centric Innovation

Australian parents have long faced a scarcity of truly lightweight kid-specific 16‑inch bikes, which are the typical 'first pedal' bikes for children. Most domestic kids bikes exceed 9 kg, are not easy to push off and control, and have a back pedal brake, which hinders balance and frustrates children learning to pedal by hindering forward momentum. The brief was therefore to design the nation’s lightest 16‑inch pedal bike, with a low and stable geometry, remove the pedal brake while meeting AS/NZS standards, and retain affordability under AUD $600 retail—all without sacrificing durability for multiple siblings.

The bike has a 6061‑aluminium frame and carefully selected components to reach 6.9 kg ride‑ready, achieving the lightweight goal. It features a low centre of gravity (with a low bottom‑bracket), long wheelbase, a narrow q-factor (distance between the pedals to ensure legs don't splay out) and short cranks. All in all, this makes the bike easier to push off, balance and control. Crucially, dual V‑brakes replace the back pedal brake, to create a compliant and unique offering in Australia. Seat rails, spacers and quick‑release allow for extensive growth adjustments, while corrosion resistant components ensure longevity.

base 16 sold out its first production run following the November 2024 launch, sparking new retail partnerships across three states and driving strong online sales. Parents credit its 6.9 kg frame and dual hand-brakes for accelerating children's cycling skills—families reported their children confidently riding up to 2.5 km within days, transforming dog-walks and family outings into energetic adventures. Lightweight design lets caregivers easily shoulder the bike when children tire, enhancing everyday practicality. Its recyclable aluminium frame, five-year warranty, durability, and easy serviceability limit waste and ensure longevity, aligning perfectly with parents’ values around sustainability, family wellbeing, and active transport.

- 6.9 kg complete: lighter than any other mass‑market 16‑inch pedal bikes sold in Australia. - Freewheeling 16‑tooth rear hub plus dual micro‑reach Tektro V‑brakes: first off‑the‑shelf 16‑inch Australian kids’ bike to meet standards without a back-pedal brake. - Child‑specific ergonomics: 90 mm forged‑alloy cranks with narrow Q‑factor, 19 mm lock‑on grips for easy use by smaller hands, 500 mm alloy handle bar, micro-reach brake levers, omni-surface tyres. - Progressive geometry: Low bottom‑bracket height, 68° head angle, 784 mm wheelbase—stability without sluggish steering plus compliance with AS/NZS standards without a back-pedal brake. - Serviceability: sealed‑bearing bottom‑bracket, chain‑tensioner for quick re‑alignment of rear wheel, stainless spokes, off the shelf replaceable parts for complete serviceability, saddle rails, variable reach handlebars and threadless headset with multiple spacers for easy child fit adjustment. - Sustainability: fully recyclable aluminium frame/fork, five‑year warranty and durable and replaceable parts with complete serviceability. - Compliance: independently lab‑tested to AS/NZS 1927:1998. - Inclusive aesthetics: three matte colours (orange, green, lilac). -Safety: light weight and easy handling reduce the risk of falls, while lock-on hand grips minimise the chance of injuries from exposed handlebars.