A balance bike (or run bike) is a bicycle without pedals that learners propel by pushing their feet against the ground. By allowing children to focus on developing their sense of balance and coordination before introducing pedalling, balance bikes enable independent riding more quickly than training wheels.

Balance bikes descend from the earliest two-wheeled bicycle, a Laufmaschine or dandy horse, invented by Karl Drais in 1817. These early balance bikes consisted of a simple wooden frame with two wheels and no pedals, and were designed for adult use.

During the twentieth century, children typically learned to ride a bicycle with lateral training wheels. In 1997, German designer Rolf Mertens introduced the first commercially produced Laufrad (running bike) under the brand KOKUA Bikes. Children's balance bikes quickly gained popularity in Europe in the 2000s and spread elsewhere in the world by the early 2010s. Balance bikes are now a common tool used to teach young children how to ride a bike.

Balance bikes are aimed at children between the ages of two and five, though children sometimes begin as young as eighteen months. The rider first walks the bicycle while standing over the saddle, then while sitting in the saddle. Eventually, the rider feels comfortable enough to run or scoot while riding the bicycle, then to lift both feet off the ground, pushing and gliding while balancing on two wheels. Increased speed results in reduced foot contact with the ground and children are able to glide for longer distances.

Children learn to ride independently more quickly with a balance bike because they learn to balance and countersteer first, and to pedal later. Balance bikes require greater postural control and therefore enable earlier mastery of a pedal bike.

By contrast, training wheels slow learning because children become too dependent on them, acquiring bad habits. Since training wheels prevent the bike from leaning, they prevent countersteering, so that, as with a tricycle, children learn to turn the handlebars the wrong way, which must be unlearned later.

Balance bikes can also benefit riders with disabilities or reduced mobility. Experience on a balance bike allows children with cerebral palsy greater independence. They are also an accessible means of riding for children with autism.

While balance bikes are most commonly used with children, they have also been recommended as learning aids for adults.