Training wheels bolt to the rear axle and sit just above the ground

Training wheels attach to the same bolt that holds your child's rear wheel in place. The bolt (called an axle bolt or quick-release lever, depending on your bike) passes through the center of the wheel. Training wheels have a bracket with two small wheels that clamp around this bolt on either side of the bike frame. When installed correctly, the training wheels sit about half an inch above the ground—low enough to catch the bike if it tips, but high enough that they don't drag during normal riding.

The whole job takes 10 to 15 minutes with basic tools. You will need an adjustable wrench or the correct socket size for your bike's axle bolt, and possibly an Allen wrench if your bike uses a quick-release lever. Most training wheel kits come with their own hardware and instructions, but the steps are the same across brands.

Key Takeaways

  • Training wheels clamp onto the rear axle bolt, so you must remove or loosen that bolt first—do not try to install them without doing this.
  • The training wheels should sit about half an inch above the ground when the bike is upright on a flat surface, or they will drag and slow the bike down.
  • Tighten the axle bolt firmly after installation so the training wheels do not shift sideways during riding.
  • If your bike has a quick-release lever instead of a bolt, you can usually install training wheels without removing the wheel, but check your kit's instructions first.

Remove or loosen the rear axle bolt

The first step is to access the bolt that holds the rear wheel on. Flip the bike upside down so it rests on the handlebars and seat, or use a bike stand if you have one. Look at the center of the rear wheel where the axle passes through the frame.

If your bike has a quick-release lever (a hinged metal handle on one side of the axle), flip it open. You may not need to remove the wheel at all—some training wheel kits bolt directly onto the quick-release axle. Check your kit's instructions. If you do need to remove the wheel, unscrew the bolt on the opposite side of the axle (called the cone bolt) by a few turns, then flip the quick-release lever fully open and slide the wheel out.

If your bike has a solid bolt on both sides of the axle, use an adjustable wrench or socket wrench to loosen the bolt on the right side of the bike (the side where the training wheels will go). You do not need to remove it completely—just loosen it enough that you can slide the training wheel bracket onto the axle. Keep the bolt in your hand so you do not lose it.

Slide the training wheel bracket onto the axle

The training wheel kit will have a metal bracket with two wheels attached. This bracket has a hole or slot in the center designed to fit over the axle. Slide the bracket onto the axle from the right side of the bike, pushing it inward until the bracket sits flush against the frame.

The bracket should be positioned so that both training wheels are at the same height and parallel to the ground. If the bracket has adjustment slots or holes, you may be able to shift it slightly to get the angle right. Some brackets are fixed and will only fit one way.

Reinstall and tighten the axle bolt

Once the training wheel bracket is in place, slide the axle bolt back through the hole in the bracket and through the axle. Hand-tighten it first, then use your wrench to tighten it firmly. The bolt should be snug enough that the training wheel bracket does not move side to side, but do not over-tighten—you should still be able to spin the rear wheel freely by hand.

If your bike uses a quick-release lever, close the lever firmly after tightening the cone bolt on the opposite side. The wheel should not shift when you try to wiggle it.

Adjust the height so training wheels sit just above the ground

Set the bike upright on a flat surface and look at the gap between the training wheels and the ground. The training wheels should be about half an inch (roughly the thickness of a pencil) above the pavement when the bike is sitting normally. This height allows them to catch the bike if it tips without dragging during forward motion.

If the training wheels are too high, the bracket may have bent slightly during installation, or the axle bolt may not be tight enough. Tighten the bolt another quarter turn and check again. If the training wheels are too low and dragging, the bracket may be positioned too far outward on the axle. Loosen the axle bolt, slide the bracket inward slightly, and retighten.

Some training wheel kits have adjustment bolts on the bracket itself that let you raise or lower the wheels without removing the whole assembly. Check your kit's instructions for this feature.

Spin the rear wheel to confirm it moves freely

Flip the bike upside down again and spin the rear wheel by hand. It should rotate smoothly without rubbing against the training wheel bracket or frame. If it catches or feels stiff, the axle bolt is too tight, or the bracket is positioned at an angle. Loosen the bolt slightly and try again.

Once the wheel spins freely, flip the bike right-side up and give the training wheels a gentle push. They should spin independently of the rear wheel. If they do not spin, the bracket may be binding against the frame—loosen the axle bolt, adjust the bracket position, and retighten.

Check the installation before the first ride

Before your child rides, do a final walk-around. Grab the bike frame near the training wheels and try to wiggle them side to side. There should be no movement. Spin the rear wheel again to confirm it is free. Look at the ground clearance one more time—the training wheels should still be just barely above the pavement.

If everything looks right, the training wheels are installed. Most children will ride with training wheels for a few months before they are ready to remove them. When that time comes, the same axle bolt comes out, the bracket slides off, and you reinstall the bolt—a five-minute job in reverse.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install training wheels on a bike with a quick-release rear wheel?

Yes. Many training wheel kits are designed to work with quick-release axles. Open the quick-release lever, then slide the training wheel bracket onto the axle before you remove the wheel. Tighten the cone bolt on the opposite side, then close the quick-release lever. Check your kit's instructions, as some require you to remove the wheel first.

What if the training wheels rub against the bike frame?

The bracket is positioned too far outward. Loosen the axle bolt, slide the bracket inward toward the frame, and retighten. The training wheels should clear the frame by at least a quarter inch on both sides. If they still rub after you move the bracket, the frame may be bent or the bracket may be the wrong size for your bike.

Do training wheels need to be the same size?

Yes. Both training wheels should be the same diameter and inflated to the same pressure (if they are pneumatic). If one is smaller or softer than the other, the bike will lean to one side. Check the pressure with a tire gauge and inflate both wheels to the pressure printed on the sidewall.

How long should training wheels stay on?

Most children use training wheels for several months to a year, depending on their balance and confidence. There is no set timeline. When your child can ride without touching the training wheels for several minutes, they are usually ready to remove them. You can also gradually raise the training wheels higher so they touch the ground less often, which helps build balance gradually.

Can I install training wheels on an adult bike?

Training wheels are designed for children's bikes and may not fit adult frames or axles. Adult bikes typically have different axle sizes and frame geometry. If you need stability on an adult bike, a trike conversion or adult tricycle is a better option than training wheels.