The National Consumer Affairs Center of Japan has issued a renewed warning over the dangers of two-wheeled, ride-on toys that lack pedals, following a string of serious and fatal accidents involving young children.

The toys, also known as balance bikes, have no pedals or brakes, making the child＊s feet the sole means for movement and stopping. The center warned that the risk of accidents sharply rises when the toys are used on slopes or public roads, where speeds can reach up to 16 kilometers per hour even on a 10-degree slope 〞 comparable to adult bicycles.

The center initially issued a warning in 2014 but made a new call for caution recently as accidents continue to be reported. Between April 2019 and December 2024, there were 101 reported accidents involving balance bikes. Of them, 83 cases involved boys, with most cases occurring at age 3 or 4.

Nearly three-quarters of the injuries were scrapes or bruises, but 13 cases resulted in fractures. Of the total, 74 injuries affected the head. Only 30 of the injured children were confirmed to be wearing helmets at the time.

Reported fatalities include a 3-year-old girl who was hit by a van in Hokkaido in April 2024 and a 2-year-old boy who was struck by a car in Hyogo Prefecture in August that year.

Tests conducted by the center revealed that children riding on the toys are often completely obscured in vehicle blind spots, especially when following a caregiver into a crosswalk.

To protect children when using balance bikes, the center recommends guardians ensure their child＊s heels can touch the ground before purchasing the bike, enforce helmet use, make sure they never go down slopes or near vehicles and never allow unsupervised riding.

While manufacturers typically prohibit use on roads or hills in their manuals, the center urged both industry and government agencies to strengthen safety messaging to improve public awareness and help guardians better understand the dangers associated with balance bikes.