Three Huffy Rides That Get Mom, Dad and the Kids Out of the House
Getting everyone in the family interested in the same activity can feel like an accomplishment worthy of its own trophy. One kid wants a screen, another wants to go somewhere, Mom has errands to run and Dad has decided this is finally the weekend he’s going to organize the garage.
Bikes can be the great equalizer. Mom and Dad can ride, older kids can keep up on their own bikes and little ones can start developing the confidence to eventually join them. Huffy has spent more than 130 years making bikes for families, and its current lineup includes everything from electric bikes for adults to mountain bikes for teens and ride-ons for preschoolers.
The brand is also putting renewed attention on younger riders with its Grow Ride Move collection, designed to make learning to ride easier for kids and less stressful for parents.
Centuric Class 2 Folding E-Bike
Mom gets to go first here because an e-bike may be one of the easiest ways to make family bike rides work when everyone has different abilities and energy levels.
The Centuric Class 2 Folding E-Bike has a 350W rear hub motor with electric assistance that can take some of the work out of hills and longer rides. Shimano Tourney six-speed shifting gives you additional control, while front and rear disc brakes provide dependable stopping power.
Its 20-inch folding frame is another practical feature for busy families. Storage space disappears quickly when you have kids, bikes, sports equipment and everything else that somehow ends up in the garage. Being able to fold the bike also makes transportation easier.
Fat tires, integrated lights and a rear rack make the Centuric useful when there isn’t a family bike ride on the calendar. Mom or Dad can use it for errands, commuting or simply getting outside for a ride that doesn’t involve listening to anyone ask what’s for dinner.
Granite Mountain Bike, 26-Inch, Blue
When kids reach the age when the neighborhood sidewalk isn’t enough anymore, a mountain bike opens up a lot more possibilities.
The 26-inch Granite Mountain Bike is designed for ages 13 and older and generally fits riders 60 inches and taller. Its steel frame gives it a solid foundation for regular riding, while the wider tires and mountain-bike design make it appropriate for paths, trails and neighborhood adventures.
A five-speed twist shifter lets riders adjust for hills and flatter terrain without making gear changes complicated. Front and rear hand brakes also help older kids develop the control they’ll need as their rides become longer and more adventurous.
It’s a nice transition into the stage when family bike rides stop requiring Mom and Dad to constantly slow down. Eventually, you may discover you’re the one trying to keep up.
12V Spidey and His Amazing Friends Ride-On Car
The youngest member of the family doesn’t have to sit on the sidelines.
Huffy’s Spidey and His Amazing Friends Ride-On Car is made for children ages 3 to 5 and supports one rider up to 65 pounds. The red-and-blue superhero styling alone will probably be enough to get them outside.
The 12V battery powers the car to a top speed of 2.8 MPH. Kids use a foot pedal and simple forward and reverse controls, giving them a chance to practice coordination while feeling like they’re driving their own car.
Parents retain the upper hand, however. A remote control allows Mom or Dad to steer, guide or stop the vehicle when necessary. It’s a particularly reassuring feature while little drivers are still learning the difference between steering around the flowerpot and steering directly into it.
Learning to ride with Huffy GRM
For kids who are ready to graduate from four wheels to two, Huffy’s Grow Ride Move collection focuses on one of the biggest challenges of learning to ride: confidence.
The GRM line is available in 12-, 16-, 20- and 24-inch sizes. Huffy developed the bikes with an extended wheelbase, lower standover height, smaller cranks and wider tires intended to improve balance, traction and comfort.
On the 12- and 16-inch bikes, an integrated Parent Assist handle gives Mom or Dad somewhere comfortable to hold while helping a new rider. Those sizes also have training wheels and a Triple Braking System that combines front and rear caliper hand brakes with a coaster brake.
Color-coded brake levers help children learn how the braking system works. It’s a small detail, but when you’re simultaneously teaching a child to balance, pedal, steer, look ahead and stop, anything that makes one part of the process more intuitive is welcome.
As children grow, the GRM grows with them. The 20-inch version costs $199.99 MSRP and eliminates the training wheels. The $229.99 24-inch model adds seven-speed shifting for more experienced riders.
Huffy’s Move-Up Program also addresses something every parent knows too well: kids grow fast. If a child outgrows a GRM bike within a year, families can receive 25% off the next size.
The real appeal of all of these rides isn’t necessarily the specs. It’s having another reason for Mom, Dad and the kids to get outside together. The toddler can start in the Spidey car, younger kids can learn on a GRM, teenagers can graduate to the Granite and Mom and Dad can decide whether they’re pedaling the old-fashioned way or getting a little electric help.
Either way, everyone is out of the house. Sometimes that’s already a win.
