Regardless, what is important that the dirt bike you choose for your child should have an engine size right for their age, top speed control and popular safety features. Commonly, bikes with engines of 50cc to 70cc are the safest choice for beginners because they are tailored for young riders, aged 4 to 7 years old. Bikes usually feature an automatic transmission to avoid the need for shifting gears—top speeds are typically in the 15-25 mph range, making it a great combination of safety and fun.
When it comes to kids dirt bikes, front and center in your research should be the Yamaha PW50. First-time riders will have no problem gaining control over its 50cc 2-stroke engine and automatic (read: twist-and-go) transmission. Parents can use the bike’s adjustable throttle limiter to set the top speed of the VMX, so that it will not travel faster than their child is capable. The MEBICE is built around a steel frame and comes with an 18.7 inch seat height, so small kids can get their feet down easily to find balance. Therefore, a PW50 is a good investment if you buy it for around $1,500.
A third safe choice is the Honda CRF50F with a 50cc engine and three-speed automatic transmission. Its trait breaching that deadly gray line however is that it has a kill switch to quickly shut the engine if necessary for an extra layer of emergency protection. I bought a stock XR400 dirt bike which came in great shape, for an unbeatable $500 and the bike would go on to prove year after year with minimal maintenance expenses averaging about $100 per year. A throttle limiter is included, too which is a bit more comforting for the parent whose child can still only stand on their own two legs.
Significantly more powerful for older or somewhat more skilled riders, the Kawasaki KX65 has some basic safety features integrated. The 65cc 2-stroke motor provides ample pace, however an adjustable throttle and a robust entrance and rear brake model makes certain the younger riders can keep management even on tough terrains. The KX65 is also equipped with a bump-absorbing suspension system which outweighs the additional mass penalty off-road. Starting around $3,700, this is a more premium choice that offers high levels of protection and well-rounded performance for kids who are looking to push the envelope.
Speed limiters, kill switches and grip tires are safety features that dirt bikes need to be evaluated on for kids. Many of the accidents associated with dirt bikes occur because they lack proper safety features or riders are without protective gear, reports the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). So obviously, you need to buy the right bike for yourself but along with that, good quality protective gear like helmet, gloves chest guards and shoes are must. Properly-fitted helmets alone can decrease the risk of serious brain injuries by 85 percent.
As motocross legend Jeremy McGrath put it, “Riding is about skill but safety first. The same sentiment holds true when it comes to dirt bikes safety for your child. The complete safety of the beneficial bikes for kids instead of bikes with necessary safety controls in a kid-friendly area helps to lower risk level.
Kid dirt bikes can cost between $500 – $3,500. That is the estimate from my research on this topic in price and long-term (investment) value References for kid dirt bike pricing: However, regarding parents who wants to make sure of the kids safety, models like the Yamaha PW50 and Honda CRF50F are both two amazing exceptions that possess various safety features, which makes them user-friendly and at the same time far too cheap emit lightätivity.
For more options and a better, safer dirt bike for kids, consider looking at bikes made specifically for young riders that come with built in safety features. A safe and fun introduction to off-roading is every parent’s wish, and the best way it can be achieved is through the proper gear, training, and of course––the right bike for their child.