The 10 Best Kids' Motorcycles
Special Honors
Honda CRF50F This offering from Honda allows kids to get to grips with changing gears without the need to pull the clutch, meaning that youngsters learn an important step in riding a motorcycle but won't be frustrated by constantly stalling. The ignition requires a key, so parents can control when their child rides, and the speed limiter can help to determine how much power they will have behind them. powersports.honda.com
Editor's Notes
October 27, 2020:
During this round of updates, we wanted to offer a few options with a bit more power behind them than some of the items that were previously listed. With this in mind, we removed the Piki-Piki Ride-On as it has neither an engine nor a battery, making it more in line with a toddler's balance bike rather than a kid's motorcycle. The Hover Heart Ride-On Tricycle and the Razor Pocket Rocket were also axed due to availability issues.
Although we have favored powerful items, we have also kept little ones in mind, with the introduction of the Tobbi Tricycle, which moves along at a reasonable walking pace to allow youngsters to get used to the feel of being on a motorcycle. For those just a little too old for the Tobbi, we added the Peg Perego Ducati GP and retained the Best Choice Electric. Both options feature training wheels that are removable and therefore the bikes will grow with their riders. The former also boasts two speed settings, which can be altered via a switch under the seat. The highest setting allows the bike to travel at a maximum of 5 mph, so as youngsters get older parents can decide if they want to increase the speed. Adult supervision is essential even for these relatively slow bikes, as is a helmet.
We liked the Fit Right 2020 as it looks just like a full-sized racing model, only smaller, so youngsters will look and feel as though they are riding a proper motorcycle. It's a good beginner's bike as it only goes up to 18 mph, making it fast enough for youngsters to get a thrill but not so quick as to make parents anxious. For those who really want to push their speed up, the Apollo DB-X18 Dirt Bike remained in our rankings, and the SYX Moto Holeshot was added. The latter has a maximum speed of about 25 mph, but, as it incorporates a governor, parents can restrict the speed to suit. The former has no such device and can reach up to 55 mph, and as such, it requires a rider who knows what they are doing and is capable of setting their own limits. With all of these models, it is essential to ensure your child is kitted out with a correctly fitted motorcycle helmet, jacket, boots, and gloves. An adult should always supervise when youngsters ride.
December 03, 2019:
Safety, as always, is a big concern when putting these lists together, and the PCC Motor DB50X turned out to be a little too fast for its size, creating a riding posture in most users that put them in more danger than was warranted should they lose control. We also saw the Rosso Motors model leave our ranking due to availability issues. In their places we added a pair of bikes intended for a somewhat younger audience, in the Moderno Kids Street Racer and the Hover Heart Ride-On Tricycle. That Moderno model is one of the coolest options on the market, and we particularly like that its most eye-catching feature will help you keep an eye on your kids as they ride around, and should ensure that they're visible to any motorists in the vicinity.
For older riders than these new bikes could accommodate, there are still the incredible models from Razor, including the Razor Pocket Mod, which offers riding freedom to kids who might not be thrilled at the idea of hopping on a motorcycle, but who could easily be persuaded to straddle a vintage-inspired scooter. We also made sure to keep at least one gas-powered option on the list in the Apollo DB-X18 Dirt Bike, as we already have a list dedicated to electric motorcycles for kids, and as this model offers too much power and handling proficiency to overlook.
Why Your Kid Should Have A Motorcycle Before A Car
Giving a child a small motorcycle before he gets his drivers license can actually put your mind a bit more at ease when that big day occurs.
Many parents can be hesitant to give their child a motorcycle, seeing it as a big leap from a bicycle that perhaps they're not quite ready for. But what moms and dads out there have to remember is that there is something faster, and far more complex that will come into your child's life in the future — a car. And even though more teens are opting to wait to get their license, when that day comes, you want your kid to be as prepared as possible. Rather than seeing a kids' motorcycle as a big jump from a bicycle, see it as a safe, measured introduction to driving a motorized vehicle. Giving a child a small motorcycle before he gets his drivers license can actually put your mind a bit more at ease when that big day occurs.
Kids' motorcycles allow children the chance to become comfortable driving something that can go a bit faster than their bicycle. It will also teach them to respect the hazards that come with a motorized vehicle. On his motorcycle, your child can learn about things like taking slow, wide turns, reducing speed early for stop signs, and keeping an eye out for pedestrians. You'd probably much rather he learn about these important driving rules for the first time on a kids' motorcycle, that can only reach limited speeds, than in a car. And, by the way, the more confident you are that your child is ready to drive safely, the the more prepared he may actually be. Studies have found that there is a correlation between teen success rate in earning a driver's license and their parent's level of belief in them. You'll probably instantly feel more secure about your child taking the car wheel if he's already had some practice behind another motorized vehicle.
Motorcycles teach kids about more than safety. They also instill a sense of care and responsibility for the vehicle. Your son or daughter will take pride in his motorcycle, and want to keep it clean, as well as store it somewhere safe — much like he'll one day need to do with a car. Many kids' motorcycles need to be recharged before they're ready to hit the road again. Some new teen drivers don't properly plan their gas station trips, finding themselves with almost no fuel when they're already running late. Remembering to charge his motorcycle will train your child in the important lesson of having your vehicle fueled up in time for a big ride.
Some Guidelines For Motorcycle Riding
Before giving your child permission to hop on his ride, there are some rules you should go over. Your child should have a helmet that fits him well and offers full coverage. It's too common that parents just try to put their own helmet on a teen, or repurpose a bicycle helmet for the motorcycle. But your kid should have one that fits snugly on his head and protects his whole head, including the jawline. Even if your child only wants to ride to the nearby park for some beneficial outdoor play, he should still wear a helmet.
It's too common that parents just try to put their own helmet on a teen, or repurpose a bicycle helmet for the motorcycle.
Teach your child about proper riding attire, too. Kids should never drive their motorcycle in sandals or flip-flops. Make sure they put on sturdy shoes that cover their entire foot. You can always encourage them to wear safer footwear by buying them a fun pair they've been asking for, like light-up shoes or high-tops. They should also have on long sleeves and pants, as some motorcycles can become very hot when exposed to the sun, and could burn bare skin. Giving them elbow and knee pads isn't a bad idea either.
When a child starts riding their motorcycle is a good time to teach them about distracted driving, too. Make sure he puts away his phone before hopping on the bike. You might even require him to put it in his backpack or under his seat before he even starts the ignition. And while your child may not venture far beyond your neighborhood, he should still obey all traffic laws, stopping at stop signs, yielding to pedestrians, and so forth. When your kid is aware of these rules, you'll have more peace of mind each time he goes out for a ride.
Choosing The Right Motorcycle For Your Kid
There are tons of kids' motorcycles to choose from, so you'll just need to ask yourself a few questions about your son or daughter's phase of life, skill level, and habits. If your youngster has just graduated from the tricycle, then you'll likely want a model with a low speed limit. Some only reach a modest 10 miles per hour, and are good starter choices for the beginner rider. Meanwhile, if you have a young teen who is craving a bit more independence and responsible enough for faster speeds, you might want one that can reach around 25 miles per hour.
There are tons of kids' motorcycles to choose from, so you'll just need to ask yourself a few questions about your son or daughter's phase of life, skill level, and habits.
Your child's personal style will be a factor, too. If your kid is a big Motocross fan and wants to imitate the professional riders he loves, you can find him a sportier looking design. Meanwhile, kids with an eye for all things retro may want a model that resembles a moped or Vespa. And as for younger riders, there are some adorable models that look like police motorcycles, feature popular Pixar characters, and more, that the 12 and under kids will love.
Think about the conditions your child will ride in, too. If you live in an area with a lot of dirt roads, you may want a model with all-terrain tires that have good tread and can handle mud and gravel. There are a few other features that can enhance a sense of control, too, like hydraulic brakes and circuit breakers that automatically shut off the motor when they sense a problem. Whichever design you choose, you'll be giving your kid a gift he'll be proud to take around the neighborhood.