Hello, parents of future motorcyclists!
Thinking about buying a children's pit bike? You are in the right direction. In this article we will compare mini-equipment from different manufacturers for children aged 4 to 10 years. Let's find out how a motorcycle can be useful for your child and your family as a whole.
The best sport and hobby in the world
In any technical sport, be it motorsport, road racing, motocross or enduro, champions become people who start playing their sport in early childhood. But unfortunately, in order to achieve real heights on the world stage, for example, in motocross, it is not enough to have talent or start training from the age of 4-5 years. We also need money. Big money. But every parent can give their child a cool hobby for life. After all, the entry point is not that big. For example, children's motorcycles with gasoline cost only a little more than 20 thousand rubles.
In addition to the fact that motorsports is very interesting and exciting, it is also very useful from a physical point of view. People who are far from technical sports often think that auto or motorsports are easy. Spin the steering wheel and admire the scenery. But no, I assure you, this is not true at all. The same motocross or enduro, very energy-intensive sports. Professional racers are real athletes. In addition to developed muscles, high endurance is also required. But most importantly, it is a hobby and a sport rolled into one. I am sure it will captivate both children and adults. It's really interesting! And by the way, motorcycling is not only for boys and men, but also for girls and girls too. A clear confirmation of this is the Russian athlete Anastasia Nifontova, who finished the legendary Dakar rally marathon on a motorcycle, in a very tough class where riders participate without any technical support!
Anastasia Nifontova
Types of electric motorcycles by functionality and technical capabilities
Selection of children's electric motorcycles by purpose:
ATV is considered a kind of version of a jeep only in a lightweight version. Improved cross-country ability and large rubber wheels will delight little racers.
“Racing” models have a sporty look, are light and maneuverable. They take up less space and are available with three wheels or two wheels with additional wheels that can be installed.
Options for electric motorcycles:
- The remote control is not included in all models;
- A variety of light and sound signals, including the ability to connect an MP3 player;
- Battery;
- Rear view mirrors are especially important for serious and powerful models.
For children 5-10 years old. 50 cm3, 10/10" wheels
But let's return to children's motorcycles. Today we will talk about gasoline-powered equipment. We'll talk about children's electric motorcycles another time.
Motoland XT50
Where should you start when choosing motorcycles for a young athlete? It all depends on the age of your child. At the lowest level is the Motoland XT50 and MOTAX Minicross motorcycle. These are children's gasoline motorcycles, also known as minicross or pit bikes. Motorcycles are the smallest in size. The front and rear wheels are 10". Length only 130 cm. Seat height 58 cm. Weight about 25 kg. Designed for children aged 5 to 10 years. Equipped with a two-stroke engine with a volume of 49 cm3 and a power of 3.5 hp. The starter is manual. What is important is that the transmission is automatic – CVT. The child just needs to press the gas and the motorcycle will start moving. This engine has a completely calm and smooth character, which is a necessity considering the age of the rider. The motorcycle picks up speed smoothly and predictably. The maximum speed is about 40 km/h. Front and rear disc brakes with cable drive. The suspension on this vehicle is the simplest, spring, without shock absorbers. But considering the weight and maximum speed, this is enough. Another advantage is that it easily fits into the trunk of almost any passenger car.
Among the disadvantages, before each trip you will definitely have to “shamanize” with canisters, mixing gasoline with oil. The technique is push-pull. It is also worth noting that the weak and not the most reliable point of these motorcycles is the manual starter. Fortunately, it costs around a thousand rubles and can be changed in 5 minutes. Otherwise, this technique is quite reliable and problem-free. Price at the end of 2021 25000 rub.
Key advantages of gasoline scooters
A children's gasoline scooter from 6 years old is just an improved version of a scooter or children's electric transport. As soon as a child masters the skill of riding it, he is completely safe (if he rides in permitted areas). Riding a gasoline scooter onto the road is strictly prohibited, even for teenagers over 12 years old.
An improved version of electric transport - a children's scooter running on gasoline
Why is this transport better?
- thanks to him, the child will be able to quickly and easily learn to ride an adult vehicle - a moped, and then a motorcycle;
- this fast movement will help shorten the journey, especially if the child does not live in a metropolis;
- Such trips develop a little less physically than cycling cross-country, but they develop balancing skills and give the child an unusual hobby.
Of course, before purchasing such a device, a child must be given clear instructions regarding the dangers that are possible when using any vehicle, even for children.
Parents should definitely make sure that the child understands the danger that will threaten him when entering the roadway.
For children 7-12 years old. 110 cm3, wheels 12/10″
Motoland CRF10
For older children, there are already more serious models, for example, Motoland CRF10 and Motoland Apex10. These are essentially brothers, differing only in appearance. They are larger than previous models, length 140 cm, saddle height 63 cm. And heavier, dry weight is already 56 kg. Wheel size 12/10. Designed for children aged 7 to 12 years. And this technique, unlike the previous one, is more mature in every sense. Firstly, the engine here is already much more powerful. It is four-stroke, so there is no need to mix oil and gasoline. It has a volume of 110 cm3 and a power of 5 hp. This engine drives even adults quite cheerfully, and children even more so. The good thing is that there is a power limiter on the throttle. And by the way, these motorcycles already have an electric starter. The transmission is also a variator. The suspension is more advanced, although it is overly stiff. Hydraulic disc brakes. The main disadvantage, compared to younger models, is the noticeably increased price, 42,000 rubles.
PS-Sport
This minibike is more sporty and made in Germany. Its main feature is its stylish appearance, but the engine is true to size. Its power was 4 horsepower, but the maximum speed was up to 70 km/h. Air-cooled and 49cc. see this is quite a good model.
It would seem how such a miniature motorcycle can have a speed of 70 km/h even despite weighing 21 kilograms. German quality has a strong impact on the engine, so the bike is quite productive and durable. The maximum load capacity was 90 kg. If possible, parents can set the speed limit to 20 km per hour.
For children 10-15 years old. 125 cm3, wheels 14/12″
Motoland XT125 14/12
This is where pit bikes with 14/12 wheels come into play. These are still children's motorcycles, still with a gasoline engine, suitable for children aged approximately 10 to 15 years. They already weigh 70 kg. As a rule, all representatives have an engine of this size, 125 cm3, with a power of 8-10 hp. There are pit bikes with both an electric starter and only a kick starter. Transmission or semi-automatic, where you need to click through the gears, but do not need to use the clutch, or classic, adult mechanics. The suspensions on such motorcycles have longer travel. By the way, such motorcycles are quite suitable for adults, but short people. Representatives in this size are Motoland XT125 14/12 and Kayo Mini YX125EM 14/12. The price for both is a little more than 50,000 rubles.
Features of choosing a children's gasoline scooter
A parent who begins to become interested in the gasoline-powered children's transport market discovers that the assortment and selection rules are not much different from those on the market for bicycles and scooters.
All models of children's gasoline scooters are created taking into account the age characteristics of the child.
Selection by age
The sales consultant only needs the most basic parameters – height, weight, age. All models are created taking into account the age characteristics of the child, the safety and comfortable operation of transport directly depends on this. This means that when you ask a seller for a scooter for 8-year-old children with gasoline, you will receive recommended models that are suitable for the average physical parameters of a child at this age.
If the future driver differs greatly from the age average in some respects, you should not persistently choose the appropriate model for him. There are eight-year-old children who are taller and heavier than ten-year-olds, especially girls. Moreover, a scooter for 12 years old with gasoline will not be suitable transport for all children of this age.
Dimensions and weight of the structure
Pay special attention to this, especially if you have never used a two-wheeled vehicle yourself. A gasoline scooter, especially a teenage version, can have good engine power within the framework of such devices. Power requires appropriate spare parts, which weigh a lot and force the manufacturer to make the body bulky.
It is important to consider whether the child will be able to fully use his or her vehicle, that is, not only ride, but also roll up, lift, etc. Also, the large device requires storage space.
A children's gasoline scooter can have good engine power
Safety and reliability
Definitely the most important parameter. It is for the sake of simplifying control over it that strict age limits for different models have been invented for gasoline scooters. After sitting on a scooter for a teenager, an eight-year-old can get hurt by dangerous accessories, lose control due to the increased power, or fall and be crushed by the weight of the device, unable to get out.
The only thing parents may not worry about is speed. All models intended for independent use by children are equipped with a speed limiter, the maximum value of which can often be set by yourself.
Comfort and convenience
Although a gasoline scooter is for children, it is still transport. It is important to buy a model in which the child will not hunch over or, on the contrary, try to reach the steering wheel. This is not only unsafe, as it deprives the young driver of some of the attention that is intended for the road, but also has a bad effect on health.
Trying to sit comfortably on an ill-fitting scooter, your child will develop poor posture or the habit of hunching over.
In the best case, the child will simply stop riding, constantly experiencing inconvenience, and the parents will waste their money on an expensive toy. At worst, he will continue to ride no matter what, until he starts having back problems or falling due to an inconvenient viewing angle.
An incorrectly selected scooter can have a negative impact on a child’s health.
For children over 13 years old and adults. Wheels 17/14
Pit bikes 125 cm3
Essentially all pit bikes with wheel sizes 17/14 can be placed on this stage. Therefore, further we will divide pit bikes not by size, but by engine capacity.
Motoland CRF125E
125 cm3 is perhaps the most popular class of pit bikes. They are already quite adult in size. Suitable for both children aged 13 and over and adults. The maximum load reaches 130 kg. The weight of the motorcycles themselves is around 75-80 kg. Engine 125 cm3, power 8-10 hp. In this category, I like the Motoland CRF125E and its brother WELS CRF 125E. First, they have an electric starter. Secondly, durable aluminum rims and handlebars. And there are also a bunch of milled aluminum elements, which is cool for pit bikes in the inexpensive segment. The price of these pit bikes is a little more than 60,000 rubles.
ZUUM PM125
But I would call the ZUUM PM125 the best in this class. Besides the advantages of its siblings, it has a NIBBI carburetor. But most importantly, the ZUUM pit bike has an extended pendulum for better riding stability and a progressive rear suspension (!!!) All this makes it unique and very interesting. By the way, I wrote a whole article about it and have a video. It’s a pity that ZUUM doesn’t offer other engines. Price 70,000 rubles.
CRF125 19/16
I would also like to highlight the Motoland CRF125 with larger 19/16 wheels. It's already the size of a small motorcycle.
Pit bikes 140-150 cm3
Avantis Lux 150cc
This is perhaps the most compromise engine option in terms of price and power. It was with a pit bike with a 140cc engine that I once began to understand the world of off-road technology. As they say, extra power is never too much. Motoland has a huge selection of engines with both 140 and 150 cm3 engines. But unfortunately, none of them are equipped with an electric starter, which is not comme il faut at all. So with such engines, I will recommend Avantis Lux 150cc and WELS CRF 140E pit bikes for purchase. They have strong aluminum rims and handlebars, as well as many milled elements, which makes them durable, reliable, and stylish too. The price for both is 72,000 rubles.
