At the moment, the topic of pit bikes is very popular among all segments of the Russian population and many want to know how to choose a pit bike in order to be satisfied with the purchase. Everyone’s choice is individual, so different models will suit different people, both in terms of characteristics and price/quality ratio.
99.9% of all pit bikes are produced in China, because this idea originated and gained popularity there, and most importantly, it made it possible to reduce the cost of a full-fledged motorcycle to 50-70 thousand rubles for good quality equipment.
In Russia, category “A” licenses are not required for pit bikes, a PTS is not provided and there is no need to register it with the traffic police. In fact, this equipment is sports equipment and can be used by people of any age. Ownership of the equipment is confirmed by a purchase/sale agreement indicating the VIN number and passport details of the owner.
With the growing popularity, companies from Europe paid attention to this phenomenon and began to order high-quality models under their own brands for sale on world markets.
At the moment, the selection of high-quality pit bikes includes more than 100 models. The difference between all the models lies only in the design of the stickers and the quality of the components from which the equipment is assembled. Which pit bike to choose?
What is a pit bike according to the law?
Various regulations equate a pit bike to different categories of transport. But we are only interested in two of them: traffic regulations, which establish the rules for managing it, and the Code of Administrative Offences, which provides for various types of sanctions for violations, including fines, deprivation of a car license and impound parking.
- According to traffic rules, a pit bike is a vehicle that can be a motorcycle with an engine capacity of more than 50 cm3 or a moped with a displacement of less than 50 cm3. Accordingly, the traffic rules are not explicit, but they stipulate that to drive a pit bike in 2021, you need a license of category A or M, or subcategory A1.
- But, according to the Administrative Code, a pit bike is not a vehicle. And from here certain conclusions follow, including the absence of a fine, impound lot and the uselessness of a license for a pit bike. Let's take a closer look at this moment!
The note in Article 12.1, which applies to the entire 12th chapter of the Administrative Code, which is responsible for fines in the field of traffic, states that in order for a vehicle to be subject to a fine, it must have an indispensable attribute - it must be granted a special right - to drive.
Note. In this article, a vehicle should be understood as a motor vehicle with a displacement of an internal combustion engine of more than 50 cubic centimeters or a maximum electric motor power of more than 4 kilowatts and a maximum design speed of more than 50 kilometers per hour, as well as trailers for it, subject to state registration, and in others Articles of this chapter also include tractors, self-propelled road construction and other self-propelled machines, vehicles for which a special right is granted in accordance with the legislation of the Russian Federation on road safety.
That is, to answer the question whether fines apply to pit bikes, we need to know whether a driving license is required to ride a pit bike.
You will also be interested in:
- Is it possible to ride an electric motorcycle without a license and where? Do I need to register with the traffic police?
- Are they depriving the rights of certain categories or all? Is it possible to travel by other transport?
- There is no appointment to register a car through State Services - will there be a fine if 10 days pass?
Do you need a pit bike license in 2021?
As you can see, the Code of Administrative Offenses refers to the Federal Law “On Road Safety”. It says about rights quite succinctly and extremely clearly:
A driver's license gives its owner the right to drive a vehicle - a device designed to transport people, goods or equipment installed on it on roads...
That is, an indispensable attribute of a vehicle is its purpose for transporting people, goods or equipment on roads. Precisely on the roads. And, if you look at the passport of any pit bike, you will receive clear information that this is sports equipment not intended for use on public roads.
Therefore, a license to drive a pit bike in 2021 is not needed, regardless of engine displacement, because it is sports equipment, not a vehicle.
Quality options for professionals
WELS CRF 250
A durable option suitable for professional use. The model is made of durable materials that can withstand high loads. A nice addition is the electric starter, which makes starting the pit bike easier. A steel frame is installed, which is highly durable. Fuel tank capacity – 4 liters.
The average cost is 90,000 rubles.
WELS CRF 250
Advantages:
- High-quality assembly;
- Durable frame;
- Convenient control;
- Attractive design;
- Efficiency.
Flaws:
- Not found.
BSE PH 190e STUNT
A durable option suitable for adults. The model is able to withstand heavy weight and not deteriorate from high loads. The engine guarantees trouble-free operation for a long time. The frame is made of reliable and impact-resistant material. The carburetor is equipped with an air filter. The gearbox is mechanical.
Sold at a price: from 75,000 rubles.
BSE PH 190e STUNT
Advantages:
- Good build;
- Life time;
- Simple repair;
- Efficiency;
- Withstands severe loads.
Flaws:
- Not found.
Is it possible to ride a pit bike on the roads?
No. Since a pit bike is nothing more than a sports tool, you cannot ride it on public roads. Moreover, this applies not only to streets, highways and asphalt roads in general. According to traffic rules, a road is any surface equipped or adapted for driving. That is, a country road, simply trampled by cars - all this also applies to roads.
Is it possible to ride a pit bike through fields and forests?
And there are different opinions here. Contrary to the misconception of the majority of owners of these “vehicles,” traffic rules are valid throughout Russia, and forests and fields also obviously belong to the territory of the Russian Federation.
Another opinion refers to the formal interpretation from the traffic rules, according to which the Rules “establish a uniform procedure for road traffic throughout the entire territory of the Russian Federation.” That is, specifically road traffic – that is, traffic on public roads. And, if you are driving over rough terrain (not on a country road or dirt road, as we mentioned above), then traffic rules do not apply there.
But all these are formal prohibitions. For most “pit bikers”, the issue of fines and impound parking for a pit bike is still interesting.
Dimensions
As mentioned above, the Kayo 125 pit bike is small in size. Its length is 1650 mm and its width does not exceed 750 mm. The bike's seat height reaches 885 mm. Taking into account the steering wheel, the height increases to 1130 mm.
The wheelbase length is 1225 mm. The ground clearance is 350 mm. The weight of the bike is 71 kg.
The front wheels are different in size from the rear. Tires with dimensions 70/100-17 are installed in front. The rear wheels are slightly larger - their size is 90/100-14. But this is not the only option for installed wheels. Depending on the specific model, the radius of the tires may vary. But the rear tires are always slightly larger than the front tires - this is a key feature of this type of motorcycle.
What is the fine for riding a pit bike on the road?
As of 2021, the law does not provide for a fine for driving a pit bike on public roads at all. But this is legal. In practice, traffic police inspectors try to attract the driver under the following articles:
- 12.7, part 1 (most often) for driving without the right to drive - a fine of 5 to 15 thousand rubles,
- 12.3, part 2 (less often) for lack of a driver’s license (if you have the right to drive) - a fine of 500 rubles,
- 12.1, part 1 (less often) for failure to fulfill the obligation to register a vehicle - a fine of 500 rubles.
But none of these sanctions are illegal. Let's explain why!
As we cited an excerpt from the Code of Administrative Offenses above, in order to apply any fine from Chapter 12 of the Code, the vehicle must have a clear attribute - a special right must be granted to drive it. And the Federal Law “On Road Traffic Safety” says that a special right is granted only to vehicles intended for the transport of people or goods. And since a pit bike is sports equipment, you don’t need a license to drive it.
Accordingly, a fine for not having the right to drive a pit bike is unlawful. And against the backdrop of this fact, fines for the lack of a license and for the lack of registration of a pit bike with the traffic police look completely absurd.
If a traffic police officer tries to fine
In this case, he should try to explain the logical chain of the legal side of this issue. However, if this cannot be done on the spot, such a decision should be appealed on the basis of the unlawful application of the fine due to the lack of corpus delicti.
When appealing (it is better to appeal to the court), as a basis for canceling the fine, cite Resolution of the Plenum of the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation No. 13-AD15-1, which successfully canceled the decision on the above grounds.
Something else useful for you:
- Is it possible to ride an ATV on roads and where not? Is it possible to drive without rights?
- Is it possible and how can I pass and get a license for a car and a motorcycle at the age of 16?
- Do you need a driver's license for a bicycle with a gasoline engine or an electric motor?
Rating of the best pit bikes with a 125 cc engine
Regulmoto SEVEN 125E
A modern option that is suitable for anyone who wants to improve their pit bike control skills. The product will bring only positive emotions. The engine is made of high-quality and wear-resistant elements, so there will be no problems during operation. The engine is started using a button, this is a convenient solution that is suitable for everyone.
The average price is 72,600 rubles.
Regulmoto SEVEN 125E
Advantages:
- 4-stroke engine;
- Easy to use;
- Reliability;
- Good speed;
- Durable steering wheel;
- Engine protection.
Flaws:
- Not found.
KAYO MINI YX125EM 14/12
Starter model equipped with a mechanical clutch. The user will not only learn how to ride a mini-motorcycle, but also how to change speed correctly. A single-cylinder four-stroke engine with a power of up to 11 hp is installed. This option will be a good solution for almost every child. The seat is soft and the steering wheel is firm. The frame is made of steel and plastic.
The average price is 65,000 rubles.
KAYO MINI YX125EM 14/12
Advantages:
- Minimum fuel consumption;
- High quality manufacturing;
- Attractive appearance;
- Simple controls.
Flaws:
- Not found.
PWR Racing FRZ 125 17/14 E
An excellent option for a beginner rider. The product is made of a durable frame that gives the pit bike optimal rigidity and control. Low weight simplifies handling. The built-in filter box prevents small particles from entering the carburetor, which increases durability. There is a rear suspension and a progressive linkage system. All connections are protected with moisture-repellent material, which prevents short circuits.
The average cost is 82,400 rubles.
PWR Racing FRZ 125 17/14 E
Advantages:
- Stylish design;
- Professional assembly;
- Durability;
- Easy maintenance;
- Comfortable steering wheel;
- High quality suspension.
Flaws:
- Not found.
Motoland 125 APEX125
An inexpensive but reliable option that is suitable for traveling on various roads. This mini-motorcycle will allow you to hone your off-road skills. The maximum acceleration speed is 90 km/h. The product does not require any complex care, which is an advantage. Suitable for both beginners and experienced users. The front suspension is telescopic, which provides additional reliability.
The average cost is 60,660 rubles.
Motoland 125 APEX125
Advantages:
- Good headlight for driving in dark areas;
- Powerful engine;
- Electronic ignition system;
- Manual Transmission.
Flaws:
- Not found.
Is there a parking lot for pit bikes?
No. The fact is that Article 27.13 of the Code of Administrative Offenses is responsible for impound parking, and the first is applied only as an interim measure when applying sanctions under other articles - punishments. A parking fine can be for driving while intoxicated, for illegal stopping, and similar violations. But only together with other punishments.
And, since no article of the Code of Administrative Offenses can impose a fine for a pit bike, then a special parking lot for a pit bike is contrary to the law, that is, illegal. Thus, according to the law, it is impossible to send a pit bike to the impound lot.
But this is again the letter of the law. Traffic police inspectors still send the pit bike to a special parking lot, from where the owner often has to pick it up with problems (because vehicles are returned with documents for the right to drive them and documents for ownership, and the receipt from the store can be lost long ago, and even documents for the right there can be no management at all, since such a right is not regulated by anything).
Top best children's models (50 cubic meters)
BSE KIDS 50e A 10/10 1
A reliable model that is suitable for beginner athletes. The product is equipped with a good engine, which guarantees reliability. For better handling, there is a high-quality suspension with an inverted fork. The brakes are designed for bicycles, so no problems will arise. Light weight makes the product easy to move. Transmission – automatic.
The average cost is 49,990 rubles.
BSE KIDS 50e A 10/10 1
Advantages:
- Small dimensions;
- Simple controls;
- Reliability;
- Filterbox;
- There is an automatic transmission;
- Powerful engine.
Flaws:
- Not found.
Apollo RXF MINI 50E auto
A safe model that will be a good gift for a child. The transport is made from high-quality materials, which guarantees reliability for the entire period of use. The reinforced frame makes it possible to hold an impressive load. The vehicle has a 4-stroke engine. There is an automatic transmission, which is an additional advantage.
The average cost is 62,440 rubles.
Apollo RXF MINI 50E auto
Advantages:
- High quality manufacturing;
- Reliability;
- Long service life;
- Automatic transmission;
- Durable suspension.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
CF-50A 10/10, 49 ss
A durable option that will help your child quickly master the motorcycle. The product is equipped with an automatic transmission, so there will be no problems with control. The rear brake is located on the steering wheel, which is a convenient solution. There is an adjustment of the controls, which allows you to adjust the model to the height of the driver. There is a remote socket that allows you to quickly charge the battery.
The average cost is 61,490 rubles.
CF-50A 10/10, 49 ss
Advantages:
- Reliability;
- Safety;
- Strength;
- Simple controls;
- Transmission.
Flaws:
- Not found.
DBR SX50-A
A good children's option that will be a suitable solution for learning. Made from durable materials that can withstand high loads. The mini-motorcycle has a 2-stroke engine, which is a good solution. A high-quality brake will prevent a collision. An automatic transmission will allow the rider not to think about how to change gears.
The average cost is 22,000 rubles.
DBR SX50-A
Advantages:
- Low cost;
- High-quality assembly;
- Comfortable seat;
- Easy controls;
- Stylish design.
Flaws:
- Not found.
