Even as an adult, I still have fond memories of riding a dirt bike when I was younger. It brought so many hours of enjoyment and excitement. My friends and I would have races up and down the hillside; wearing helmets, goggles, boots, and gloves; having the time of our lives. It is without a doubt the best way for kids to get out in nature and enjoy the freedom that comes with riding off-road bikes.

We all know how kids love fast things, so I’m sure that they will absolutely love the thrill of riding a dirt bike. It will also help them grow with physical activity, making them feel better about themselves as well as giving them a lot of energy from all the exercise they are getting.

For parents who can afford one and who want their kids to become physically fit, then you should absolutely buy a dirt bike for your children. It will greatly benefit their health and keep them fit.  It also possesses the ability to teach kids a lot of things about taking care of their things.

Dirt bikes require maintenance because they are used on rough terrains which could damage them easily, and if the bike is damaged it needs to be fixed right away before using it again so this teaches them responsibility. But of course you need to teach them about safety, as well as to get them the right gear. But more about it below.

Should You Get a Dirt Bike for Your Kid?

The benefits for young riders are huge. Motocross is an adrenaline sport, yes, but there’s so much more to it.

The right dirt bike can teach your child how to ride, how to maintain and repair their own machine, the importance of training, teamwork, discipline and most importantly a passion for dirt bikes.

I believe there are far more advantages to riding than disadvantages. Dirt biking is a lot of fun. In fact, my teenage son is a big fan of racing dirt bikes at local motocross events. He has a good friend who he rides with sometimes and they’ve even raced together on occasion. I like that he’s involved in something that he loves and it seems balanced enough for his age. He has never been injured or complained about pain so I feel that he’s getting great benefits from riding motorcycles.

While I hope that my son will grow up to be a talented racer like his father, I’m willing to support him in whatever he decides to do as long as he enjoys it. I wish I had started when I was a kid! As for my daughter, she’s three years old and not really into bikes at this point. She’s more into Barbie dolls. I will invite her to ride with her brother on occasion, but I don’t see her getting into the sport as much as him.

Hopefully I can instill in my kids the passion for dirt bikes just like many of the generations before me, and they will continue riding motorcycles for decades to come.

The benefits of riding are often overlooked by many parents. Although growing up riding a motorcycle can be dangerous, there are tons of benefits to being involved in a sport that is inexpensive or free (depending on where you live). There are always beginners who are willing to help out new riders on their first ride and will also give tips on how to improve technique and increase skill.

Motocrosses start at 13 years old which is plenty of time to learn if you have the desire and interest. It’s important to find out how your child is interested in dirt bikes so you can tailor the type of MX events and events that they are allowed to participate in.

Best Dirt Bikes for Kids

Yamaha TTR-50

The Yamaha TTR-50 is one of the most popular youth bikes on the market since its creation in 2006. This 4-speed model has front and rear disc brakes, as well as a center stand and drum rear brakes for reliable stopping power. It’s available in 21 colors from Red to Blue, Yellow, Orange, White and Black.

With a curb weight of just 126 pounds, the TTR-50 is also very light for such a powerful 4-stroke engine. It’s one of the most popular starter bikes on the market and Yamaha engineers took great care to make it easy for beginners, which is why it’s so good for training. The electric start button and throttle limiter lever are two features which make this bike stand out from the crowd.

Weighing in at roughly 120 pounds, the TTR50 is easily portable, even though it’s quite big. The fully adjustable handlebars and footpegs help assure that smaller riders can have a comfortable ride.

Also, the seats are wide and supportive enough to support an adult rider a lot better than other smaller dirt bikes. The TTR-50 is great for practicing your balance on as well as learning how to brake properly and how to keep your speed under control.

Ground clearance is another aspect of the TTR50 which makes it appealing for kids and smaller adults.

The price of an YTX50R motorcycle depends entirely on how old and in what condition this will be sold. In general TTR50 is reasonably priced, making it a popular choice for kids who want to start early. Not only are new riders able to learn how to ride fast in no time, but they can also get their license without much trouble.

Yamaha offers a full warranty for the TTR50. If anything goes wrong with it which you can prove was due to poor workmanship, Yamaha will replace or provide repair on the machine at no charge. You can also collect your bike with a dealer if something does go wrong within three years of purchase.

The TTR50 is a dirt bike which is lightweight, compact, easy to operate, and reliable thanks to its robust construction. However, we do want to mention that there are some quality control issues with this model. There have been reports of some bikes breaking down in one area or another.

Razor MX350

The MX350 is what we refer to as a “starter” model. It is designed to be as light and small as possible to cater to smaller kids looking for some excitement on a dirt bike. As Razors go, it is relatively underpowered but it is extremely sturdy, making it a great choice for beginners who are more likely to tip it over.

It is extremely compact, shipping at less than 65 pounds. This means that your young kids can easily operate it without having to worry about excessive speeds. We found it easily capable of supporting a rider of 100 pounds, although we would not suggest putting anyone heavier than 140 pounds on it.

It maxes out at about 12 miles per hour, which makes it about as fast as a bicycle at full speed. It can operate for an hour on a single charge. We feel this is ideal for young children (ages 4 to 6) since it gives them a chance to experience a dirt bike without any significant risk if they are a bit unsteady to start with.

Razor MX400

The MX400 is much the same as the MX350 with the exception that it is designed to handle a larger load. The operating speed, handling and operating time are all roughly equivalent to the MX350. The MX400 is a bit heavier than the MX350, however, which gives it the ability to handle heavier loads and retain the same operating speed.

It can operate at 15 miles per hour, can handle a complete hour of operation on a single charge, and can take a beating and continue to function. The beauty of this machine is that it is not weighted like an electric mini dirt bike. At only 65 pounds shipping weight (about 63 pounds operating weight), it is one of the lightest electric dirt bikes on the market. This makes it ideal for young kids and takes away a lot of concerns parents have regarding crashes and falls.

We believe this makes it ideal for bigger kids (ages 6 to 8) since it will provide the same experience but at an age where parents might be less concerned about their kids tipping over on a dirt bike. One big factor for us is that it is remarkably easy to put together, meaning you will have to dedicate very little time to provide your kids with a lot of entertainment.

Razor MX500

The MX500 is the middleweight of the Razor family. It is the middleground between operating weight, speed and durability. It is capable of kicking out up to 15 miles per hour, which is a bit faster than what we saw with the MX350 and MX400 respectively. For this reason, it might not be ideal as a starter bike since a kid without a feel for dirt biking might be more likely to tip it over.

This makes it ideal for kids in the 8 to 10 year-old bracket. It is easy to start-up and operate, so we feel that a beginner could handle it, but experienced hands would be a better choice. As with other electric mini dirt bikes, there is not much assembly or maintenance required, which makes this bike one of our favorites.

Razor mini dirt bikes are the solution to the problem of finding cost- and time-effectiveness mixed with performance and reliability. By relying on electricity rather than gas-powered engines, they are cleaner, require less maintenance, are easier to assemble and can sustain more weight than most 50cc mini dirt bikes.

The downside to this is that they reach lower top speeds and require regular recharges. They are also not ideal for kids that want to be on their dirt bike for hours on end, since a 12 hour recharge period is required for 1 hour of operational time. They are, however, great for providing a riding experience to beginners to help them determine whether dirt biking is in their future, and how involved they want to be with their new-found hobby.

Razor MX650

It is the largest mini dirt bike they design and is capable of higher speeds, higher weight capacity and longer performance than any of the other machines on this page.

Since it can ramp up to over 17 miles per hour, we strongly suggest the rider have some experience in operating dirt bikes before hopping on this machine. It is heavier than other models Razor manufactures, so it is worth considering whether your kids can handle the weight of this machine before they begin riding to avoid any injuries.

By and large, this is the model you should be looking for if you want the gas-powered mini dirt bike experience without the maintenance, assembly or repairs associated with owning a gas-powered mini dirt bike.

Weighing about 98 pounds, this bike isn’t the most lightweight bike available but it’s still lightweight compared to others. The weight should be okay for your twelve-year-old to ride around the neighborhood for several rides without getting too tired. I also think this bike will last a long time as well.

I would recommend buying a helmet and knee pads for your twelve-year-old as well as elbow pads if you’d like more protection when riding dirt bikes. Your child may also want to wear protective riding gear, like gloves, a hat, and dirt biking shoes or boots. There are many accessories available for dirt bikes to make them very safe when riding. The Razor MX650’s speed and quietness are great for beginner dirt bike riders.

It is amazing to see the quality on this electric dirt bike. The Razor MX650 Rocket  has a tough aluminum frame. This is an important feature for an electric dirt bike, especially since it can be ridden off road through trails.

This bike also has a kick start, which makes it easy to start up and ride anytime you want. It’s great that your twelve-year-old doesn’t have to wait around for the battery to charge. The kick starter gives them more freedom to ride this bike whenever they want for as long as they want.

Honda CRF80F

Look to the Honda CRF80F for an intermediate size between the 50cc and 110cc.

An easy-to maintain four-stroke, 49cc motor gives a smooth powerband and requires minimum upkeep for reliable riding all year. The CRF50 is a forgiving bike for new riders, but its lightweight frame means that new riders may need more road than a racer could get away with when it comes to crashing.

This bike comes with a 17-inch front wheel and 14-inch rear wheel so you can imagine how nimble this bike is to maneuver. The bike has the familiar Honda reliability so you don’t have to worry about anything breaking down when it comes to an engine component. If something does break down, the CRF125F is user friendly and easy enough for your child to take apart and put back together again. Your child can use the manual or YouTube videos if they need a little help.

Honda’s operating system on the CRF50 is also very simple. With only three gears and no clutch lever, kids can concentrate on fundamentals of cornering and control without getting in way of learning how to use a clutch.

The twist throttle is difficult to use for kids who are not used to the manual gearshift. The rest of the controls are sturdy and easy for a young rider to understand. Small riders will appreciate the generous ground clearance, but it’s worth noting that there is only 5.8 inches of clearance on this bike, and some serious 4x4s will need to plan around the CRF50F when it comes to trail clearance.

With a lightweight frame, and 49cc engine that is easy for many older kids birthday parties at motocross racing events, you can trust your kid will have fun on the CRF50F all year round.

The Honda CRF50F is a perfect bike for beginners or youngsters who want to explore dirt biking at its most manageable. This dirt bike is an entry level motocross bike that will inspire and excite both kids and adults alike. With a 49cc engine and three gears, Honda’s CRF50F is an easy bike to ride, and offers plenty of power for a little kid. For a great family motocross bike at a very affordable price, the Honda CRF50F is hard to beat.

KTM 50cc Mini Dirt Bike

Founded in 1934, KTM or Kraftfahrzeug Trunkenpolz Mattighofen is an Austrian company which specializes in manufacturing motorcycles, bicycles and mopeds. The brand is popular for making off-road motorcycles although for the past few years, they have started venturing out into producing street motorcycles and road bikes.

What sets KTM dirt bikes and dirt bikes in general from the traditional motorcycles is that they can handle rough, uneven terrains which the handler deals with at high speeds.

An example of a KTM motocross bike that you can go for is the KTM 50 SX. Also known as the KTM Senior Adventure bike, it’s the successor of a model with the same name. Re-released in 2021, the KTM 50 SX bike is still in production. The target buyer of this line of KTM dirt bikes is the average kid who already has the motorcycle riding skills – and would like to venture out into dirt biking.

Although the KTM 50 SX bike might look relatively harmless due to its small size as compared to other fuller-sized bikes, it is actually not something that beginners can handle during their first try. Children who are between 6 and 10, and who have had plenty of experience in dirt biking are the ones who can purchase the KTM 50 Senior Adventure bike.

As compared to dirt bikes which have a similar user age range, KTM dirt bikes have the edge in the sense that they are extremely comfortable to ride with the padded seats. The engine is a single cylinder, 2-stroke, air-cooled 49cc motor with approximately 6 HP in power. Weighing less than 39 pounds, this KTM dirt bike can hold up to two liters of fuel.

If you have a kid who’s already an experienced motorcycle driver and would like to get into the adventure sport of motocross, the KTM 50 SX Senior Adventure dirt bike is definitely something that you can give as a gift. Not only will you get the best value for your money, but you can also rest assured that your kid is able to handle such a vehicle since it is specifically designed for young thrill seekers.

Kawasaki KX 65

The very first Kawasaki motorcycle was launched in the market in 1954. Like its other Japanese counterparts, the brand has been known for manufacturing bikes which have light but powerful engines.

Those who are joining motocross competitions prefer the not-so-full body size of Kawasaki brands – without marring the performance of the vehicle on dirt tracks. Aside from racing mean machines, the company also manufactures a wide array of motorcycles which are suitable for inner city driving and other leisurely activities.

If you think that the market of Kawasaki bikes is only Japan and other Asian countries, think again. It was in the middle of 1960s that they began exporting their motorcycles to the US market which is a brilliant marketing move. They first introduced the Kawasaki Z1 model which became a big hit among US consumers.

Currently, there’s a wide array of Kawasaki motor models to choose from – examples of which are the Kawasaki KX 125 and the green Kawasaki KX 65. The KX 65 is a mini-racer which the engineers at Kawasaki fitted with liquid-cooled, 64cc two-stroke engines.

The motorcycle can run using a six-speed transmission engine. One look at the body of this mini-green monster might make people think that the KX 125 is not a real racer but it is – in every sense of the word. If you’re a beginner biker who’s thinking about graduating into fuller-sized bikes for pro competitions or looking for a bike for your experienced kid, then this is definitely a suitable model for you.

Are Dirt Bikes Safe for Your Kids?

If you are thinking of purchasing a dirt bike for your child, it is important to weigh the benefits and dangers before making a decision. Some parents believe that it is an effective way to spend time with their kids, while others feel that it is too dangerous.

The smaller dirt bikes have lightweight frame and a small engine, which makes it perfect for use by kids. However, larger dirt bikes are typically designed for adults. In the wrong hands, dirt bikes can be dangerous and accidents do occur. Riding a dirt bike can be especially dangerous when not wearing the proper safety apparel because gear does not always protect you from harm.

To reduce the risk of injury, there are precautions you can take to ensure the safety of your children. You should get riding gear and a helmet for your kids so they are protected from any harm while riding the bike. A good helmet should be a DOT approved helmet and come with a face shield. It should also have an adjustable chinstrap, which will prevent the helmet from flying off in case of an accident. When purchasing riding gear, look for pants with knee protection to prevent injuries during an accident.

Are 50cc Mini Dirt Bike Best for Children?

When it comes to choosing a mini dirt bikes for your kids, it is great to start out young when they will be operating machines incapable of reaching dangerous speeds. As parents, we know you want to make sure your kids are safe when they’re having fun, but this shouldn’t stop them from pursuing a passion for racing or dirt biking, if they have one.

That’s why the 49 cc and 50 cc mini dirt bikes were created. These machines are capable of carrying significant loads at fairly high speeds and are designed to keep the rider as safe as possible with their suspension systems and shortened frame. This allows for extremely small turn radius’s without negating the comfort that comes from a good suspension system.

With these systems in place, you can rest assured that your kids will be able to ride their 50 cc mini dirt bike without any concerns for their safety or ability to operate a motorized device. We have taken a couple of mini dirt bikes from our review list which are ideally suited to younger kids.

We have listed the ages we suggest these bikes can be ridden at, along with their suggested experience levels and the prices of the bikes themselves. The point we are trying to make is that 50 cc mini dirt bikes are among the best-performing dirt bike options on the market for kids, and these 2 options are a great place to start if your kids are looking to try them out.

Why 50cc Mini Dirt Bikes?

A 50cc mini dirt bike is a stepping stone to further dirt bike riding. It is designed to be handled by young kids (between 5 and 15 years old) to give them the sensation of riding a dirt bike without the risk of operating a fully-powered pit bike. The top speed for a 50cc mini dirt bike is about 25 miles per hour, which is a fair pace but not overly dangerous once your child gets a feel for controlling it.

50cc bikes also provide enough power to pull a small child’s weight – about 120 pounds – without overworking the engine. They operate using a simple pull cord start-up technique, automatic transmission and handheld brakes, so the rider does not require excessive technical knowledge in order to operate it. This combination of traits makes 50cc mini dirt bikes the best choice for kids looking to get into motocross, but without the age or experience to graduate to full-sized bikes yet.

Is Cheaper Better?

Price is always a consideration when looking at purchasing something for entertainment. We always tell our readers that 50cc mini dirt bikes are designed as entry-level machines for those looking at a future in motocross or as a lifetime hobby. Much like an acoustic guitar, a 50cc mini dirt bike presents a new world to kids and it is up to them to determine whether they have a future in it.

With that in mind, we strongly argue against parents that look to find the cheapest piece of machinery on two wheels to substitute as a mini dirt bike. While price is always a factor, you want to make sure that what you are buying is going to provide your kids with entertainment and that requires a machine that is well put-together, will start up every time and requires discipline and understanding to operate.

While cheaper models may suffice for the short term, the saying “you get what you pay for” is strongly applicable to mini dirt bike purchases. Higher-end models will last longer, operate better and provide more insight into your child’s future with dirt bikes than cheaper models. If you simply want something to entertain your kids for a few days, then a cheaper model might be acceptable.

However, if you want to give them a completely new experience and open their minds to what else is out there, we strongly suggest making a smart first purchase by finding a mini dirt bike that suits their needs.

What To Look For in Dirt Bikes For Kids?

As a general rule, any mini dirt bike that features 50cc 2-stroke engines are designed to be used by young kids. They will not attain speeds higher than 25 miles per hour (most average between 20 and 25 miles per hour) and they are shortened to allow for smaller turn radiuses and to be operated by smaller riders.

The key to finding the right 50cc mini dirt bike for kids is to look into weight limits that each machine can handle. Generally speaking, most 50cc machines are weighted for between 80 and 125 pounds, making them ideal for kids starting out on the dirt bike circuit. Below is a short list of traits to look for in your ideal 50cc mini dirt bike for kids:

Easy To Assemble/Maintain

Assembly times vary, but most of these machines should be able to go from box to backyard in about 1 hour. You may need some technical skill to ensure everything operates at peak efficiency, but ideally the instructions should cover any shortcomings you have in this department.

Easy To Start-Up/Operate

Since your kids will be operating the dirt bike, it is important that it comes with an easy start-up mechanism. Most bikes on the market will feature a hand-pull start-up option which allows your child to pull a rope to start the engine followed by a touch of the throttle to get started.

Automatic Transmission

This is the standard when it comes to 50cc mini dirt bikes. The manufacturers know the audience that will be operating them, and has created an easy-to-drive system as a result. This is particularly important for beginners.

Decent Suspension System

Most mini dirt bikes come with some sort of suspension system to help the rider feel comfortable while moving through tough terrain. Electric mini dirt bikes tend not to have these, which makes the experience of riding a gas-powered machine that much better for the rider.

Manufacturer Warranty

The simple truth is that these machines will be ridden hard when they are in use. Mechanical failures should be expected. You will be spending some time on maintenance and repairs and it is always good to have the manufacturer on your side to help you out.

By taking these suggestions to heart when looking at purchasing a 50cc mini dirt bike for kids, you will be all set to provide your kids with the excellent dirt biking experience they want without breaking the bank or monopolizing your time. We believe it’s important to find a machine that is easy to operate and maintain since this maximizes the fun your kids will have and minimizes your stress levels.

9 Tips for Parents

Teaching a kid to ride in a way that’s fun for everyone can be tough. But it’ll be a lot easier if you keep these nine rules in mind:

1. Communication is key

Explain in detail each action the child needs to perform. For example, your kid won’t know that “shift to a lower gear” actually means “tap the shifter down with your toe” until you explain it.

2. Take it one step at a time

There’s a lot involved in operating a motorcycle, and just riding safely is a big step. Concentrate on the basics until your child can demonstrate complete control of the machine.

3. Remember that each skill advances at its own pace

Until all those skills catch up with each other, it’s tough to make big steps in learning.

4. Praise your children for the progress they make

And don’t be discouraged if they don’t progress as fast as others.

5. Don’t let your kid’s frustrations frustrate you

If things aren’t going well, sometimes taking a break is the best solution.

6. Work within your child’s limits

Just because your first kid learned quickly doesn’t mean your second one will, too. Every child is different, and each learns at his or her own pace.

7. Be the voice of reason

Only let your student attempt something new after honestly assessing his or her ability to succeed at it. If there’s any question, err on the side of restraint.

8. Remember that it’s tough for young students to recognize everything that’s going on around them

Be your child’s eyes and ears while he or she is riding. If you see a danger sign, take action immediately.

9. New riders need supervision

The best way to assess your child’s skills is to be along for the ride yourself, so you can stop and offer guidance exactly when it’s needed. Besides, it’s a lot more fun that way.