Regardless of their age, it seems as though both boys and girls are intrigued at the idea and freedom that comes from riding dirt bikes. Parents, however, might be reluctant to allow their little one get on such a powerful and fast machine.
However, those fears often fall by the wayside once their child is properly educated as to how to ride and be safe on their dirt bikes. Prior to letting your child hop on a bike, as parents, you might also want to understand the appeal and why so many thrill-seeking kids are asking to try it out.
Before Anything
While all dirt bikes on our list here are less powered scale-down models, and some parents introduce their kids to these bikes at an early age, we recommend that you only teach your kids how to ride a dirt bike after they’re 5 years old when they are old enough to handle and control it.
In the Post
- Things You May Want to Know Prior to Buy
- Top 5 Best Dirt Bikes for Kids
- 1. Razor MX350 Dirt Rocket (Best Electric Dirt Bike for Beginner Riders)
- 2. Razor SX500 Dirt Rocket (Faster Electric Dirt Bike for Kids)
- 3. X-PRO Zephyr 40cc Gas Dirt Bike (Best for Early Experience)
- 4. XtremepowerUS 49cc Gas Dirt Bike (A Good Transitional Choice)
- 5. SYX MOTO 50cc Holeshot Mini Dirt Bike (Best Entry-level Gas Powered Dirt Bike)
- Safety Standards and Tips
- Tips for Maintenance of Gas Powered Dirt Bikes
- Why Kids Love to Ride
- Final Thoughts
Short of time? This is a super brief final verdicts of the selected 5 best dirt bikes for kids:
- Razor MX350 Dirt Rocket (Best Electric Dirt Bike for Beginner Riders)
- Razor SX500 Dirt Rocket (Faster Electric Dirt Bike for Kids)
- X-Pro Zephyr 40cc Gas Dirt Bike (Best for Early Experience of Gas Power)
- XtremepowerUS 49cc Gas Dirt Bike (A Good Transitional Choice)
- SYX MOTO 50cc Holeshot Mini Dirt Bike (Best Entry-level Gas Powered Dirt Bike)
Things You May Want to Know Prior to Buy
If you have known these factors elsewhere, please take this ‘elevator’ to our ratings section.
Finding the perfect bike for your child is a balancing act that involves knowing the specs of the bike, understanding what your child’s skill level is, how often one intends to ride, where one rides, and one’s physical characteristics. Therefore, choosing the one that is suitable for your biking needs depends on a number of factors.
What Actually Constitutes a Dirt Bike
Dirt bikes are basically like motorcycles, only that they have been solidly designed for riding across uneven terrain and rough tracks. Their suspensions and rugged tires are manufactured for the kind of hammering and battering that these motors are expected to endure.
Their tires are made more robust than street motorcycles in order to get the maximum grip on the road surface. Whether mud, tarmac, or sand. These bikes are usually light in weight and can clear off the ground to considerable heights.
Your Child’s Level of Experience
Your child’s experience in riding will determine what kind to buy. If you have a newbie rider who is less than 5 feet tall, has very little knowledge, and is younger than 10 years old, beginning with one with low power is best.
Power is measured in cubic centimeters (cc), so the lower the cc, the better. All dirt bikes we recommended here are mini models designed for kids. They are either battery powered (for begginers) or gas powered but lower than 50cc.
The apparent advantage of less powered bikes is the lighter weight. Bikes with more power are way heavier for kids to handle.
If you can’t stop worrying about your child starting with a dirt bike, I think a toy ATV, or ride-on, is a good choice. We have selected some wanderful models for your consideration:
Also read: Selected Ride on Toy Cars for Kids aged 2 – 7+
Bike Size
In order for your child to ride safely, it is vital that you pick a dirt bike that is the right size for their physique and experience level. One’s age primarily determines this.
Because battery powered dirt bikes generally speeds no more than 15mph, many children start riding dirt bikes at young age, say 4 years old, under adults’ supervision.
Nevertheless, we think it’s better to wait until they are tall and strong enough, say 6 years old and 4 feet tall. This is because most scale-down dirt bikes for kids weigh more than 25 lbs, and the seat height is about 22 inches above the ground.
You can make sure by seeing if the rider is able to keep their feet flat on the ground while seated on a bike or something else of similar size.
The Way You Start the Bike
If you opt to buy an electric dirt bike, you can find a power switch on its battery case. The rider should turn it on first and twist the throttle to go.
In case you want a gas-powered dirt bike, you should find the pull-handle that connects the engine with a string, and then pull it up with some effort to start the engine. Generally, you will find the pull handle on the right side of bike.
Some gas-powered models also have a choke near the pull start. It may be a metal screw or a white plastic lever. When you start the bike outside in cold wheather, you should push it down, or turn it to a certain angle, and put it back after the bike booms.
Follow the instructions of user manual and you’ll be good.
Price
There are a multitude of dirt bike manufacturers out there, so it is essential that you do your homework in finding out who offers the best value for money.
The price of a dirt bike depends on its displacement and quality of frame and suspension. Ordinary models will cost more than $2,000, or even hitting the line of $10,000. However, price tags of decent mini dirt bikes for kids generally stand somewhere between $200 and $800.
Just take some time and look around for the different deals that both brick and mortar, and online shops offer.
Top 5 Best Dirt Bikes for Kids
Now, before diving deeper, let’s look at this table below. It lists the key specs of mini dirt bikes.
For your convenience, we arranged the models from the slowest to the fastest by their max speed. We also explained three of the specs that might raise questions below the table. We strongly recommend that you read it to learn more.
| Click to see our ratings | Razor MX350 Dirt Rocket | Razor SX500 Dirt Rocket | X-PRO Gas Dirt Bike | Xtreme powerUS 49cc Gas Dirt Bike | SYX MOTO 50cc Holeshot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bike weight | 70 lbs | 98 lbs | 47 lbs | 50 lbs | 49 lbs |
| Seat height | 20 in | 24 in | 24 in | 20 in | 23 in |
| Mfg Rec. age ① | 13+ | 14+ | 6+ | 13+ | 6+ |
| Rider's max weight | 150 lbs | 175 lbs | 100 lbs | 128 lbs | 160 lbs |
| Trainer wheels | No | No | No | No | No |
| Suspension | No | Dual suspension | Dual suspension | Dual suspension | Dual suspension |
| Power | Battery | Battery | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| Battery life ② | 40-60 min | 40-60 min | — | — | — |
| Tank size | — | — | 0.37gal/1.7L | 0.32gal/1.2L | 0.37gal/1.7L |
| Engine size | — | — | 40cc | 49cc | 50cc |
| Stroke ③ | — | — | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| Max Speed | 14 mph | 15 mph | 22 mph | 20 mph | 30 mph |
| Hand brake | 1 x rear | 1 x front, 1 x rear | 1 x front, 1 x rear | 1 x front, 1 x rear | 1 x front, 1 x rear |
Specifications Explained
1. Razor MX350 Dirt Rocket (Best Electric Dirt Bike for Beginner Riders)
Razor MX350 is a beginner’s tool to learn how to ride a dirt bike while still being safe and having fun. Essentially it is a scaled-down version that is ideal for riders up to 150 lbs.
Why We Love It
Razor is best known for producing quality electric dirt bikes for kids. Several features make The Razor MX350 such a unique and high-quality product.
- Quietness
Razor MX350 is an electric dirt bike powered by two 12V rechargable batteries (24V in total). It has a chain-driven motor that is quiet but still has a lot of power.
And by saying “quiet”, I mean it only sounds a bit louder than a regular bike when we tested it in a baseball field.
- Easier control
Because it is designed for younger riders, the Razor MX350 also has a twist grip throttle that is quite easy for riders of all ages to turn.
- Not that fast
Razor MX350 is able to go up to 14 miles per hour, a speed that might not seem overly fast, but is swift enough for young riders, giving them the freedom and thrill that they are seeking while still being quite safe.
It’s true that you can find slower “dirt bikes” powered by a 6V battery system. But these are more like ride-on toys for toddlers, as they speed from 2 – 5 mph. I mean, come on, let’s get a bit faster to be a serious dirt bike rider here.
- Nice tires
This dirt bike is designed with large 12-inch tires, that make it safe and easy to go off-roading. The knobby and pneumatic tires allow for excellent traction, and absorb some shock to increase the comfort of the rider.
The broad and thick tires also makes it easy for kdis to deal with uneven surfaces such as grass, dirt trails, mud, pavement, and gravel.
- Adjustable handlebar
To make it even better for young, entry-level riders, Razor MX350 has adjustable handlebar.
They can be lowered or raised to fit the rider comfortably and have soft, non-slip rubber grips, so hands stay right in place.
Things that may trigger second thoughts
- Razor MX350 has only one rear handbrake; but this is not necessarily a “con”;
- The speed is not variable because the bike has no throttle modulation;
- The tires could be more knobblier like SX500
- Better to have a suspension system. But the inflated tires help absorbed most shocks.
MX350 is delivered to your place in a box, 85% assembled. You need to install the front fender, the adjustable handlebar, and the number plate. Just follow this video here if you have no clue as to how to do it.
2. Razor SX500 Dirt Rocket (Faster Electric Dirt Bike for Kids)
Motocross superstar Jeremy McGrath inspires the Razor Dirt Rocket SX500 McGrath Electric Motocross Bike.
This 98-lb Razor Dirt Rocket SX500 is considered to be among the hottest dirt bike on the market. It comes with a high-quality frame and an authentic McGrath autograph.
Your junior motorists can expect a scaled-down electric motocross bike with a powerful high torque electric motor.
Why We Love It
The Razor SX500 is basically a stronger upgrade from the entry-level MX350. Aside from having features of MX350, such as adjustable handlebar and fancy fairing, many specs of SX500 are somewhat enhanced.
- Closed system
SX500 has a high-torque, variable speed motor powered by three 12V rechargable lead batteries (36V combined).
To protect young riders, the drive system is closed, meaning that parents do not have to worry about their kids burning themselves.
There is also a low likelihood that debris will end up getting stuck in the motor.
- Dual suspension
Well this is definitely cool. When testing Razor MX350, we found that it either does not have a suspension system or the suspension is too tight to work properly (we didn’t break the front fork to check).
Razor SX500, on the contrary, comes with dual suspension, probably because it moves faster with larger battery pack and needs better shock absorption.
- Knobbier tires than MX350
Razor SX500 has larger and thicker knobs to get better ground grip at faster speed. This also means that SX500 tires are more wearable than MX350, and can deal with more challenging terrains.
- Dual hand-operated disk brakes
Engineers from Razor give dual disk brakes to SX500 because, I guess, they believed two brakes work better for a faster model in order to make it stop properly.
However, since most of us has experience of riding a regular, man-powered bike, I bet ya all have learned what would happen when riders suddenly squeezed the front brake bar at a high speed.
Yep – they might literally fly, which is dangerous! So, tell your kid, don’t squeeze it hard in a sudden, and try getting used to use the rear brake.
Things that may trigger second thoughts
- SX500 is about 30 lbs heavier than MX350;
- The 90-day warranty is not a good teaser to some customers;
- Some reports about battery not holding charge so well
3. X-PRO Zephyr 40cc Gas Dirt Bike (Best for Early Experience)
OK, we got this one because 40cc is the smallest displacement amongst all gas-powered mini dirt bikes we have ever known.
That’s why Zephyr 40cc is an ideal choice if you really are getting serious about introducing your kids into the realm of motocross.
Why We Love It
This lightweight dirt bike comes in a compact structure, but it carriers a 200 lbs adult in the test. Only that it moves a bit slower because of the hefty load.
- Small 40cc engine
The best part is certainly the single-cylinder 4-stroke engine. It’s small enough to keep the speed under 18 mph, but it is also powerful enough to carry you kids going over different terrains.
As mentioned above, a 4-stroke engine makes less noise and gives power gentler than a 2-stroke model. And, a good news to environmentalists, you barely notice the exhaust smoke.
Also, the engine burns regular gas and no need to mix it with oil. This really saves some chore.
- The red suspension spring
You may not notice the red rear suspension spring on the picture above. But when you see the bike in person, it really stands out!
Not only a highlight of the design, the suspension spring works so great. You probably remember the feel when hopping on a spring mattress? That’s what you’ll get when you ride on the Zephyr 40cc.
- Lightweight metal body
X-PRO bikes must be designed by some practical minimalist engeers. It looks like the whole bike is made by well fixing the seat, tank, engine, wheels and other components to the metal frame.
The bike weighs around 50 lbs. But no worries. The metal frame is thick and sturdy. Like I mentioned above, it carries adults with no problem.
Things that may trigger second thoughts
- Younger kids may need some help with the pull start;
- Parents may take some time to assemble it;
- You may need to adjust the chain
4. XtremepowerUS 49cc Gas Dirt Bike (A Good Transitional Choice)
The bike is designed to be quick and stable without sacrificing any control or safety. It features large tires that offer a good and stable grip, as well as a superior suspension, so the rider can smoothly go through dips and hills both on and off the road.
Why We Love It
- The engine
Some may wonder what’s the big difference between a 49cc and a 50cc engine. Well, I can tell you that 1cc is enough to reduce the max speed by as much as 10 mph.
While this 49cc engine drives the bike up to 20 mph, a 50cc engine can make it to 30 mph. So, you can get this one if you need to hold some speed for the sake of kids safety.
A downside is that, it’s a 2-stroke engine, meaning that it works louder and feels “pushy” when the rider accelerates.
Mix it Up
The engine burns mixed fuel. You need to use a mixing bottle comes with the bike to blend gas and 2 cycle engine oil at a mixing ratio of 25:1, or as instructed on the user manual.
- The dual suspension
XtremepowerUS 49cc is constructed with superior front hydraulic and back spring suspensions. These offer a smoother riding experience, which allows kids to go over hills and dips smoothly.
Things that may trigger second thoughts
- Again, a 2-stroke engine
- Although it’s lightweight, some report that the frame cracks sometimes
5. SYX MOTO 50cc Holeshot Mini Dirt Bike (Best Entry-level Gas Powered Dirt Bike)
Finally, here comes something that takes a step closer to professional motocross.
Why We Love It
Holeshot is a true entry-level dirt bike as it has a standard 50cc engine. It is the lightest dirt bike on our list. Let’s see what shines on it.
- Cost effectiveness
Yeah, that’s what we like the most. I mean, can you get a scale-down, real gas dirt bike anywhere else at a price no more than $300?
In addition to a couple of common features shared by most mini dirt bikes, such as sturdy metal frame, dual suspension, dual hand-operated disk brakes, and adjustable handlebar, users also get large 15 in, pneumatic knobby tires (biggest knob among rivals by the way), decent 50cc engine, as well as:
- Speed limiter
This part is amazing. If you don’t change anything and drive the bike by its default setting, you can reach the max speed, i.e. 30 mph, which is a bit dangerous for kids, fairly speaking.
With a little adjustment to the speed limiter on the right handle bar, parents can limit the max speed all the way down to 15 mph. What a nice design, isn’t it? Here is a video guide showing how to do this:
- First, take it off from the handlebar by losening the 3 screws;
- Second, move the goldish screw and thin square washer to any one of the other two holes;
- Screw it back on. There you go!
- Larger fuel tank
The tank holds 0.45gal or 1.7L of fuel to support a 40-min thrilling drive at its max speed of 30 mph.
Things that may trigger second thoughts
- Noisy 2-stroke engine
- Fast speed up to 30 mph
Safety Standards and Tips
Although not all manufacturers recommend it, we suggest that parents wait until their child is 6 years or older before getting them started on the above mini dirt bikes.
We believe this primarily for safety reasons. In order to ride a dirt bike safely, the rider has to be tall enough. While the riders height and weight are more important than their actual age, an average safe bet for both is the age of six.
We recognize that the bikes described above do not necessarily drive overly fast. However, they are fantastic options for young, novice riders. They do pick up enough speed to provide the rider with the feeling of freedom and a thrill.
Always bear in mind: put on safety gears and play at an open field with thin traffic. Since gas powered bikes have their driving system exposed, which gets hot after playing awhile, you should also consider leg protection against burning.
Tips for Maintenance of Gas Powered Dirt Bikes
- Grease the chain before first use;
- When starting the engine, try pull the string with even, steady force.
Tools You May Need for Assembly
All the above mini dirt bikes come with a tool bag, offering you with necessary tools such as Alen wrench and screwdriver. Besides those, you also need a tire pump to inflate the tires.
Why Kids Love to Ride
Final Thoughts
If you are considering purchasing a dirt bike for your child, there are a number of things that you really do have to think about.
The reality is that while dirt bikes don’t have to be as daunting as they might initially seem, they are not for everyone. Prior to purchasing, make sure that you think about:
- Where you live
- What your child is used to
- How they handle speed
- If they get discouraged easily
- How comfortable you are with them potentially getting hurt
For parents who are not a good handyman or DIYer, we suggest that you opt for battery-powered models because they need minimum assembly and maintenance.
Otherwise, we think gas-powered dirt bikes are a more serious choice to introduce your kids to this one of the world’s most challenging sports.
We sincerely hope that this guide can help you with your decision making and your journey. If you still have questions or concerns, just leave me a comment below and I will try to answer with my best knowledge.
Or, it is a good idea to reach out to those who work in this field. Because it is such a popular and extensive sport, odds are there will be someone in your area who can help you find the answers that you are looking for.
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