What Age Can You Ride a Street Legal Dirt Bike
There is no legal age limit, across the states on what age that one should be to start dirt biking. Kids as young as three years old can start their dirt biking journey if they are interested.
A lot of dirt bikers like to induct their children in to the sport from an early age. There are no legal restrictions on the riding age but it is important to have in place proper safety and training rules that the kids must observe.
They must also be chaperoned until they are at an age when they can comfortably ride out on their own. As you get your kids on those dirt bikes, here are a few pointers that could help with the process.
Bike Size vs. Kids’ Size and Age
You are not going to put your three-year-old on an adult size bike to start them off, that is for sure. There are smaller electric dirt bikes that are perfect for the little ones, three to five-year-olds.
As they grow a bit older, you may introduce the more gentle and bigger sized 50cc dirt bikes and choose to have training wheels or not. They should also not be too fast because kids at this age do not have enough physical strength to control an extremely fast bike. 10mph is a moderate pace for this age.
There are numerous bike sizes to choose from for your kids. Ensure you go to the dealers and have them try out the bikes before settling on something comfortable enough for them.
The size of the bike matters, but most importantly, power is what matters most. Start them on the 50 ccs and as they grow bigger, ease them into more powerful bikes of up to 250cc.
As they grow into their training and are getting more comfortable with riding, they will crave more thrill-seeking speeds and may be tempted to get onto way more powerful bikes.
Between the age of seven and around eleven, they may get to the 100 ccs and progress into the 250cc by the time they are fourteen. If as a parent you are not a pro dirt biker, ensure your children are in the care of a well-trained and professional rider.
Specific Age Influence and Preferences
Between three and six years old, they do not know what they prefer. It is up to the parent and guardian to get what is right for the children and ensure proper guidance and care is given to the kids when they are training.
Between seven and nine years old, they already know that bikes are a thrill they want in their lives. They are well settled and mature in bike riding and are ready to start exploring with more powerful bikes.
Again, guidance will be given so that they do not get on bikes that are too powerful for them to control. Good thing is that at this age, they are confident in their biking skills and do not have to be watched constantly.
Between ten and eleven years old is the age that most bikers decide to go pro biking. It is at this age that they can comfortably get on more powerful machines and are not afraid of trying out new techniques.
They find stability and even best, expertise if they have been biking since they were young. Do not be afraid to let them experiment with faster speeds, bigger more powerful bikes and even on new and rougher terrain.
Bikes above 70cc are suitable for this age group if they are not new to dirt bikes.
Between twelve and nineteen years old, is the expert dirt biker age. If your child has been riding since they were younger, then they are in perfect riding shape.
Let them on the powerful bikes and let them participate in competitions at this age. Depending on the state you live in, you could acquire a permit or license for them to ride on-road too.
Professional Training
Whatever age your kids decide to start riding at, you must ensure they get proper training. If you are a rider yourself, then you must ensure you take them through comprehensive training.
Take them through the basics, to begin with, and ensure they grasp well everything they are supposed to learn. You will have to come up with a training schedule that you will all adhere to. Teach them one fundamental tip on every trip and go over it thoroughly so that they do not forget.
For the toddlers and up to four-year-old little bikers, you may choose to start with training wheels on the bikes. It may not be necessary but it is a precautionary measure if you are not comfortable having the kids on two wheels at that early age.
However, you could just start them off on two wheels and build young confident riders from the beginning.
Do not begin by training them on rough and rocky terrain. Find a nice flat and straight dirt road to begin training on. If you start on bad terrain, it may frustrate and discourage the young riders.
Break them in gradually as you continue training. Emphasize on dirt biking is laid on the hand-eye coordination. The kids must learn and learn exceptionally well how to keep their eyes on the road and when to use their hands to avoid oncoming obstacles.
Safety Gear
This has to be emphasized to the kids over and over again. They cannot be out on their dirt bikes without being in their protective riding gear.
Helmets
Helmets must be kept on at all times when the kids are on their bikes. Ensure you get well-fitting motorcycle helmets and do not allow them to use bicycle helmets instead. Dirt biking is a dangerous sport and a lot of falls will occur, the helmet must be fitted to protect the full face and the head from all sides.
Riding Boots
Riding Boots and Knee Guards will protect them against leg injuries when they fall. Ensure that the boots are made from leather equally tough material. Falls on rough roads and asphalt roads could cause serious grazes and injuries if the legs are not well protected.
Body Armour
Full Body Riding Armour is vital. Leather jacket and pants are the best for gearing up. Not only does this protect the kids against body injuries but also dirt, dust, and extreme weather conditions. Ensure you get a well-fitted suit for your kids that allows them easy movement and flexibility.
Bike Gloves
Gloves are a must-have. They must be well padded, preferably leather and well-fitting. In the case of a fall, the first reflex is in drawing their hands to break the falls. They will also aid in the grip on the handlebars so they must facilitate a firm grip. That is why leather is a preferred material for riding gloves.
Elbow Guards
Elbow Guards. You do not want grazes, or worse, elbow fractures.
Dirt Bike Prices
You may not want to spend thousands of dollars on id’s dirt bikes because they do not stay on them too long anyway. The good thing is that dirt bikes for beginners and the younger kids are very reasonably priced.
However, in the search for a reasonably priced bike, you may be tempted to compromise on quality. Do not get substandard or poor quality dirt bikes that will endanger your kid’s life.
While shopping, besides the price, you must put into consideration a few other factors. The size of the bike you would like to buy must be accommodative of the child’s height, size and weight. This will ensure the child’s comfort when riding so you cannot compromise on anything at this point.
Do not buy a bike that is too powerful or less powerful than is suitable for your child because then there will be no satisfaction in their riding experience. Buy a bike that supports your child’s hand strength and body posture.
Comfort and stability must be considered as you look at the prices. The good news is that there are great bikes at great prices so all you have to do is proper research before settling on a bike.
Be the support the kids need at every stage and age
Starting the dirt bike riding journey with your kids is an exciting affair for both parties. You must ensure you are on the same page with your child before you begin. You must have a candid discussion before starting.
Lay down the perils and risks involved in dirt biking so that they know well the need to take proper precautions.
Explain to them what limits you have allowed them to reach and give clear consequences of what will happen if they do not comply. Be ready to effect punishments if they do not stay within the agreed limits.
If you are the one going to train them yourself, you have to prepare to stay very calm and do not get frustrated if they do not grasp their lessons as fast as you expect them to.
Be a source of encouragement for them at every stage and make their learning experience a great one. If they have a trainer, talk to them and lay down your expectations before they begin.
Remember, motivation for young bikers is what will prepare them to be great adult bikers in the future. Be their ultimate source of motivation.
