Source: MotorcyclistOnline.com
As motorcyclists, we want children to experience the excitement of riding. Kids may not realize it, but parents, there’s a booming market of internal combustion engine motorcycles and electric bikes that’ll help get your child outside and riding.Electric motorcycles are unique because there’s no intimidating noise, heat, or sounds coming from an engine, but kids still have a throttle to twist and a balancing act to perform. There are a couple of different forms of electric bikes: balance/stability cycle options, or dirt or flat track-style bikes. Either way, kids will have fun riding around the property, campsite, or cul-de-sac in electric fashion.Related: Best Motorcycles for Kids 2023Hi Boy BK1Buying a bike on a budget? Hi Boy sells its BK1 on Amazon for a bargain. A majority of the reviews are positive too. (Amazon/)Parents looking for a low-priced electric bike can shop on Amazon for the Hi Boy BK1. This little bike is suitable for kids ages 3 to 5 and accommodates a range of inseams with its adjustable seat height (13.4–16.5 inches). From a moving start, tykes can twist the throttle and reach a top speed of 9 mph in the higher of the two speed selections. A hand lever controls a front V-brake and rear e-brake, so kids can bring the bike with its 24-volt, 100-watt rear hub motor to a smooth stop. The BK1′s 21.6-volt, 2-amp battery will help keep the young ones entertained for about 30–50 minutes of ride time (claimed 6.2 mile range).A couple of comments on Amazon say the bike is a little heavy (claimed 17.6 pounds) for their child, but overall reviews are positive. Users say kids love the bikes and give Hi Boy props for its great customer service.The current price is marked down to $239.99 (black)/$245.99 (white) on Amazon.Greenger Honda CRF-E2The Greenger Honda CRF-E2 is an officially licensed Honda product. (Greenger/)The Honda CRF50F is a great gas-powered motorcycle for kids, but those looking for an electric-powered equivalent can look to the new Greenger Honda CRF-E2. Since it’s electric and powered by an air-cooled 48-volt brushless direct current (BLDC) motor, this machine removes some of the distractions that can come from an ICE motorcycle. Twisting the throttle in Stage 1 or Stage 2 power modes gets this e-mini-moto going up to around 10 mph or 20 mph, respectively. Its swappable lithium-ion battery takes four hours to fully charge or 2.5 hours with a quick charge and can provide up to two hours of fun. The seat height is two-position adjustable, with the lowest setting being at 24.8 inches and the higher setting at 25.5 inches.Besides the commonality with the CRF name, the CRF-E2 differs significantly from the CRF50F. The E2 uses an aluminum frame (the CRF50F uses a steel frame), 190mm disc brakes with hydraulic calipers (versus drums), 12-inch Kenda tires (versus 10-inch tires), longer-travel suspension (3.9/3.8 inches versus 3.8/2.8 inches, front/rear), and weighs less at 106 pounds (versus 111 pounds).The MSRP of the Greenger Honda CRF-E2 is $2,950.Indian eFTR Mini and eFTR JuniorFlat-track styling from the FTR750 trickles down to the e-offerings from Indian. (Indian Motorcycle/)Kids will look ready for the dirt oval aboard Indian Motorcycle’s eFTR Mini ($529.99) and eFTR Junior ($849.99). Two ride modes deliver power that’s appropriate for 8-plus year olds and 13-plus year olds. Low mode has a 10 mph top speed on both bikes and High mode has a 14 mph (Mini)/15 mph (Junior) top speed.With a steel frame that’s 20 percent smaller and 50 percent lighter than the Junior’s, the Mini is more suitable for younger riders who need a bike that’s easier to maneuver. Plus, its 18.4-inch seat height is also nearly 5 inches shorter than the Junior’s 23.2-inch seat height. The Junior’s use of disc brakes at both ends and a full suspension setup with a telescopic fork and monoshock mimic features seen on parent’s motorcycles. The Mini has a single rear brake and rigid frame. Race Replica Red is available on both, but the Mini also comes in Podium Pink.Kawasaki ElektrodeThe Elektrode has KX-inspired styling with its number plate, lime green paint, and motocross-inspired graphics. (Kawasaki/)The Elektrode is a new electric balance bike from Kawasaki. To keep the design sleek and simple with limited moving parts, Kawasaki incorporated the bike’s 250-watt brushless electric motor into the rear wheel hub and its lithium-ion battery within the frame. The motor has three selectable speed modes (low/mid/high) with a passcode parental lock so kids stick to the appropriate power levels. Low caps at 5 mph, mid at 7.5 mph, and high at 13 mph. The modes are selected on a handlebar-mounted LCD screen. Kids have a claimed 2.5 hours of run time to play with, and after 10 minutes of inactivity, the Elektrode powers down to conserve energy. Allow for 2.5 hours to fully recharge the battery.The target audience is 3- to 8-year-olds, so to cater to the growing-like-weeds stage the seat, handlebar, and brake lever are easily adjusted. Footpegs can fold up for a balance bike layout or can be positioned to allow riders to prop feet up and take advantage of the throttle. It has a sticker price of $1,099.Related: Kawasaki Elektrode Balance Bike First Look PreviewKTM SX-E 3 and SX-E 5KTM is expanding its electric fleet with the new SX-E3. (KTM/)The KTM SX-E 5 led the youth-focused charge before the Austrian brand expanded with the SX-E 3 late last year. Both bikes feature the same chromoly frame, 35mm WP Xact fork and WP shock, and permanent magnetic electric motor. The SX-E 3 focuses on the pint-size demographic with two smaller 10-inch aluminum wheels and 23.6-inch seat height compared to the 12/10-inch tire sizes and 26.2-inch seat height of the SX-E 5.A couple of safety features that would interest guardians include a rollover sensor that cuts off power in case of a fall and a wrist lanyard that also cuts power if the rider is separated from the bike. Mischievous little ones won’t be able to select ride modes out of their comfort zone either because the six modes can be locked and saved with an underseat dongle.The SX-E 3 retails for $4,999 and the SX-E 5 for $5,499.Oset 12.5R and 16.0RMini trials bikes like the 12.5R (depicted) and 16.0R prepare kids for the big leagues like Oset’s own 20.0R and 24.0R. (Oset/)Oset’s 12.5R ($1,899) and 16.0R ($2,399) are great trials bikes for young obstacle conquerors. The 12.5R is intended for riders ages 3 to 5 with its 12.5-inch wheels and 24-volt, 600-watt DC motor. The speed and throttle response can be adjusted using Oset’s two-dial system. As kids continue to perfect their skills, they can move up to the 16.0R, which is suitable for the 5 to 7 age range. The 16.0R has 16-inch wheels and uses a 36-volt, 800-watt motor that is adjustable for power, speed, and throttle response. Both have one to two hours of run time from their AGM batteries.Outside of the characteristic low-sweeping chassis, the 12.5R has a telescopic fork and an oil-damped shock that’s preload adjustable. The 16.0R features an air/spring-adjustable telescopic fork and preload-adjustable shock. Both bikes include a safety lanyard and chin guard, but the 12.5R has a full-coverage chain guard and special footpegs for small boot sizes.Related: Triumph Motorcycles Aims for Kids Market 2022Oset MX-10 Off RoadAdjustability abounds. On the MX-10 Off Road you can fine-tune everything from seat height and ground clearance to suspension adjustments and brake lever distance. (Oset/)Another electric motorcycle that taps into the motocross market is the Oset MX-10 Off Road. This is designed for riders ages 4 through 7, but has a tunable 48-volt drive system that, like the 16.0R can be adjusted for power, speed, and throttle response. A 48-volt lithium-ion battery supplies two to three hours’ worth of power to the 48-volt, 1,400-watt DC motor.Where the seat height, handlebar height, and ground clearance of the 12.5R and 16.0R remains fixed, the MX-10 is adjustable in each area for ergonomic customization or preferences. Seat height can range between 20.3 and 21.7 inches, handlebar height between 31.7 and 32.1 inches, and ground clearance between 6.7 and 7.9 inches.The MX-10 Off Road rings in at $3,199.Stacyc 12eDrive and 16eDriveBoth the 12eDrive and 16eDrive are lightweight at a claimed 17 and 19 pounds with the battery attached. (Stacyc/)Of the five Stacyc balance bikes available, kids with little to no experience riding on two wheels would be the most comfortable on the Stacyc 12eDrive because it is built to support riders with short 14- to 20-inch inseams and weighs less than 75 pounds. That means 3- to 5-year-old riders fit the bill. For kids ages 5 to 7 with longer 18- to 24-inch inseams they’ll move up to the 16eDrive.The 12eDrive has three ride modes (low, medium, and high) that hit speeds of 5 mph, 7 mph, and 9 mph. Its 20-volt, 2 amp-hour battery takes an estimated 30 to 60 minutes to charge and offers the same amount of run time. The 16eDrive also has a lowest speed setting of 5 mph, but is incrementally faster with a 7.5 mph medium ride mode and 13 mph high ride mode. It has a 20-volt, 4 amp-hour battery that lasts and charges the same amount as the 12eDrive. Both models have an aluminum frame, but the 12eDrive has 12.5-inch tires and the 16eDrive has 16-inch hoops.The Stacyc 12eDrive costs $799 and the 16eDrive costs $1,049. Riders ages 8 and up who need more power and legroom will be shopping for options like the 18eDrive ($1,999) and 20eDrive ($2,599) models.Related: Best Electric Mini and Balance Bikes for Kids
