Some kids are just born with oil and dirt in their veins (and, let’s face it, that comes from a parent’s love of the ride!). A lot of vehicle activities and hobbies are reserved for adults, and it can leave the kids being nothing but enthusiastic bystanders until they’re old enough to get a licence. However, dirt biking is something that can start from as young as four years old and the earlier they get into the sport the more skilled they become over the years. So if your tike is showing interest in getting a bike, here’s everything you need to know about having them involved, and what you’ll need to set them up.
Find the right lesson path for them
If you’re a skilled rider yourself, you can start teaching them yourself. It’s just about finding the right paths: straight, not too busy, clear and free of any obvious hazards. Alternatively, and in our opinion more appealing, if you have access to or own a large clear lot of land, that is a great place to start. There’s plenty of space to help while they’re getting a feel for steering and speeds, and also fewer hazards to hurt them when they fall (trees can really sting if you fall against them).
If you aren’t as confident about teaching, there are some great clubs and lessons around. It depends on the area you live, but checking out these communities is not only an effective and safe way to get them started, but you can also gain a lot of information and tips from fellow parents along the way.
There are some places that will also hire out bikes to let them get a feel for what works, and if they actually like riding, before investing in a bike.
Facebook also has community groups to keep you updated on the best places to ride with kids.
Kids Dirt Bike Hub is an awesome place to find your local tracks (and some bike reviews too).
Get them geared up
Safety first! Getting the right knee, elbow and chest pads, as well as boots and helmet, are vital arsenal before they even sit on their first bike. While it can be a bit of an initial investment, it’s one you don’t want to cut corners on. Head into your local, trusted bike accessories place and get a proper feel for the gear - cushioning and hard protection vary in quality across brands. That’s not to say you need the most expensive set – in fact, we’d suggest you don’t opt for that –, but you also don’t want to get a helmet that will crack when they need it most, or pads that end up wearing away too quickly and need immediate replacement.
Ask for advice, and have your kid with you to try things on. This will also get them amped for riding!
Bike time…
So, the biggest reason your kid wants to get into this activity is to ride! You can’t do that without a bike. If your little nipper is on the younger side, or they have never ever ridden before, it’s probably best to check out Facebook marketplace, or any second hand dealers, for a used mini cycle. Just like when you buy any vehicle second hand, the fewer the kms, and a regular maintenance log, at a decent price is a good navigator of getting value for money. There’s no point in getting (pardon the pun) dirt cheap bikes if it’s going to be dangerously unserviced, or not last them long enough to actually learn on it.
