Introducing motor sports to kids can be fun and thrilling. Starting at a somewhat young age, kids are able to handle dirt bikes and other small vehicles. However, safety rules must all the time be followed. Dave Searsmanager from Alamo Cycle Plexexplains how and when parents can safely introduce their kids to motor sports and describes some great activities that kids and their parents can take part in when kids are able to ride on their own.
At What Age Should We Start?
A three year old can handle a small electrical dirt bike in the yard or other safe area. Gas powered 50cc dirt bike is safe for kids 4 years old when using training wheels. By age 5 or 6, kids should be capable to handle a gas-powered dirt bike without cogs and even do a few small jumps. In most states, to drive an ATV, a child must be capable to at least 6 years.
Get started with a Dirt Bike or ATV
Often, the early months of learning to ride a dirt bike are stuffed with minor crashes and spills. Some kids do not want to ride a bike again after falling several times, but many kids want to keep doing the activity until they get the hang of it. Practicing on a long, straight road rather than a lawn with lots of turns is possibly a better idea at first.
Safety first
Parents should bear in mind that falls from dirt bikes are more common early in the learning process; ATV riders are more prone to serious injury and hospitalization because the vehicle can flip over and fall on the rider. Victims of ATV crashes are 55 percent more likely to be admitted to the ICU than victims of dirt bike crashes.
While many kids will want to jump right on to their dirt bike or mini ATV and get started, it is very important to give them safety rules from the start. The most vital rule is to all the time wear a helmet. More 1,200 kids killed in ATV accidents over the past decade. This number could be reduced significantly if kids were required to wear helmets at all times.
Children should also wear other protective equipment when riding a dirt bike, as the risk of falls and scratches is much greater than when riding an ATV. Children should wear complete motorbike padding to protect them from injury if they fall off the bicycle. These dirt bike bearings are widely available throughout Canada in both stores and online.
Children and Motorsports
Children learn motor skills much more quickly than adults, and if they start cycling early, they’re more likely to build significant talent and skill. Parents may be surprised at first how fast and brave their kids are, but motor sports are a fun and exhilarating way to spend time with family and friends and get out of the house.
Kids who participate in motor sports have a somewhat safe way to burn energy and feel the rush of adrenaline. Many parents who rode dirt bikes or ATVs as kids are keen to share their experiences. Families who ride ATVs specifically are more likely to hunt, fish and camp together. ATVs are also used on farms for necessary jobs such as herding, so kids living on farms are more likely to learn to ride at a young age.
Early Motorsports Lessons
As previously mentioned, the best place to start riding an ATV or dirt bike is on a long, flat, straight dirt road. The surface must be firm and not sandy or muddy. Exercise wheels can be shared when the child is 4 years old.
It is best to start with a 50cc dirt bike from a dealer such as Alamo Cycle Plex as small kids can handle it easily. Choosing a bike that’s small enough for your child is important, even if you feel that your child will quickly outgrow it on a starter bike. It may be better to buy a smaller used bike than invest extra money in a bigger bike that your child will grow up on.
Each training session should focus on only one skill. On the first ride, focus on going straight and stopping. On the second trip, start working on turning around. Add skills progressively as your child’s coordination grows.
Encouraging Motorized Children
While motor sports are great fun, safety should all the time come first. Making sure your child has the proper protective gear and does not learn to ride a bike recklessly can help stop injury. Parents should know that kids who aren’t taught to drive properly are more likely to be injured or even hospitalized, but there are ways to reduce this risk.
When sports are handled safely, they’re quite a lot of fun. Dave Sears reminds parents that kids who take part in motor sports are likely to continue into adulthood. This can provide a fun family bonding activity, and can even lead to a youth racing career for your child. As your kids grow up, you can share your love of motor sports with them and enjoy the adrenaline rush of riding with them.
