The 5 Best Mini Bikes
If you’ve been a passenger or driver of a motorbike before, you’ve most certainly experienced a rollercoaster of emotions. First, a weightless euphoria arises as you casually coast through traffic, and then a sense of terror gradually builds as your exposed being zips down an asphalt carpet on a steel death machine. Chances are that the latter experience is reserved only for your first or second rodeo as you get acclimated with the shifting and weight distribution. The feeling of freedom, though, is something a biker feels every time she or he embarks upon the open road. To ameliorate this initial and sometimes dangerous first run on a full-sized chopper, we’ve assembled a list of the top 5 mini bikes for kids, teens, and tiny adults. We've considered factors like cost value, quality, and safety while making our decisions.
Massimo MB200 Supersized 196CC Mini Bike
Supersize Me
The Supersized 196CC Minibike may come in at a supersized prize, but with extremely good reason. The Massimo features a thoroughly sealed chain guard, an exhaust heat shield, and an engine kill-switch to account for all of the unexpected mishaps on the road. While the MB200 is not street legal, it certainly has the feel of a street bike with its front headlight, dual front suspension and a whopping 150lbs of mean steel making it useable in just about all terrain and weather conditions mother nature throws at you. In addition to all of these bells and whistles, we were quite impressed with the width and comfort the oversized Massimo tires provide, allowing for unmatched traction and ease of control for both the experienced adult on a nostalgic joyride, to the pre-teen looking to take a passion to the next level. If you can stomach the price, the MB200 will provide a premium ride for a cross-section of ages and skill levels.
Pros:
- 1-gallon gas tank
- 200 lb weight capacity
- Generous parts-only warranty for your peace of mind
Cons:
- Extremely heavy
- Fender bolts may cause tire damage if installed improperly
Razor MX650 Rocket
Cruise down to Electric Avenue
Razor products have always been a bellwether of the outdoor equipment and vehicle industries, so it’s no surprise that their MX650 Rocket is a serious contender in the mini bike world. Applicable to dirt and paved roads alike, this 650-watt motor is no slouch and can reach speeds up to 17mph. In addition to the frame being a near-authentic replica of full-sized BMX bikes, the dual front suspension and steel frame will ensure a safe and comfortable ride on variable terrain.
One of the most significant advantages of this bike is the versatility of having a rechargeable battery rather than a conventional internal combustion engine. Razor’s 40-minute charge is rightfully lauded as a more cost-effective and environmentally conscious take for motorsports. (Rest assured, if your little speed demon needs more time on the dusty trail, spare batteries are for sale just as readily as the assembled bike itself).
Pros:
- Whisper-quiet electric engine
- No toxic gas fumes
- Impressive 220lb weight capacity
Cons:
- Somewhat short ride time & long charge time
- Battery can short if exposed to water
SYX MOTO Kids Mini Dirt Bike
Indulge Your Inner Travis Pastrana
The SYX MOTO mini bike is a solid competitor to our aforementioned electric counterpart, but with a little more power for a little less moolah. Its 50CC 2-stroke engine can get up to a blistering 30mph for the true speed freaks with a weight limit of 160lbs, but that’s not to say this company doesn’t understand that we would like our mini bikes (and children) in one piece after launch. SYX smartly included both a safety kill-switch (which shutters the engine if the rider falls off) as well as a regulator which can cut the max speed in half. With a half-gallon fuel tank, the SYX MOTO is easily prepared for all-day affairs on woodland bike paths and will never cease to excite.
Pros:
- Front and dual suspension for maximum comfort
- Pull start for ease of use
- Extremely easy assembly out of the box
Cons:
- Replacement parts may be difficult to come by
- Motorized engines more prone to breakdown than electric
XtremepowerUS 40cc Mini Pocket Motorcycle
Why Not Rocket on the Mini Pocket?
XtremepowerUS is an amazing product for its price, coming in at the second least expensive and #1 in fuel efficiency. The Mini Pocket boasts 20 miles on a 1.2-liter fuel tank (about a third of a gallon for our readers of the imperial system) and a 4-stroke engine, giving it accolades from the Environmental Protection Agency for its limited impact on the environment. For a mini bike coming it at only 50 pounds, it’s no surprise that this product will be flying around longer than its competitors on less fuel. The only drawback (or positive if you’re a parent with high blood pressure) is that the Mini Pocket tops out around 18mph. If you’re looking to give pre-teens their first exposure to motorized bikes on level ground, we couldn’t recommend a better starter kit.
Pros:
- 160 lb weight capacity
- High-quality customer service
- Front & rear disc brakes for superior control
Cons:
- Not street legal in the USA
- Needs high octane fuel to function properly
Coleman Powersports Mini Trail Bike
Set Up Camp & Blaze the Trail
Coleman wants you to know that the traditional frame and look doesn’t necessarily ensure a high-quality product. The CT100U’s uncomplicated design makes all components extremely accessible for regular maintenance while its rugged steel frame will stand up to a maximum amount of abuse.
A keen observer may have some reservations after one look at some critically missing parts: zero front or rear suspension. Fret not! The wide, low-pressure tires combine with a powerful 3-horsepower engine to provide an equally smooth ride in a less traditional way. Meanwhile, its 5.5-inch ground clearance helps you avoid most obstacles in your path.
Pros:
- Estimated 3 hours of run time
- Can alter max speed to ~40mph with torque converter
- Turn limiters prevent oversteering
Cons:
- Much heavier than alternatives
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I ensure my mini bike is street legal?
In general, mini bikes are not designed with major roadways in mind, and as such, the vast majority of mini bikes (and all of our aforementioned suggestions) are not, in fact, street legal. While there are limitations for highways that mini bikes will never be able to overcome, all US states require, at minimum, headlights, brake lights and horns, with some states requiring additional safety features such as turn signals, mirrors, and a speedometer. Please check with your local state motor vehicle agency before taking your pocket rocket out into the world of 2 axles, and remember to always wear a helmet.
What fuel is needed for gas-operated mini bikes?
Although the specific fuel-grade may vary across motorbikes, in general, the higher the octane the better. While we would most certainly not recommend blindly pouring in +91 grade octane gasoline, a fair amount of mini bikes require this mixed with a ratio of 2- or 4-stroke oil, depending on your specific engine. As always, please read the manual beforehand, as using an improper fuel can cause irreversible damage to your fuel lines and motor.
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.