Dirt bike riding is a great family activity. Especially if you have a child interested in the sport, you want to know they’re already old enough to ride one.
So how old do you have to be to ride a dirt bike? The good thing is that there’s no minimum age for dirt bike driving. Children as young as three years old can start riding one.
If you want to know more details and tips for driving dirt bikes for kids, continue reading this article!
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Age for Each Type of Dirt Bike
Although there’s no specified dirt bike age limit, there are recommended dirt bikes for certain ages. For instance, dirt bikes for 15 year olds, which are usually of higher cc, such as Yamaha YZ125, are not appropriate for toddlers.
Check out the chart below for suggestions.
| Age | Engine Size | Dirt bike type | Gear | Training wheels |
| 3 – 4 years old | <50 cc | Electric | Centrifugal/
Automatic clutch |
Yes |
| 5-7 yeras old | 50cc | Electric | Centrifugal/
Automatic clutch |
Not necessary |
| 7 to 12 years old | 50cc to 100cc | Electric or petrol (gas) | Automatic clutch/Clutch & gear | No |
| 12 to 14 years old | 125cc | Electric or petrol (gas) | Clutch & gear | No |
| 14 to 16 years old | 125cc to 250cc | Electric or petrol (gas) | Clutch & gear | No |
Things to Consider Before Choosing a Dirt Bike for Your Kid
As a parent, choosing the right dirt bike for your kid is a must, especially if you want your kid to be safe and comfortable on their motorcycle.
Here are some things you need to consider before buying a kid’s dirt bike:
1. Seat Height
To allow your kid to easily reach the ground with their feet, you need to have the right seat height. Determining the right seat height is usually based on your child’s height, as seen below.
| Age | Height | Recommended Seat Height |
| 3-7 y/o | 2ft 7in – 3ft 7in (78.74-109.22 cm) | 17 – 21 inches (43.18-53.34 cm) |
| 7-12 y/o | 3ft 7in – 4ft 7in (109.22-139.7 cm) | 21 – 25 inches (53.34-63.5 cm) |
| 12-14 y/o | 5ft – 5ft 2 in (152.4-157.48 cm) | 31 – 35 inches (78.74-88.9 cm) |
| 14-16 y/o | 5ft 2 in – 5ft 8 in (157.48-172.72 cm) | 35 – 38 inches (88.9 cm-96.52 cm) |
2. Engine Size
If your child is a beginner, it’s best to choose a lightweight dirt bike with lesser power. For instance, if you have a 12-year-old or 13-year-old kid, the ideal engine size is between 65-125cc. A 110cc dirt bike is not recommended for small kids without experience.
3. Kids’ dirt bike brand
Here are some good models to consider when choosing a dirt bike for toddlers and older.
| Age | Recommended Model |
| 3-7 years old | Honda CRF50, KTM 50 SX, Yamaha PW50, Suzuki JR 50 |
| 7-11 years old | Honda CRF60, Yamaha YX65 |
| 11-16 years old | Yamaha TTR110E, Kawasaki KLX110, Yamaha YX125 |
4. Gas-Powered or Electric?
Electric dirt bikes can be easily used, as they’re lightweight and have lower speed, which is perfect for beginners and kids.
In contrast, gas dirt bikes are more powerful compared to electric dirt bikes. They also have speed restrictors, which is ideal for children even below 5 years old.
Make sure you choose wisely, as kids can easily outgrow their dirt bikes.
5. Transmission
As your child is still learning how to ride a dirt bike, having an automatic clutch is better to allow your kid to easily drive a dirt bike. As they grow older, you may transition to manual clutch to allow them to learn how to change gears.
Safety Tips for Using a Dirt Bike for Kids
Dirt bike riding is a dangerous sport even for adults. As such, it’s important to take safety precautions to keep kids riding motorbikes safe.
Here are some safety tips for your kid in order to avoid accidents.
1. Gears
To ensure your kid’s safety, a complete gear is recommended when riding. For instance, it’s important to wear a full-face DOT-approved helmet, goggles for eye protection, and gloves to provide comfort to your kid when maneuvering the bike.
In addition, it’s also advisable for your kid to wear dirt bike boots to protect their legs when getting on and off the bike. For extra protection, you may also invest in chest protector to protect your child’s chest and ribs in case a crash happens.
2. Clothing
Aside from complete gear, wearing the right clothing will add protection to small girls and little boys riding dirt bikes.
Long sleeves and long pants are the best choices since they offer sun protection and are comfortable to wear when riding. These types of clothing will also protect your child from dust and stones when driving their dirt bike.
3. Training/Practice
Before allowing your kid to ride a dirt bike, it’s essential for them to have some form of practice or training.
If your kid is around 3-4 years old, you may allow them to use training wheels. Make sure they also know the correct riding position and fundamentals before you allow them to drive in the tracks to avoid injuries or any discomfort.
4. Supervision
Adult supervision is necessary when a kid is driving a dirt bike for their safety. This way, you can ensure that your kid is doing the right thing and can assess their progress.
5. Right dirt bike
As seen in the previous section, your kid’s dirt bike must be according to their ability, height, and age. By having the right dirt bike, you can ensure that your child is safe and comfortable on their dirt bike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I ride my dirt bike legally?
In general, it’s legal for you to drive your dirt bike on your private property, motocross tracks, and on the road (as long as your dirt bike has the right requirements, such as a plate and registration for road use).
Do you need a license to drive a dirt bike?
It depends on the area you’re in. However, in general, if you’re driving your dirt bike in your backyard, local trail, or motocross tracks, you most likely won’t need a licence.
For the exact details, you may check your local DMV’s website.
Do you need a license to ride a dirt bike off-road?
Driving a dirt bike off-road doesn’t require a license. However, as different states have different laws, some places may have imposed age requirements and may require adult supervision for your kid to be able to ride a dirt bike off-road.
What are the basic laws for driving a dirt bike in some US states?
Depending on where you live, your state has different laws for driving a dirt bike. For instance, it’s illegal to register your dirt bike and use it on public roads in NY.
In contrast, in California, you’re allowed to register your dirt bike. However, off-road dirt bikes can only be driven on a private property or state tracks if they’re not eligible for a green sticker. Also, if the rider is under 18, they must be supervised by a certified and licensed adult.
In addition, in Texas, it’s required to have a Texas OHV decal to be able to ride your dirt bike in OHV-approved areas or on a private property.
In addition, in Pennsylvania, if you want to register your dirt bike, proper dirt bike registration and insurance are required. However, it is strictly illegal to drive your dirt bike in any streer or highway not for dirt bike riding in PA.
Lastly, there are requirements to make your dirt bike street legal. For example, in Florida and in Ohio, certain modifications for your dirt bike are needed to ensure it’s street legal.
Can a 14 year old drive a dirt bike on the road?
The answer is no. You need to be of a certain age to drive a dirt bike legally on the road.
To ride a dirt bike on the road, you must be at least 16 years old. In some states, you must be at least 18 years old to be able to drive a dirt bike on the road or highways, so it’s best to check with your state laws.
What age is a 50cc dirt bike for?
Generally, a 50cc dirt bike is recommended for children age 4-6 years old with little dirt bike experience.
What age is a 70cc dirt bike for?
Depending on the experience and height of your child, a 70cc dirt bike is best for experienced kids aged 7 years old or older due to its higher power.
Conclusion
Now that we’ve answered this question, “How old do you have to be to ride a dirt bike?”, it’s important to consider your kid’s age, height, and experience level when choosing a dirt bike for their safety and comfort.
Although there’s no minimum age limit for dirt bike driving, it’s essential for your child to take precautionary measures, such as wearing complete gear and the right clothing and having proper training and supervision, to avoid accidents and allow them to enjoy driving a dirt bike without any worry!
