Mini Pocket Bikes

[indyCoder]

Anyone bought one of these (or something like it)? I'm looking for something really cool for my kids 9th birthday?

http://www.minipocketbikes.com/gifts_viewcart.html

[midwestrc]

NO, but if you do buy a 2 stroke... be sure you know what your getting into...... sometimes not easy on the maintenance!

[lexball50]

A lot of people in my neiborhood have those bikes, they are cool as hell, but I think that they may be a little too fast for a nine year old. Thats just me. Get him a X-Box or PS2

[magnesium300c]

Check with your local authorities to see where it's legal to ride these bikes and similar non-licensed vehicles. They're not legal on the streets and probably not on sidewalks in some areas.

There was a local TV piece a couple days ago and everyone interviewed agreed they wished they had asked more questions before purchasing. Some dealers will give you deceptive and misleading answers (enforcement issue, etc). It may turn out the only place they're legal is in your driveway (not much fun).

[mileshoover]

Originally Posted by magnesium300c

Check with your local authorities to see where it's legal to ride these bikes and similar non-licensed vehicles. They're not legal on the streets and probably not on sidewalks in some areas.

There was a local TV piece a couple days ago and everyone interviewed agreed they wished they had asked more questions before purchasing. Some dealers will give you deceptive and misleading answers (enforcement issue, etc). It may turn out the only place they're legal is in your driveway (not much fun).

I saw that program, too. These things were able to go around 60 mph. Do you really want your young child to rip around that fast? I had a neighbor once who lost a 9 year old boy on a tri-wheel thingie and a 60 year old cousin who just about lost his butt falling off the same kind of thingie while hunting. Don't see much difference between 2 and 3 wheels except for the greater exposure to danger.

IMO, this is one of those things that you want to look into very carefully before commiting yourself.

[midwestrc]

You have to live in an area that has some type of organized riding environment for them... several guys rent out a large parkign lot, and cone out a course to race on.... all proper gear must be worn, hay bales tossed out in sweepers, and you have at it. For a 9 year old, it might be more of a fun thing than a race toy.... they top out at 35 but can be geared for more top speed rather than acceleration.... but why?

Get th ekid a helmet, jacket, gloves, and boots, and let him have at it.

If he has never ridden before, you might want to start on a dirt / MX type bike. More places to ride, and it teaches better bike control than a street based cycle....

[rogue]

Those are overpriced by about $100. You should be able to find one locally wherever you are for around $250-300 if you do your homework. They have been imported from china by the millions. A buddy of mine purchased 100 for $215 a piece and sold them all on ebay.

We race them around, some do 20mph and some do 40mph. It seems some have a bit more HP than others. Keep in mind, I am 6' 4" 200lbs. These things are way too fast for a 9 year old to rip around the neighborhood on. Not to mention totally illegal and annoying to your neighbors.

We take ours down to a parking lot at the end of Torrance Airport here in CA. Good fun for adults, but even we have taken a few spills ending in some pretty severe roadrash.

I agree with starting your son on a dirt bike. 50cc should be plenty fun.

[JonW]

Originally Posted by rogue

.... Not to mention totally illegal and annoying to your neighbors.

I have to agree with Rogue on this. One of the kids in my neighborhood got one and he goes up and down the street for hours. It is very annoying. I like to have fun myself (why else would I buy a 300C ), but I will be happy when he gets bored with his new toy. If you don't have a good place to ride them, just be considerate of those around you.

[rogue]

I don't mind when the neighbor's kid rides by on his. It gives my bulldog something to chase!

They ARE weedwhackers keep in mind.

[smitty]

Don't bother if you are in California they have been classified as motor vehicles by the CHP and now must meet all street legal req's. Many local jurisdictions are confiscating them if ridden on a public road. If its a motor vehicle it must have the proper lighting and signals like the old 50cc's and a licence plate. Oh yeah and a MC liscence.