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Quad Bike vs Dirt Bike: Which One is Better?

All motorcycles are fun – whether they are a quad bike or a dirt bike. But there can only be one winner, so let’s see which is better.

Which is better: Quads or Dirt bikes?

Dirt bikes are simply regarded in the industry as better than quad bikes and much more popular too. You can go faster on a dirt bike than on an ATV quad bike, while also being safer and easier to ride on the road. However, quad bikes have their place if you have a trailer and want to haul lots of gear and go hunting.

Let’s look at some of the key differences between these types of bikes.

Quad bike vs Dirt bike safety

When you’re riding, you want to be safe. That’s why you invest in some very good quality protection equipment.

If you’re new to the offroad world, then quad bikes just appear safer. After all, there are 4 tyres so you don’t need to worry about balance.

Actually, the opposite is true. Dirt bikes are safer than quad bikes. The faster you go, the more dangerous it is to ride a quad bike.

Quad bike dangers

More people die each year as a ratio from ATV accidents than compared to dirt bikes. Here’s why:

  1. Riders feel as though they are safer on 4 wheels and often drive in a reckless manner
  2. Quad bikes are heavier and will easily pin down an injured rider in the event of an accident
  3. They roll over very easily even at low speeds and in Australia, is a key reason for deaths on farms.

So while it’s easier to learn how to ride motorcycles by using a quad bike, there is little value beyond this other than hauling equipment on farms.

Dirt bike benefits

The benefits of dirt bikes are then quite obvious:

  • The weight of a dirt bike is significantly lower than a quad
  • Riders can lean into corners and lower the centre of gravity
  • If the rider crashes, then the bike weighs a whole lot less
  • They are actually a whole lot more fun because they are lighter

Even for children, we wouldn’t recommend quad bikes. If they can pedal a bicycle then they can certainly ride a 2-wheel dirt bike very easily.

Verdict: Dirt bikes win for safety

Upfront and ongoing costs

Because dirt bikes are inherently much more popular around the world, it simply costs less to buy a dirt bike. You’ll generally pay 30% more for a quad bike, both new and used.

Quad bikes have 4 wheels so those extra components also put up the price. And because they’re less popular, it’s harder to find parts with dealers often needing to order them in from overseas or interstate.

ATV quad bike costs

Most motorcycle mechanics have limited knowledge of quad bikes so you’ll need to find one who knows their craft. This again will incur additional costs for you.

Now let’s say you also want to performance modifications. Dirt bikes are easy with many options available, while there are limited choices for quad bikes.

For many people, you also need to purchase a trailer and have space to store this. Let’s not forget a set of quad-bike ramps as well.

Dirt bikes don’t require trailers to haul them around. You can either ride to the local trails if your dirt bike is registered or use a truck tailgate, van or rear platform.

Verdict: Dirt bikes are cheaper upfront and ongoing

Offroad tracks to explore

You’re probably looking to buy either a dirt bike or a quad bike to explore some tracks. While it might sound easy, both are quite different.

Dirt bikes only require a single track. Quad bikes need more space and will struggle to get around trees.

It’s interesting actually because ATV means All-Terrain Vehicle. But they can’t really access all terrains technically.

Dirt bikes can also be registered to ride on the road between riding spots. Quad bikes will require a trailer or van.

Actually, it’s so much easier to haul a dirt bike as well. You can fit 3 bikes in the same space on a trailer where you could otherwise fit 1 quad bike.

So already by now, we can see that dirt bikes can explore many more tracks than quad bikes. On any weekend ride, you’ll find 10x more dirt bikes out there.

Some places actually band quad bikes entirely because of the track damage they cause. On the flip side, dirt bikes are more than welcome to explore.

Finally, if you want to go on some multi-day treks, then quad bikes severely limit this. It’s impossible to get full road registration on a quad bike, though restricted registrations are available for farmers.

Dirt bikes can carry all of your camping gear and extra fuel for a truly epic adventure. Plus you can also take a passenger on the back in some instances.

Verdict: Dirt bikes can access many more places more easily

Speed and Performance

Now let’s get into actually having fun. That is – you twist the throttle and suddenly the powerband really kicks in. You’ll feel this on a dirt bike, but not so much on a quad bike.

Dirt bikes have better performance than quad bikes. They are available in many different engine variants and you can tune/modify them quite easily with aftermarket parts. This includes suspension, tyres, handlebars and exhausts.

Most quad bikes won’t go past 50 miles per hour or 70km/h. 450cc dirt bikes will do twice these speeds and then a little bit more.

When it comes to the corners, dirt bikes are faster. You can learn into the corner and ‘dig’ yourself in for the quickest cornering time. When riding a quad, you’ll feel it wanting to tip over and send you flying.

While having 2 wheels at the rear might appear that quads are quicker in a drag race, dirt bikes still often win. This is because dirt bike riders can more easily prevent the front tyre from lifting up.

Verdict: Dirt bikes have better top speeds and overall performance

Multi-tasking with quad bikes and dirt bikes

While it’s fun to pop wheelies, do epic jumps and otherwise play around in the dirt, some people simply need more.

It’s time to give quad bikes some credit. In our opinion, you can simply achieve more with quad bikes. They have been built as modern-day work-horses.

If you want to go hunting, fishing, haul some firewood or merely mend some fences, then this is much easier on an ATV. These vehicles were built for this task.

Keen 4×4 owners like to tow a quad bike behind them in a trailer. Once they reach a section in the track which is too technical, they use the quad bike to explore further.

You can also tow small trailers behind a quad bike which you simply can’t do with a dirt bike. These trailers could hold some deer or freshly cut firewood for home.

Verdict: Quad bikes are better for multi-tasking

Learning to Ride each machine

Many people claim that children will learn the controls best with an ATV and we would agree. However, children do learn the controls very quickly.

Once they are past this stage, there is little value in having them on an ATV. They are just too dangerous given the bad cornering ability and heavy machine weight.

If your child can already pedal a bicycle without training wheels, then they will learn how to ride a dirt bike very easily. You can, therefore, wipe quad bikes off their list.

Many manufacturers are coming out with electric dirt bikes now for children. This means there is no clutch or gears to worry about, so your child can simply focus on riding properly.

And because the electric dirt bikes have no hot engine and no fuel, they are inherently lighter and quieter too. This means your neighbours won’t get annoyed at all.

Overall, children will be safer with a dirt bike. They will learn everything within a few rides and paired with the right protection gear, will do just fine.

Verdict: Both adults and children will learn a quad bike easier, but be safer on a dirt bike in the long term.

So, which one should you get?

While dirt bikes are the obvious choice for us and for the wider community, some people still need ATV quad bikes. If you’re a farmer or hunter, you’ll benefit more from having 4 wheels to haul your gear around.

If you’re looking for speed, performance, fun and safety for yourself and your kids, then go with a dirt bike. You’ll often be much better off in the long term.

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Best Dirt Bikes For Kids (Guide For 5 to 12 Years Old)

This guide explores the many dirt bikes for kids under 12 that are available in the market today, from Hondas to KTMs and Yamahas.

Children are mesmerized by the fun that can be had on two wheels. Ripping up the dirt and racing their friends are memories that they will cherish for a lifetime.

Choosing the right size and type of dirt bike for a child can be tricky. You want to give them a bike that’s the right size but not too powerful just yet.

Best Dirt and MX Bikes for Kids

In writing this guide, I’ve taken on my industry experience and also conducted a lot of research on what other parents have bought already.

Best Dirt Bikes for Kids

I’ve broken this down into age groups: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12. I haven’t split this into gender as boys and girls can generally handle the same bikes at the same age.

Before that, I wanted to provide some insights on what parents should be looking for:

Children’s Dirt Bike Seat Height

More important than the power or manufacturer is the seat height. You’ll want your child to stand flat-footed from Day 1. Sure – they will outgrow the bike in a few years but confidence is key when riding. If they can’t touch the ground properly then this massively affects their confidence on the trails.

Children's dirt bike seat height

This children’s dirt bike sizing chart which takes into account their standing height will be helpful:

Kid’s Standing Height
(Centimetres)
Seat height
(Inches)
Engine Capacity
(Power output)
Under 100cm20″ to 23″50cc dirt bike or
electric dirt bike or
electric balance bike
100cm to 110cm23″ to 25″50cc to 80cc
110cm to 120cm24″ to 26″50cc to 80cc
120cm to 130cm26″ to 28″80cc to 110cc
130cm to 140cm28″ to 30″80cc to 110cc
140cm to 150cm29″ to 31″110cc to 125cc
150cm to 160cm30 to 32″110cc to 125cc

Just remember that when measuring, your child will stand 20mm taller with boots on. We recommend boots highly and have written more on protective gear for kids who ride dirt bikes. Also, while this makes sense to many people, be sure to measure your children without their helmet off.

Weight of the Motorcycle

Another important factor is the weight of your child’s dirt bike. You won’t want anything super heavy, especially if they are smaller than normal.

Not only is it harder for them to control heavy dirt bikes, but it can pin them down in the event of an accident. Often dirt bikes are heavier than the child themselves.

This is yet another reason to get an electric dirt bike. Generally, these are half the weight and don’t have a hot engine which could cause 3rd-degree burns.

Brands and Dealers

There are many fancy companies with bling motorcycles, but you can get a cheap dirt bike for kids quite easily off Craigslist. This will potentially save you thousands of dollars.

But be warned! Stay away from the no-name brands. We only recommend the big 4: KTM, Honda, Yamaha and Suzuki. Buy these 2nd hand and you’ll save a fortune.

The no-name brands are plagued with issues and poor quality components. Finding parts for these are very difficult as well, paired with low resale value.

Often dealers actually have used dirt bikes. All you need to do is ask them since other families trade in their old dirt bikes at the end of each year.

Automatic vs Manual

Some dirt bikes for kids are automatic while others are manual with gears and a clutch. Which one do you choose? That’s quite simple actually.

If this is their 1st dirt bike, then get an automatic. We even recommend an electric dirt bike as they will be lighter and therefore easier to handle.

For children older than 10 years old, it’s a good time to introduce them to clutch control. For those who are younger, stick with the one-speed machines.

A great dirt bike for learning on in Australia is the Honda CT110. This is a farm favourite and virtually indestructible which is why Australia Post use them so much.

2-Stroke vs 4-Stroke for Kids

Lastly, a common question out there is whether children should have 4-stroke or 2-stroke dirt bikes. We can answer that question very easily.

For children who race motocross (MX), 2-stroke dirt bikes are very common. For those who just want to ride around the farm or some fire trails, 4-strokes are more popular.

In fact, the entire racing community has started moving away from 4-strokes. They are much faster nowadays and many people are sick of mixing fuels.

2-strokes are also very noisy. If you live near your neighbours, then make sure you get a 4-stroke. They will definitely praise you for it.

As you might have noted in this kids bike sizing comparison, we highly recommend electric dirt bikes. These have 1-stroke and have constant power.

Best Dirt Bikes for 5-Year Olds

There are some very good contenders on the market to help children get started with offroad motorcycling. Through our experience, we’ve rounded up these models:

The top 3 dirt bikes for 5-year-old children are the Kuberg Electric MX bike, Yamaha PeeWee 50 (PW50) and Honda CRF50F and the These can include training wheels for 5-year olds who are yet to balance proper balance and control.

You’ll find these dirt bikes easily available in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. Look out for offers from Craigslist and Gumtree and you’ll find parents upgrading because their son or daughter has outgrown their bike.

Best Dirt Bikes for 6-Year Olds

At 6 years old, most children know how to pedal a bicycle confidently. However, they might not be ready for a bigger dirt bike just yet.

The best dirt bikes available for 6-year-olds are the KTM 50SX Mini., Yamaha’s PW50 and the Honda CRF50F. Each of these children’s dirt bikes has a small petrol-driven motor similar to a chainsaw and automatic gearbox which is ideal for the 6-year-old who is learning to ride motocross and trails.

The KTM, in particular, is a more powerful beast than the Yamaha and Honda. For that reason, you can expect to pay twice as much.

Best Dirt Bikes for 7-Year Olds

At 7 years old, children are really starting to gain some awareness and agility when riding both bicycles and dirt bikes. They might even try some small jumps and enter races.

Children who are 7 years old will do well with a Yamaha TT-R50E, KTM 65MX and (depending on their height) the Suzuki JR80. These 2-stroke dirt bikes will give kids who are 7 a lot more fun than the entry-level bikes on the market, while being affordable for parents too.

Just remember that the weights for these dirt bikes are higher. If your child is underweight for their height, we would recommend an electric MX bike instead.

Best Dirt Bikes for 8-Year Olds

Children who reach 8 years old are very much now into the riding scene. They might ponder often about riding their bicycle or motorcycle on weekends while at school. There are some really good options out there now:

The KTM 85 SX is widely regarded to be a great dirt bike for boys and girls who are 8 years old. However, the power is quite excessive so it’s best for children who are quite experienced. The 2 best alternative recommendations are the Yamaha PeeWee 80 and the Honda CRF80F.

Keep in mind that at this stage, height differences really start to occur within children. So it’s best to head into a dealership and try a few dirt bikes before deciding.

Best Dirt Bikes for 9-Year Olds

At 9 years old, children will pretty much use the same dirt bikes as their 8-year old counterparts.

For 9-year-old children, the KTM 85 SX is the best dirt bike in the market. However, the price is high and the dirt bike itself suits experienced riders. Now, for 9-year-old kids who haven’t ridden before, the Yamaha PeeWee 80 and the Honda CRF80F are the most affordable and easy to learn.

If this happens to be their 1st dirt bike, then this is something they can certainly keep until their teenage years.

Best Dirt Bikes for 10-Year Olds

We’re now into double-digit years! Kids will have a heightened sense of ownership and will be very eager to get out on to the dirt trails on weekends.

We recommend Yamaha’s TT-R110E for 10-year olds as well as the Honda CRF110F and KTM’s 85SX. While the KTM has a smaller engine, it is more responsible and agile, and simply a lot more fun for kids at 10 years old.

At this stage, most kids will handle gear shifting and clutch control quite easily. This helps them in their teenage years when they finally get their motorcycle licence.

Best Dirt Bikes for 11-Year Olds

Children at this age will have a sense of what type of riding suits them. Whether it’s MX tracks and weekend racing, or simply hitting some local trails – they will be eager to leave the homework behind.

We can easily recommend the KTM 85 SX SW Minibike as the best dirt bike around for 11-years old, however, it’s really for children who are experienced riders. The next best recommendations are the Yamaha TT-R110E and Honda’s CRF110F which are more affordable.

As always, head into a dealership to get measured properly. Generally dealerships only stock one brand so plan a day where you visit multiple dealerships at once.

Best Dirt Bikes for 12-Year Olds

This is the last year before their teenage years so kids are really starting to rise in their maturity and their height. For this reason, we can really recommend some more powerful offroad motorcycles.

For downright reliability, Yamaha’s TT-R125LWE is the best dirt bike for a 12-year old while the KTM 125 SX wins for outright performance and race-ready attributes. Choose the Honda CRF125F for something in the middle ground with good value for money.

This is likely a dirt bike that will last until they are 15 or so. For that reason, choose something wisely. The KTM has both the looks and track-orientated agility, so while it might be a handful now, they are likely to get used to the power in a few months.

Tips For Buying

Once you’ve decided on the right dirt bikes for your children, it’s time to head out the front door.

If you’re buying new:

  • Look at the warranty available and what it actually covers
  • Shop around for finance options as dealerships could overcharge
  • See if you can get a package deal including a dirt bike trailer
  • Ask them if they can reduce the seat height through the suspension

If you’re buying used:

  • Do your homework! The dirt bike could actually be stolen
  • Check with your state’s registration body for finance owing
  • Ask for a test-ride and run the engine for at least 10 minutes
  • Look for any significant wear marks as evidence of excessive use

Often it’s better to buy used dirt bikes from dealerships. They have a reputation to maintain so they will ensure it has a clear title.

Wrapping Up

Buying your son or daughter their 1st dirt bike will be a moment to really cherish. Don’t rush in immediately but instead do your research and homework.

Stick with the main manufacturers who have decades of reputation with many parts available. The older dirt bikes shouldn’t be discounted either, especially as children are prone to crash. If they scratch up the plastics then you won’t be frustrated and neither will they.

Above all else, praise them for having the enthusiasm to enter this sport and enjoy this family time together.

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6 Best Electric Dirt Bikes You Can Own in Australia (2023)

Looking to buy an electric dirt bike which is readily available in Australia? We’ve done our research to find you the main 6 electric dirt bikes available.

With so many riding areas being closed down because of politicians and red tape, many fear there won’t be much of an industry left. The answer to that is electric MX and trail motorcycles. It literally is the way of the future.

Being much quieter is the obvious advantage. Being able to ride near houses stops the neighbours calling up for noise complaints.

Plus with electric dirt bikes; their maintenance is a lot less, they drop quite a few kilos and you won’t get a hot engine. So many upsides!

Unfortunately, Australia has been forgotten about until recently with electric offroad motorcycles. So let’s see what you can buy right now.

Best Australian electric dirt, MX and trail bikes

Guide to Australian electric dirt bikes

This list is based on our industry experience and knowledge. So let’s jump straight into it:

1. Sur Ron Electric Dirt Bike

We’ve heard much anticipation for the Surron electric bikes over the last two years in the United States and these are now available in Australia.

For the avid dirt bike enthusiast that is ready to move to an electric model, then it’s hard to go past this bike. These are available in both MX and street-legal varieties.

With pricing actually slightly less than a comparable 25cc dirt bike, this off-road machine is making huge headway into the Australian market.

2. Volition Force

Looking for a genuine electric dirt bike that also looks like a dirt bike? Then you need to pay close attention to the guys at Volition. With a claimed 13kw motor, this is one bad-boy that we’re excited to see enter the Australian market in 2020.

Volition Force electric dirt bike

With a claimed top speed of 130km/h, the team are putting the final touches on this model. It could very well be the first all-electric adventure motorcycle on the market globally.

3. Electric Motion EM 5.7 Escape Sport

Another beast that is almost ready to order is the Electric Motion 5.7 Escape Lite. This is another true-looking MX/Trails bike and something that has an impressive specifications list. Released in 2019, they are already sold out and awaiting new stock in Australia.

Electric Motion EM 5.7 Escape Sport

We would love to see these become road-legal as per the Surron varieties. That said, as a bike that is modelled off the likes of Honda and Yamaha, it’s evident that this is a true weekend racer and trailblazer.

4. Kuberg FreeRider

Haven’t heard of the Kuberg Free-Rider? Neither have we until recently. This is one dirt bike here to take on the popular Stealth Bomber.

Kuberg FreeRider electric MX bike

With 8kW and 12kW at its peak, this is a weapon on the local trails. You can control the power settings from your iPhone as well as share ride details and lap times.

5. Stealth B-52 Bomber

Stealth was pretty much the first company on the scene several years ago here in Australia with their high power electric mountain bikes. Since then they have moved into the offroad motorcycle market with this dirt bike styled B-52 Bomber.

5. Stealth B-52 Bomber - One of the best electric dirt bikes in Australia

While not cheap, you can often find these for sale on Gumtree for a lot less. Given that this company has been in Australia for a long time now, they have a proven drivetrain and reliability with older owners now starting to upgrade. They have other lighter models available in their range, but the B-52 is the pick of the bunch.

6. Bultaco Brinco R

Australia may soon get delivery of the Bultaco Brinco R which is the perfect blend between dirt bike and motorbike. It even has pedals! (Not that you’d want to pedal this at 39kg). Many electric dirt bikes try to look like their petrol equivalents and this one plays the part very well.

Bultaco Brinco R - Honda inspired electric offroad motorcycle

From the UK, these bikes come with the sport, touring and eco modes. It also has a removable battery unlike many of the eDirt bikes featured here. Needlessly to say we’re eager to get our hands on this machine in a few months time.

Electric Dirt Bikes for Kids

Australia has a range of electric dirt bikes exclusively for children. Compared to the heavy dirt bike offerings from Honda, Yamaha and KTM, these bikes are simply better. Children are able to develop their skills without the heavier weight, distracting sound or the threat of engine burns. Plus – no more clutch!

We’re writing an extensive guide on children’s electric dirt bikes and mountain bikes which will be here shortly.

Benefits to electric motorcycles

There are some instinctive benefits of using electric dirt bikes or even road-registered motorcycles for the daily commuting.

Some are obvious while some are not so obvious. Benefits for offroading enthusiasts go very far actually.

Now, we know that we don’t need to pay for fuel and the sound is very much reduced, but so is the weight. Now let’s look at some that many have overlooked:

  • No need to carry hazardous petrol jerry cans around
  • No clutch use making it easier to focus on actual riding
  • So much torque! These bikes make wheelies look super easy
  • The lower weight lets riders really throw the bike around on the trails
  • No need to worry about burns from the engine when crashing
  • Much easier maintenance. No oil changes. Mechanics become redundant.
  • Only requires mountain bike tyres which make tyre changes so much easier
  • Can be carried around on a normal bicycle rack instead of a trailer or van
  • Many spare parts can be sourced straight off a conventional mountain bike
  • Much easier to lift over fallen trees in the forest.
  • No fuel tank leaks on to your trousers

Did we mention the torque? Electric bikes are notorious for delivering a solid ‘kick’ when twisting the throttle so you’d better be prepared for it!

Getting out on the trails

We hope this list has helped you understand the numerous models that Australia has available either right now or very soon.

Just remember that the bulk of these battery-driven dirt bikes are for offroad use only. They can’t be registered and so you may be restricted to private property.

While they are lighter, they still have the potential to inflict serious damage to you. Wear your protection gear such as boots like any other motorcycle and we’ll see you out there on the tracks!

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LPR Electric 16″ MX Bike Review (We Bought One!)

The Frontaer team recently purchased an LPR 16″ electric dirt bike. Here’s our review after 3 months of testing this little Aussie eBike.

Little Pro Rider Bike Review

Frontaer is an adventure and MX dirt bike brand headed me by – Josh. I felt it was necessary to share my 100% unbiased LPR experiences online.

Growing up, I never had the chance to ride dirt bikes but I really wanted to give my son the opportunity. After all, he was pedalling at 4 years old perfectly.

From throttle control to cornering and learning how to have a proper attack stance, these are skills that I wanted to ingrain from a young age.

Previous to the LPR, I was looking at a Yamaha PW50 but the weight of the dirt bike, the noise and especially the price were very off-putting.

My constant research online led us to the LPR right here in Australia and without any reviews, I was still sold on the idea. Yet I had never heard of them before. 🤔

It seemed light, quiet and much more affordable too. But would it really be as good as their website claimed? Well, I just had to find out first-hand.

Ordering online

I ordered this electric bicycle via MotoHub in Castle Hill online, not directly. We live in the Gold Coast and at the time they were offering free shipping.

Unfortunately, after ordering I got a phone call that all units were out of stock for at least 4 weeks. Bummer. 😔 They were waiting on another shipment. A little frustrating but I was offered a refund or I could wait. I certainly could wait, especially as my son was eager for his new ‘dirt’ bike.

These bikes do come from China but are put together and checked over locally before being made ready for sale. Essentially, you’d never guess that they came from China in the first place. The components are really first-grade. Update: The LPR team have advised that their frames are made locally but the rest comes from overseas just like all the other electric bicycle companies.

I’d recommend that you order these online if you don’t live in Sydney, but do call ’em first to make sure that they have stock. These bikes are hugely popular right now I hear. The LPR balance bike is also a popular model with several online reviews.

Delivery of the LPR eBike

The box for the LPR is huge so you’ll need to be home to receive it. Also, it can only be shipped by road due to the 500w battery not meeting air safety requirements, so those in Perth and Darwin will be waiting a while.

Unboxing and putting it together only takes about 20 minutes. You’ll need to plug in 2 leads for the battery and fit the handlebars essentially. Both of these steps are super simple and the instruction manual is included.

16" LPR Electric Bike Australia
This is the LPR as-is on the day it arrived (after unboxing and fitting a few things together)

I had my son help me through this entire process so he had a sense of ownership. Charging then takes a few hours for the first time.

12″ LPR vs 16″ LPR

For a 5-year old, they are on the crux of a 12″ and 16″ LPR. Being the savvy parent that I am, I chose the 16″ to let him grow into it. This was a mistake and him sitting on the bike once unboxed made me realize that he’s really tip-toeing on a lean. Note: My son is shorter than 80% of kids his age so I can’t blame LPR on this one.

To hack this issue, I dropped the seat height to the lowest and tilted the seat forward. This gained us an extra inch or so but he still wasn’t flat-footed. Today he is.

Regardless, he was keen to ride with some hiking boots on so we hit the local trails. ✌️

Riding the LPR electric bike

Let me paraphrase this by saying that I personally haven’t ridden the LPR electric bike before – only my son. And only on flat or slightly hilly terrain.

The frame has a weight limit of 40kgs and given the price, I wasn’t prepared to test this.

Riding the LPR electric bike
My son uses the LPR 16″ mostly on the dirt, gravel and mild sand tracks.

So my review of the LPR Electric Bike is based on:

  • My son’s feedback from riding for the last 3 months
  • Myself observing his riding ability grow over this time
  • Observing the build quality and overall customer experience

Please note that I have no relationship with this brand nor do I partake in paid online reviews. I previously contacted them on Facebook only to ask who I should order a unit from since they were out of stock.

Getting started with the bike

For the first-time rider, I highly recommend setting the speed to the slowest. The bike comes with a fitted cap which stops kids from adjusting the power output.

After 3 rides my son is now at the highest power setting which I allow him to adjust himself. We’ve removed the protector cap so he’s allowed to make his own decisions.

The main issue that isn’t so obvious is the throttle. It’s not a progressive throttle like a typical MX bike. It’s either go forward or don’t go forward. As in, it doesn’t matter how much your child twists their wrists – the power output is the same. The power setting simply limits the top speed.

Power settings

There are no planted power settings but just a dial that you can adjust from super slow to super fast. Essentially it’s just a speed limiter. We’ve informally created our own family rules so my son doesn’t inadvertently put the power up higher than his confidence level.

Essentially:

  • Pavement = Low speeds (Walking pace)
  • Fire trails = Low to medium speeds (Running pace)
  • Grass riding = Go for your life (Can I even keep up…?)

Even at the lowest speed, there is a ‘kick’ from the high torque that your child will experience, unlike the slower power progression of petrol dirt bikes. It took my son a few rides before he got used to this and prepared for it. At the highest speed, the amount of ‘kick’ is actually the same, though the acceleration is faster. From looking at other eBikes, this appears to be a common issue, especially with electric motorcycles. Manufacturers just haven’t figured out how to better ease-on the power.

Going beyond just riding

Early years MX skills are definitely where this bike shines, all without the heat, weight, maintenance and upfront cost of children’s dirt bikes.

Over time most kids will develop some skills and tricks to show off to the world, just like my son has:

LPR electric bike
Riding on the grass just became both possible, way more fun and so much safer!

Note the normal bicycle helmet. He usually wears a full face BMX helmet paired with gloves and normal shoes. This is enough and I don’t think boots and proper MX gear is necessary for him as he’s on the grass. However, if you’re doing fast speeds anywhere else, then it would pay to have the extra gear.

Overall thoughts

After 3 months of ownership and using it at least once per week on school ovals and fire trails, I can conclude that it’s a very good eBike for under $1,500.

LPR has built a machine that’s capable of doing exactly what it claimed to do. I’m surprised that I haven’t yet seen another one out there yet.

Based on my experiences, I decided to break down these points even further:

Quietness

Remarkable. You’ll barely hear it. Very few pedestrians (less than 10%) actually realize that it’s an electric bike, so despite being a 500w motor, the police aren’t the type to even take notice.

Suspension

Very good quality. Given my son is smaller than your average 5-year-old, the suspension is hardly usable. Would’ve loved to have seen adjustable forks to counter this problem.

Build quality

Very high. Everything feels as though it was built professionally without any corners cut. From the folding pegs to the brakes and throttle. Even the tyres are proper 15mm think mountain bike tread which is designed to grip.

Battery life

90 minutes approximately. The only gripe here is that the battery indicator shows full for a very long period, then drops significantly to empty in 10 mins. Instead, we just estimate how much is left and plan our rides accordingly. Unlike other eBikes, the LPR doesn’t have a quick-change battery setup.

Top speed

I haven’t hit it with a speed gun but he’d be nearly 40km/h. I only advise using the top speeds on grass which the bike does very well on.

Weight

Very light and the bulk of the weight actually sits in the rear tyre which is where the electric motor is mounted. Certainly, most kids can lift it for a few seconds.

User manual

Very in-depth. As a product creator, I hate when others skip corners. The owners of LPR bikes certainly are here for the long haul with everything explain very well with the user manual.

Offroad ability

Excellent. We ride 90% offroad on fire trails, grass and occasionally sandy tracks. Just stay away from mud and water as this can impact the motor and battery I believe.

Hill climbing

Very good. As I observe my son, I always expect the power to drop out halfway up as a dirt bike would do, but no. It just keeps charging up like a tractor in the mud. That said – these grassy hills aren’t too technical, but enough that he wouldn’t dare pedal up them.

In summary

Apart from the not-so-accurate battery indicator, this electric bike is excellent value for money than compared to Yamaha’s PeeWee 50. In fact, any comparable offering from KTM and Honda. For children 9 and above, I’d be leaning towards the Kuberg electric bike range or simply fitting an eBike motor to a normal mountain bike.

Overall thoughts on the LPR balance and electric bike

For kids 5 to 8, the LPR appears to be the perfect fit. With much less noise, you can pretty much ride it anywhere without anyone even noticing. Heck if anything, you’re bound to get some compliments. And many compliments is exactly what I’ll give the LPR 16″, while I imagine the smaller 12″ model is much the same.

Needless to say, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the 16″ LPR electric bikes to anyone based on actual use and experience. For building MX and trail riding skills at a young age, it’s hard to go past the value.

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Dirt Bikes for Women: Top 10 Beginner-Friendly Models

Today we’ll share the best beginner dirt bikes for female riders, because why should men have all the fun? Some of the top MX riders are women!

The sport has come along way since the 1960’s where it was a male-dominated industry. Today women make up 20% of all riders out there.

Many females who are starting out in the sport are confused since many of the guides are written for men. So we decided to write up this helpful article.

Best ladies dirt bikes of 2020

Best ladies dirt bikes of 2020

From our research, the best dirt bikes for ladies in 2020 are:

  1. Yamaha TTR230
  2. Honda CRF230F
  3. Kawasaki KLX140L
  4. Suzuki DR-Z125L
  5. Honda CRF150R

These bikes are relatively easy to sit on and initially handle, have a smooth powerband and have strong reliability, paired with a low-entry cost.

However, some ladies are tall and some of them are short. Of these dirt bikes listed, not all of them have low seats. So let’s look at some teenage-orientated dirt bike models that will still suit short women.

Best low seat dirt bikes of 2020

If you’re vertically challenged, then these dirt bikes with lowered seat heights and teenagers will be just the ride you need:

  1. Yamaha YZ85
  2. Kawasaki HX85
  3. Suzuki RM85
  4. KTM 85 SX
  5. Husqvarna TC 85

Just keep in mind that the Husqvarna model will require lowering the seat as it is 33 inches at stock but the rest are totally OK to begin with.

Buying guide

Before we jump in to show you the dirt bikes for women on the market, we wanted to cover a few things about buying your 1st dirt bike.

Low seat dirt bike for women

While we are experienced, many ladies just aren’t sure what to choose and why, so let’s begin to look at some factors to consider.

  • Reliability. Look for brands that have been around for a long time, paired with models that didn’t just come out yesterday.
  • Seat height. You’ll want to measure yourself and your seat height. Dirt bike boots will give you an additional 15mm of standing height usually.
  • Adjustability. With some models, you can adjust the suspension to get the seat height lower. You can also limit the powerband and torque.
  • Colors. Each brand has its own set of colors. It’s blue for Yamaha, red for Honda, orange for KTM, white for Husqvarna and yellow for Suzuki
  • Road-registerable. Just remember where you want to ride might have restrictions for unregistered dirt bikes, so look for bikes that can be registered.
  • Power. Some of these dirt bikes are powerful motocross machines while others are tamer for fire trails and open country riding.
  • Engine type. There are 3 types of engines: 2-stroke (unpopular and loud), 4-stroke (very popular) and electric (gaining popularity)
  • Modifications. If you’re buying a used ladies dirt bike, then check for any modifications made and if they are actually compliant.
  • Seat comfort. Dirt bike seats are generally uncomfortable to sit on for long periods, so budget for an upgraded sheepskin seat.
  • Handlebar position. The ergonomics of riding is important so you’ll want to see if you can adjust your handlebars so they sit closer in.
  • eStart. You’re going to stall the bike a few times when you’re learning. Using a Kickstarter is hard, so look for models with electric start.
  • Fuel range. As most ladies dirt bikes are in smaller frames, you often can’t upgrade the fuel tank for long rides. But some like the TTR230 can.

While that’s a long list, it’s evident that we know a thing or two about bike selection. Many dealers can explain these concepts in their stores.

Yamaha TTR230

While often disregarded as merely a farm bike, the TTR230 is simply the best female dirt bike around. We’ve chosen it #1 for its reliability and beginner-friendly nature. The power-band is very tame but there is enough power on hand to pop a wheelie if you really have to.

The best part is that you can register this bike in some states. This means you don’t have to purchase an additional bike trailer at all, making it easier to get to and from the local trails. Many dealers would recommend the TTR230 as the best dirt bike for women and we’d easily agree.

Honda CRF 230F

If you’re looking for the red version of the TTR230, then it’s the Honda CRF 230F. Essentially Honda made this as the contender to Yamaha’s answer to female riders, and now Honda have sold more units. After all – it’s red and not blue.

The CRF230F is slightly more dirt-orientated and you are less likely to see it on farms. But don’t let that fool you as it’s still just as reliable and functional for the beginner looking to hit up some local tracks. This model consistently wins the top spot on the best dirt bikes for women awards internationally but is let down by the lack of registration ability.

Kawasaki KLX140L

This is a late teenager bike that we’ve included here. We love the KLX140L because, even though it’s very much an MX bike, it has electric start.

When you’re learning to ride, you’re going to stall. It always takes a couple of months to learn proper clutch and throttle control. The eStart button is simply going to make your life so much easier!

Suzuki DR-Z125L

Essentially a farm bike, the DR-Z125L is a great ladies dirt bike that will go forever. It’s not uncommon to see these models exceeding 30,000 miles on the clock on ranches.

Suzuki also sells the same model in a 230, 150 and 140 variant. So if the 125 isn’t going to be enough power for you, then consider spending the little extra for more.

Honda CRF150R

Another late teenager-style dirt bike that is still ideal for women, the CRF150R is very potent. If you’re looking for more of a ‘pick me up’ to jump hills and do wheelies all day long, then this is the bike for you. This is definitely a great MX bike for women of all ages, but you need to be eager for power.

Yamaha YZ85

We’re now on to the 2-stroke kid dirt bikes and the YZ85 gets our pick. If you’re under 5 feet tall, then this is the dirt bike you’ll want for thrills on a budget.

Kawasaki HX85

Kawasaki’s copy of the YZ85 is green and has very minor differences. We personally prefer the Yamaha though this green-machine sells hundreds of models each year!

Suzuki RM85

Needing something tamer? This is a farm bike (Suzuki is famous for farm bikes in the dirt riding space) so you won’t get much raw power, but the reliability is certainly there.

KTM 85 SX

Are you ready to race? Then the KTM is the brand for you. Literally – pick any bike because they all go fast! But the 85 SX is the perfect powerful dirt bike for short ladies.

Husqvarna TC 85

If all that orange makes you stand out like a construction worker, then consider the cleaner TC 85 from Husqvarna. The only challenge is parts availability is limited.

In summary: The best dirt bike is one fitted for you

When choosing the right dirt bike for your offroad adventures, look for one that fits you well. In other words, there is enough power while being easy to get on.

Don’t let the high seat heights put you off. Here’s some inspiration for you: famous dirt racer Ricky Carmichael is a short rider compared to many others, but has won his fair-share of MX races over the years.

So it’s not your height but your desire to ride and practice consistently. Whether you’re riding MX or just trail riding with some friends on weekends, there is little holding you back from entering and enjoying this sport.

We hope that this dirt bikes for women guide has helped you get a fair idea of what to start looking for.

Our recommendation is to visit your local dirt bike dealership and jump on a few bikes. Explain the type of riding you’ll be doing and the salesperson will point you in the right direction very soon. Likewise jump on a few local riding groups and see what others are riding out there on the MX tracks and adventure trails.

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