What is a good age to start Motocross? 

July 07, 2022

Motocross is a great way to teach kids a number of important skills, including observation, coordination and endurance. But where do you actually start? At what age should you expose your kids to dirt bike riding?  If you’re interested in introducing your child to motocross riding, here are some essential things you need to know:

What is a good age to start Motocross?

There’s actually no age requirement or limit when it comes to riding a dirt bike. Some kids hop on a bike as early as 3 years old – but really it just comes down to when your kid is ready. A great indicator for this is if they can ride a bicycle confidently. Bicycles share some of the same fundamentals of dirt bikes such as balance, braking, looking ahead and speed. 

An excellent option to progress them through to dirt bikes is to get them on Electric, kid friendly bikes such as Stacyc or Wired Bikes. These come with a twist throttle that can help kids learn throttle control without having the speed of a motocross bike. 

Progressing from electric bikes through from, 50cc dirt bikes and gradually advancing from there to 65’s, 85’s and throughout. 

Benefits of Introducing Motocross to Kids

Introducing motocross to kids at a young age is a great way to get them away from video games, ipad screens and tv. Get them outside and doing physical activities, motocross is one of the most physically demanding sports in the world, so it keeps your kids physically fit whilst also teaching them hand, eye and feet coordination with all the controls needed to use the bike, whilst at speed. 

Add in the factors of competition if you decide to go that route, it teaches kids how to believe in themselves. Motocross is an individual sport and all though there is a lot of camaraderie within the community, once the gate drops and the race starts it’s up to the individual to complete the task at hand and at the end of the race there is only one winner, which gives kids something to work for to become that winner and teaches them how to face loss with respect and dignity. 

What Parents need to get Started? 

So you’ve picked up your kids first bike, before you take them for their first rip around, you’ll need to make sure they have the right protective equipment to ensure they’re safe on the bike. 

Must have Safety Gear

Motocross is a dangerous sport and safety is most important part to making sure everyone is having fun and going home in one piece. Essential motocross safety gear for kids include gloves, helmet, goggles, body armour, as well as appropriate clothing like an MX jersey, pants, and boots. 

Helmet – An absolute must, and the most important piece of equipment you need before you start riding. Make sure you get one that fits correctly, whether you go in-store and get on of our staff to help with sizing or you’re checking our size guides online make sure the helmet is snug and doesn’t wobble. But also isn’t too tight that it will be uncomfortable and cause headaches. 

Boots - The second necessity, boots protect your lower legs and feet from chains, wheels, engine parts and anything on the ground your kid may come in contact with. 

Goggles - Goggles ensure that your child’s eyes are protected at all times. Flying rocks, dirt, and debris is inevitable on the track so even if they are practicing, make sure their eyes are protected with goggles.

Body Armour - Body armour protects the upper body from direct impacts, for example roost from another bike or even in the events of a crash. 

Jersey and Pants - Protects the skin from scratches, keeps the sun off their skin as they’re long garments and protects them from heated elements on the motorcycle. 

Competition

Aside from going to motocross riding schools, signing up for local races is another way for kids to level up their skills. There are many races in Australia that your child can join depending on their age, skill level and bike they ride. You can check out news and updates regarding motocross competitions and other events at Motocross Australia, the governing body of motorcycle sport in the country.

Time to get started. Complete your kids motocross safety gear. Choose from our wide range of Kids Motorbike Gear and get the best today. You can also check out our other motorcycle guides.