Every parent wants their kids to have fun and explore the world around them. But the word 'motorbike' can make some families nervous.
But what about ride-on motorcycles designed for kids? Are they safe? And will your child enjoy the ride?
The short answer is yes. The long answer is yes, absolutely! Kids' ride-on motorbikes have a safety-first design and are nowhere near as fast as traditional ones. Keep reading to discover how to keep your kids safe on a child's motorcycle.
What are The Benefits of Ride-On Motorbikes for Kids?
Above all, ride-on motorbikes help children grow and develop. They're also a great form of play, a vital part of a child's development.
Studies have even found that play can boost a child's confidence, social skills, motor skills, and cognitive abilities. And this is especially true of independent (or child-led) play.
Plus, ride-on motorbikes can help your child develop better spatial awareness and learn how to react to a changing environment. Being on a ride-on vehicle can even teach children about how different movements and actions impact their surroundings.
How to Keep Your Child Safe on a Ride-On Motorbike
You can keep your hild safe by making sure they’re ready for a ride-on motorbike. To do this, choose a suitable size and power level for their age and height, understand local laws, teach them how to control the bike, and explore all safety features. During play, it’s also a good idea to discuss mistakes with your child and ensure the bike is properly cleaned and maintained.
Ride-on motorbikes for kids are much safer than adult ones, but you should still take a few key precautions to reduce your child’s risk.
And if you have any concerns, consider getting them a different model entirely: ride-on quad ATVs, for example, are especially suitable for younger children as they’re much more stable.
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Make Sure Your Child is Ready
Young children develop at different speeds, so they will be ready for a ride-on motorbike at separate ages. It’s hard to set strict age limits here, so trust your judgment and knowledge of your children.
Before you buy a ride-on motorbike, a child should be able to follow basic instructions and understand the risks involved. They should also be able to handle the stress of a quickly evolving environment. And above all, they should actually want to play.
But there are a few physical considerations too: can your child walk unassisted and maintain their balance without tripping or falling over? Are you confident they can hold onto the grips or handlebars properly, even with protective gloves?
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Choose the Right Bike for Your Child
Once you're sure your child is ready, you then need to pick a ride-on motorbike that suits them. Ride-on motorbike models come in a range of different sizes and power levels, and have different power levels and speed limits, too.
So how do you know what to choose? Here are a few tips and tricks to help you find a suitable ride-on motorbike for your child:
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Size: Make sure your child can reach the handlebars and rest their feet comfortably on the foot pegs.
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Power Level: This refers to how powerful the battery is and is usually displayed as a voltage value. Choose a lower power level to keep a young or inexperienced child safe.
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Additional Features: Features like headlights and music speakers can enhance playtime and excite your child to play more.
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Follow the Law in Your Region
This might seem like an obvious one, but it's important. Most countries have clear regulations about how toys should be sold, manufactured, used, and maintained, especially for children under 36 months.
But is there any law controlling kids riding ride-on motorbikes in Australia?
In short, no. Ride-on motorbikes still have to comply with Australian toy safety standards, though. It's easy to check whether a child's ride-on motorbike has passed these standards: It should have a mark with 'AS/NZS ISO 8124' somewhere on it.
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Keep Your Child on the Bike
Once you've found a suitable model for your child, you must ensure that they understand how to control it. At a minimum, check that your child understands how to adjust the speed and control the steering of their ride-on motorbike before they start playing for the first time.
You should also set clear rules: where they can go, how far they're allowed to go, any 'tricks' they're allowed/not allowed to do, and how long they can play for.
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Understand Safety Features and Precautions
Most ride-on motorbike models have additional safety features that can help put your mind at rest. They typically have automatic brakes, enclosed chains and motors, a stable foundation, and high-quality materials.
Some models come with extra features like warning lights or high-vis decorations, so your child is easier to spot when they're playing.
Any child driving a ride-on motorbike should also wear protective gear. At a minimum, they should have a well-fitted helmet and protective pads for their elbows and knees. You can even buy kid-sized leathers.
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Talk To Your Kids About Their Mistakes
That's right, talking about mistakes can make your child safer in the long run. It sounds counterintuitive, but it's actually a great way to help them understand where they went wrong.
Teaching children to recognise and process their mistakes can help them make more sensible choices in the future and protect themselves.
UNICEF suggests that positive discipline (setting clear boundaries with explanations and clear consequences) can help children understand and follow rules.
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Proper Care and Maintenance
Let's talk maintenance. Kids' ride-on motorbikes are easy to care for and keep clean if you follow a few basic rules. First, store it in a safe place. Garages and store cupboards are dry, cool, and clean, so they're a good option.
You should also clean your child's ride-on motorbike regularly. Never submerge it in water or dampen the switchboard, as this can damage the bike's electronic components. You can use a wet cloth on the inner components as long as you dry them once you're done.
And above all, check the bike for damage before every play session. Look for exposed wires or chains, sharp edges, warning lights, and other problems before your kid touches the bike.
Can You Buy Safe, Affordable Ride-On Motorbikes for Kids in Australia?
You definitely can. Ride-on motorbikes for kids are more popular than ever. They provide children with a thrilling way to explore the Australian countryside, and they’re fun for the whole family.
Australian safety standards mean that you can get safe, affordable options wherever you go. And even if your child doesn’t want a motorbike, there’s a wide range of other model types available, like ride-on sports cars and two-seater buggies.
High-Quality, Safe Ride-On Motorbikes for Kids from MC Wholesalers
If your child is searching for a taste of adventure in the great outdoors, maybe a ride-on motorbike is exactly what they need.
At MC Wholesalers, we’re proud to offer a wide range of children’s ride-on vehicles. We’re passionate about safety-first designs and believe every child deserves a chance to explore the world at their own pace.
Explore our range of ride-on motorbikes for kids at MC Wholesalers today!