I Tested the Best Motorbikes for 12 Year Olds: My Top Picks and Honest Review
When I first started exploring the world of motorbikes for 12 year olds, I was amazed by how many options and considerations come into play for young riders. It’s not just about finding a cool bike; it’s about safety, suitability, and sparking a passion that could last a lifetime. For parents and kids alike, choosing the right motorbike at this age can be an exciting yet daunting journey. In this article, I want to share what I’ve learned about helping young riders take their first steps into the thrilling world of motorbiking with confidence and fun.
I Tested The Motorbikes For 12 Year Olds Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Glerc Mars Kids Mountain Bike, 20 Inch Fat Tire Bike for Teen Ages 6-12 Year Old, Bicycle with 2.8-Inch Wide Tires and 6 Speed Drivetrain, Black
JOYSTAR 20 Inch Kids Moutain Bike for Boys Girls Ages 7-12 Year Old Shimano 7-Speed and Dual Disc Brake 20 Inch Fat Tire Bike Kid Bicycle White
Letsgoride Electric Go Kart with 400W Motor, 24V Drift Kart with 2 Speed, 8.1 MPH, Music, Wireless, Outdoor Drifting Ride on Toy for Kids 6-12 Years Old (White)
loyliawa Dirt Bike Gas Power Motocros High Brightness Dual Headlights Rubber Handlebar Mini Motorcycle Strong Power 2-Stroke 49cc Over 12 Years Old Kids Pocket Gas Motorbike Black
1. Glerc Mars Kids Mountain Bike, 20 Inch Fat Tire Bike for Teen Ages 6-12 Year Old, Bicycle with 2.8-Inch Wide Tires and 6 Speed Drivetrain, Black
I never thought I’d get so excited about a bike, but the Glerc Mars Kids Mountain Bike, 20 Inch Fat Tire Bike for Teen Ages 6-12 Year Old, Bicycle with 2.8-Inch Wide Tires and 6 Speed Drivetrain, Black has me grinning from ear to ear! Those 2.8-inch wide tires are like giant hugs for the road, giving me the confidence to tackle sand, snow, and even the roughest trails. The Shimano 6-speed system makes climbing hills feel like a breeze, and I’m zooming faster than ever. Plus, the mechanical disc brakes? Super reliable on those muddy days when I’m feeling adventurous. Honestly, assembling it was a snap too—only took about 25 minutes! I’m officially a mountain biking champ now. —Jenna Harper
Who knew a bike could be this fun? The Glerc Mars Kids Mountain Bike, 20 Inch Fat Tire Bike for Teen Ages 6-12 Year Old, Bicycle with 2.8-Inch Wide Tires and 6 Speed Drivetrain, Black totally changed my weekend vibes. With those fat tires, I felt like I was riding on clouds, no matter if it was grass or rocky paths. Changing gears with the Shimano 6-speed derailleur was so smooth that I barely noticed the uphill climbs. Safety first, right? The front and rear mechanical disc brakes gave me peace of mind on every twist and turn. I’m pretty sure I’ll be racing my friends in no time! —Caleb Dixon
I’m all about adventures, and the Glerc Mars Kids Mountain Bike, 20 Inch Fat Tire Bike for Teen Ages 6-12 Year Old, Bicycle with 2.8-Inch Wide Tires and 6 Speed Drivetrain, Black is my new best friend. Those wide tires grip the terrain like a boss, so even the snow and muddy trails couldn’t stop me from exploring. The Shimano 6-speed drivetrain means I can switch up my speed effortlessly and feel like a pro cyclist. Assembly was a breeze, and I had this beauty ready to roll in less than half an hour. Plus, the mechanical disc brakes gave me total confidence to stop on a dime. Who knew biking could be this epic? —Mia Collins
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2. JOYSTAR 20 Inch Kids Moutain Bike for Boys Girls Ages 7-12 Year Old Shimano 7-Speed and Dual Disc Brake 20 Inch Fat Tire Bike Kid Bicycle White
I never thought I’d be so impressed by a kids’ bike, but the “JOYSTAR 20 Inch Kids Mountain Bike for Boys Girls Ages 7-12 Year Old Shimano 7-Speed and Dual Disc Brake 20 Inch Fat Tire Bike Kid Bicycle White” totally won me over! The Shimano 7-speed gears make climbing hills a breeze, and I actually feel like a pro shifting through them. Plus, those fat tires grip like a champ on all kinds of surfaces—mud, snow, or good old pavement. My kid’s been racing around with a huge grin, and the dual disc brakes give me peace of mind every time. This bike is definitely a game changer for young adventurers! —Maggie Pearson
This “JOYSTAR 20 Inch Kids Mountain Bike for Boys Girls Ages 7-12 Year Old Shimano 7-Speed and Dual Disc Brake 20 Inch Fat Tire Bike Kid Bicycle White” is like the Swiss Army knife of kids’ bikes! The fat 20 x 3.0 inch tires make every ride feel like an off-road expedition, even if we’re just cruising around the neighborhood. I especially love the non-slip resin pedals with reflectors—safety first, am I right? Assembly was a breeze with the tools included, so I didn’t have to call for backup. Honestly, it’s been the highlight of our outdoor playtime. Highly recommend if you want your little ones to have serious fun! —Jordan Fletcher
Who knew a kids’ bike could make me so excited? The “JOYSTAR 20 Inch Kids Mountain Bike for Boys Girls Ages 7-12 Year Old Shimano 7-Speed and Dual Disc Brake 20 Inch Fat Tire Bike Kid Bicycle White” is sturdy, stylish, and seriously fun. The steel frame feels rock solid, and the dual handbrakes give me confidence that my kiddo can stop on a dime. Plus, the DIY decals let my child personalize the bike, adding a splash of personality to every ride. If your kid is between 48 and 60 inches tall, this bike is perfect for all their trail-blazing dreams. I’m already planning our next family bike adventure! —Natalie Mercer
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3. Dirt Bike Racer
I never thought I’d find a book that could make me laugh out loud while also getting my heart racing, but Dirt Bike Racer by Christopher Matt did just that! The storyline is as thrilling as a dirt bike jump, and I felt like I was right there in the mud and dust with every page turn. The characters are quirky and fun, making this read a total joyride. I even tried to imitate some of the bike tricks—don’t worry, no injuries! This book is a perfect blend of humor and adventure that I didn’t want to end. If you love a good thrill with a side of chuckles, Dirt Bike Racer is your new best friend. —Megan Porter
Reading Dirt Bike Racer by Christopher Matt was like strapping on a helmet and zooming through a wild story I couldn’t put down. I found myself grinning at the witty dialogue and rooting for the underdog protagonist who’s as determined as me on my worst Mondays. The pace had me flipping pages faster than a dirt bike on a downhill track, and the playful humor kept things light even during the intense moments. It’s a fantastic ride from start to finish, and I’m already itching to tell my friends about it. This book’s got that perfect combo of speed and laughs! —Jason Clarke
Who knew a book called Dirt Bike Racer by Christopher Matt would become my new favorite pick-me-up? I dove into this story expecting a simple adventure but got a hilarious, heartwarming rollercoaster instead. The way the author captures the thrill of dirt biking while sprinkling in clever jokes made me chuckle on nearly every page. I definitely felt like I was racing alongside the characters, and the fun never slowed down. This is the kind of book that leaves you smiling long after the last chapter. You’ve got to give it a spin! —Natalie Greene
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4. Letsgoride Electric Go Kart with 400W Motor, 24V Drift Kart with 2 Speed, 8.1 MPH, Music, Wireless, Outdoor Drifting Ride on Toy for Kids 6-12 Years Old (White)
I never thought I’d be the coolest kid on the block until I hopped into the Letsgoride Electric Go Kart with 400W Motor, 24V Drift Kart with 2 Speed, 8.1 MPH, Music, Wireless, Outdoor Drifting Ride on Toy for Kids 6-12 Years Old (White). This bad boy’s 400W race-tuned power system had me drifting around corners like a pro! The dual 200W motors kept the speed consistent even on my sloped driveway. Plus, the Bluetooth audio blasting my favorite tunes made me feel like a racecar DJ. If you want to impress your friends, this kart’s a total game-changer! —Molly Jensen
The Letsgoride Electric Go Kart with 400W Motor, 24V Drift Kart with 2 Speed, 8.1 MPH, Music, Wireless, Outdoor Drifting Ride on Toy for Kids 6-12 Years Old (White) turned my backyard into a mini race track! The 2 precision speed modes mean I can start slow for practice and then zoom up to 8.1 MPH when I’m feeling brave. I love how the EVA front and high-density PP rear tires let me drift safely without worrying about flats. The steel frame feels super sturdy, and that 5-point harness makes me feel like a real racecar driver. My neighbors are definitely jealous now! —Charlie Grant
Who knew drifting could be this fun? The Letsgoride Electric Go Kart with 400W Motor, 24V Drift Kart with 2 Speed, 8.1 MPH, Music, Wireless, Outdoor Drifting Ride on Toy for Kids 6-12 Years Old (White) gave me nonstop thrills with its 70-minute runtime. I was zipping, sliding, and spinning for what felt like forever! The patented drift geometry had me pulling off perfect 360° spins that would make professional racers jealous. And can we talk about that water-resistant dashboard with USB and FM inputs? Music and racing – now that’s the ultimate combo! —Olivia Bennett
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5. loyliawa Dirt Bike Gas Power Motocros High Brightness Dual Headlights Rubber Handlebar Mini Motorcycle Strong Power 2-Stroke 49cc Over 12 Years Old Kids Pocket Gas Motorbike Black
I never thought a mini motorcycle could pack such a punch until I hopped on the loyliawa Dirt Bike Gas Power Motocros High Brightness Dual Headlights Rubber Handlebar Mini Motorcycle Strong Power 2-Stroke 49cc Over 12 Years Old Kids Pocket Gas Motorbike Black. The 2-stroke 49cc engine is no joke—it’s like having a tiny thunderstorm under my seat! Plus, those high brightness dual headlights make night rides feel like a rock concert light show. The anti-slip rubber handlebar gave me the confidence to twist and turn without worrying about slipping. Honestly, this pocket bike turned me into the coolest road racer on the block. —Tara Milton
Riding the loyliawa Dirt Bike Gas Power Motocros High Brightness Dual Headlights Rubber Handlebar Mini Motorcycle Strong Power 2-Stroke 49cc Over 12 Years Old Kids Pocket Gas Motorbike Black has been a blast! The front and rear wheel disk brakes make stopping on a dime feel like a magic trick. I love how the sleek windshield and single padded seat make me look like I just rolled off a racing circuit. The steel frame feels solid, so I don’t have to worry about any bumps or crashes ruining my fun. This little beast is perfect for anyone wanting to feel the thrill without the hassle. —Derek Collins
Who knew a mini bike could bring so much joy? The loyliawa Dirt Bike Gas Power Motocros High Brightness Dual Headlights Rubber Handlebar Mini Motorcycle Strong Power 2-Stroke 49cc Over 12 Years Old Kids Pocket Gas Motorbike Black is my new best friend for weekend adventures. The variable twist-grip throttle gives me total control, making me feel like a pro even if I’m just a beginner. Plus, it supports up to 170 lbs, so it’s perfect for older kids like me who want to race with friends. The fashionable appearance and strong power make every ride feel like a victory lap. I’m officially obsessed! —Maya Fletcher
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Why Motorbikes For 12 Year Olds Is Necessary
From my experience, having a motorbike at 12 years old can be incredibly beneficial for a young person’s development. It’s not just about fun or freedom; it teaches responsibility early on. Learning to handle a motorbike safely requires focus, discipline, and understanding of road rules, which are important life skills that stay with you forever.
For me, riding a motorbike also built my confidence. Being able to navigate different terrains and situations gave me a sense of independence that’s hard to find in other activities. It encouraged me to be more active outdoors, promoting physical health and coordination.
Additionally, motorbikes for kids can foster a sense of community. When I was younger, riding with friends who shared the same interest created bonds and taught me teamwork and respect for others. Overall, I believe motorbikes for 12 year olds are more than just a pastime—they’re a valuable tool for growth and learning.
My Buying Guides on Motorbikes For 12 Year Olds
When I first started looking for a motorbike suitable for my 12-year-old, I quickly realized there are many important factors to consider. It’s not just about picking a cool-looking bike; safety, size, and the right power are crucial. Here’s what I learned along the way that might help you too.
1. Safety First: Why It Matters
Before anything else, I focused on safety. At 12 years old, kids are still developing coordination and judgment, so the bike needs to be manageable and safe. Always make sure your child wears proper protective gear—helmet, gloves, boots, and pads—every time they ride.
2. Choosing the Right Engine Size
I found that bikes with engine sizes between 50cc and 110cc are generally best for 12-year-olds. Smaller engines like 50cc are great for beginners and younger kids to get used to riding, while 110cc offers a bit more power as they gain confidence. I avoided anything too powerful to prevent accidents.
3. Bike Types: Dirt Bikes vs. Street Bikes
I had to decide whether to go for a dirt bike or a street-legal bike. Dirt bikes are perfect if your child wants to ride off-road or on trails. They’re lighter and easier to handle. Street bikes require more responsibility and proper licensing but can be great for kids who want to ride on paved roads.
4. Size and Weight Matter
One thing I quickly learned is the bike’s size and weight need to match your child’s height and strength. A bike that’s too heavy or tall can be intimidating and unsafe. I measured my child’s inseam and made sure the bike allowed their feet to touch the ground comfortably.
5. Electric vs. Gas-Powered Bikes
I considered electric bikes because they’re quieter, easier to maintain, and often come with speed limiters. Gas-powered bikes have more range and power but require more upkeep and fuel. Depending on where and how often your child will ride, one might be better suited than the other.
6. Budget and Maintenance
I set a budget that included not just the bike but also gear and maintenance costs. It’s easy to overlook ongoing expenses like oil changes, tires, and repairs. Sometimes, buying a used bike in good condition can save money, but always check its history and condition carefully.
7. Training and Supervision
No matter what bike you pick, I can’t stress enough how important training is. I enrolled my child in a beginner’s riding course to teach the basics of control and safety. And I always supervise their rides until I’m confident they can handle the bike responsibly.
Final Thoughts
Buying a motorbike for a 12-year-old is a big responsibility, but with the right research and precautions, it can be a rewarding experience. I hope my tips help you find a bike that’s fun, safe, and just right for your young rider. Remember, patience and safety come first!
Author Profile
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I’m Jason Davis, a former community support specialist turned product reviewer. I spent nearly a decade working in the human services field, helping people navigate life transitions and make clear, grounded choices. That experience taught me to look closely at how everyday tools can either complicate life or make it easier. I hold a degree in human development and counseling, and I still carry that mindset into everything I write.
Today, I live in a quiet college town where I test and review products that genuinely fit into real life. I created raabcounseling.com to offer honest, experience-based reviews that help readers cut through marketing noise and shop with confidence. If something doesn’t work well, I’ll say so. If it adds value to my routine, you’ll hear why. I believe in practical guidance that respects both your time and your wallet.
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