The only thing that’s mini about mini bikes is their size. Everything else about them, including the amount of fun you can have and their performance, is full-sized fun.
There are several reasons mini bikes have gained popularity in recent times. Prime among them is the fact that these vehicles are a great way to safely enjoy all the thrills of a two-wheeler: the speed, the easy maneuverability, and the lightweight mobility. You get to do all of those things in a safe way with mini bikes.
Although they may seem like toys, don’t be fooled into thinking that’s all mini bikes are. Sure, they make for great gifts for kids, but many mini bikes can also easily handle the weight of most adults. They’re a great way to quickly traverse distances like if you live on a farm. So along with the kicks, you also get some very real utility value.
Whether you’re in it for the thrills, the functionality, or as a gift for a child, you want to choose a quality mini bike that can do the job you want it to well. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of the best mini bikes out there in a range of categories. In our list of the best mini bikes on the market, we cover everything from ones that are great for offroading to mini bikes with great electric motors.
But before that, let’s take a look at what you need to know before you decide what mini bike is the right one for you.
Are Mini Bikes for Me?
If you aren’t too familiar with mini bikes, they can seem a little confusing at first. They look like miniature motorcycles and they’re toy-like but they have engines so they’re not really just toys? There’s a lot going on here so let’s clear some of your doubts.
Mini bikes can be toys. One like the ‘Lil Rider Ride On runs on a small battery and can only carry young children. It comes with training wheels. Mini bikes like that one are basically toys and are perfect for kids.
But not all mini bikes are toys. A lot of them, as we’ll see in our list, come with real gas engines and can move at respectable speeds. The Massimo Warrior 200, for example, has a 200cc engine that can move it at 30mph and can carry a 280-pound human. Those are no toy stats.
It’s clear that adults can ride and enjoy mini bikes. There’s almost certainly one out there that can carry you around and be a lot of fun. Some adults use them just for the kicks and more advanced riders can pull off some X Games-worthy tricks on them. They can also be a great learning tool if you’re looking to learn how to ride an actual motorcycle somewhere down the road.
What You Need to Know About Mini Bikes
They may seem small in size, but there’s a lot going on under the hood in a mini bike. Let’s take a look at how those things might influence your buying decision.
Drivetrain
Let’s start by talking about how your mini bike gets its power. There are two main options when it comes to that: the conventional gas-powered engine and the newer electric motors.
This is a choice that anyone buying a vehicle in 2021 has to make. The pros and cons on each side are well-established. Gas engine mini bikes tend to be more expensive on average but it’s a lot quicker to top them up if they run out of fuel. However, gas engines can be a little high-maintenance.
Electric drivetrains, like the one on the Monster Moto Electric Mini Bike are a lot easier to maintain than gas engines. You don’t have to worry about fuel spills and all of the headaches that come with them. That said, you do have to think about recharging electric motors and how long they can hold a charge. If you’re somebody who enjoys long rides on a mini bike, you may be better off with a gas engine mini bike like the XtremepowerUS Pocket Bike.
Types of Gas-Powered Mini Bike Engines
You will notice that there are two kinds of gas-powered engines on our list: two-stroke engines and four-stroke engines. Let’s take a look at the meaningful differences between the two.
Two-stroke Engine
The first thing you need to know about two-stroke engines is that they’re very light. That’s because there aren’t a lot of moving parts inside these machines. As a result, vehicles with two-stroke engines aren’t weighed down by them much.
Two-stroke engines can take your bike at between 20mph to 30mph on average. The SYX Moto, which has a two-stroke engine, has a maximum speed of 30mph.
An important drawback of two-stroke engines is that they tend to produce a lot of exhaust fumes.
Four-stroke Engines
These kinds of gas engines are more powerful than a two-stroke engine. But because we’re talking about mini bikes, that may not lead to any significant performance improvements. The Coleman Powersports CT100U for example, has a four-stroke engine but a top speed of 20mph.
The main reason for the limited speed is that four-stroke engines tend to be heavier than their two-stroke counterparts. They have more moving parts within them, which contribute to their weight. You may also get more ignition misfires with a four-stroke. That can lead to some wastage of fuel.
That said, four-stroke engines can be quite durable and that may be an important reason for you to choose a mini bike that uses one. The best ones can take mini bikes at top speeds of around 30mph.
Load Capacity
An important factor to take into consideration when buying a mini bike is how much weight it can carry.
You don’t have to worry about this as much if you’re buying a mini bike for a child. Most mini bikes can easily carry children up to seven years in age. Things get trickier if you’re making the purchase for an older child or an adult.
Thankfully, though, most mini bikes these days are equipped to handle the weight of adult riders. A mini bike like the Razor MX650 has a load capacity of 220 pounds. So it can easily carry an adult around.
The Monster Moto Electric Mini Bike has a load capacity of just 130 pounds. You might want to choose a mini bike like that only if it’s meant for a child. It would be a lot easier to maneuver for someone aged seven or under.
Terrain
Not every mini bike can handle every kind of terrain. Some are best suited for the curb or a bike path. Others can easily handle hilly or wooded terrain.
We’ve identified the Razor MX650 as the best offroading mini bike on our list. We’ve also mentioned when there are bikes that may not handle the requirements of rough terrain as well.
So those are all the things you need to keep in mind when buying a mini bike. Each of our reviews mentions these key pieces of information, such as the engine, load capacity, and top speed. You will also learn about the terrain capabilities of these mini bikes in their reviews.
With all that out of the way, let’s find out what the best mini bikes on the market are.
Top 10 Best Mini Bikes 2021
1. Best Overall Mini Bike: Coleman Powersports CT100U
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance:
- Motor: 4-stroke, OHV 1-cylinder gas engine
- Output: 98cc/3HP
- Maximum speed: 20mph
- Weight: 101.8 pounds
- Load capacity: 150 pounds
The Coleman Powersports CT100U is the kind of mini bike that will leave you wondering what took you so long to get one. A mini bike of its quality is rare, especially at the price tag that it comes at.
To start things off, this mini bike is very easy to assemble. If you buy it as a gift for your kids, they will likely be able to assemble it all on their own. Adults should be able to get this thing together in about 30 minutes. But don’t be too hard on yourself if you take a little longer.
Once you finish assembling this beast, it’s off to the races. The Coleman Powersports CT100U is a powerful performer in several departments. It can carry you across rough terrain, like hilly and wooded land, with ease. Riders can hit speeds of about 18mph quite easily going uphill on this thing. It also moves well on snow thanks to those all-terrain tires. The CT100U really is an all-weather vehicle.
The engine on the CT100U is a single-cylinder 4-stroke unit. The mini bike fires up on the first pull every time and moves smoothly. You may not want kids taking this vehicle to its limits, and thankfully, it comes with a governor to prevent that. You can use it to restrict the top speed of the vehicle until your kids get more power-hungry and can handle higher speeds safely.
You may find while assembling the bike that the chain is too large. This is an obvious no-go and you may have to pay a mechanic to shorten the chain for you. It’s also a mini bike meant for riders who have some experience with this form of mobility. Absolute beginners, especially toddlers, can start off on the ‘Lil Rider Ride On mini bike.
Pros
- All-terrain capabilities
- Easy to assemble
- Comes with a governor
Cons
- Chain may need shortening
2. Best Budget Mini Bike: Razor SX350
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance:
- Motor: 250W, single-speed electric
- Output: N/A
- Maximum speed: 14mph
- Weight: 48.26 pounds
- Load-capacity: 140 pounds
The Razor SX350 is a battery-powered mini bike that kids love riding. Since it’s an electric bike, you will have to charge it every now and then. Gladly, though, it charges quickly and gives you long service runs once fully charged.
Razor ships this mini bike in a way that makes it very easy to assemble. All you really need to do is get the front plate and handle bars onto the body of the vehicle. Once that’s done, you can get it charging before taking it for a spin.
You will find that your kids will zip around at respectable speeds on the Razor SX350, so make sure to get them a helmet beforehand. Parents will be happy to know that the vehicle is sturdily built and is comfortable to ride on even surfaces.
What it doesn’t handle as well, though, is off-road terrain. It doesn’t come with an off-road suspension, so you will find that it doesn’t perform very well on bumpy terrain. Riders who want to enjoy offroad mini biking should check out the Razor MX650.
Pros
- Long service runs once fully charged
- Easy assembly
- Fast
Cons
- Not suitable for offroading
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance:
- Motor: 500-watt variable speed motor
- Output: N/A
- Maximum speed: 15 mph
- Weight: 112 pounds
- Load capacity: 175 pounds
We saw that with the SX350, Razor created a mini bike that kids would enjoy and provided just enough performance to make that possible. The MX500 takes things up a few notches and older mini bike riders will be all the better for it.
The Razor MX500 is powerful, durable, and knows how to hold a charge. That’s right, this is a battery-powered mini bike so you will have to plug it in every now and then. You could use this mini bike for a whole day and still only have to charge once every two weeks or so. The quietness of the battery motor compared to gas engines is an added benefit. Riders who do like the rumble of a gas engine can go with the XtremepowerUS Pocket Bike instead.
This is a great mini bike for teens and adults who want to enjoy the thrills of a bike on a compact vehicle. It moves fast, especially if you stick to pavement. But the MX500 can definitely hold its own if you decide to test it on rock or gravel.
You do need to be extra careful when riding this mini bike on wet surfaces. It has a tendency to slip easily.
Pros
- Long-lasting electric battery
- Quiet
- Fast
Cons
- Slips easily on wet surfaces
4. Best Gas-Powered Mini Bike: XtremepowerUS Pocket Bike
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance:
- Motor: 4-stroke engine
- Output: 40cc
- Maximum speed: 25mph
- Weight: 50 pounds
- Load capacity: 165 pounds
WIth its smooth curves and bright colors, you might be fooled into thinking the XtremepowerUS Pocket Bike is out of one of the Tron movies. And it isn’t far off; this mini bike performs so well that it could be from the future.
Yes, the Pocket Bike is a good-looking two-wheeler. But take a moment to look beyond the cosmetics. Under the hood, this mini bike is powered by a 4-stroke 40cc gas engine. The motor is housed in a chassis built out of high-tensile steel. Riders as heavy as 165 pounds can take this vehicle to its limits without compromising its structure.
Since it’s powered by gas, you’re probably wondering about the mileage on the XtremepowerUS Pocket Bike. This is a fuel-efficient vehicle and you won’t find yourself having to top up on gas too often if you ride it for a short while every day. The bike is EPA-registered, so you can have your thrills knowing that they don’t cause unreasonable damage to the environment.
Although a good looking mini bike, the XtremepowerUS Pocket Bike leaves something to be desired in build quality. You may notice that the welds aren’t done well and some bolts may need to be tightened every now and then. The Razor MX650 is a more durable mini bike for those who like to push their two-wheelers to its limits.
Pros
- Eye-catching design
- Strong performance
- Environment-friendly
Cons
- Unsatisfactory build quality
5. Best Electric Mini Bike: Monster Moto Electric Mini Bike
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance:
- Motor: 1,000W electric motor
- Output: N/A
- Maximum speed: 17 mph
- Weight: 51 pounds
- Load capacity: 130 pounds.
We saw that the XtremepowerUS Pocket Bike is a great gas-powered mini bike. If you’re looking to go electric without having to spring for a Tesla (we can’t wait for them to make mini bikes), then the Monster Moto Electric Mini Bike is a great choice.
Anyone going electric for the first time wonders if the choice means having to compromise on performance. Not so with this mini bike by Monster Moto. The 1,000W motor provides plenty of power and torque — enough that you may have to take some time learning how to handle this little monster. You can hit some high speeds if you stick to flat surfaces on this mini bike.
Another department in which the Monster Moto Electric Mini Bike performs impressively is charging. This is an electric mini bike, after all, and that’s an important part of your experience with it. The Monster Motor takes only about 2 hours to get charged and is good for 45 minutes of riding thereafter. The mini bike hits those numbers dependably over long periods of use.
What the Monster Motor Electric Mini Bike doesn’t have is a solid suspension. So you won’t be able to use it to do jumps or offroading of any kind. The Massimo Warrior200, on the other hand, is a mini bike that does offer a suspension.
Pros
- Powerful motor
- Fast charging
- Fast on flat surfaces
Cons
- Lacks a suspension
6. Best Offroad Mini Bike: Razor MX650
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance:
- Motor: 650W electric motor
- Output: N/A
- Maximum speed: 17 mph
- Weight: 112 pounds
- Load capacity: 220 pounds
When some people think about bikes, they think of offroading; and why should your expectations change with mini bikes. The Razor MX650 is proof that these two-wheelers can also handle the dirt with panache.
Everything about this bike screams offroading. It has the classic dirt bike frame geometry and the dual suspension system ensures that it can handle bumps with ease. The throttle response is nuanced and you can make fine changes to the input and see a commensurate response from the mini bike.
Razor says that you can get 40 minutes out of the MX650 per charge but that can sometimes seem like a conservative estimate. If you don’t push it to its limits too much, you can get as much as an hour per charge.
Is this mini bike suitable for adults? It sure is. It has a load capacity of 220 pounds and can efficiently carry an adult around. However, you may not be able to do steep uphill climbs if you’re an adult.
The stock batteries on the Razor MX650 sometimes have a tendency to lose output quickly. You can get in touch with the company for a replacement if that happens or install a new battery yourself.
Pros
- Great throttle response
- Impressive charging
- Suitable for adults
Cons
- Batteries may need replacement sooner than you expect
7. Best Toddler Mini Bike: ‘Lil Rider Ride On
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance:
- Motor: 6-volt 4Ah battery
- Output: N/A
- Maximum speed: 1.25 mph
- Weight: 31.8 pounds
- Load capacity: 55 pounds
For parents who want to start their toddlers off young, the ‘Lil Rider Ride On has plenty to offer. The first thing you’ll notice about this mini bike is that it is a lot sturdier than you’d expect. That’s always a good thing for vehicles in this category, even if you’re only going to have a toddler riding it.
On a more serious note, this mini bike by ‘Lil Rider offers safe mini biking fun for children up to 7 years of age. You don’t have to worry too much about your toddler’s learning curve with this mini bike. It comes with training wheels so they can hop right on and get that much-needed mini adrenaline rush right away; all 1.25 mph hour of it.
Toddlers will enjoy this mini bike because it is the perfect combination of the design of the real thing combined with the fun of a toy. All the controls on the handlebar mimic a bike. There are also light and sound effects to go with the ride.
The ‘Lil Rider Ride On is fully plastic, including the tires. You may find that the tires wear out quickly because of that. But given the price point, you likely won’t mind that too much.
Pros
- Training wheels for easy use
- Sturdy build
- Affordable
Cons
- Plastic wheels wear out quickly
8. Best Performing Mini Bike: Massimo Warrior 200
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance:
- Motor: 4-stroke
- Output: 200cc
- Maximum speed: 30 mph
- Weight: 152 pounds
- Load capacity: 280 pounds
The Massimo Warrior 200 is simply all kinds of cool. Looks? Check. Performance? Check. Durability? Check. Riding this mini bike around is a surefire way to become the top dog in your neighborhood.
The Warrior 200 is designed to look like a classic chopper. The large wheels, fake gas tank, and storage compartment all contribute to the aesthetics of this impressive-looking mini bike.
The performance doesn’t lag very far behind the looks when it comes to the Massimo Warrior 200. We’ve covered the numbers, but suffice it to say that this two-wheeler can lug a 225-pound adult around without breaking a sweat.
This mini bike handles great, thanks in part to the shock absorbers in front, which have great travel. The top-end speed isn’t very high, but it’s perfectly sufficient for a vehicle this size.
Given all of that, why isn’t the Massimo Warrior 200 higher on our list? Well, mostly because it costs significantly more than most other products in its category. In addition to that, the parts used on the mini bike, like the nuts and bolts, could have been of a higher quality considering the price.
Pros
- Easily carries adults
- Handles well
- Great looking mini bike
Cons
- High price
- Low-quality parts
9. Mega Moto Gas Mini Bike
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance:
- Motor: Overhead valve gas engine
- Output: 105cc
- Maximum speed: 23 mph
- Weight: 78 pounds
- Load capacity: 185 pounds
Motorcycle owners will quickly appreciate the quality of the Mega Moto Gas Mini Bike. This vehicle stands out for its high-quality manufacturing and impressive design, which is topped off by a beautiful finish.
Assembling the Mega Moto Gas Mini Bike is an easy process. All you really need to do is snap the handlebars on along with a couple of other parts. The entire process will take you 20 minutes at most. You can then fill the gas and oil and you’re ready to go.
Riders of all ages and sizes will enjoy this mini bike. It does a great job of carrying heavy payloads and does so with ease. The listed load capacity is 185 pounds but heavier riders should be able to enjoy the Mega Moto Gas Mini Bike without causing it any damage.
This mini bike comes with several features that make riding it a joy. The shock absorbers in front make bumpy terrain easy to navigate. The disc brakes, combined with the adjustable handlebars, make handling the vehicle a breeze.
Some units of the Mega Moto Gas Mini Bike have a tendency to become a little noisy with use. Consider lubing up the chain if you face this issue.
Pros
- Well manufactured
- Can handle riders of all sizes
- Front shock absorbers make for a smooth ride
Cons
- Can become noisy
10. SYX Moto
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance:
- Motor: 2-stroke engine
- Output: 49cc
- Maximum speed: 30 mph
- Weight: 48.5 pounds
- Load capacity: 160 pounds
The SYX Moto is a great mini bike for kids with an interest in dirt bikes. It helps that the product offers quality performance at a price that is relatively low for this segment.
The assembly process for the SYX Moto involves attaching the rear shock absorbers, mounting the tires and handlebar, and attaching the fenders. The mini bike also comes with decals, which you can attach to the body once assembly is complete. It may not be the quickest assembly process but it is very straightforward.
Kids will enjoy riding this bike because of the power it offers combined with the easy handling. The pull start makes it very easy to get going. It’s a zippy vehicle and can touch speeds around 25 mph with ease. There is a limiter screw on the SYX Moto in case you don’t want your child hitting the upper limit speeds just yet.
The exhaust on this mini bike has a tendency to get very hot. You can buy some additional heat wrap for the exhaust if that’s the case.
Pros
- Affordable
- Straightforward assembly
- Easy to limit speed
Cons
- Exhaust can get hot
Getting the Most out of Your Mini Bike
So by now you know what you need to know before you start browsing around for mini bikes. You probably have a good idea of the kind of two-wheeler you want and the brand that you might like. Now it’s time to talk about how you can enjoy your mini bike once it shows up at your doorstep.
What Octane of Gasoline do Mini Bikes run On?
Gas for any vehicle comes in different octane ratings. The higher the octane rating is, the better it is at preventing engine knocking.
Every gas-powered mini bike has its own recommended octane rating. You can check the bike’s user manual to find out what kind it requires.
Most mini bikes will have a recommended rating of 87 or between 91 and 93. You should choose a premium unleaded gas as often as possible. But always double-check to make sure you’re using the fuel your mini bike needs. In some cases, you may have to use a mix of oil and gas to power your vehicle.
How Long can I Ride My Mini Bike Continuously?
This comes down to how much fuel your mini bike can hold if you’re using a gas-powered one. Most will be able to go for about two hours before you need to refuel.
When you do refuel, make sure that you wait at least ten minutes before getting back on the bike. This gives your vehicle enough time to recover from the empty tank and have the fuel ready to fire.
Electric mini bikes tend to have shorter lifespans per charge. You can use most for about 45 minutes to an hour before they need to be recharged.
How to Maintain a Mini Bike
Mini bikes are a lot like regular-sized bikes when it comes to maintenance. Here are a few parts you should keep an eye on to make sure that your mini bike keeps running as you want it to.
Carburetor
Let’s talk about carburetors first since these are notoriously hard to maintain.
The carburetor is the part of your mini bike that combines the fuel with air so it becomes a combustible mixture. It’s a complex little part so you’ll usually have to take your bike down to a mechanic to take a look at it.
What you can do yourself, however, is check the carburetor regularly to make sure it passes the eye test. Any corrosion is a red flag. Any dust or gunk can be cleaned away with a toothbrush. You might even get a toothpick to clean the really tight nooks.
If you ever have trouble starting your mini bike, it can be because the carburetor isn’t working properly. In that case, take it down to a mechanic to have it checked.
Spark Plug
Spark plugs, much like fried chicken, are at their best when they’re golden brown. If your spark plug begins to assume a white discoloration, that means something unfavorable is afoot. You might have an engine that is getting too hot or fuel that isn’t mixing properly. So if you see your spark plug begin to change color, make sure to change it.
Air Filters
Air filters have a habit of collecting dust and dirt. This isn’t good and hinders performance . So make sure to find the air filter and rid it of any debris that you find on it. You can usually find them in the front area of the motor under a protective casing.
Chain
Any damage to a chain can lead to an accident. So always make sure that you inspect the entirety of your mini bike’s chain at least once a month to check for any potential weak points. Lubricating the chain regularly is a great way to make sure that it runs smoothly.
Frequently Asked Mini Bike Questions
How Fast can a 200cc Mini Bike Travel?
Mini bikes that have a 200cc engine will usually have top speeds between 20mph and 30mph on paper. How much you actually get out of them depends on the load on the bike and the kind of terrain on which you ride it.
Are Mini Bikes Street Legal?
Most mini bikes are not street legal. Their legality depends on where you’re located in the United States. California, for example, has banned mini bikes on public roads. In certain other states, you may be able to ride them on public roads after making a few modifications. So look up local laws and consult your DMV before taking your mini bike out on the road.
Should I Wear a Helmet While Riding a Mini Bike?
Yes. They may not seem to go as fast as motorcycles but mini bikes can travel fast enough that you need a helmet while riding them. Children should wear additional safety gear like knee pads if they’re new to mini bike riding.
Conclusion
They say good things come in small packages. Mini bikes are evidence that maxim holds true.
These two-wheelers can be a lot of fun whether you’re a child or adult. As you’ve seen in our list, they can be very well-designed, powerful vehicles. They’re also a great introduction to the world of motoring in general.
You’re now equipped with all the information you need to own a mini bike and get your kids one if you need to. So ladies and gentlemen , start your engines!
Source: Tools - autoquarterly.com
