Fun Motorcycles for Kids

Toy Motorcycles

• There is a world of pedal- and battery-powered toy motorcycles for very young kids. They may seem pricey, but a battery-powered cycle is less-likely to be forgotten by New Year's, according to My Kids Rides. Another perk, for parents, is going for a walk with the family and "no longer pulling them around in a wagon or pushing them in a stroller."

  For example, Fisher-Price sells starter Harley-Davidsons for children aged 2 to 6. The well-reviewed $55 tricycle is powered by foot pedals and features official Harley-Davidson styling, motorcycle sounds and flashing blinkers.

  Kids aged 3 to 7 can ride the popular EZ Riders Harley Style Motorcycle like a miniature adult, at up to 2 miles per hour. It's powered by a $10 6V 4Ah battery. The toy is made by Trademark Commerce, and sells for upwards of $100 on some Internet sites.

Dirt Bikes

• Dirt bikes can be extremely fun motorcycles for kids who learn how to handle the bikes safely. The off-road cycles conjure the image of adult motocross, with the back tire kicking up dirt and spraying arcs of mud around corners.

  Several major companies make a miniature version of the dirt bike motorcycle for kids, who also ride them for competition. The smaller motorcycles average 44 cc (cubic centimeters) of power, with two-stroke engines and a half-gallon of gas in the tank, according to Why Bike. In comparison, a standard adult street motorcycle that can reach speeds of 100 miles per hour is 125 cc.

  There are efforts in different states to legislate age and safety requirements, but any young person right now can legally ride a dirt bike off-road, on private property, according to Why Bike. It's up to parents to police their child's riding, though helmets are strongly encouraged. The child should also be physically able to handle the bike.

  Dirt bikes vary in power and price. Most off-road motorcycles for kids offer around 90 cc of power and run from $200 to $600. Some young teens ride and race pit bikes, a smaller version of the standard dirt bike. Adults also race pit bikes as "mini cross," according to Dirt Bike Kids. Pit bikes can cost upwards of $2,000 and pack 125 cc of power.

Pocket Bikes

• Pocket bikes are suitable for teenagers, as far as kids go. The miniature street bikes are illegal on public roads and parking lots because there is, technically, no way to make them street legal. They're hard to see, since they're only a few feet high, and have no turn signals or other required safety features. Riders hunker over the bikes, which can reach 50 miles per hour, like clowns. Many kids, however, find them to be a very fun recreational or racing motorcycle. High-end pocket bikes range from $2,000 to $4,000, while knock-offs run from $200, according to Popular Mechanics.