Have you ever dreamed of owning a motorcycle, however you do not really quite have the money to spend on a real one? Then, have you asked yourself if you want an alternative vehicle while looking extremely silly? Well then you should get a “pocket bike” also known as mini motorcycles. While they might initially look like a toy for children, but make no mistake as some of the higher end bikes can get pretty serious. We are going to take a brief look at these niche motorcycles.
The history of mini motorcycles is very similar to go-karts. Racing enthusiasts wanted to build their own vehicles out of parts laying around their garages to race around small tracks for fun. These bikes saw their rise in the 1950’s, however like I said all of these bikes were built by enthusiasts, and no company really produced them. Owners of pocket bikes brought them home to their neighborhood where children saw them and were extremely intrigued. Kids wanted small bikes to ride around that were somewhat safer than full-sized motorcycles. Eventually go-kart companies began to produce mini motorcycles and they have caught on amoung recreational motor vehicle enthusiasts of all kind.
Mini motorcycles provide users with high levels of enjoyment as the owner gets somewhat the experience of riding a motorcycle. Additionally these bikes are also very inexpensive. While some basic full sized motorcycles can cost around $4,000 for a low-end inexpensive bike, one can get an entry-level pocket bike for around $200. These entry level bikes have anywhere between 25cc and 50cc engines, however there are some “super pocket bikes” that have larger 100cc plus engines. The smaller bikes can achieve speeds of around 25 miles per hour, however the larger racing bikes can reach speeds up to 80 miles per hour. These larger mini motorcycles are around $1,000 or so dollars and are raced in leagues around the world.
Given the nature of mini motorcycles they are illegal to use on public roads in the United States, as they are small, often underpowered, and do not have any of the proper signal lights in addition to other factors. Unfortunately after repeated offenses done by super pocket bike owners, they larger 100cc bikes are now completely illegal, as owners would often use them on real roads. These super pocket bikes are also pretty dangerous. However, the smaller bikes are still available to be purchased. If you want a recreational motor vehicle, and don’t mind looking goofy riding it, then mini motorcycles are perfect for you.
Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images for Laureus
