Home Contact Us

Pocket Bikes

Info Menu

Pocket Bikes

A minibike , sometimes called a mini moto or pocketbike , is a miniature motorcycle. Most traditional minibikes use a four stroke engine to turn the rear wheel via a chain.

History

Like go-karts, the first minibikes were made by enthusiasts from spare parts found in their garages. They were first popularly used as "pit bikes", for drag racers to travel around in the pits during races in the late 1950s. They were very useful for this purpose, as they could maneuver very well in the tight pit roads, fit in about the same space as a small bicycle in a trailer or pickup, and they were faster than most previous forms of transportation. As racers brought them home and used them around their neighborhoods, many children liked the idea of having a "mini motorcycle" and started building their own. A market for minibikes developed and many cottage and major industries developed to meet the demand. Famous minibike companies include Arctic-Cat, Rupp, Taco, Heath, Gilson, and Fox, many of which also made other power toys such as go-karts, trikes and choppers. The height of the minibike/go-kart era was from the late 1960s to the early 1970s in America. Many of the famous brands, foremost Rupp, have gained a cult-following of enthusiasts and owners.

These early minibikes usually consisted of a powertrain containing a small four-stroke, horizontal shaft, flathead engine from a lawnmower. The power transmission usually consisted of a crank-mounted centrifugal clutch and chain drive to a rear sprocket. As the minibike and the mini-powersports field grew and expanded, Comet introduced a small variable-ratio belt system (much like a snowmobile's) called the Tourque-a-Verter, which allowed for the better transfer of power from the engine to the rear wheel, resulting in better top speed and acceleration.

Types

Today minibikes have evolved into several specialized types, all around the concept of a mini motorcycle:

Legal status

Netherlands

In the Netherlands, minibikes/mini motors are not allowed on the public road. Road riding will lead to a fine and possibility of confiscation, but it is more likely that only a warning will be given, followed by a fine and/or confiscation when a second violation has been made. It is legal to ride a minibike/ midi motor on private land at all ages.

Australia

In Australia mini-bikes/mini-motos are illegal on the road in all states. The only legal places are private property or the various kart tracks around the country (which are commonly used by mini moto racing clubs e.g. Wollongong City Raceway which is the only approved track for minimotos in NSW). Riding on the streets or any public place can result in a $1600 or more fine, which in most cases is worth more than the bike itself.

USA

DOT laws vary by state, but for the most part minibikes are illegal for use on public roadways since most do not carry the necessary equipment (and often size requirements) to be street legal. In many states the seat of a motorcycle must be at least 25" off the ground, which is often a limiting factor in registration. Over 14 years is the minimum legal to ride but any person caught operating pocketbikes or minibikes under the age of 14 on public roadways is subject to a number of tickets, including but not limited to: 1. No indicator lights. 2. No rearview mirror. 3. No horn or signaling device. 4. No headlight. 5. Too-small muffler (noise pollution) 6. Improper lane change. (no blinkers) 7. Reckless driving.

Some of the larger "super" pocket bikes, most commonly the X18, X19, and X22 meet all the requirements and can be registered for legal street use in most US states. These bikes have headlights, turn signals, tail/brake lights, a horn, and speedometer, and can also do the speed limit in most scenarios (typically 4 stroke bikes can reach speeds of 55mph). In many states all one needs to do is add a rearview mirror and a license plate bracket, but it is best to check with local DMV authorities for exact requirements. In some cases, if the bike requires minor modification to meet requirements, one may be able to register it as a "unique/homebuilt."

Like a full-size motorcycle, the rider must carry insurance, have a current inspection, and wear a helmet if local laws require it. Depending on if the state classes a pocketbike as a "moped" or full "motorcycle", the rider may or may not need a special motorcycle license. If not, a regular driver's license may suffice.

In general no motorbike is ready for use on the street out of the box. Riding on public roads without registration is illegal. The "super" pocket bikes typically are FMVSS certified. Frequently, a Manufacturer's Statement of Origin is required for registration.

Canada

In Canada's Ontario province, it is illegal to ride minibikes on roads and sidewalks, but it is up to the police officer's discretion whether or not to press charges. For instance, in Alberta the minimum riding age is 14 years old or older and they can only be ridden on side roads.

UK

In the UK, it is illegal for minibikes to be ridden on public roads. The only places these types of vehicle may be ridden are purpose-built race tracks and privately owned land with the owners permission (and where they do not cause harassment, alarm or distress). All of these minibikes are regarded as "motor vehicles" as defined by section 185 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 and so to be ridden on the public road, a motor vehicle must comply with all aspects of road traffic law and meet the mandatory European construction requirements by having a "Certificate of Conformity" indicating that they have European Community Whole Vehicle Type Approval (ECWVTA).

Minibikes are not manufactured to meet these requirements, and would need to be modified significantly to do so. Reported instances of this occurring are incredibly rare, meaning that it is very unlikely that minibikes can actually be registered for road use. However, where a minibike or other vehicle does not have ECWVTA, it might conceivably pass a Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval (MSVA) inspection which would result in a Ministerial Certificate of Approval, permitting it to be road-registered.

In addition to the Vehicle Type Approval, to be ridden on the road the minibike must be registered with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, display a valid road tax disc (vehicle excise duty), and the driver or rider must be aged 17 or over (or 16 if the vehicle meets the definition of a moped), have an appropriate driving license, and insurance. The only exceptions relate to electrically-assisted pedal cycles and mobility aids for disabled people. In the UK there are in most areas mini bike tracks for the public.

During August 2006 the UK Government ran a campaign to highlight the dangers of minibike misuse on roads and their anti-social use. A guidance document was produced to provide police and other agencies with practical information to deal with the issues and prevent misuse. The guidance outlined the legal status of minibikes and included information on enforcement measures and the provision of legal sites.

Later the death of Abbi Perrin from Louth brought the dangers back into public view.

Police may seize and destroy the vehicle and prosecute the rider when caught riding on public roads .

Safety

Minibikes are not toys, although often treated as such. Even the cheapest 38cc US-made bikes (often sold for as little as $150) are capable of speeds of at least 25mph. The 49cc "super" pocket bikes can do 30-35mph, and the 110cc-125cc four-stroke bikes are capable of 60-80mph. Gasoline-powered bikes are substantially faster and require more skill than off-the-shelf electric bikes, which typically can not exceed 10-15mph.

Most casual riders of minibikes do not wear substantial safety equipment, and consequently injuries often occur at speeds of 10mph or lower, depending on the road surface. Professional mini-moto racers wear full leather suits like GP racers.

See also

References

  1. ^ Exceptions include Iowa where the minimum driving age is 14
  2. ^ From Popular Mechanics, at http://www.popularmechanics.com/outdoors/adventures/1278186.html?page=3
  3. ^ New and Alternative Vehicles
  4. ^ “Vehicle Type Approval”
  5. ^ “The Home Office press release”
  6. ^ BBC News "Man jailed over mini-moto death"
  7. ^ Police get tough on minimoto bikes - Worcester News

RBZ POCKET BIKES - SINGAPORE POCKET BIKES AND PARTS RETAILER

Wednesday 10 March, 2010 : 408008 requests since Friday 30 November, 2007

mo..

Pocket Bikes | Racing Pocket Bikes Sale | IN STOCK 110cc Super Pocket ...

Pocket Bikes, New 2010 Racing Pocket Bike, 110cc Super Pocket Bikes, mini motorcycles, and mini pocket rockets - We have the hottest pocket bikes from these top brands - bravo ...

mo..

Pocket Bikes and Mini Bikes at MiniPocketRockets

We carry Pocket Bikes and Mini Bikes at the lowest prices with Fast Shipping.

mo..

Modded Pocket Bikes | Mild To Wild Pocket Rockets

Covering the pocket bike industry. Offers news, tech tips, parts and racing advice and a pocket rocket forum.

mo..

Pocket Bikes, Mini Bikes, and Parts at USA Pocket Bikes

Pocket Bikes, Mini Bikes, and Parts in stock now at USA Pocket Bikes. 1-888-720-BIKES. Check out our updated performance parts selection.

mo..

Pocket Bike Performance Parts

Pocket Bikes Unlimited, PBU, 4 Stroke Pocket Bikes, Pocket Bike Performance, pocket bike parts, pocket bikes, custom pocket bikes, pocket bikes wholesale, super pocket bikes, 47cc ...

mo..

Pocket Bikes on Sale. Up to 70% off on all Bikes.

Pocket Bikes - Free Shipping, Up to 70% Off, No Sales Tax, Same Day Shipping. Pocket Bikes Sale Ends Soon!.

mo..

Super Pocket Bikes, Mini Pocket Bike For Sale - Sports Bike Store

Your one stop destination to find pocket bikes, dirt bikes, motorcycles, mopeds and scooters at cool discounted offers.

mo..

Pocket Bikes 101 - Technical pocket bike resource, 49cc pocket bikes ...

Racing pocket bikes,offroad pocket bikes, gas powered pocket bikes, and more. Buy a 49cc pocket bike, read reviews, and leave reviews on your favorite bikes.

mo..

RBZ POCKET BIKES - SINGAPORE POCKET BIKES AND PARTS RETAILER

Welcome Guest! Would you like to log yourself in? Or would you prefer to create an account? Check Latest News: WE ARE OPEN BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. KINDLY CONTACT US AT

mo..