Christmas is almost here, my jolly moto mates. And although you can’t fit a motorcycle in a stocking, you could almost fit one of these battery powered toddler motorcycles in a (fairly mega) pillow case.
Here are my top picks below for gifts for your favourite mini moto enthusiast. My two-year-old Monty has an unhealthy obsession with his mini Honda CBR1000. I’m creating a monster and I’d like to help you create your very own monster too (you can thank me later).
Most of these bikes all travel slow enough that you don’t need a helmet… unless they head off a ledge with a solid drop and then you do need a helmet. So maybe just have them wear a helmet.
The producers of these battery powered bikes generally recommend ages three and up but I think they are being a bit cautious. By the time Monty is three, we’ll be moving onto something that he can do burns outs with in our local carpark.
Honda CBR
Calling all the Mini Micro Marquezs out there. Meet the BambiniBlade version of the iconic Fireblade, a bike rich in motorsport history, a highly sought after weapon that to this day is still one of the greatest sports bikes of all time.
The kidlettes version has removable training wheels, a reverse option and is extremely easy to assemble – even a half wit like me managed to do it. The CBR also features headlights, an instrument panel, music and realistic sounds like a horn to really rev up your parents. Monty unashamedly has more love for this toy than he does for me.
Price: Approx. $299…. drive-away, no on-road costs. (Dad joke)
Little person limit: Up to 20kg and ages 3+
BMW
I couldn’t choose which one to bring you from the BMW clan so I’ve included two, lucky you. Two very different bikes and price points but both super fun.
Avery BMW Ride On
Another on-road, sports bike variety but a bit different to the Honda. This RR1000 goes about 4km/h and is a trike with three wheels instead of two so no training wheels are required. It has a peddle for acceleration and comfortable pads for your toddlers feet to rest on. No reverse, only forward and similar to most sports bikes, a pretty average turning circle but I don’t think a two year old is going to know any different.
It weights in at nice 5kg which means you can carry your toddler and the bike when the sh*t hits the fan. The website spiel makes some mildly ridiculous claims like a powerful motor (max 4km/h), comfortable seat (piece of hard plastic), exhilarating performance (perhaps for a 2yo). This one will cost you around $100, making it the most affordable of this list. Monty has had one and bang for your buck, it’s a good time. And it also comes with a one year warranty so that’s a win.
Price: Approx. $100
Little person limit: Up to 20kg and ages 18-36 months
Police BMW F850GS Kids Ride On
If you’re a GS lover (you know who you are), then this is the bike for your mini micro adventure rider. The addition of the Polizei (German for Police) stickers make it even more hilarious. This officially licensed and approved BMW dual sport F850GS is a thing of on-road and off-road adventure dreams, and once you dust off The Long Way Round VHS, a wave of nostalgia will hit and you will remember why you became a GS fan girl in the first place.
You can’t obviously show your kid the video, because there’s no way to play a VHS these days, we’re old. So memories will have to suffice. This GS features a low and high speed mode and the EVA wheels apparently offer decent traction. It even has mini panniers with storage for… a banana? Maybe some Lego? This is the most detailed and genuine looking mini moto out of my Top 5 and would definitely impress cruising the streets and enforcing the law on route to daycare.
Price: From $299
Little person limit: Up to 30kg and ages 3+
Ducati Ride On
Have you got a budding Bagnaia? Make Pecco proud and shove one of these under the tree. This Panigale-inspired Ducati goes speeds of 3-7km/h and can run continuously for one-two hours which is decent. My little guy only lasts about 15 minutes on his Honda and then we move on.
The actual bike weights 15kg which is something to consider after you’ve made it three blocks and your kids decides they doesn’t want to ride any more and instead wants to be held so you’re left carry a motorcycle and a toddler. Think of it as a free gym session. The Ducati comes with a reverse option and a hand throttle. This is different to others that usually work with a foot throttle making the Ducati feel very real PLUS it has an Mp3 player for god knows what.. the Wiggles or Akrapovic pipes sound affects, you pick. The final kicker is the LED lights in the wheels. Be careful, your toddler could be a neighbourhood menace rolling around on this. It also has a soft leather seat and suspension. They’ve thought of everything.
Price: Approx. $299
Little person limit: Up to 30kgs and ages 3-7
Ride on Scooter
Here’s a pretty cute curve ball because scooter riders need to be catered for too! This ice-cream-on-wheels scooter comes complete with sidecar for your best dinosaur or plushie and three toy ice creams for all your daycare buddies.
I’ve seen people ride with sidecars before and things can get up on two wheels quickly so keep an eye on your little human and how they are taking turns. It weights in at 8.5kgs and you can get in pink or blue. I feel high on sugar just looking at it.
Price: From $199
Little person limit: Under 30kg and ages 3+
KTM 16eDRIVE Balance Bike
Last, but by no means least, is this more serious proposition. This one is aimed at older kids, so you’ll want to make sure your toddler has mastered their unpowered balance bike before you let them loose on this 16-volt battery-powered monster.
Finished in trademark KTM orange, this will help get them ready for their first proper moto. The clever electric motor has three modes, so the bike can get quicker as they grow. There’s a training mode limited to 8km/h, a transitional more up to 12km/h before the advanced setting allows them to race along at 21km/h. That’s probably too quick for me to chase after, so you’ll want to make sure you trust them on their own!
Price: Approx. $1499
Little person limit: Under 34kg and ages 4-8
Disclosure: Kate Peck is a Honda motorcycle brand ambassador (but appreciates that quality knows no logo and loves all moto children).
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