Several considerations need to be considered when purchasing an motorbike for kids.
As much as we focus on power and battery life or features like MP3 players, remote controls, or horns when considering electric motorcycles, an equally crucial aspect often gets neglected: wheel type.
Wheels are the sole point of contact between a motorcycle and the ground, making them essential to its grip, speed, control, and overall vehicle safety.
Give them the care and consideration they deserve; children's electric motorcycles come equipped with various kinds of wheels - not all are created equally!
What type of wheels can be found for electric motorcycles?
Let's examine some of the primary types available today on the market.
Plastic Wheels for Kids' Motorcycles
Electric kids' motorcycles featuring plastic wheels have long been a trend in this field.
Plastic wheels for children's electric motorcycles combine functionality and affordability, consistently performing well in quality/price ratio.
This equilibrium between performance and cost has made this type of wheel an industry standard over many years.
Today, they can still be found on several models in two forms.
Plastic Wheels without Tread
This is one of the cheapest wheel types on the market and provides minimal advantages.
Non-tread plastic wheels for ride-on toys cannot support much weight (manufacturers usually set their maximum limit at 44 lbs). Thus, they tend to be restricted to models designed specifically for toddlers.
Plastic materials don't provide much traction, so these wheels feature embossed patterns to increase grip.
Due to their specific requirements (low weight and speed), non-tread plastic wheels are typically only seen on electric ride-on toys and 6V electric kids' motorcycles.
Plastic Wheels with Tread
Another variation in this category is plastic wheels with tread, which offer low costs while offering some improvements over their non-tread counterparts.
The addition of the tread increased its maximum weight capacity to nearly 88lbs - quite an achievement!
Not only will this increase increase performance, but it will also strengthen plastic wheel grip.
They can be made smaller to give an accurate proportion to the motorcycle, and replacement models are available if they wear out over time.
Treadded plastic wheels were once the standard choice for children's 12V and 24V electric motorcycles until recently when other types of wheels began replacing them.
EVA Wheels
Although slightly more costly than plastic wheels, EVA wheels offer many advantages that have become the industry standard for many children's motorcycles.
These wheels feature realistic appearances, providing children with a realistic motorcycle riding experience.
Their second benefit lies in their superior grip across various surfaces (even more challenging terrain such as grass).
Their third advantage is increased durability, making them perfect for increasing vehicle lifespan.
The fourth advantage is their quiet operation. We don't have to worry if a child rides an electric motorcycle indoors without disturbing neighbors or ourselves.
Puncture-proof tires make them the ideal choice for children's motorcycles, making them safe from punctures.
EVA tires on children's electric sportbikes or ATVs represent power wheels.
Air-Filled Tires
While air-filled tires with inner tubes perform admirably, they remain uncommon among children's motorcycle toy products.
Weight is the primary culprit behind heavy motorcycles; their increased mass causes the motor to spin at lower speeds, increasing battery consumption.
Without this drawback, air-filled tires would make ideal wheels for children's electric motorcycles.
These ride-on models can support the greatest weight loads (thus accommodating a wider age range, such as faster ride-on models on the market), are most realistic looking and feeling (they resemble real motorcycles in appearance and feel), and are very durable (without worrying about wear or loss of grip).
Air-filled tires can support greater weight loads found on large children's motorcycle models, four-seater children's bikes, and some 48V electric motorcycles.
Conclusion
When buying a kids' electric motorcycle, it's essential to look beyond just the power and features and focus on the wheels as well.
Each type—plastic, EVA, or air-filled—has its pros and cons. Take the time to research and understand these differences to make the best choice for your child's electric motorcycle.
A well-informed decision will lead to many happy and safe riding hours.
FAQs
What are the best wheels for kids' electric motorcycles?
EVA wheels are the best for their grip, durability, and quiet performance.
Are plastic wheels suitable for all kids' electric motorcycles?
Plastic wheels are cost-effective and suitable for lighter, slower models.
Why should I consider air-filled tires for my child's motorcycle?
Air-filled tires offer the most realistic feel and support the most weight, but they are heavier and consume more battery.
