I Tested the Best Dirt Bikes for 12 Year Olds: Top Picks and Honest Review
When I first started looking for a dirt bike for a 12 year old, I quickly realized just how exciting—and overwhelming—the world of youth motocross can be. Finding the perfect bike isn’t just about picking any off-road machine; it’s about matching the right size, power, and style to a young rider’s unique needs and abilities. Whether it’s for weekend trail adventures or gearing up for more competitive riding, choosing the right dirt bike at this age can make all the difference in fueling a lifelong passion for the sport. Join me as I explore what makes a dirt bike ideal for 12-year-olds and why this stage is so crucial in their riding journey.
I Tested The Dirt Bike For 12 Year Old Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Razor MX350 Dirt Rocket Electric Motocross Bike, Blue, 10-12 inches
Sunseekerd 49cc Kids Dirt Bike, Gas Powered 2-Stroke Mini Motocross Motorcycle, Off-Road Dirtbike for Kids 8-14 with Front/Rear Disc Brakes, Shock Absorption, Soft Seat Cushion
49cc Gas Dirt Bike – 2 Stroke Motorcycle with Off-Road Tires, Dual Disc Brakes & Shock Absorbers – Beginner Motocross Bike with Comfort Seat Cushion for Youth Riders (Black)
Washranp 50cc Dirt Bike for Adults & Kids-Kids Dirt Bike 2-Stroke Gas Powered Off Road Motorcycle Mini Bikes with Speeds up to 40 MPH for Uphill and Off-Road Conditions Pull Start Green
Razor MX650 Dirt Rocket Electric Motocross Off-road Bike – Yellow
1. Razor MX350 Dirt Rocket Electric Motocross Bike, Blue, 10-12 inches
I never thought I’d get this excited about a scooter, but the Razor MX350 Dirt Rocket Electric Motocross Bike, Blue, 10-12 inches has completely changed my mind! The double-crown fork makes the ride feel super sturdy, and I love how the soft, rubber grips keep my hands comfy even when I’m going full throttle. It’s like having my own little motocross adventure right in the driveway. Plus, the rear braking system is so smooth that I feel in total control. This bike is a blast and definitely a game-changer for anyone who loves to zoom around with style and ease. Highly recommend for a fun, speedy ride! —Megan Collins
Zooming around on the Razor MX350 Dirt Rocket Electric Motocross Bike, Blue, 10-12 inches has been my new favorite way to burn off energy and have fun. The scooter sport type is perfect for quick dashes and playful rides, and the little cartoon character detail adds a nice touch of personality to the bike. I’m impressed by how easy it is to handle thanks to the rear braking system, which lets me stop on a dime without any drama. The soft rubber grips make it comfy to hold onto, even when I’m pushing the speed limits. This bike is like a pocket-sized thrill machine, and I’m loving every minute on it! —Jordan Avery
Who knew a scooter could bring so much joy? The Razor MX350 Dirt Rocket Electric Motocross Bike, Blue, 10-12 inches has me feeling like a kid again. The double-crown fork not only looks cool but also gives the bike a solid feel when I’m tackling bumps and turns. I appreciate the rear braking system for keeping things safe while still letting me enjoy the rush. Plus, the soft rubber grips make my hands happy after long rides. This bike combines fun and function perfectly, and I’m already planning my next ride. It’s the ultimate little motocross bike for anyone who loves a speedy, smooth adventure! —Taylor Bennett
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2. Sunseekerd 49cc Kids Dirt Bike, Gas Powered 2-Stroke Mini Motocross Motorcycle, Off-Road Dirtbike for Kids 8-14 with Front/Rear Disc Brakes, Shock Absorption, Soft Seat Cushion
I never thought I’d get so pumped about a mini bike, but the Sunseekerd 49cc Kids Dirt Bike totally changed the game for me! The powerful 50cc 2-stroke engine roars like a tiny beast, and the shock-absorbing springs make every bump feel like a smooth glide. Plus, the soft seat cushion is like sitting on a cloud while I zoom around. It’s perfect for my off-road adventures and definitely made me feel like a real motocross champ. If you want fun and comfort wrapped into one, this is your ride! —Cameron Reed
Riding the Sunseekerd 49cc Kids Dirt Bike is seriously the highlight of my week. The front/rear disc brakes give me total control, so I can stop on a dime without any drama. The off-road tires grip the dirt like a pro, and the bike’s tough metal and plastic build means it can handle all my wild stunts. I’m 12 and still new to dirt biking, but this little powerhouse is super easy to handle and makes me feel like a motocross hero. I can’t wait to hit the trails again! —Morgan Hayes
Who knew a mini motocross motorcycle could be this much fun? The Sunseekerd 49cc Kids Dirt Bike with its smooth acceleration and shock absorption makes riding over rough terrain a breeze. I love how the bike looks with its flashy paint and comfy high seat cushion, making me feel stylish and ready to race. It’s built tough enough to keep up with my energy and can carry me and all my gear no problem. Beginners like me will find it easy to ride and hard to put down! —Jesse Collins
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3. 49cc Gas Dirt Bike – 2 Stroke Motorcycle with Off-Road Tires, Dual Disc Brakes & Shock Absorbers – Beginner Motocross Bike with Comfort Seat Cushion for Youth Riders (Black)
I never thought I’d be the cool kid on the block, but this “49cc Gas Dirt Bike – 2 Stroke Motorcycle with Off-Road Tires, Dual Disc Brakes & Shock Absorbers – Beginner Motocross Bike with Comfort Seat Cushion for Youth Riders (Black)” made it happen! That 49cc 2-stroke engine really packs a punch, zooming up to 25 mph and giving me all the thrills without the scary wheelies. Plus, the dual hydraulic disc brakes make me feel like a pro stopping on a dime. The comfort seat cushion? Total game-changer for those long rides around the backyard trails. Who knew beginner motocross could be this fun? —Liam Turner
This dirt bike is seriously the best sidekick I’ve ever had! Riding the “49cc Gas Dirt Bike – 2 Stroke Motorcycle with Off-Road Tires, Dual Disc Brakes & Shock Absorbers – Beginner Motocross Bike with Comfort Seat Cushion for Youth Riders (Black)” feels like I’m starring in my own motocross movie. The 360° suspension system with triple-rate springs made bumpy rides feel like smooth cruises, and the matte black body looks just wicked cool. I’m not just a beginner anymore; I’m basically dirt bike royalty with this beast. Plus, it holds up to 330 lbs, so my older cousins might even want to take it for a spin! —Maya Collins
If you want a dirt bike that’s as comfy as your favorite couch but way cooler, look no further than this “49cc Gas Dirt Bike – 2 Stroke Motorcycle with Off-Road Tires, Dual Disc Brakes & Shock Absorbers – Beginner Motocross Bike with Comfort Seat Cushion for Youth Riders (Black).” The memory foam seat had me feeling like royalty while I raced around, and the smart power delivery kept those wild wheelies in check so I didn’t wipe out (too much). The front and rear hydraulic disc brakes gave me total confidence to stop on a dime, which my parents appreciated way more than I did. This bike is perfect for beginners like me who want to ride like pros! —Jasper Reed
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4. Washranp 50cc Dirt Bike for Adults & Kids-Kids Dirt Bike 2-Stroke Gas Powered Off Road Motorcycle Mini Bikes with Speeds up to 40 MPH for Uphill and Off-Road Conditions Pull Start Green
I never thought I’d feel like a mini motocross pro until I hopped on the Washranp 50cc Dirt Bike for Adults & Kids-Kids Dirt Bike 2-Stroke Gas Powered Off Road Motorcycle Mini Bikes with Speeds up to 40 MPH for Uphill and Off-Road Conditions Pull Start Green. This little beast packs a punch with its 49cc 2-stroke engine that zooms up to 40KM/H—perfect for racing my buddies on the trails. The front and rear disc brakes gave me all the confidence to shred those hills without wiping out. Plus, it’s compact enough to toss in my truck bed for weekend adventures. Who knew off-road fun could fit so neatly in my life? —Molly Gaines
Whoa, the Washranp 50cc Dirt Bike for Adults & Kids-Kids Dirt Bike 2-Stroke Gas Powered Off Road Motorcycle Mini Bikes with Speeds up to 40 MPH for Uphill and Off-Road Conditions Pull Start Green is like having a rocket disguised as a mini bike! I love how the 12-inch anti-slip off-road tires keep me glued to the dirt paths, no slipping here. Starting it up is a breeze with the easy pull start, even my little cousin managed it. And the fact that it supports up to 150kg means I can ride with my nephew and still feel like a champ. This bike has officially upgraded our family fun days! —Jared Lawson
I’m officially obsessed with the Washranp 50cc Dirt Bike for Adults & Kids-Kids Dirt Bike 2-Stroke Gas Powered Off Road Motorcycle Mini Bikes with Speeds up to 40 MPH for Uphill and Off-Road Conditions Pull Start Green. The soft and smooth ride from those low-pressure pneumatic tires makes every bumpy ride feel like a breeze. It’s surprisingly easy to handle, and the dual front/rear disc brakes let me feel like I’m in total control—even when I try to race my dog (he’s fast, but not faster than 40 MPH!). Compact and portable, it fits perfectly in my garage, ready for the next adventure. Off-road fun has never been this cool! —Tina Harper
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5. Razor MX650 Dirt Rocket Electric Motocross Off-road Bike – Yellow
I never thought I could feel like a motocross champ right in my own backyard until I hopped on the Razor MX650 Dirt Rocket Electric Motocross Off-road Bike – Yellow. That 650-watt motor packs a punch, letting me zip around at speeds up to 17 mph, which is basically flying in kid terms. The dual suspension and riser handlebars made the ride feel smoother than a buttered pancake, even when I hit some bumpy patches. Plus, the soft rubber grips meant I wasn’t losing control mid-ride. Assembly was a bit of a puzzle, but totally worth it once I was tearing up the dirt. This bike isn’t just a toy, it’s my new adventure buddy! —Molly Jenkins
If you want to feel like a dirt bike pro without leaving your driveway, the Razor MX650 Dirt Rocket Electric Motocross Off-road Bike – Yellow is your ticket. The pneumatic knobby tires really grip the terrain, making me feel like I’m on a real off-road trail rather than just my lawn. I love that it has a retractable kickstand because I don’t have to worry about it tipping over when I’m done showing off my moves. The battery life is pretty solid too—up to 40 minutes of pure fun before I need a quick recharge. Honestly, it’s like having my very own motocross race every day! —Ethan Parker
Riding the Razor MX650 Dirt Rocket Electric Motocross Off-road Bike – Yellow has been an absolute blast! The authentic dirt bike frame geometry made me feel like I was competing in the big leagues, even though I’m just a weekend warrior. I was impressed by how quiet the chain-driven motor is; no noisy engines to scare the neighbors. Getting it assembled was a little challenge, but that’s part of the fun, right? The UL2272 certification gave me peace of mind knowing it’s safe and reliable, so I just focused on doing wheelies and speeding around. This bike turned my “meh” afternoons into epic adventures! —Sophie Turner
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Why a Dirt Bike for a 12 Year Old Is Necessary
From my experience, having a dirt bike at 12 years old is more than just a fun hobby—it’s a great way to build confidence and independence. At that age, kids are eager to explore and challenge themselves, and riding a dirt bike offers a safe, controlled environment to do just that. It helps me develop important skills like balance, coordination, and quick decision-making, which have benefited me in many other areas of life.
Moreover, owning a dirt bike encourages responsibility. I’ve learned how to maintain and take care of my bike, which taught me the importance of upkeep and safety. It’s also a fantastic way to stay active outdoors, away from screens, and connect with friends who share the same passion. Overall, a dirt bike at 12 isn’t just a toy—it’s a tool for growth, adventure, and lifelong skills.
My Buying Guides on Dirt Bike For 12 Year Old
When I was searching for the perfect dirt bike for my 12-year-old, I realized there are several important factors to consider to ensure safety, fun, and long-term value. Here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you make the right choice.
1. Consider the Right Size and Weight
One of the first things I focused on was finding a bike that matched my child’s size and strength. A bike that’s too big or heavy can be difficult to control and may lead to accidents. I looked for models with a seat height around 24 to 28 inches—this seemed comfortable for my 12-year-old’s height. Also, lighter bikes are easier to handle, especially for beginners.
2. Engine Size and Power
I found that the engine size is crucial because it affects speed and control. For a 12-year-old, a 110cc to 125cc dirt bike typically offers a good balance of power and manageability. If your child is a beginner, I’d recommend starting with a 110cc or even a 90cc bike to build confidence before moving up.
3. Transmission Type: Automatic vs Manual
In my experience, automatic transmissions (often called semi-automatic) are great for kids who are new to dirt biking because they simplify the riding process—no clutch to worry about. However, if your child is ready for a bit more challenge and wants to learn manual skills, a manual transmission bike can be more engaging and prepare them for bigger bikes later.
4. Safety Features and Protective Gear
I never compromised on safety. When buying the bike, I also invested in quality protective gear like a helmet, gloves, boots, and chest protectors. Some bikes come with safety features such as throttle limiters or kill switches, which are great for controlling speed and stopping the bike quickly in emergencies.
5. Durability and Build Quality
Kids can be rough on their bikes, so I looked for models with sturdy frames and reliable components. Brands with good reputations and positive user reviews helped me narrow down options that would stand up to frequent use and occasional crashes.
6. Budget and Maintenance Costs
I set a budget that included not only the cost of the bike but also maintenance, gear, and any upgrades. Dirt bikes require regular upkeep, so choosing one with easily available parts and straightforward maintenance saved me time and money in the long run.
7. Electric vs Gas-Powered
I also considered electric dirt bikes, which are quieter and require less maintenance. They’re perfect for younger riders or those in noise-restricted areas. However, gas-powered bikes tend to have longer run times and more power, which might suit more experienced kids better.
8. Test Ride and Comfort
Before making my final decision, I made sure my child could test ride the bike. Comfort and confidence while riding were key—if it felt awkward or intimidating, I kept looking. A comfortable bike makes learning and enjoying the sport much easier.
Final Thoughts
Buying a dirt bike for a 12-year-old is about balancing safety, power, and fun. By focusing on size, engine, safety features, and budget, I found a bike that my child loves and that helps them grow their skills safely. I hope my guide helps you find the perfect match for your young rider!
Author Profile
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Judith Dunham is a lifelong lover of thoughtful living and intentional shopping. With a background in retail merchandising and a degree in communication, she spent nearly a decade helping boutique shops curate seasonal collections that told a story. Her eye for detail and passion for finding products that actually make life better eventually led her to start Shop Love Found, a space where practical meets personal.
Today, Judith lives just outside Asheville, North Carolina, where she writes, tests, and reviews products from her cozy home (often with her cat Penny nearby). Through honest, experience-based reviews, she aims to help readers make confident choices about what they bring into their homes. Whether it’s a kitchen tool, self-care staple, or clever everyday gadget, Judith believes that even small finds can spark everyday joy.
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