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POCKET BIKE SAFETY
Pocket bikes are exciting and a whole lot of fun when ridden safely, but they’re
also motorized high speed racing vehicles. Due to their high speed and design,
the rider must take extra care when operating a pocket bike. Without the proper
precautions this activity can be dangerous and serious injury or death is possible.
Here are some basic safety tips to follow at all times when riding pocket bikes;
Wear protective gear: Always wear the proper clothing and pads including; a helmet,
elbow pads, knee pads, gloves and shoes. Be sure your protective gear is durable,
covers the entire area you wish protected, fits properly and does not interfere
with movement, vision or hearing.
Helmet – A certified pocket bike helmet is the most important piece of protective
gear you can wear! Failure to wear an approved helmet may result in serious injury
or death. Helmet certification standards for use with pocket bikes vary from state
to state. Check with local authorities to determine the required helmet certification
in your area (ANSI, Snell, DOT, etc.). Be sure to always wear the chinstrap securely
buckled.
Elbow Pads & Knee Pads – Knee pads and elbow pads with hard caps (plastic
or otherwise) offer increased protection.
Gloves & Shoes – Most athletic shoes are good for pocket bike riding. Stay
away from wearing sandals and other non-protective footwear.
Check Local Laws: The laws are there to help keep you safe. We highly recommend
you observe all local pocket bike laws and regulations. Contact your local law
enforcement agency or DMV to determine local pocket bike laws and legal places
to ride your pocket bike. Pay attention to local helmet laws as well. The helmet
certification requirements for pocket bikes may vary depending on where you live.
Click here
for more info about Pocket Bike Law.
Age Recommendations: Generally speaking, children under 12 should never ride pocket
bikes and children ages 13 - 16 should not operate pocket bikes without close
adult supervision. However, parents should also consult and abide by the pocket
bike manufacturer’s age recommendation and all local laws regarding age
restrictions.
Stay Off The Streets and Sidewalks: Do not ride your pocket bike on highways,
streets, sidewalks, roads, paths, or other areas used by motor vehicles. Not only
is doing so illegal, but due to a pocket bikes low profile it also puts the rider
at great risk of being hit by a motor vehicle that doesn’t see them.
Never Underestimate Your Pocket Bike: Although they’re small, most pocket
bikes are capable of surprisingly fast speeds. Pocket bikes have an incredible
power-to-weight ratio and more power on tap than can be used safely in all situations.
It’s important to recognize the power your pocket bike is capable of and
respect that power when riding.
Ride in an Open, Clear Area: Make sure the area where you ride your pocket bike
is free of obstructions, debris, pedestrians and other road hazards. Be sure you’ve
got plenty of open space to ride in.
Never Ride Your Pocket Bike Off-Road: Pocket bikes are not designed for off-road
use. Always ride your pocket bike on smooth, paved, hard surfaces and avoid riding
on streets or surfaces with water, ice, mud, sand, gravel, dirt, curbs, cobblestones,
grates or other rough or discontinuous surfaces.
Avoid Riding Your Pocket Bike in Poor Weather: Never ride your pocket bike under
rainy, wet, foggy or icy conditions. Avoid all weather that impairs traction,
braking or visibility. The risk of an accident is dramatically increased under
poor weather conditions.
Don't Ride At Night: Only ride your pocket bike during the day or under appropriate
lighting. Any condition that limits your visibility should be avoided. Riding
at night or at dusk can limit your visibility which will dramatically increase
the likelihood of an accident.
Get to Know Your Pocket Bike: Read and understand your pocket bikes owner’s
manual and observe all safety instructions and warning labels. Check the controls.
Ride very cautiously until you become familiar with the way the pocket bike handles.
Take turns slowly and give yourself extra stopping distance.
Maintain Your Pocket Bike: Perform regular maintenance on your pocket bike to
reduce the risk of riding mishaps. Before using your pocket bike, riders or parents
should check it thoroughly for hazards such as loose, broken or cracked parts,
sharp edges on metal boards, slippery top surfaces, wheels with nicks and cracks,
loose or missing parts and proper brake function.
Avoids Hills: Pocket bikes aren’t built for use on hills. The added strain
can cause motor damage or failure which can lead to a safety hazard.
Most Importantly… Use Common Sense: Never hitch a ride from a car/bus/truck/bicycle/etc,
never ride with more than one person on a pocket bike, never walk your dog while
riding, never stunt ride or take unnecessary risks. Be smart, be safe. |
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