A 14-year-old boy was struck and killed by a truck while riding a pocket bike on the street. Police said the truck driver indicated he couldn’t see the boy.
An 8-year-old boy riding a pocket bike suffered serious head injuries when he ran into a truck.
A 34-year-old man riding a pocket bike suffered head and shoulder injuries when he apparently fell off the cycle.
These pocket bike injuries and the death were reported in a Los Angeles Times article.
A new, popular mode of transportation, pocket bikes are miniature motorcycles that usually are just over two feet and weigh about 50 pounds.
Although they’re small, these bikes can reach speeds up to 60 m.p.h.
About 1 million pocket bikes are sold in the United States each year. They range in price from $400 to $1,500.
Many pocket bikes lack the basic safety features of street-legal motorcycles. Common omissions include brake lights, rear reflectors, mirrors, turn signals, horns, and U.S. Department of Transportation-approved tires.
As a result, it’s illegal to ride pocket bikes on public roads. They’re for recreational purposes only.
Pocket bikes, also called miniature bikes, differ from battery operated ride-on toys, which are designed and intended for use by children.
Despite appearances, pocket bikes aren’t toys and can be dangerous for children. Young children often lack rider experience or the ability to operate these motorbikes at their maximum speed.
“Pocket bikes can be fun, but a kid on an overpowered tiny motorcycle shouldn’t be competing with traffic on public roads,” said Doug Dahl, Target Zero manager for the Washington State Traffic Safety Commission, in an article in the Bainbridge Island Review. “If your kid wants to ride a pocket bike, keep them off the road.”
Tips for pocket bike safety
- Always read the instruction manual.
- Always wear a helmet.
- Wear protective clothing and gear. This includes goggles, long sleeves, long pants, boots, and gloves or hand protection.
- Never let children ride pocket bikes without adult supervision.
- Make sure kids have adequate training before using pocket bikes.
- Use the speed limiting device for children so that the pocket bike doesn’t go too fast.
- Never carry passengers.
- Don’t ride the pocket bike illegally on public roads.
- Don’t ride the pocket bike at high speeds.
- Maintain the pocket bike so it’s safe.
In 2020, there were 5,579 motorcyclists killed in the United States, 14 percent of all traffic fatalities, according to the National Highway Traffic Association. This includes two- and three-wheeled motorcycles, off-road motorcycles, mopeds, motor scooters, mini-bikes, and pocket bikes. Separate statistics for pocket bikes aren’t available.
