Get your kids into Motorsports early on, with a mini quad bike. These tiny ATV 4 wheelers, offer a small 49cc 2 stroke motor and are capable of speeds of up to 50km/h, while offering safety features such as kill switches and engine lashes.
Today we'll be looking at the best mini quads available to buy in Australia. These are perfect Christmas or Birthday presents and you'll often get change from $300 or $400.
So are mini quad bikes worth the money? Or should you spend more and get a brand name 50cc model from manufacturers such as Honda, Yamaha or Kawasaki? Let's find out...
1. Xtra-Aussie Mini Quad
This is the most popular mini quad on the Australian market and it's easy to see why. An affordable price, packed with decent components, various colour schemes and two safety features, complete this well rounded package.
A 49cc, 2-stroke engine produces 3.4hp at 11,000rpm via a single cylinder air cooled motor. The mini quad is capable of speeds of up to 40km/h. Tank capacity is 1 litre which isn't huge but is pretty standard amongst the other models we looked at.
The bike is suitable for up to 50kg which means it's perfect for younger kids and early teenagers looking to get into the world of ATV's. This model offers a single speed automatic gearbox.
Safety wise there is a chain protection cover as well as a rate limiter on the accelerator. It's available in blue, green, black, red and pink.
With over 10,000 units sold nationwide, it's definitely a good Christmas or Birthday present.
Related: Best Pocket Bikes
2. Motoworks Sports Mini Quad
Motoworks have been a pioneer in mini quads for many years and the sports version is one of their top sellers. And it's easy to see why, with sleek styling and racy colour schemes.
The 49cc, 2-stroke engine will have you exploring at speeds of up to 45km/h, while also offering safety conscious parents relief thanks to it's adjustable rate limiter, full chain guard and drive reduction housing. Additionally there's an emergency cord kill switch.
The gearbox is a single speed automatic and the fuel tank is rather small 1 litre, but given the small size of this quad bike it's not surprising. Large 13" tyres make covering various terrain simple.
Motoworks have added extra's to this mini quad such as a Chrome HP exhaust, HP air filter and drilled front and rear disc brakes. They also have their new easy start pull starter which saves time and energy in starting your ATV.
Available in various colours including blue, black, red and yellow.
3. Motoworks Mini Farm Quad
Give your kids their very own farm quad. These mini farm quads look awesome thanks to the new F1 style painting plastic fairings, created by manufacturer Motoworks.
There's a wide variety of colours to choose from. Each mini quad comes with an emergency cord kill switch for safety plus a throttle limiter.
Additionally you'll have an HP sports air filter, a 2 stroke 49cc single cylinder air cooled engine, and a triple suspension system for all terrain riding.
This model comes with an easy pull alloy starter, a 1 litre fuel tank (which is quite small in my opinion) as well as a single speed automatic gearbox.
The quad is only suitable for a maximum load of 50kg, but top speeds of 45km/h are attainable.
It's a perfect farm quad for kids who may have a parent with a larger model.
Related: Best Pit Bikes
4. Mad Max Mini Quad
The Max Max 49cc, 2-stroke single cylinder air cooled mini quad is the perfect starter bike for juniors who want something more racy than the other models offered above. For that you'll need to fork out an extra $60, but I think it's a worthy investment.
These bikes are optimised for the safety conscious parent, offering a range of features such as a physical kill switch on the handlebars.
There's also a safety cord that attaches to the rider and cuts off the motor in the event of a fall. There's an adjustable bolt for limiting the speed to suit learners and younger riders.
Other noteable features include a 20% thicker heavy duty clutch and a higher quality thickened sprocket and chain than some of the other models.
With a range of colour schemes, it's easy to see why the Max Max mini quad has been sold thousands of times within Australia.
5. Esky Cooler Quad
What better way to get the party started than to rock up on your own mini cooler scooter. This 49cc 2-stroke four wheeler is capable of carrying a passenger and a cooler load of beers.
While the top speed isn't anything to rave about in comparison to the other pocket rocket's mentioned here today, it's definitely a head turner wherever you go!
Thanks to the large 1.3 litre fuel tank, you can run for 40km/h before needing a refill. Aside from that there's a rear mono bar, a running board, fender and disc brakes.
The perfect show off unit for barbecues, markets, picnics and down the beach.
How to choose the best mini quad bike?
When it comes to choosing the best one for your needs, you should look at the various features.
Engine Type
Most mini quad bikes come with a 49cc 2 stroke engine however more expensive ATV's may come with a 50cc engine that could be 4 stroke. Mini quads are much smaller than normal 50cc quads and cost a few hundred dollars, compared with $2,000+ for a full sized 50cc quad bike.
Mini quads are designed to be simple to maintain so they nearly always come with a single cyclinder, air-cooled engine. Most of the smaller models will be automatic, as it's far too difficult to incorporate a clutch and lever in their small size, but some may be 2 speed.
Fuel
Most mini quad's are 2-stroke and operate on a mixing system with petrol. This is usually 1:25. Unlike a traditional quad bike you can't simply use petrol from a gas station. Think of them like a lawn mower or 2 stroke engine, you need to add oil to the gas.
Some larger mini bikes that are 4 stroke may accept 91 unleaded petrol.
Starter System
Nearly all mini quads offer a pull starter however some of the more expensive models may come with an electric start. Pull starters do break from time to time, so you can usually pickup a replacement on eBay for under $50.
Brakes and Suspension
The industry standard for mini quads is now disc brakes that are usually found on the front and rear, much like a normal motorcycle. Of course cheaper ATV's will likely have been made with cheaper materials.
As all quads are designed for off-road use, be sure to test brakes before going full throttle to see how responsive they are.
Suspension is usually a single shock rear shock and a front shock. You may find some models come with a double shock. Using on flat ground a single shock is sufficient for most uses.
Max Load
Most mini quad bikes come with a max load rating and this is usually between 50-100kg. However the optimal rating is usually much less, around 50kg. To get those top speeds you'll need to be under the optimal weight rating which is why kids will always get faster speeds than adults.
Max Speed
Following on, subject to your load, you can usually get speeds from 30-50km/h. Some models offer speeds of up to 80km/h which can feel twice as fast given your close proximity to the ground and the tiny frame beneath your crotch.
Seat Height
Can you fold your knees while sitting on a 48cm high seat. That's what the average seat height is on a mini ATV in Australia. If you can't you might need to look for a model that offers a higher seat, although it's rare.
Climbing Ability
Not all pocket bikes have enough power to handle rapid inclines. The average gradient is around 15-20 degrees so check to see what rating your pocket bike has especially if you've got a hill on your driveway. These small bikes are designed for flat surfaces only.
Weight
Can your son or daughter lift the bike if they fall off? The average weight is around 20kg but some larger models may be up to 30-40kg which is too heavy for a child to push back up by themselves. If they will be riding alone, a lighter bike is much safer, especially if it falls on top of them.
Safety Features
Can you attach training wheels to the model you're buying? If it's for a new rider these can make learning much more safer. Is there an automatic kill switch or a remote control that a guardian can control? Is there a speed limiter or crash leash? These are all possible on more expensive models but less common on the cheapest pocket bikes.
Other features include a physical kill switch located on the handle bars, a safety rip cord that clips onto the rider in case of a fall, and a throttle speed limiter.
How to setup a pocket bike for use?
Firstly, follow the instructions to build your bike. It's likely you'll need to install a few components such as the handlebars and wheels. Some models also require you to install the forks, braid lines and indicators, if applicable. You'll need to add your oil, install the battery and lube your chain.
Petrol-Oil Mixing
Your mini quad will likely have a 2 stroke engine and this means the petrol must be mixed with 2-stroke oil. The ratio between petrol and 2T oil is 25:1. You need to make sure you're using motorcycle two-stroke engine oil.
Check The Bike
Before riding be sure to check the bike for any loose screws. Given the low price and the engine working overtime, from time to time, bolts, screws, nuts and spokes can come loose, so be sure to tighten these up to avoid injury.
Also check the air pressure in the tires and that the chain is within scope. If it's not, then be sure to fix it before riding. You should regularly check the air filter is clean and chain lubricated.
- Starting The Bike
Be sure to ensure the switch is turned on. Usually there's a red on switch. If your bike has a kill switch be sure to ensure it's off. Ensure the petrol tap is switched on and if your bike has a choke this is in the up position during cold weather and down in warmer climates.
Start the bike with a quick pull of the starter. If no dice, shake the bike and ensure the fuel is getting through the bike. You may also need to press the throttle to open the carburettor while attempting to start the bike. Lift the rear wheels and rev the engine if you've got an automatic. Lastly push the choke back down into the normal position.
Ride Your Bike
Be sure to put on your protective gear. At a bare minimum this should be a helmet, even if you're riding off-road. Pocket bikes are intended for off-road use only and aren't road legal.
You're now ready to ride. If it's your first ride, you'll need to break the engine in. Operating at a sensible speed during the first few weeks will increase future performance.
How to fix mini quad bikes?
Due to the low price, you can find spare parts that offer a universal fit on eBay. Most models offer similar sizes of common parts that are likely to fail through normal wear and tear. You can check sites such as eBay or Gumtree for these parts.
In the first instance go back to your retailer and ask for the parts, if they have them. If they don't they may be able to order them in for you, or recommend an alternative.
Given the cheap nature of these bikes, some customers simply replace the whole bike when issues arise as it can be cheaper than sourcing spare parts and manual labour.
Final Verdict
Pocket bikes are a great way to get kids into motorcycling and learning how to use them safely on private property. They are also great gift ideas for teenagers and adults a like. They are ultra affordable and offer hours of fun, capable of high speeds and can even be using in quad bike races. The question is, which one will you buy?
Related: Best Pit Bikes
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Last Updated: December 3, 2021 by Rhys