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Most of the mountain bikes out there for kids are smaller than the average size, and that makes them easier to handle. Even though some states have helmet laws, many of those laws do not apply to mountain bikes if they are never on the road. That does not mean helmets are not essential to safety though. A child should be told no bike riding if the helmet is not worn, along with other safety items that can be bought like shin guards, gloves, and thick jackets. These bikes that have no motor (otherwise known as a bicycle) are dangerous too if the child in not properly protected. The same safety equipment should be worn at all times.
Parents can usually tell when a child is mature enough to learn to ride mountain bikes safely, but until they are adults, they should always ride in the company of someone else. They should also be in an area that has been approved by mom and dad. Now that cell phones are common, getting help, if needed, is easier than ever. Most children who have been taught well will be okay physically, but it might be rather easy for them to get lost while riding mountain bikes if they aren’t paying attention to where they are going.
There should be some sort of safety class children can take before they start riding mountain bikes. Your local dealer may have one of these, or may be able to tell you where you can find them. Like any motorcycle, these are not as protective of the body as a car would be, but they don’t have to be dangerous either. If safety and proper form are taught before the child has his or her own mountain bike -with or without a motor - they will be much more responsible in the end. In fact, some children are more reckless when on a bike with no motor simple because it doesn’t seem as dangerous.
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