From My First Bike to Helping the Next Generation Ride
I got my first motorcycle at three years old and began racing motocross at six.
More than two decades later, I still train, race and compete — and that first-hand experience shapes how I recommend kids electric bikes today.
This guide explains where riding started for me, what I look for in a youth bike and how I would build a sensible progression route from a first electric balance bike through to serious electric dirt bikes.
Where It All Started
This photo was taken in 2001 while I was racing my Polini 50 and waiting to move onto the start line.
I can still remember the nerves, the excitement and being absolutely desperate for the gate to drop.
That feeling of wanting to race, improve and get back out riding was there from the very beginning.
For me it started on bikes such as the Honda QR50 and Polini 50. For the next generation, it may start on a modern electric balance bike.
I got my first bike at three years old — a Honda QR50 in 1998.
I still remember burning my leg on the exhaust. That probably sounds mad now, but it is one of the earliest memories connected to what became a lifelong obsession with motorcycles.
Back then, we did not have electric balance bikes or youth electric dirt bikes. Those products simply did not exist.
Young riders today have access to an incredible range of bikes that can help them learn balance, throttle control and off-road technique earlier than ever before.
They are quieter, more approachable and, in the right hands, genuinely capable progression tools.
The Right First Bike Can Start Something Bigger
I believe the right first bike can spark a lifetime in riding.
Confidence starts somewhere. Progress starts somewhere.
For me, it started on a Honda QR50.
For the next generation, it might start on a Revvi, Amped, STACYC or another properly matched youth electric bike.
Why Youth Electric Bikes Matter to Me
I have been selling kids electric bikes since before Covid and launched Garland Powersports with one clear goal:
To sell products I genuinely believe in as a rider.
Not just products to sell — bikes I would recommend, bikes I would put young riders on and bikes that can help build the next generation.
I still train and race with the goal of competing at the highest level of motocross in England, and I take real pride in helping families choose the right first bike.
Riding Can Give Kids More Than Just a Bike
One thing I have learned through a lifetime in motocross is that riding can give young people far more than just a hobby.
It can give them a dream. It can give them purpose. It can help build discipline from a young age.
Progression teaches patience, commitment and confidence. Whether that is learning to balance on a first electric bike or one day lining up on a motocross start gate, each stage gives a young rider something to work towards.
A bike can be the start of much more than riding — it can be the start of character.
Built From Real Motocross Experience
Garland Powersports was founded by British motocross rider Liam Garland.
From youth motocross and national championship racing through to British MX2 competition, the business is shaped by first-hand experience of riding, training and bike progression.
The aim is simple: give families practical, honest advice and supply bikes that genuinely suit the rider rather than simply recommending the largest or fastest model.
Quick Answer: What Bike Would I Recommend?
The best kids electric bike depends on the rider’s age, height, confidence, physical size and previous experience.
Young Beginners
Start with a manageable 12-inch model such as the Revvi 12, Amped A10 or STACYC 12eDRIVE.
Confident Young Riders
Compare the Revvi 16 Plus, Revvi 16 XL, Revvi 18 or Amped A16 Pro.
Progression Riders
The Revvi 20, Revvi 20 Plus and Amped A20 Pro are strong next steps.
Advanced Riders
Amped Comp models, the Sur-Ron Hyper Bee, EBOX and Electro & Co provide the next level of performance.
How I Choose a Bike as a Racer
Wheel size, age and price matter, but they never tell the full story.
A lot of kids electric bike advice online is very generic. When I recommend a bike, I am thinking about how the rider will actually control it and progress on it.
- Confidence before power
- Control before speed
- Progression before ego
- Physical fit before headline specification
- Ability before age alone
- Proper riding habits before maximum performance
The best bike is not always the biggest or fastest one. It is the bike that helps the rider improve safely and confidently.
First Electric Balance Bike
For young riders beginning their riding journey and learning basic balance, throttle and braking control.
Typical rider: often around two to five years old, depending on physical size, confidence and previous balance-bike experience.
This stage is about balance, braking, smooth throttle control and confidence. Large power figures are not important here. The priority is a light and manageable bike that the rider can understand and control.
British MX Rider Recommendation
If I was starting a young rider from scratch, I would put control ahead of speed. A manageable 12-inch bike usually helps a beginner learn faster and feel safer than a larger model bought purely for growing room.
Stepping Up From a 12-Inch Bike
For riders who already understand basic balance and are ready for more room and off-road capability.
Typical rider: often around four to seven years old, depending on height, confidence and experience.
This is where many riders begin to feel more capable. They are no longer only learning to balance — they are starting to ride with purpose, control speed and develop better off-road technique.
The Revvi 16 is a strong general progression bike. The Revvi 16 Plus adds more off-road capability, while the Amped A16 Pro is aimed at riders who already have good balance and throttle confidence.
British MX Rider Recommendation
Do not move into the most powerful option simply because the rider is old enough. Check whether they can stop, turn, balance and confidently operate the controls before increasing performance.
The Proper Youth Progression Stage
For confident young riders who need more room, stronger brakes, better suspension and increased off-road capability.
Typical rider: often around six to ten years old, depending heavily on height, strength and previous riding experience.
This is where bike choice starts to matter more. Riders may already be confident standing up, riding across rougher ground, using both brakes correctly and controlling speed without panicking.
British MX Rider Recommendation
The Revvi 18 is one of the safest all-round choices for riders moving into a larger youth bike. The Revvi 20 gives taller riders more space, while the Amped A20 Pro makes sense for a rider who already has good throttle control and wants a more serious specification.
Why I Rate the Amped A20 Pro Highly
The Amped A20 Pro is one of the bikes I regularly recommend for riders who are already confident and want something more capable than a basic electric balance bike.
It suits the kind of rider who:
- Has outgrown smaller 12, 16 or 18-inch bikes
- Already understands throttle and brake control
- Wants stronger off-road performance
- Needs a more stable and planted chassis
- Is beginning to ride rougher terrain
- May eventually progress towards an electric dirt bike
For me, this is where the bike becomes more than a toy. It becomes a proper progression tool.
Moving Towards Serious Electric Dirt Bikes
For taller, stronger and more experienced riders ready to move beyond conventional youth electric bikes.
Typical rider: an experienced young rider, teenager or smaller adult whose physical size and ability suit a more substantial electric off-road machine.
Once a rider has developed proper balance, braking, throttle control, body position and off-road awareness, they may be ready to move into a more serious platform.
British MX Rider Recommendation
This is not a stage to rush. A rider who has learned properly on a manageable bike will usually ride a more powerful machine more safely, more smoothly and with far greater control.
Where the Sur-Ron Hyper Bee Fits
The Sur-Ron Hyper Bee fills an important gap between larger youth electric bikes and the full-size Light Bee X platform.
With approximately 8kW peak power, a compact 14/12-wheel setup and a curb weight around 39kg, it delivers genuine electric dirt-bike performance in a smaller chassis.
Its core rider-height range is approximately 135–160cm, although height alone is not enough to determine suitability.
The rider must already have strong balance, throttle control, braking confidence and enough physical strength to manage the bike safely.
Full Electric Off-Road Performance
For experienced riders who are physically and technically ready for larger, faster and heavier electric machines.
At this stage, the decision is based much more on physical fit, intended use and riding experience than age alone.
These machines should not be treated as simple upgrades from a child’s balance bike. They require mature judgement, suitable private land, correct protective equipment and proper adult supervision where applicable.
British MX Rider Recommendation
Build the rider before increasing the power. A technically capable rider on the right bike is far better positioned than an inexperienced rider on the fastest machine available.
If I Was Building a Young Rider’s Journey
-
STACYC 12eDRIVE, Revvi 12 or Amped A10
First balance, braking and throttle control. -
Revvi 16 Plus or Amped A16 Pro
Increased confidence, size and basic off-road capability. -
Revvi 18, Revvi 20 or Amped A20 Pro
More stability, suspension and room for proper youth progression. -
Revvi 20 Plus, Amped A20 Comp or Sur-Ron Hyper Bee
Advanced progression for capable and experienced riders. -
Sur-Ron Light Bee X, EBOX V3 or Electro & Co RTR
Serious electric off-road performance for riders who are genuinely ready.
Build the rider first — then increase the bike size, weight and performance.
Do Not Automatically Buy the Biggest Bike
The right bike should challenge a rider without intimidating them.
Do not simply buy the biggest or fastest bike you can afford. Buy the bike that helps your child become a better rider.
A good first bike should make them feel confident. A good next bike should help them progress. A good performance bike should challenge them without becoming too much, too soon.
Different riders need different stepping stones, which is why our range covers manageable starter bikes, larger progression models and serious electric off-road machines.
Need Help Deciding?
If you are unsure which bike is right, begin with the rider’s age, height, inseam, confidence and previous riding experience.
As an online-only specialist retailer, our bikes are mainly held boxed in warehousing for fast UK delivery, but we can still help guide customers remotely on sizing and model choice.
Use our detailed buying guides to compare bikes by age, height and ability before ordering.
Warehouse Stock and UK Delivery
Garland Powersports operates as an online-only specialist electric bike retailer.
Bikes are held boxed in warehousing ready for efficient nationwide dispatch, helping keep stock protected before delivery.
Many smaller electric balance bikes arrive approximately 85–90% assembled. Selected larger bikes can also be professionally assembled and PDI checked before pallet delivery.
Fast UK Delivery
Estimated dispatch and delivery times are shown on each product page.
Specialist Advice
Recommendations based on rider size, confidence and experience.
Boxed or Built
Selected bikes are available boxed or professionally prepared.
Parts Support
Replacement batteries, chargers, controls and other parts available across key brands.
Meet Liam Garland
From getting a Honda QR50 at three years old to racing in the British MX2 Championship, motocross has shaped both my life and the way Garland Powersports operates.
The business is built around first-hand riding experience, honest recommendations and helping families find a bike that genuinely suits the rider.
Related Electric Bike Guides
Best Kids Electric Bikes UK
Compare leading starter, progression and performance models.
Electric Bike Buying Guide
Choose the right bike according to size, confidence and experience.
Shop Electric Bikes by Age
Browse suitable models for each stage of youth progression.
Shop Electric Bikes by Height
Use rider height and ability to narrow down the correct size.
Best Bikes for 8–11 Year Olds
Compare larger youth bikes for confident, progressing riders.
Hyper Bee Rider Size Guide
Check rider height, seat height and physical suitability.
Which Sur-Ron Should I Buy?
Compare the Hyper Bee, Light Bee and larger Sur-Ron models.
How Riding Builds Character
Explore the wider benefits riding can offer young people.
Garland Powersports is trusted for specialist advice, fast UK delivery and support across a carefully selected range of youth electric bikes and off-road machines.
Read Our Trustpilot ReviewsChoose the Bike That Builds the Rider
Start with the rider’s physical size, confidence and current ability. Increase performance only when their control and experience are ready for the next step.