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FEEL THE POWER !
This was my son's first powered bike after learning the basics on a balance bike. He was 4 years old. I got him the 16" in KTM trim to match my KTM Freeride EXC E-bike; however, they have many other appearance options. He already had the skills to balance, coast, lean, and steer.
Adding power was surprisingly challenging on the first day. Then I realized that the best way for him to get comfortable on this new, heavier bike was to remove the battery. Yes, balance bike 2.0. Once he had a few runs on the STACYC in the kick-and-coast style he was used to, we were ready to add power.
The STACYC 16eDrive has three power modes, which helps quite a bit. However, throttle control was the first step (on level ground and in a straight line). We practiced finding where the power comes on while performing a seated duck walk on the bike. Even in power mode 1, the acceleration can be a little punchy.
The next step was to get used to what I called "THROTTLE UP - FEET UP." When we were on the balance bike we focused on "Eyes-up ~ Kick and Coast". By now "Eyes-up" was expected and getting the feet up became a higher priority. As soon as he felt the bike push underneath him, his feet were to come up and rest on the platforms. "Throttle-up ~ Feet-up" was something that took back to back reps before running long distances. I couldn't have him riding with his feet dangling causing the bike to sway. Our private road had many hazards just off of the roadway. He needed to have a stable center of gravity. After nailing that down, all of the other skills he learned on his balance bike kicked back in, and he was riding like it was natural. We were able to start taking long runs on our private road. This was so much fun as a dad! Straight up going for a ride with my boy for the first time. We were both yelling, "best day ever". I will never forget that day! Good times. Bumping up to power mode 2 was just a natural necessity.
Overconfidence Arrives as Expected
The next phase was overconfidence. He started thinking it was fun to snap the throttle and get a kick of power. I explained to him in detail that the front tire was popping up and how that could be a bad thing. But because he was just a little guy, he insisted on experiencing it for himself. That is typical at this stage regardless of the age. You try to prevent this, but it just comes with the territory.
My son whiskey-throttled a 12 o'clock wheelie for a few feet then looped it completely over. He wasn't hurt, but he was startled, so once he calmed down, we rode the bike back home. By the time we got there, he was proud of his stunt work and told his mom. Of course, that wasn't good for me - LOL.
A few days later, he rips a full-on standing burnout in the gravel. I never showed that to him before! That's when I knew we had fun times ahead. I guess some things you are just born with.
Smiles for Miles
In power mode 3, he was ripping up and down our 1-mile gravel road like he was commuting to see our neighbors. Mr. Bill and Miss Eileen often hooked him up with chocolate chip cookies. With that type of incentive, you couldn't keep this kid off the bike. Power mode 3 topped out at 13 mph on flat roadway.
We would go to the local park (which allowed children on small E-bikes), and used to recharge the bike with one of my portable power packs: EB3A/E300 or AC180. This bike ran many miles and held up great with zero problems. It was an important phase for a new rider gaining confidence in speed control and balance.
His next bike was the KTM SX-E 5. That bike has proper suspension, standard control locations, and full power that matches the top speed of my KTM E-bike.
ATGATT
ATGATT: All The Gear, All The Time - is the only standard that we can encourage for motorcycle safety. While we are guilty of breaking the ATGATT recommendation, we do not encourage others to do so. A properly sized and rated helmet, along with protective clothing and body protection, is always best practice. For more information click here.
The button below labeled "STARTING YOUNG" will bring you to a brief summary of how he went from a balance bike to ripping rooster tails.
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