Here at Rider, we do what we can to encourage and support the next generation of motorcyclists. When kids learn to ride at a young age, they adapt quickly and become “wet wired” as fans of all things on two wheels. With the growing popularity of electric vehicles, kids (and their parents) have more options to choose from, like the new Volcon Kids Moto Two electric dirtbike.
Last summer we shared the story of August Beck, the son of my friends Paul and Allison, and his experience learning to ride the Greenger x Honda CRF-E2 electric dirtbike. August started off as a toddler on a Strider balance bike, worked his way up to a BMX bike, and soon after turning 7, he stepped up to the CRF-E2, which is the electric equivalent of a 50cc dirtbike.
GEAR UP
Helmet: Fly Racing Youth Formula CP Rush
Goggles: Fly Racing Youth Zone
Jersey: Fly Racing Youth Kinetic Wave
Protection: Fly Racing Youth Barricade Long Sleeve Suit
Gloves: Fly Racing Youth F-16 Gloves
Pants: Fly Racing Youth Kinetic Wave Pants
Knee Guards: Fly Racing Youth Barricade Flex Knee Guards
Boots: Fox Racing Youth MX Boots
There was a learning curve, of course. At 106 lb, the CRF-E2 was much heavier than August’s BMX bike, and it outweighed him by nearly 40 lb. When it fell over, which happened often, he wasn’t strong enough to pick it up by himself. August also struggled with throttle control and braking, but young kids learn fast.
Volcon Kids Moto Two
Volcon ePowersports is one of the new players in the electric vehicle market. Established in 2020 and based in Austin, Texas, most of its off-road vehicles – including the two-wheeled Grunt, Runt, and Brat models and four-wheeled Stag UTV – are manufactured in the U.S. Its youth models, however, are built by Torrot, a Spanish manufacturer.
Volcon offers two models: the Kids Moto One ($2,899) and Kids Moto Two ($2,999). Aimed at younger/smaller kids, the One has a 0.84 kW motor, 10-inch wheels, and a 22.6-inch seat height. It weighs 68.3 lb and accommodates riders weighing up to 66 lb. Designed for kids 6-11 years old, the Two has a 1.5 kW motor, a 14-inch front wheel and a 12-inch rear, and a 25.2-inch seat height. It weighs 77.2 lb and has a maximum rider weight of 88 lb. Top speeds are similar: 26 mph on the One and 27 mph on the Two.
The Volcon Kids Moto Two was delivered to the Becks’ house, and it arrived in a small crate. August’s dad, Paul, is a handy guy, and getting it prepped to ride was straightforward.
For the test, we went to the Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area north of Los Angeles, which has a mini track for dirtbikes and ATVs that are under 90cc. Because August is still learning the basics of riding a dirtbike, the Moto Two suited him. It weighs a whopping 29 lb less than his CRF-E2, making it more manageable and easier to pick up.
It takes a lot of practice to learn throttle control (yes, we’re aware that the right twist grip on an electric bike adjusts the motor controller). Young kids aren’t known for finesse, and August is still in the phase of snapping the throttle back rather than rolling it on gradually. That often leads to the bike accelerating suddenly and before his body and head are ready for it. He reacts by snapping the throttle forward again, leading to herky-jerky movement of bike and body until he gets up to speed.
The Moto Two has Bluetooth connectivity that allows the bike to be paired with the Torrot smartphone app. August’s dad, Paul, used the app to configure the Two’s parameters – maximum power, maximum speed, throttle response, and regeneration. Each parameter can be adjusted via slider, or the three preset levels – low, medium, and high – can be selected for all parameters at once. As August got more comfortable, his dad adjusted the settings.
The bike is solidly built, with a chromoly-steel frame, a hydraulic fork with 3.7 inches of travel, a preload-adjustable shock with 4.9 inches of travel, disc brakes, and spoked wheels with Michelin Starcross tires. Another nice feature is the swappable battery, which makes recharging more convenient, and an optional second battery can provide ready-to-go power when the first one is depleted. (A standard 48-volt, 8.8-Ah battery is $599.99; an upgraded 48-volt, 12.5-Ah battery is $899.99.)
Thanks to its light weight and programmability, the Volcon Moto Two is a great bike for kids just learning to ride. For younger or shorter kids, the Moto One is a better option, but the Two is a bike kids can ride for several years. August loves it, and it’s now part of the Beck family stable. Little brother Wolfgang is champing at the bit.
Read more about Learning to Ride
2023 Volcon Kids Moto Two Specs
- Base Price: $2,999
- Website: Volcon.com
- Motor Type: Air-cooled 48V brushless DC motor w/ programmable controller
- Battery: 8.8 Ah / 412 Wh lithium-ion, swappable
- Run Time: Up to 2 hrs.
- Charging Time to 100%: 5 hrs.
- Power: 1.5 kW (2 hp)
- Torque: N/A
- Max. Speed: 27 mph
- Final Drive: Chain
- Wheel Diameter: 14 in. front, 12 in. rear
- Seat Height: 25.2 in.
- Weight: 77.2 lb
- Max. Rider Weight: 88 lb
