Best 50cc dirt bikes for kids

Top pick: Gpower 50cc 4-Stroke. A four-stroke is the right engine for a kid's first bike — no oil to mix, cleaner running, less fuss between rides — and it's the best-rated of the bunch here.

Who the others suit:

• MotoTec Supermoto 50cc — a step up in build and finish if you want something sturdier for a confident rider.
• MotoTec Demon 50cc — the most serious of these; better for an older kid who's already ridden.
• HOVER HEART DB4S004 — widely owned, so parts and setup advice are easy to find.
• Gpower 49cc / Aoemoe 49cc — the cheapest way in, best for a small rider who may outgrow it fast.

Whatever you pick: helmet, boots and gloves, and ride it supervised on private land.