The best kids' e-bike depends on age. For ages 3 to 5, the Hiboy BK1 electric balance bike has no pedals and tops out at 9 mph. For ages 3 to 7, the Hiboy DK2 kids' electric dirt bike has three speed modes up to 13 mph, and the Hiboy DK1 stretches the same idea to age 10 and 15.5 mph. For teens, the APTUM AP-2C-1 is a full-power electric dirt bike with a low seat. One thing to know first: none of these is a street e-bike. In New York, e-bike riders must be 16 or older, so kids' electric rides belong on private land, with an adult watching.
Every age, weight and speed figure below is the maker's own, as listed on our product pages and checked against the makers' sites.
| Model | Ages (maker) | Type | Top speed | Max rider | Price band* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hiboy BK1 | 3 to 5 | Electric balance bike, no pedals | 9 mph (2 modes) | 77 lb | Under $250 |
| Hiboy DK2 | 3 to 7 | Kids' electric dirt bike | 13 mph (5, 8, 13) | 150 lb | Under $500 |
| Hiboy DK1 | 3 to 10 | Kids' electric dirt bike | 15.5 mph (5, 7.5, 15.5) | 140 lb | Under $500 |
| APTUM AP-2C-1 | Teens | Electric dirt bike | 28 mph | 165 lb | $500–$1,000 |
*Price band from our current price; the product page shows today's price. The APTUM AP-2C-1 goes over 20 mph, so it is not sold or shipped to New York City addresses.
- Go by the maker's age and weight limits, and by fit: Hiboy says most accidents happen when the ride is too tall for the child.
- Pick one with speed modes, so you can start on the slowest and step up.
- A helmet, gloves, closed-toe shoes, long sleeves and long pants on every ride, whatever the speed.
- Private land and an adult watching. Kids' electric rides aren't street e-bikes.
Best for ages 3 to 5: Hiboy BK1 electric balance bike
The Hiboy BK1 is an electric balance bike: no pedals, so a child scoots and balances with their feet, then rides under power once they're ready. It has two speed modes, a slow learning mode and a faster one up to 9 mph, from a 100W motor. It rides for up to 5 miles, or about 30 to 50 minutes, on 12-inch air tires, with an electronic brake and a rear roller brake. At 17.6 lb it's light enough for a parent to carry home, and it's rated for riders up to 77 lb.
Hiboy strongly recommends adult supervision and a helmet for every BK1 ride.
Best for ages 3 to 7: Hiboy DK2
The Hiboy DK2 is a small electric dirt bike: a motorbike shape with a twist throttle, footpegs and no pedals. Its three speed modes, 5, 8 and 13 mph, let a parent pick the speed as the rider grows. A 150W motor and a 24V battery give up to 11.2 miles. It has rear suspension, a disc brake and 12-inch knobbly air tires for grass and dirt, an adjustable seat, and an IPX4 water-resistance rating. It weighs 38 lb and is rated for riders up to 150 lb.
Best for ages 3 to 10: Hiboy DK1
The Hiboy DK1 covers the widest age range of the four. It steps up to a 300W motor and a 36V battery for up to 13.7 miles, with three speed modes at 5, 7.5 and 15.5 mph, so it can stay on the slowest setting for a young rider and open up later. It adds front suspension to the rear shock, with a disc brake and 12-inch knobbly tires, and Hiboy says it climbs 10-degree slopes. Same 38 lb as the DK2, rated for riders up to 140 lb.
DK2 or DK1? The DK2 is the gentler start, with a lower top speed and the smaller motor. The DK1 is the one to buy if you want it to last until age 10.
For teens: APTUM AP-2C-1
The APTUM AP-2C-1 is a different class of machine: a teen-sized electric dirt bike with a 2,000W peak mid-drive motor and 150 Nm of torque, up to 28 mph and 31 miles. APTUM tunes the power to be steady and linear for new riders. It has front and rear hydraulic disc brakes, rear dual shocks, a 27.6-inch seat and a 165 lb rider limit. It's for experienced teens on private land or a track, with full protective gear. Because it goes over 20 mph, it isn't sold or shipped to New York City addresses.
For more electric dirt bikes, from kids' models up to adult machines, see the best electric dirt bikes.
Can kids ride an e-bike on the street?
Not in New York. Under New York State law, an e-bike has working pedals and a motor of less than 750 watts, and its rider must be 16 or older. An electric balance bike or a kids' electric dirt bike has no pedals, so it isn't an e-bike under that law at all. More in NYC e-bike laws, class 1, 2 and 3.
New York State Police class electric dirt bikes as off-highway motorcycles: not allowed on public roads, sidewalks, bike paths or in parks, and limited to private property with permission or places designated for them. Under the state's off-road rules, riders under 14 need adult supervision or must ride on land owned or leased by a parent or guardian. See where to ride electric dirt bikes in New York.
Other states set their own rules. California, for example, has a minimum age of 16 for Class 3 e-bikes and requires every e-bike rider under 18 to wear a helmet; see California electric scooter and e-bike laws. Check your state and town before the first ride.
How to choose a kids' e-bike
- Age, weight and fit. The age range is the maker's, and so is the weight limit. Hiboy's own advice is that confidence and coordination matter as much as age, and that a ride that is too tall for the child is where most accidents start.
- Speed modes. All three Hiboy models have them. Hiboy says they let parents control performance as a child gains experience.
- Brakes and tires. Air tires ride more smoothly on grass and dirt; the DK2 and DK1 add a disc brake.
- Weight of the ride itself. The BK1 is 17.6 lb; the DK2 and DK1 are 38 lb each, which matters when a parent is lifting it into a car.
- Gear. Hiboy lists a helmet, gloves, closed-toe shoes, long sleeves and long pants regardless of speed, plus knee and elbow pads for more active riders. See helmets and safety gear, including kids' sizes.
Looking at electric scooters instead? See the best electric scooters for kids and teens, and for gift buyers, electric scooter gift safety.
Charging a kids' e-bike
A kids' ride has a lithium-ion battery like any electric scooter or e-bike, and the same charging rules apply: the charger that came with it, plugged straight into a wall outlet, on the floor, away from exits and beds, with an adult nearby, and unplugged when it's full. Never charge a battery that is swollen, damaged or wet; bring it straight in. More in how to charge an electric scooter or e-bike safely.
Service for kids' e-bikes
Kids ride hard, and grass and dirt wear tires, brakes and chains. Our technicians service kids' electric balance bikes and electric dirt bikes of any brand, wherever you bought them. A simple inspection is always free.
| Job | From |
|---|---|
| Flat tire repair (inner tube) | $40 |
| Tire & tube replacement, including off-road tires | $65–$120 |
| Brake repair | $25 |
| Chain & drivetrain replacement | $45 |
| Charger replacement | $35 |
| Battery load test & health report | $50 |
| Crash damage repair | $30 |
Prices are starting prices and include parts and labor; the final price depends on the model and the part.
Where to find us
- Flushing: 35-23 Farrington St, Flushing, NY 11354
- Elmhurst: 82-15 Queens Blvd, Elmhurst, NY 11373
- Brooklyn: 268 Richardson St, Brooklyn, NY 11222
- Long Island City: 41-13 31st Ave, Long Island City, NY 11103
- San Francisco: 360 11th St, San Francisco, CA 94103
- Miami: 2235 NW 20th St, Miami, FL 33142 (walk-ins)
Ask at any shop about availability, or browse kids' e-bikes and electric dirt bikes online. For service, walk in, no appointment needed, or book a repair at our New York and San Francisco shops. Text or call (516) 300-0944.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best e-bike for a 5-year-old?
For a first ride, an electric balance bike like the Hiboy BK1, rated for ages 3 to 5, with a slow learning mode. For a confident 5-year-old, the Hiboy DK2 kids' electric dirt bike, rated for ages 3 to 7, started in its 5 mph mode.
What is the best e-bike for a 10-year-old?
Of the models we carry, the Hiboy DK1 is rated up to age 10 and 140 lb, with speed modes from 5 to 15.5 mph. Check the child's weight and fit against the maker's limits.
What is the best e-bike for a 12-year-old?
A 12-year-old has usually outgrown the small kids' models. For off-road riding, the APTUM AP-2C-1 is built for teens, but it reaches 28 mph, so it suits an experienced rider on private land or a track. It isn't sold or shipped to New York City addresses.
Can a child ride an e-bike on the road?
Not in New York, where e-bike riders must be 16 or older. Kids' electric balance bikes and electric dirt bikes have no pedals and aren't street e-bikes; ride them on private land with an adult.
Is an electric balance bike safe for a 3-year-old?
The Hiboy BK1 is rated for ages 3 to 5, with a slow learning mode, and Hiboy strongly recommends adult supervision and a helmet on every ride.
Do you repair kids' e-bikes?
Yes. Our technicians service kids' electric balance bikes and electric dirt bikes of any brand, at every Wilson's shop. Brake repair starts at $25 and flat tire repair at $40, and a simple inspection is free.
Sources, read November 2026: Hiboy BK1, DK1 and DK2 product pages (hiboy.com); Hiboy, electric dirt bikes for kids: a parent's guide; APTUM AP-2C-1 specifications as listed on our product page; New York State e-bike definition and age rule, New York State Police and DMV off-road rules, and California Vehicle Code §21212 and §21213, as summarized and cited in our linked guides. Ages, weights, speeds and ranges are the makers' figures; range varies with rider weight, terrain and riding style. Repair prices are Wilson's starting prices, parts and labor included. This guide is general information, not legal advice.
