The answer depends on who’s riding it. For an eight-year-old child, perhaps not so much – though even that’s debatable.
In the social media era, where views can be accumulated through fun (or potentially dangerous) ideas, the YouTube channel Cars and Cameras specializes in finding cheap and bizarre vehicles to test. With over a decade making videos about racing, mechanical builds, and eccentric experiments, creators John and Ike focus on turning seemingly senseless ideas into entertainment.
This time, they found what they claim to be the cheapest new pit bike on the Internet, purchased from Temu. It costs just over $200 and, according to them, appears designed for children – specifically, for someone around eight years old. However, that didn’t stop them from testing it as adults.
Questionable specs and DIY modifications
The pit bike has a recommended weight limit of about 130 lbs. For reference, John – one of the video’s authors – weighs approximately 154 lbs, while Ike is around 200 lbs. In the video, they make clear that what they’re doing isn’t sensible, nor do they intend to encourage others to buy the same vehicle – they don’t even share the exact name or product link.
Assembly isn’t complicated. The only parts to attach are the handlebars, front wheel, and front fender. Still, structural problems are evident: the rear suspension swingarm, for example, lacks a box design, instead featuring an open format that reduces structural rigidity.
This didn’t stop them. To make it more “suitable” for adults, they drilled holes in the swingarm to install additional footpegs. Surprisingly, the bike didn’t fall apart during intensive testing on the channel’s improvised circuit.
Cost, comparisons, and safety concerns
For (almost) $78 more, one could buy a LEGO Ducati Panigale V4 S kit – a model that, while not functional, raises no safety concerns. Ike admits he wouldn’t even let his own child ride this pit bike, as it’s faster than advisable for an inexperienced child.
Another highlighted issue is the lack of upgrade potential. Unlike models such as the Honda Z50, which offers robustness and versatility, this pit bike is limited in both quality and customization options.
While the low price might be tempting, this pit bike falls short in terms of safety and durability. It might serve as momentary fun for fearless adults using it in a controlled setting, but it would hardly be a good choice as a gift – neither for children nor for adults seeking a reliable option. If the goal is something cheap and functional, it might be better to look for more robust and adjustable alternatives.
Source: rideapart