Tracing the Development of the Market for Minibikes

The market for minibikes has grown into a profitable industry; buoyed mainly by the increasing number of extreme sports enthusiasts and off road racers. These bikes are only two feet in height but they are packed with tremendous engine power that allows them to travel on rough roads and race in extreme venues.

Minibikes first came into the United States in 1969 heralded by the Gemini SST 50/80 cc and Maverick which were imported from Taiwan. But legal and licensing issues with Yamaha stopped the production of these products in the U.S. in 1972. Today, these vehicles are offered widely under several names including Honda Fiddy, Ninja Super Racer and Mini Chopper.

The popularity of these mini vehicles has spawned pocket bike clubs and associations across several countries including the United States, Canada, Great Britain and Australia. These clubs serve as channels of communication for minibike owners, riders and enthusiasts. Members of the associations share the latest news about their favorite ride, talk about styles and latest models and compare notes on what exhibition moves and riding strategies are best. The organizations also give attention to safety issues on riding pocket bikes and to finding appropriate venues where fun riding activities can be held.

The commercial success of pocket bikes has made these vehicles more accessible to consumers through mass merchants and online retailers. The growth of the business also paved the way for support materials and related products such as protective gear and bike parts to expand their consumer base. Some of the better known names in mini-bike retailing are Neoscooters and Urbanscooters. High performance and stock replacement parts can also be purchased from these sellers. In terms of accessories; helmets, knee and elbow pads and other protective gear have also been made available to minibike users.

Minibikes have come a long way from being designed as break-in rides for kids to becoming a trend unto itself. These bikes are now part of extreme sports and adventure racing worlds. And why not? Who can resist these cute, high-powered machines anyway? Definitely not the 21st century generation of extreme adventurers.