Safety Tips for Pocket Bikes

Pocket bikes may look like toys, but they aren't. They can be dangerous if you don't know what you are doing. Don't allow unsafe practices to take away the fun you have riding pocket bikes. You can have fun, and still be safe, by following these simple guidelines.

• 1. Always wear the right equipment. Pocket bikes look like toys, and you may be tempted to ride one wearing regular street clothes. This is not recommended. You should dress just as though you were riding a big street bike. Leather is recommended for clothing, and helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads should be worn at all times. Protect your eyes as well with goggles or safety glasses. Full fact helmets are highly recommended. Make sure you buckle the chin strap each and every time. Wear leather gloves to protect your hands as well.
• 2. Inspect your bike before riding. Do an inspection before each ride. Make sure your air pressure in the tires is right. Check the tension of the chain. Check the fuel. Check the frame of the bike. Tighten any loose nuts or bolts. Equipment failure is a leading cause of pocket bike accidents, which can result in injury, or even death. Don't skip this vital safety check!
• 3. Keep your pocket bike well maintained. After each day of riding, maintain your bike. Oil the chain, and check the tension of throttle and brake cables. Replace these cables as necessary. Make sure you are using 2 Socket Motorcycle Oil and a high octane unleaded gasoline.
• 4. Stay off public streets. Most states do not allow pocket bikes on public streets. These bikes were not meant for public roadways, and using them in places that are meant for larger vehicles can get you seriously injured, or killed. This is one law that you should absolutely not ignore!
• 5. Do not ride in undesirable conditions that impair your vision or your ability to control the bike. Fog, rain, darkness, and snow can be dangerous. Also, do not ride the pocket bike if you are impaired in any way - just as you would not drive a car while drinking, doing drugs, or taking medication. Don't let the small size of the pocket bike fool you. It can be just as dangerous as driving a car while impaired.

Riding pocket bikes can be fun and safe, if you follow the rules. Remember, your safety comes first. Don't be swayed by friends who want to break the safety rules either. Stick to your guns, and have fun on your pocket bike - while reducing your risk for injury.