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Frequently Asked Questions About Electric Bikes

1. What size dirt bike should my child or teen ride?

Fit matters more than engine size. The rider should be able to sit on the bike and touch the ground with at least the balls of both feet, reach the handlebars comfortably, and hold the bike upright when it's stopped. A bike that's too tall or heavy is hard to control and hard to pick up after a fall, so don't buy one for a young rider to grow into. Tao Motor makes this easier by offering frame sizes: the DB10 is small-framed, the DB14 and DB24 are mid-sized, and the DB20 is a 110cc step up. TrailMaster's TM23 and TM24 are rated for ages 12 and up. Always check the manufacturer's age and weight rating on the product page.
2. What's the difference between automatic, semi-automatic, and manual clutch dirt bikes?

It's about how much the rider controls. An automatic handles the clutch and shifting for you — twist and go. The TrailMaster TM23 (4-speed automatic) and MK110ES fall here. A semi-automatic has a foot shifter but no hand clutch, so riders learn to shift gears without learning clutch control yet — see the TrailMaster TM24 and MK125S. A manual clutch bike, like the MK125, LK125, SX150, and every 250cc model, gives the rider full control and is what experienced riders expect. Most riders progress in that order.
3. What is a pit bike?

A pit bike is a compact dirt bike, usually 110cc to 160cc, with smaller wheels and a lower seat than a full-size motocross bike. They got their name from racers riding them around the pits, but today they're popular as trail bikes, backyard bikes, and step-up bikes for teens and smaller adults. Models like the TrailMaster LK125, LK140, SX125, SX150, C50, and C60, and the Tao Motor DBX1, are pit-bike style.
4. What engine size should a beginner adult start on?

Most adult beginners do well on a 125cc to 150cc bike with a manual clutch, such as the TrailMaster MK125, LK125, or C50 150cc — enough power to have fun and learn clutch control without being intimidating. After a season or two, many riders step up to a 223cc to 250cc bike like the TrailMaster TM31, MX250, or LX250. If you've never ridden a motorcycle at all, a semi-automatic 125cc like the TM24 removes one skill from the learning curve.
5. Are gas dirt bikes street legal?

Most are not. Standard dirt bikes are built for off-road use — private land, tracks, and trails where off-highway vehicles are permitted. Riding on public roads typically requires lights, mirrors, turn signals, a horn, DOT-approved tires, a license plate, and registration, and requirements vary by state. Check your state DMV before riding anywhere other than private property or designated off-road areas.
6. What is a dual sport dirt bike?

A dual sport is designed for both dirt and pavement — typically with larger wheels, a more upright riding position, and equipment that makes road registration possible in some states. The TrailMaster T5 223cc, TrailMaster TM35X, and Tao Motor TBR7D 250cc are dual sport models. Whether a specific bike can be registered for street use depends on your state's rules and the bike's equipment, so confirm with your DMV before you count on riding it on the road.
7. What fuel and oil does a gas dirt bike use?

The bikes in this collection use four-stroke engines, which run on regular unleaded gasoline with no oil mixing. Engine oil goes in a separate reservoir and needs changing on schedule. Check the owner's manual for the recommended octane and oil type for your model, and use fresh fuel — gas that has sat for months is a common cause of hard starting.
8. What maintenance does a gas dirt bike need?

Regular oil changes, cleaning or replacing the air filter (much more often in dusty conditions), keeping the chain clean, lubricated, and properly tensioned, checking tire pressure before every ride, and inspecting brakes, spokes, and bolts after hard riding. Periodically check the spark plug and valve clearance as the manual specifies. For winter storage, add fuel stabilizer or drain the fuel, keep the battery charged, and store the bike somewhere dry.
9. Should I buy a gas or electric dirt bike?

Gas bikes offer longer range, quick refueling, a traditional clutch-and-gears riding experience, and lower prices at comparable performance. Electric bikes are nearly silent, need far less maintenance, and are easier to learn on thanks to adjustable power modes. If you ride far from an outlet or want to learn a manual clutch, go gas. If noise and maintenance matter most, compare our electric dirt bikes.
10. How much does a gas dirt bike cost?

Our lineup runs from $1,149 to $4,199. Automatic and semi-automatic 110cc to 125cc beginner bikes start around $1,150 to $1,650, manual-clutch pit bikes from 125cc to 160cc run roughly $1,380 to $1,900, and full-size 223cc to 250cc bikes and dual sports run about $1,850 to $2,500, with the top of the range above that. Every bike in the collection is currently in stock.

Still deciding? Contact our experts or call (888) 884-2234 with the rider's age, height, and experience. Explore more gas powersports, including gas ATVs and UTVs, gas go karts, and motorcycles, or build a riding area with MTB ramps and landing pads.

The Complete Guide to Gas Dirt Bikes

Almost everyone who rides dirt bikes remembers their first one. It was probably too small by the end of the summer, it probably spent time on its side in the grass, and it probably taught them more about balance, throttle control, and respect for a machine than anything since.

Choosing that bike, or the next one up, is where most people get stuck. Engine sizes, transmission types, wheel sizes, and frame sizes all interact, and the right bike depends far more on the rider than on horsepower. Our collection covers 34 gas dirt bikes from TrailMaster and Tao Motor, from beginner automatics to 250cc six-speeds and dual sports, all in stock from $1,149 to $4,199. This guide explains how the pieces fit together so you can choose confidently. If you'd rather talk it through, contact our experts or call (888) 884-2234.

The Learning Path: Automatic, Semi-Automatic, Manual

The most useful way to think about dirt bikes isn't by engine size. It's by how much the rider has to control, because that's what determines whether a new rider has fun or gets frustrated.

Automatic. Twist the throttle and go. No clutch lever, no gear changes. The rider focuses entirely on balance, steering, braking, and body position — the skills that actually keep them upright. The TrailMaster TM23 (4-speed automatic, electric start, ages 12+) and the fuel-injected TrailMaster MK110ES are built for this stage.

Semi-automatic. A foot shifter changes gears, but there's still no hand clutch. Riders learn when to shift and how gearing affects power without the added coordination of the clutch. It's an excellent middle step. See the TrailMaster TM24 and MK125S.

Manual clutch. Full control: hand clutch, foot shifter, and the ability to launch hard, lug through technical terrain, or feather power on a climb. This is what experienced riders expect, and every bike from the TrailMaster MK125 upward uses one.

A rider who moves through all three stages usually ends up more confident and more skilled than one who starts on a clutch bike and spends the first month stalling it. There's no shame in starting automatic. Most good riders did.

Types of Dirt Bikes

Youth bikes. Small frames, low seats, and modest power, sized for younger riders. Tao Motor's DB10 (small frame), DB14 and DB24 (mid-sized), and DB20 (110cc) cover this range, letting you match the frame to the child rather than squeezing them onto a bike that's too big.

Pit bikes. Compact bikes in the 110cc to 160cc range with smaller wheels and lower seats than full-size motocross bikes. They're fun, forgiving, and hugely popular with teens and smaller adults as trail and backyard bikes. The TrailMaster LK125, LK140, SX125, SX150, C50 150cc, C60 160cc, and TM29, plus the competition-style Tao Motor DBX1 140cc, sit here.

Full-size trail bikes. 223cc to 250cc bikes with larger wheels, longer suspension, and five- or six-speed manual transmissions, for experienced riders and adults who want real trail capability. See the TrailMaster TM31, TM31X PRO, TM33, TM35, MX250, MX250-Pro, and LX250.

Dual sports. Bikes built for both dirt and pavement, with larger wheels, a more upright riding position, and equipment that makes road registration possible in some states. The TrailMaster T5 223cc (21/18 wheels), TrailMaster TM35X, and Tao Motor TBR7D 250cc are dual sport models.

Reading the Spec Sheet

Displacement (cc). Engine size and the rough indicator of power. In this collection it runs from 110cc to 250cc. More isn't always better — a 250cc bike under a rider who isn't ready for it is harder to learn on, not easier.

Four-stroke engines. The bikes here use four-stroke engines, which run on regular unleaded gasoline with oil in a separate reservoir — no mixing. Four-strokes deliver smooth, predictable power that's easier to manage than the sharp hit of a two-stroke, which suits trail riding and learning.

Wheel sizes. Listed as front/rear diameter in inches. 17/14 is compact pit-bike sizing (the LK140, C50, and TM29), 19/16 steps up toward full size (the C60), and 21/18 is full-size trail and dual sport sizing (the T5). Wheel size is one of the fastest ways to judge how big a bike really is, and it tells you a lot about seat height too.

Frame size and seat height. The single most important fit measurement. A rider should touch the ground with at least the balls of both feet while seated. Check seat height on the product page against the rider's inseam.

Brakes. Dual disc brakes, with discs front and rear, stop harder and more consistently in wet and muddy conditions than drum brakes. They're standard across TrailMaster's manual-clutch lineup.

EFI vs. carburetor. Electronic fuel injection starts more easily in the cold, adjusts to altitude, and avoids carburetor clogs from stale fuel. The TrailMaster MK110ES and MK125ES use Bosch EFI. For bikes that sit for weeks between rides, EFI saves a lot of trouble.

Electric start. A push button instead of a kickstarter. For younger or smaller riders especially, it removes a real barrier — and it's standard on many bikes in this collection, including the TM23, MK125, LK125, SX125, SX150, LX250, and MX250-Pro.

Transmission gears. Four speeds is typical on beginner and pit bikes; five and six speeds on full-size bikes give better spacing for higher speeds and varied terrain. The LX250 is the six-speed in the lineup.

Matching the Bike to the Rider

First-time youth riders. Start with the right frame size and an automatic. Tao Motor's DB10, DB14, DB20, and DB24 offer size options, and the TrailMaster TM23 and MK110ES are automatics. Check age and weight ratings, and plan on adult supervision and full protective gear.

Teens with some experience. A semi-automatic like the TM24 or MK125S builds shifting skills, and a manual-clutch 125cc like the MK125, LK125, or Tao Motor DB17 or DB27 is the natural next step.

Adult beginners. A 125cc to 150cc manual-clutch bike like the MK125, LK125, C50, or SX150 — enough to have fun and learn, without being intimidating. Absolute beginners with no motorcycle experience might start semi-automatic.

Experienced riders and adults. Full-size 223cc to 250cc bikes like the TM31, TM35, MX250-Pro, and LX250.

Riders who want to leave the dirt. Dual sports: the T5, TM35X, and TBR7D.

The Brands

TrailMaster. The bulk of the collection with 26 bikes, covering every stage from beginner automatics to 250cc six-speeds and dual sports. TrailMaster's lineup is notable for its range of transmission types at the entry level — automatic, semi-automatic, and manual 125cc bikes side by side — and for bringing Bosch EFI to beginner-friendly models like the MK110ES and MK125ES.

Tao Motor. Eight bikes with a particular strength in youth sizing, offering small, mid, and full frames so younger riders can get a proper fit. The range runs from the small-framed DB10 through the 125cc DB17 and DB27, the competition-style DBX1, and up to the TBR7D 250cc dual sport.

Price Tiers

About $1,150 to $1,650: beginner bikes. Automatics, semi-automatics, and youth bikes, including the TrailMaster TM23, TM24, MK125S, and MK110ES, and Tao Motor's DB10, DB14, DB20, DB24, DB17, and DB27.

About $1,380 to $1,900: pit bikes and step-up bikes. Manual-clutch 125cc to 160cc bikes with dual disc brakes, including the TrailMaster MK125, LK125, TM29, MK125ES, C50, LK140, SX125, SX150, and C60, and the Tao Motor DBX1.

About $1,850 to $2,500 and up: full-size and dual sport. The TrailMaster T5, TM31, TM31X PRO, TM33, TM35, MX250, TM35X, LX250, and MX250-Pro, and the Tao Motor TBR7D, with the top of the range reaching $4,199.

Breaking In a New Engine

A new engine's internal parts need time to seat, and how you ride for the first few hours affects how the engine runs for years. General guidance: vary the throttle rather than holding it steady, avoid long stretches at full throttle or high RPM, let the engine warm up before riding hard, and change the oil at the end of the break-in period. Your owner's manual has the exact procedure for your bike — follow it.

Where You Can Ride

Private property is the most common place to ride, with the landowner's permission — and the best place to learn.

Off-highway vehicle (OHV) parks, motocross tracks, and designated trail systems are built for dirt bikes, though many require registration, trail permits, or specific equipment.

Public roads require a street-legal motorcycle with lights, mirrors, turn signals, a horn, DOT tires, registration, and a motorcycle license. Standard dirt bikes don't qualify. Dual sports like the T5, TM35X, and TBR7D are the models most likely to be registered for road use in some states, but that depends on your state's rules and the bike's equipment.

Check with your state DMV or DNR before riding anywhere other than private property.

Maintenance

Gas dirt bikes reward regular care.

Oil. Change it on schedule and after break-in. It's the most important thing you can do for engine life.

Air filter. Clean or replace it often — dust is the fastest way to wear out an engine, and a clogged filter robs power.

Chain. Clean, lubricate, and check tension regularly. A dry or loose chain wears sprockets and can come off.

Tires and spokes. Check pressure before every ride and spoke tension periodically.

Brakes. Inspect pads and fluid levels, and keep rotors clean.

Bolts. Vibration loosens fasteners. Check them after hard rides.

Spark plug and valves. Check at the intervals in your manual.

Winter storage. Add fuel stabilizer or drain the fuel system — stale fuel is the leading cause of carburetor problems in spring. Change the oil, keep the battery on a maintainer, clean the bike, and store it somewhere dry. EFI bikes are more forgiving of stored fuel, but stabilizer is still good practice.

Safety Gear

Every rider, every ride: a DOT-certified motocross helmet, goggles, gloves, over-the-ankle riding boots, and long sleeves and pants. As speed and terrain increase, add a chest protector, knee and elbow guards, and a neck brace. Boots are the item beginners most often skip and most often regret — ankle and foot injuries are common in dirt riding. Young riders need adult supervision. Browse our off-road accessories.

Gas or Electric?

Choose gas if you ride far from an outlet, want long days on the trail with quick refueling, want to learn a manual clutch, or want the most power per dollar.

Choose electric if noise is a concern for neighbors, you want minimal maintenance, or you want adjustable power modes for a new rider. Compare our electric dirt bikes.

Plenty of families own both: a gas bike for trail days and an electric one for quiet backyard laps.

Explore More Powersports

Not sure which bike fits? Contact our experts or call (888) 884-2234 with the rider's age, height, weight, and experience, and we'll help you pick the right size and transmission.