Electric vs Petrol Pit Bikes: Choosing the Right Christmas Present

If a motorbike is at the top of the Christmas list, choosing one takes a little more thought than picking a colour. Parents need to know how the bike is controlled, how much it weighs, where it can be ridden and what is involved in looking after it.

Electric and petrol pit bikes offer different ways into off-road riding. An electric model can appeal for its straightforward controls and lower noise. A petrol bike brings refuelling and engine maintenance into the picture, although some smaller models also have automatic transmission.

For Christmas buyers comparing the two, the Stomp Wired Electric Pit Bike and Stomp Minipit 65 are useful examples from the CLMS range. Here is what to consider before choosing.

Start with the rider and the riding space

Before looking at battery size or engine specifications, consider whether a powered bike is appropriate for the rider. Age guidance, physical size, strength, coordination and experience all matter. Confidence on a bicycle is useful, but powered riding introduces acceleration and weight that require different skills.

Follow the manufacturer’s age restrictions and operating instructions. Have the rider try the bike for size where possible, checking that they can reach the controls and manage its weight. Buying something oversized for them to grow into can make learning harder.

You also need somewhere suitable to ride. Plan for a controlled off-road area, such as appropriate private land with the owner’s permission or a venue that accepts the bike and rider. These pit bikes should be kept away from public roads, footpaths and parks. A garden may be too small or have too many obstacles, even if it is privately owned.

Electric pit bikes and the Stomp Wired

An electric pit bike can make the practical side of getting started more straightforward. There is no petrol engine to warm up, and the rider can concentrate on the throttle, brakes and balance.

The Stomp Wired Electric Pit Bike has a 36V lithium battery and three key-controlled speed settings. CLMS lists these at approximately 8, 16 and 27km/h, allowing an adult to select the setting.

Its listed seat height is 57cm and its dry weight is 30kg. Front and rear disc brakes, suspension and a chain cover are also included. At the time of writing, the CLMS price is €850.

The Wired deserves consideration where lower noise and selectable speed limits are priorities. Those features still require careful use: a low setting does not make a powered bike suitable for every child.

Battery charge determines the length of a session. CLMS lists approximately 35 minutes at maximum speed, with longer use possible during gentler riding. Treat that as an estimate, since rider weight, ground conditions and riding style affect runtime.

Petrol pit bikes and the Stomp Minipit 65

A petrol pit bike may appeal to a family already involved in off-road riding, particularly where an adult is comfortable with refuelling, routine checks and engine servicing.

The Stomp Minipit 65 uses a compact four-stroke petrol engine with automatic transmission and electric start. That means the rider does not have to learn manual gear changes and clutch control at the same time as balancing and braking.

CLMS lists a 56cm seat height, a dry weight of 42kg and a restricted top speed of approximately 32km/h. At the time of writing, the price is €1,080.

The automatic transmission makes this a useful petrol option to compare with the Wired. Its extra weight is a significant consideration when checking suitability.

Refuelling allows another session without waiting for a traction battery to recharge, but it should be handled by an adult in accordance with the manual. Engine servicing also becomes part of ownership. Electric start adds convenience; it does not remove the need to maintain the starter battery.

Similar seat heights do not mean the same riding experience

The two bikes are close in listed seat height, but the petrol Minipit is around 12kg heavier than the electric Wired. For a smaller rider, that difference can matter when moving, stopping or recovering the bike.

Throttle response, braking feel and the way the rider sits also influence control. This is why a specification sheet can narrow the options, while an in-person fit check is still valuable.

Discuss the intended rider with CLMS before ordering. Explain their experience and the type of ground available, rather than choosing on engine size, motor power or appearance alone.

Charging, noise and maintenance

An electric bike needs a suitable place to charge and a routine that keeps it ready for the next outing. Use the specified charger, follow the battery instructions and have an adult oversee charging. Ask about charging time and battery storage before buying.

Petrol ownership involves fuel, oil and engine servicing. Consider who will carry out those tasks and where fuel will be stored appropriately.

Electric bikes generally produce less noise, which can influence how practical they are near neighbouring homes. They still produce noise from the chain, tyres and ground contact, so think about where and when either bike will be used.

Both types need attention to brakes, tyres, chain condition, controls and fasteners. Cleaning and checking the bike after use should be part of the routine, especially after riding on muddy ground. Follow the maintenance schedule for the exact model.

Which would we choose for Christmas?

The Wired would be worth looking at first if your priorities are lower noise, selectable speed settings and a lighter bike, and charging fits comfortably around planned riding sessions.

The Minipit 65 would be worth considering if the rider can manage its weight and the family is prepared for petrol ownership. Its automatic transmission gives it a different learning experience from a larger manual pit bike.

The decision should come back to the individual rider and the place they will ride. A more powerful or more expensive machine will not compensate for a poor fit.

Include the equipment and instruction in the present

Allow room in the Christmas budget for a properly fitted motorcycle helmet, eye protection, gloves, suitable boots and appropriate protective clothing. Protective equipment reduces some risks but cannot prevent every injury.

Arrange competent instruction and close adult supervision. The first session should focus on starting, controlled stopping and understanding the controls in a suitable area.

Christmas morning can be busy. If the ground is icy, visibility is poor or supervision is unavailable, wait for better conditions. Have the riding plan agreed before the bike is handed over.

Spread the cost with the CLMS Christmas Club

Once you have chosen a suitable bike, the CLMS Christmas Club lets you put it by and pay towards it in stages before Christmas.

You agree a deposit to reserve the item, then pay the remaining balance over the weeks leading up to collection. There is no credit or interest: the purchase is paid in full before you take it home or have it delivered.

Contact CLMS to confirm availability, agree the deposit and payment arrangements, and establish when the balance must be cleared for your planned collection or delivery. Sorting those details early gives you time to organise the protective equipment too.

Questions parents often ask

Is an electric pit bike automatically safer?

No. Speed, acceleration, weight, rider suitability and the riding environment all affect risk. Selectable speed limits can help an adult manage a particular bike’s performance, but instruction, protective equipment and supervision remain essential.

Does a petrol pit bike require manual gear changes?

It depends on the model. The Stomp Minipit 65 has automatic transmission. Other petrol pit bikes use semi-automatic or manual gearboxes, so check the controls on the exact bike being considered.

Can I choose a bike by age alone?

Age is only one part of the decision. Follow the manufacturer’s minimum age guidance and assess physical fit, strength, ability and experience. Ask for advice if suitability is uncertain.

Can either bike go on the Christmas Club?

CLMS describes the Club as available across its stocked range. Contact the team about the bike you want so availability, reservation and payment arrangements can be agreed.

Get help choosing before Christmas

Browse the CLMS bike range or call 059 916 4455 to discuss the rider, the available space and the options.

You can also contact CLMS or visit Ray Whelan Business Park, Cannery Road, Carlow, to talk through your choice and arrange the Christmas Club.