How much equipment and when. That’s a totally legit question that is brought to bear when junior starts in motorsport.
The following review is based on Trial training. For other sports, especially Motocross, Enduro, and track riding, there are completely different guidelines. Here, however, I will tell you what we have learned from Trial training.
When the child is young – meaning under 3-6 years of age, finding good equipment that fits the child can be difficult. It is very dependent on the child’s size (height) and there are no precise measurements for age.
Trial Helmet.
For very young riders (under age 4) it is very difficult to find real helmets.
Therefore, you may need to use a bicycle helmet. We recommend purchasing a bicycle helmet of the Skate type. It protects the sides and neck better than a regular bicycle helmet.
As soon as the child is big enough, we recommend buying a real motorcycle helmet. The smallest helmets available start at 52 cm. If you train Trial, we recommend getting an open helmet type, not the Cross type with face protection.
It may seem strange to use a helmet with less protection, but the child has a far better view in open helmet. This allows the child to orientate him – or herself – better (even while crashing) making it easier to compensate in case of crashes.
Consider possibly having 2 helmets if you occasionally train at high speed – here, a helmet with face protection is preferable.
Most helmets are safe, so you usually get no better safety by paying a higher price. However, the higher price will often get you a lighter and more comfortable helmet with more features!
Gloves
Most children (and adults) prefer riding with gloves. They make riding more comfortable, and they protect against scratches, etc. when the child crashes. Again, it may be difficult to find good gloves for very small hands – but it can be done.
It is possible, however, to ride with regular finger gloves, and this may often be a better option for the very small riders.
Boots
In our experience, Trial or MX boots for children under 5 years (110 cm), is a NO GO!
The boots are simply too rigid, and they prevent the child from moving properly. It is still important to use boots when the child is riding, however, and preferably a boot that allows movement and is padded.
Most winter boots with Velcro closure are usable.
As the child grows, it is worth investing in real motorcycle boots. Trial boots are more flexible, but with less padding, while the MX boot is more rigid, but with more protection.
Clothing
You can buy real riding gear, but while the child loves to look like one of the “big guys”, it is not a necessity.
On the other hand, we recommended that the child always ride in long sleeves and long pants. This is to protect against scratches and abrasions. You will want to use clothing that fits snugly, since it is less likely to get caught on branches, etc.
Additional protection
For Trial, there is no requirement to use extra protection like neck collars and chest shields, nor knee and elbow protectors.
Still, many choose to use back protectors and chest shields, since wearing them usually does not affect the child. Please note that according to the rules, back protectors must be for licensed riders. Therefore, we also recommend riding with them!
Elbow and knee protectors can be used, although you need to consider the child’s mobility. You rarely see neck collars. For additional safety equipment, the child’s safety must always be weighed against the child’s freedom of movement.
Whether or not to use it is up to you as parents and to your child.
You might want to ask about equipment in your local riding club. Unfortunately, you will find very few tests online, so these are often the places where you can get good information about equipment.
Your child grows fast, and equipment will often need to be replaced before it is worn out, because it has been outgrown.
This is another good reason to be part of a club, where accessing used equipment may be a little easier.
The art of training in sections
