Pocketbikes are also known as „pocket motorcycle“. This is a motorized two-wheeler, which must not exceed the dimensions of 110 centimeters x 50 centimeters x 50 centimeters. One distinguishes them from the slightly larger mini-bikes, which have a minimum cubic capacity of 50 cubic centimeters. Pocketbikes are visually modeled on full size motorcycles.

General about pocket bikes

Most pocket bikes have a two-stroke engine with a displacement of 39 to 50 cubic centimeters. The technology of these engines is compact and simple. Water-cooled as well as air-cooled engines are used, which are independent of cable construction. Less often they are started with an electric starter. The engines are fed via a fuel carburetor such as rotary slide valve and flat slide carburettor. Sometimes vacuum diaphragm carburetors are also used, but also the use of oil-cooled four-stroke engines, as offered by different manufacturers, is possible. These have a displacement of 80 to 110 cubic centimeters.

Pocketbikes are usually not equipped with complicated manual transmissions like their big role models. A centrifugal clutch transmits the drive energy to a pinion. This transmits the energy via the drive chain to the chainring. The term automatic is often used for this drive technology. The pinion has a ratio of six to eleven teeth, the chainring is 60 to 80 teeth. The dirtbike has a different drive. The engine energy is transferred here to a centrifugal clutch, which then passed through a reduction and then as in the Pocket bike is transmitted to a pinion. The pinion then gives the energy through the drive chain to the rear sprocket.

Pocketbikes have front-wheel disc brakes, which are either rigid or floating and have a diameter of 160 millimeters. This is a single or double disc whose Einkolbenbremsmantel is usually floating and is operated by a cable. A rigidly mounted rear disc brake with a diameter of up to 110 millimeters is also possible. Here, a single disc is used, which usually has a floating mounted Einkolbenbremssattel and is also operated by a cable. Today, however, there are already hydraulic brake systems equipped with multi-piston brake calipers.

Where are Pocketbikes used?

Pocketbikes are used exclusively as motorsport equipment. You should therefore only with appropriate protective clothing such as helmet, leather suitand gloves are driven. In Germany and other countries there are different Pocket Bike Championships. Also a European championship will be held. At the German championship the drivers are divided into four classes. In grades 1 and 2, students up to the age of 16 can participate using machines with a capacity of up to 7 hp. Class 3, the Senior Mini, is valid from the age of 16. The young drivers are allowed to drive two-stroke engines up to 50 cubic centimeters of displacement or four-stroke engines up to 90 cubic centimeters of displacement without performance restriction. The class 4, the Senior Midi, is equivalent to class 3, but here the slightly larger midibikes are driven. For the classes 1 to 4 basically only bikes from well-known manufacturers are admitted.

Legal information for pocketbikes in Germany

In Germany the driving of pocketbikes is forbidden on public roads. Pocketbikes may be dangerous either on a closed private area or on a specially designed and permitted race track. However, these areas may not have direct access to public roads. Driving on dirt roads or parking spaces is also prohibited. The registration of the pocket motorcycle in Germany is as good as impossible, since the bikes actually never meet the requirements of the Road Traffic Licensing Regulation. Thus, no suitable insurance cover can be granted. For driving on public roads, a driving license of at least Class A or A1 is required. If you drive a vehicle like that Pocket bike without TÜV approval, driving license and insurance, you make in Germany punishable. In short, riding a pocketbike is prohibited wherever road traffic licensing regulations apply.

Pocketbikes are out of the reach of children or inexperienced drivers. Even if they are only small vehicles, there is a risk of accidents, which are usually associated with injuries. Pocketbikes are only to be used on specially authorized areas by qualified persons.