Revvi Bikes vs. Petrol Kids Dirt Bikes: The Complete Parent’s Guide

Revvi Bikes vs. Petrol Kids Dirt Bikes: The Complete Parent’s Guide

Looking for the best dirt bike for your child? This guide compares Revvi bikes, the UK's top choice in kids electric bikes, with traditional petrol dirt bikes. We'll break down the differences in safety, performance, and usability, and help you find the right fit for your family.

Let’s strip it back and focus on what really matters: safety, simplicity, and whether your kid is actually going to enjoy it.

Quick Overview: Revvi vs Petrol at a Glance

Here's a high-level comparison before we get into the details.

Why So Many Parents Choose a Revvi Bike

Wondering if a Revvi bike is right for your child? As a kids electric bike, it ticks nearly every box for safety, simplicity, and beginner-friendly riding.

Let’s face it: most petrol bikes aren’t designed for beginners. Revvi bikes are. From the ground up, they’re made to help kids build confidence without scaring them off in the first five minutes.

Here’s what sets Revvi apart:

• Speed that grows with your child (thanks to adjustable modes)
• Quiet motors that won’t wake the neighbours or spook the dog
• Balance-bike mode for toddlers who are just finding their feet
• Light enough for a 5-year-old to lift
• Bright colours, clean design, and serious kid-appeal

Looking for the best electric dirt bike for kids aged 2–12? Revvi has a model for every stage. See our ultimate buying guide to which Revvi bike to buy.

Maintenance: Who Wants to Be a Backyard Mechanic?

 

Bottom Line: Revvi wins this round hands down. If you want less time fixing and more time riding, it’s the obvious choice.

Safety Comparison: Which Bike Keeps Your Child Safer?

 

Revvi takes the win again. It’s not just about making things easy, it’s about reducing real risks, especially for younger riders who are still figuring it all out.

Although Revvi Bikes and very safe as we can see, protective clothing is still a must. Helmet, knee pads, elbow pads and other protective clothing is a must. See our full Revvi bike protective clothing guide for all the info you need.

Racing and Events: Is There a Track for That?

Revvi Cup – a beginner-friendly race series just for Revvi riders. It’s fun, inclusive, and designed with kids in mind. No crazy jumps. No elbow-to-elbow chaos. Just a bunch of kids learning, laughing, and racing.

Petrol Motocross – intense, fast-paced, and exciting, but not for the faint-hearted. Great for older, more experienced kids with the confidence (and budget) to go all-in.

Choose Revvi racing or the Revvi Cup if you’re after something more playful and less competitive. See our guide to the Revvi Cup for more information. Go petrol if your child is chasing a serious race career.

Pros and Cons

Revvi Electric Bikes

Pros:

• Super easy to ride, even for first-timers
• No fumes, no fuel, no noise complaints
• Light and compact, great for smaller riders
• Easy to store, clean, and maintain
• Back-garden compatible

Cons:

• You’re limited to around 30–60 mins of battery time
• They’re not built for hard-core motocross-style jumps

Petrol Dirt Bikes

Pros:

• More power and speed
• Great for track riding or open off-road space
• Traditional motocross look and feel

Cons:

• Loud, messy, and high-maintenance
• Can be too powerful for new riders
• Expensive to run and fix

FAQs – What Parents Really Want to Know

How fast can a Revvi go? Between 5 and 22 mph, depending on the model and setting.

Are petrol bikes too powerful for kids? Often, yes. Unless your child is older and confident, the speed and complexity can be a big ask.

Do Revvi bikes need servicing? Aside from keeping the chain oiled and the tyres pumped, not really. Battery charging is the main thing.

Where can I ride either bike? Private land only. Neither electric nor petrol bikes are road-legal for kids in the UK.

Can my child race a Revvi? Absolutely. If you’re looking for a fun way to introduce your child to racing, a Revvi bike is a great option.

Which is the best electric dirt bike for kids starting out? The Revvi 12" is ideal for ages 2–6 and comes with balance-bike functionality.

Are Revvi bikes good for learning balance? Yes, most models include freewheel mode so your child can start without power.

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?

Wrap-Up

Still deciding between a petrol dirt bike and a kids electric bike? Here’s the big picture, one is built for power, the other for peace of mind.

If your child is just getting started, Revvi bikes are a brilliant entry point. They're safe, simple, and designed to grow with your child. Plus, they won’t drive your neighbours mad.

If you’ve got an older, more experienced rider who’s already eyeing up full-throttle action on rough terrain, and you’re prepared for the maintenance, a petrol dirt bike might be the right call.

But for most families? The quiet, clean, and confidence-building nature of a kids electric bike like a Revvi makes it the smarter, safer, and more enjoyable choice.