As your teen begins to take on more responsibility, finding a mode of transportation is essential. This allows them to have more independence, freedom and is a big part of “growing up.”
For many, getting a driver’s license is the ultimate goal. However, you may also have a teenager interested in getting a motorcycle, especially if they have watched you ride one.
Below, we will talk about some different tips to help you teach your child to ride a motorcycle. This way, you know they are being vigilant and safe out on the road.
Want to learn more? Then let’s get started!
Invest in the right gear.
Before you start teaching your child to ride, the first step is to invest in the right gear. Alongside the bike itself (which should be suitable for beginners and the right size), there is a lot of other equipment they will need to be safe.
This includes things such as:
– A helmet
– Boots
– Gloves
– Jacket
– Pants
It may seem a little overboard, but all these items will help ensure that they are as protected as possible if they happen to fall off. Remember, you pay for quality.
Invest in a quality motorcycleAs a parent, we want our kids to be safe in all possible ways, and one thing to do this is to give them the best motorcycle we know. It can be either brand new or second-hand so long everything is working in perfect condition. Furthermore, periodically assessing the condition of the motorcycle and considering factors like mileage and maintenance history can help determine if it’s time to sell your motorcycle and upgrade to a safer option for your children. Prioritizing their safety entails making safe decisions about vehicle maintenance and potential upgrades to ensure they have reliable transportation.
Learn the laws.
Every country and state has different rules and regulations about motorcycle riding. In order to pass the test, your child will need to do a bit of studying. It may be boring, but it’s essential and will help them remain extra vigilant when out on the road.
It can also be good to research some experienced motorcycle accident lawyers, like the professionals at Lamber Goodnow. You can view their website for plenty of information on what to do if an accident does occur.
Look into driving schools.
Even if you think that you are a reasonably experienced rider, it’s still a good idea to book your child into some proper lessons. A driving school has educators who are trained in teaching, and being around other like-minded individuals can help them learn even more.
You can also pay for private lessons if you want them to obtain further experience. Trust us when we say it really can be worth it.
Find somewhere to practice.
If you plan on teaching your teen yourself, after obtaining your gear, you’ll need to find somewhere to practice. This allows you to correct any mistakes without the fear of other traffic.
Try and keep an eye out for large open fields free from obstacles. If you want to do more “in town” experience, start on streets that aren’t super busy or parking lots that are empty at certain times of the day.
Start slow.
Learning how to ride a bike is no race. It’s always better to start slowly and build up your experience over time. Put it this way; you’re not going to be heading off on a family road trip anytime soon. It will be months before they are confident to drive in long stretches.
Try and focus on one fundamental lesson each trip. Then revisit this briefly in your next class. You don’t want to overload them with too much information, especially on their first few attempts.
Focus on paying attention.
It’s typical for teenage riders to throw in a pair of headphones, but while they are learning, this is something that should be avoided. They have to be aware of their surroundings, with both their eyes and their ears.
Discuss sounds that may be concerning and make sure they know how to properly use their mirrors. A motorcycle is much different from a regular vehicle in many ways, and they need to see the difference.
Lead by example.
Finally, and probably the most important tip, is to lead by example. If you’re being reckless or ignoring some of the most basic road rules, your teen will pick up the same bad habits.
Therefore, you should wear the proper gear, follow appropriate regulations and drive as you would expect them to. Role-modelling plays a very significant part in effective learning.
Final words.
And that’s it! These were some different tips to help teach your child to ride a motorcycle. It may seem a little overwhelming to take everything into consideration, but it’s always better to be organized.
Just remember to take things slowly and don’t set any unrealistic expectations. We all have to start somewhere, and it could take some time before they begin to feel alright riding on their own.
Good luck!