Finding a dirtbike for a child as young as three has always been a challenge and until now there really haven’t been many options. The smallest and most well-known entry-level petrol bike is the Yamaha PW50, but even that is significantly larger than what most three-year-olds can handle; it’s been the go-to option for decades, but it’s still a 41kg bike with a 48cm seat height, an automatic oil-injected two-stroke engine, and a simple shaft drive. While it’s great for slightly older kids, it’s still a lot of bike for a toddler who’s just starting out. Enter the RFN Warrior Kids SX-E500 (and there’s an even smaller version called the Kids SX-E250), a genuinely tiny electric dirtbike that makes it possible for kids as young as three to get started on two wheels.

With a 49cm seat height, it’s only slightly taller than the PW50 but weighs nearly half as much at just 24kg. The difference in weight alone makes it dramatically easier for a child to handle. The SX-E500 is powered by a 500-watt brushless motor and a 36v lithium battery, offering smooth, adjustable power delivery and zero maintenance compared to a petrol bike. With a claimed run time of up to an hour and 15 minutes on the lowest speed mode, it provides plenty of ride time for a young rider just getting started.

One of the key differences between the SX-E500 and the PW50 is the lack of a foot brake. Instead, the RFN uses handlebar-mounted hydraulic disc brakes, making it easier for young riders to control their stopping power without having to use their feet. This is particularly useful for first-time riders who may not yet have the coordination to use a rear foot brake properly. The PW50, in contrast, uses a drum brake setup that isn’t as strong or as easily controlled by small hands.

The other major advantage of the RFN Warrior SX-E500 is its electric powertrain. Unlike the PW50’s two-stroke engine, which requires plenty of throttle while the clutch lets go, the RFN is a linear, responsive torque monster. There’s no need to clean a carburettor, change oil or worry about fouled spark plugs. For parents, this is a game changer. The ability to swap out the battery mid-ride also means that kids can keep riding while one battery charges.

Test Pilots

To put the RFN Warrior Kids SX-E500 to the test, we threw Bonnie, my three-year-old daughter, and Jax, my five-year-old son, on board to see how they’d handle the size and weight. At 105cm tall, Bonnie could straddle the bike and touch the ground with her boots, which is a huge plus for confidence when learning. More importantly, she could pick it up easily on her own after a tip-over, which is crucial for any young rider who isn’t keen on waiting for mum or dad to come rescue them.

Jax, at 125cm, looked right at home, with bent knees when sitting and plenty of room to move. More impressively, he could stand over the bike and lift the front end, which is handy for popping over little bumps and gutters. Compared to a petrol-powered equivalent, this thing is feather-light and unintimidating. We even tested how much effort it took to pick up the bike after a crash. Bonnie, despite being just over three, could lift the bike back up on her own, reattach the magnetic lanyard and take off again, proving how manageable the weight is.

The SX-E500 is properly quick for what it is. Jax had no trouble tearing up the paddock in Sport mode, making the most of that 35km/h top speed. Bonnie started in Eco mode but quickly moved up to Sport – proof that the power delivery is tame enough for little riders to get comfortable with. That said, Sport mode does have a bit of a snap when you first get on the throttle. It’s nothing extreme, but for a three-year-old creeping through tight turns or trying to manoeuvre slowly, it can be a little jerky. Her head would occasionally whip backwards if she grabbed too much and if she got stuck she would accelerate a little too hard and the bike would lurch forward aggressively meaning she would crash. One example on our test loop was through a rocky creek. Bonnie was hesitant so she slowed down but as she tried to keep the throttle steady she got a bit bumped and accidentally pulled on the throttle as she bounced up and down and the bike almost looped out.

The dual suspension setup is surprisingly decent. It soaks up bumps well and while it’s not very adjustable, it’s better than some of the crude dual-shock setups found on budget kids’ bikes. One minor gripe is the steering angle – because the bike is so compact, it has a fairly steep rake, which makes the front-end a little twitchy when hitting potholes or rough terrain at speed.

One of the biggest wins for the RFN is its braking system. Front and rear hydraulic disc brakes with 140mm rotors mean stopping power is solid, and both kids could easily modulate the brakes without struggling for leverage. They could reach them with their little fingers and Bonnie had the finger strength to pull them on hard with just two fingers. Compared to the drum brakes on the PW50, this is a massive upgrade in safety and reliability. Having the brakes on the handlebars also eliminates the confusion of coordinating hand and foot braking, making it easier for young riders to build confidence.

Another great feature is the swappable battery. You get a second battery included, and you can charge it separately from the bike, meaning zero downtime between rides. Just swap the battery out and keep rolling. That’s a game-changer for parents who don’t want to listen to a meltdown when the bike runs out of juice mid-ride. You can also charge the battery while it’s still in the bike if you prefer, giving you multiple ways to manage ride time.

Durability-wise, the RFN Warrior has held up well. After a couple of months of being repeatedly dropped, crashed and left out in the rain, everything is still working fine. Even without handguards, Bonnie and Jax are still yet to brake a lever or bend the handlebar when they’ve crashed. Compared to a petrol bike, where you’d be checking oil, cleaning air filters and replacing spark plugs, the electric drivetrain is virtually maintenance-free.

Big boys toy

At five-years old, Jax is already a seasoned rider. Normally, he’s tearing around on a Husqvarna EE 3 – a much heavier, more serious bike built for kids ready to take things up a notch. But throw him on the RFN Warrior SX-E500 and suddenly he’s got an entirely new way to ride. At 125cm tall, he’s slightly big for the bike, but that actually works in his favour. It turns the bike into the perfect practice tool for refining skills and building confidence in a way that heavier bikes simply don’t allow.

The biggest advantage? He can plant his feet at any moment. Practicing wheelies is way less intimidating when you can drag your legs for stability. If he gets off balance, there’s no panicked tip-over, just a quick dab of the boot and he’s back on track. The same goes for hopping logs and navigating technical sections. Normally, if the bike gets away from him, it’s game over. But on the SX-E500, he can manhandle it, knowing he’s strong enough to muscle it back in line.

Skidding is another game entirely. Jax can fully commit, locking up the rear wheel and sliding without fear of losing control, because he knows he can easily save it with his legs. Even in creek beds and hard enduro-style terrain, the SX-E500 becomes a lightweight weapon. He can skull drag it over obstacles, yank it out of tight spots, and push himself without worrying about wrestling a full-size dirtbike. For a five-year-old already pushing his limits, the SX-E500 isn’t just a smaller bike, it’s a serious training tool that lets him ride harder, learn faster and push the limits with confidence.

Bang  for your buck

The RFN Warrior Kids SX-E500 is one of the best value-for-money electric dirtbikes for young riders. It’s light enough for a three-year-old to pick up, fast enough for a five-year-old to have fun on, and durable enough to survive kids’ natural tendency to crash repeatedly. The brakes are strong, the battery system is smart and the suspension does its job well.

If we could change one thing, it’d be the steering angle, which can make the front-end a little unstable on rough terrain. And for absolute beginners, the throttle in Sport mode could be slightly smoother off the bottom. But overall, it’s a tiny powerhouse of a bike that bridges the gap between balance bikes and bigger petrol models like a Yamaha TT-R50.

For $2200, you’re getting a well-built, capable little electric dirtbike that’ll take your kid from their first wobbly ride to full-throttle paddock racing. It’s a true game-changer for parents looking for an easy-to-manage alternative to petrol-powered bikes, and the fact that it’s tough enough to withstand the abuse of young riders is the cherry on top. And let’s be real; any day on a dirtbike is a good day.

Motor

– Brushless Electric Motor with Chain Drive

– Power: 500W with 700W Peak Output

– Range: Up to 25km

– Top Speed: 35km/h

– 36V/270Wh, 7.5AH Lithium Battery

– Ride Modes: ECO 15km/h, MID 25km/h, SPORT 35km/h

– Charging: 2-3 hours with Standard Charger

– Controller: Sine wave, best-in-class power density with state-of-the-art motor control algorithms

Chassis

– Frame: Steel

– Handlebars: Aluminium

– Foot Pegs: Steel

 Suspension

– Front: Spring Fork

– Rear: Adjustable Damping Shock Absorber

 Wheels & Tyres

– 14×2.4″ All-Terrain Tyres with Magnesium Alloy Wheels

Brakes

– Hydraulic Front & Rear with 140mm Disc

Dimensions

– Seat Height: 490mm

– Overall: 1044x578x676mm

– Weight: 24kg

– Max Load: 50kg

 Features

– 3-Level Battery Indicator Light

– Power On/Off with 3 Speed Modes

– Safety Cut Off Lanyard Switch

  • 1-Year Warranty