It’s hard to believe it’s been a full year since Bonnie first hopped aboard the RFN SX-E500. What started as a cautious introduction to throttle control has turned into a year of daily adventures, farm sessions, and endless battery swaps. And through it all, this little bike has never skipped a beat.

Apart from one bent rear brake lever, nothing has broken. The original chain stretched more than it should have but we replaced that easily enough. No loose bolts, no fading power, no electrical gremlins. That level of reliability from a kids’ bike, especially one that’s been used by a three-year-old (and occasionally her older brother for trick practice), is seriously impressive.

It still runs smoothly, and the components continue to feel tight and well-built. The start switch, brake system, and throttle have all survived hours of use without complaint. In a year of testing, we haven’t had to replace a single fuse or connector – and that says a lot about the quality of the build.

The standout feature for us remains the dual-battery system. Being able to swap batteries on the fly has been an absolute game changer. One battery can be on charge while the other is in use, meaning there’s almost no downtime. The range is still solid – about 1 to 2 hours depending on terrain and speed – and the process of swapping is quick enough that Bonnie could almost do it herself now if her little fingers could loosen the wingnut.

When it comes to power, the RFN gets full marks. It’s smooth, predictable, and has more than enough grunt for little riders to learn safely without scaring themselves. The selectable map modes have proven invaluable. Bonnie uses the softer settings on uneven or bumpy terrain, where a twitchy throttle could upset her balance. Meanwhile, Jax loves switching to the higher maps for wheelies, pivot turns, and balance drills. It’s helped him fine-tune his throttle control and standing technique.

The size has been the best part, though. It’s small enough to fit Bonnie perfectly, even when she first started riding at three years old. She can touch the ground easily, balance confidently, and manoeuvre it without help. Yet it’s sturdy enough for Jax, now six, to still use it for skill training. It’s so lightweight, Bonnie can easily hold it up on her own and pick it up when she crashes.

If there’s one thing we’d still tweak, it’s the rear shock. It’s on the firmer side and doesn’t offer a lot of travel for lighter riders. A softer, more spongy setup would make the ride plusher and give smaller kids more confidence over bumps and ruts. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s an area where there’s room for improvement.

After a year, our overall verdict couldn’t be clearer: the RFN SX-E500 is a good thing. It’s the perfect alternative to a PW50. As we hand it back, we do so reluctantly. This little machine has become part of our weekend routine. If RFN’s goal was to build a kids’ bike that could survive real-world family life, they’ve nailed it.

Mitch Lees

RFN SX-E500
RRP
$1899
WARRANTY
1 year
DISTRIBUTOR
RFN Bike
INTERNET
rfnbike.com.au

SO FAR
TOTAL HOURS
30

MODS THIS MONTH
Bent then straightened rear brake lever