OSET Bikes launches UK’s first MX Academies for kids

OSET bikes has set up two academies designed to teach children how to ride motocross safely, using its new electric MX10.  

Eight years ago, OSET Bikes successful lowered the age that children could compete on trials bikes – and now it’s done it for motocross riders. Using its electric MX10, OSET has set up two academies designed to teach children how to ride motocross safely, as it looks to get kids into racing earlier. Cool right?

Each academy will hold a fleet of OSET MX10 machines that allow kids to come and have a go, try before they buy or participate in some training – and sessions are already taking place with MER in the South West and Hypertrax just outside Glasgow. 

Ian Smith, founder of OSET Bikes, said: “It’s a great start.  Sessions are getting booked up quickly, there’s a lot of interest and older children have already had the opportunity to race the MX10.  It’s a positive start to 2018 and we would encourage anyone interested in getting their kids on two MX wheels to go along and try out the MX10 for size.”

Moving forward, OSET is working with the MCF to enable each Academy to offer youngsters the chance to go through a full day’s training (from the age of four).  This will include understanding flags, throttle and braking control, cornering, overtaking and what to do in an event of a crash. And once they’ve completed the course they’ll attain the MCF approved certification to send to the governing body to apply for their first racing license. Brilliant.

Ian said: “We want kids racing and having fun, but doing it safely.  No one wants to see kids getting hurt so getting their racing wings means everyone has had some basic training, making track time safer!”

Roy Barton MCF general manager, said: “Our absolute priority is safety for everyone.  Children will need to demonstrate competence to our approved trainers and pass the training programme –  a bit like a CBT – before being eligible to apply for a license and ultimately race.  We are just putting together the paperwork before officially launching the training programmes at OSET Academies, which ultimately will allow us to sanction racing for 4 -6 year olds on the MX10. Simultaneously we have been holding discussions with a number of our clubs who are looking to identify what opportunities exist at current events planned for 2018 with a view to potentially offering race opportunities for the youngsters.”

The academies available are located at MER in the South West who will offer mobile training at various venues around the UK, while Hypertrax provides an indoor training facility in Glasgow. And OSET is also currently talking to two additional, major MX venues in England, but would like to talk to anyone else who may be interested in joining the programme, and taking a fleet of MX10 bikes.

Simon Armstrong, sales manager at OSET, said: “Demand was initially very strong for the MX10.  Now we have created an opportunity to develop essential skills and take part in fun races, I think this bike has the potential to be ‘My First Bike’ for the next generation of motocrossers! At the moment kids get on an MX rocket ship at age six.  Many are nervous, even fearful of the powerband that kicks in on petrol machines.  No one want to see kids getting hurt, and our ethos of taking fun seriously is one we want to bring to the MX market.

“What that means in practice is getting kids from the age of four on an MX10 and offering fun skills training and race experience to provide a stable foundation to go onto the bigger and faster machines. In the long-term it will make them more confident and able riders, which in turn improves the safety for everybody.   Kids at age six will be ready to race competitively, as they’ll already possess the basic track, bike and race skills needed.”

The ground up design for the MX10 has seen the team analyse the ideal off-road geometry for children aged 4-7 and design components and systems to achieve optimum performance.  The MX-10 features an adjustable seat height – giving even the smallest riders more confidence as they can touch the ground. When lowering the bike, the geometry alters to provide more stability for raw beginners. The front forks, rear shock and brakes are all designed to suit the bike and young riders – they’re lightweight and adjustable because one size does not fit all.  While linear, electric power is easy for children to master and allows for parental control.

For more information, visit: www.osetbikes.com/gb,