At What Age Can You Start Riding a Motorcycle? (2024)

Motorcycle riding is a fun activity that promotes an active lifestyle and good mental health. However, you must wear appropriate riding gear and follow traffic laws to ensure safer riding. Nowadays, roads are less safe due to being overcrowded with traffic. You must be properly trained to ride a motorcycle on public roads. Motorcycle riding requires specialized training, skills, and expertise to ensure safe operation. This is why only riders above a certain age are eligible to receive motorcycles. Read this article to learn at what age you can start riding a motorcycle.

1. At What Age Can You Start Riding a Motorcycle?

Each U.S. state has different laws regarding the minimum required age you can start riding a motorcycle. Motorcycle riding can be dangerous, especially for inexperienced riders. However, riders must meet a certain age restriction to be allowed to ride a motorcycle on public roads.

1.1 Legal Age for Riding Motorcycles

You must t earn a motorcycle license to be able to ride a motorcycle. In the U.S., the license laws will differ between each state, including the minimum age limit to become a licensed rider. Most states issue motorcycle licenses at the age of 16 or 17, while other states issue motorcycle licenses at the age of 18. A few states allow 15 years olds to take the road test for a motorcycle license.

1.2 Getting a Learner’s Permit

Most U.S. states require you to earn a learner's license before you apply for a motorcycle license. In some states, if you are over 18 years old, you do not need to get a learner's license and can immediately apply for a motorcycle license. Some states also require you to pass a written and riding test to obtain a motorcycle license.

1.3 The Right Motorcycle Riding Age

The right age for riding a motorcycle is 18 years old. If you are under 18 years old, avoid riding a motorcycle since you may not be able to reach the handles, footrests, or ground. Depending on your age, you should ride a type of motorcycle best suited to your current skills. It is best to start with a standard motorcycle or cruiser. Once you have improved your riding skills, you can try to transition to a high-speed vehicle like a beginner sports bike.

2. How Old is Too Old to Start Riding a Motorcycle?

How old is too old to Start riding a Motorcycle? Technically, there is no age limit for riding a motorcycle if you are above 18. You can start riding a motorcycle at any age if you are physically and mentally capable of doing so. However, if you are older, there is a limit to how much exertion you can handle. Your ability to steer and handle your motorcycle’s weight becomes compromised as you get older. it is best to start with a lightweight motorcycle with a small-displacement engine since it is easier to handle. Also, make sure to choose a motorcycle that offers an upright back position to reduce back pain and improve comfort. If you are an older novice rider, start with a motorcycle equipped with safety rider aids.

2.1 Motorcycle Riding After Age 70

You can ride a motorcycle at any age, even if you are over 70 years old if your physical and mental health is in good condition. If you know how to stay physically active and fit and can handle stressful situations, you can ride a motorcycle even in old age.

2.2 The Right Age to Stop Riding a Motorcycle

Most people stop riding their motorcycles between the ages of 65-85. Even if you love going on long-distance rides, adventure trips, off-roading, and touring, you should stop riding a motorcycle if your age prevents you from continuing safely. Common problems that arise in older riders include back problems and muscle fatigue. You may have trouble with exertion, react spontaneously, and make quick decisions in various situations. However, if you follow a strict diet and fitness plan to stay fit and active, it is possible to continue riding a motorcycle.

2.3 Medical Conditions That Come with Old Age

Old age tends to bring several medical conditions that can make continuing to ride a motorcycle unsafe. These medical conditions include:

Loss of Vision

As you grow older, your eyesight will become weaker which can make it difficult to scan your surroundings and spot incoming danger on the road.

Hypertension

Hypertension or high blood pressure is common among older folk. Hypertension can cause anxiety, blurred vision, dizziness, severe headache, and other symptoms that can become worse if you continue to ride a motorcycle.

Weakness

As you grow older, your bones and muscles will start to become weaker. There is a higher chance of suffering severe or fatal injuries if you get into an accident due to a weakened body. Also, having a frailer body will make it difficult to pick up your motorcycle if it falls.

3. Age Limit for Passengers

Though passengers are not involved in the steering of your motorbike, their safety is equally at risk if you lose control. Most U.S. states have laws to protect passengers as well. In most states, passengers are required to wear approved helmets. However, in some states, only passengers under 18 years old are required to wear helmets.

3.1 Laws for Children Riding on Motorcycles

Almost all U.S. states have laws that restrict children from riding as passengers. Most states do not allow children to ride on motorcycles if their feet cannot reach the footrests. In Hawaii, if you are at least seven years old, you can ride on the back of a motorcycle. In Arkansas, the minimum age limit for passengers is eight years old. Washington, Texas, and Louisiana allow children to ride on motorcycles if they are at least 5 years old.

4. Takeaway

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