Last Update: 12 October 2023
In my more than four decades of experience with motorcycles, the thought of training wheels has never once crossed my mind. However, as fate would have it, I recently stumbled upon this intriguing concept during a visit to the Scooty website in India.
While casually perusing their product line, my curiosity was piqued when I came across a scooter equipped with what they referred to as “training wheels.” The image depicted a rather unique setup, where these auxiliary wheels were cleverly affixed to the centre-stand of the scooter, presenting a novel and intriguing innovation in the world of two-wheeled transportation.
Indeed, it’s quite conceivable that the design and development of these compact wheels and brackets wouldn’t pose a significant technical challenge. They could potentially serve as a practical solution, especially for individuals who face balancing issues. Moreover, it’s worth noting that there are still countries where women are not allowed to ride or learn to ride bicycles due to cultural or societal constraints. In such regions, this innovative concept could potentially provide a newfound sense of mobility and independence.
While it may not be a frequent occurrence, I’ve encountered students during motorcycle training who have had no prior experience with riding a bicycle. Teaching such students presents a unique set of challenges. Unlike instructing someone who hasn’t driven a standard stick-shift car, guiding a new learner to ride a motorcycle when they haven’t yet mastered the art of maintaining balance on two wheels can be considerably more demanding.
These students are tasked with the complex dual challenge of acquiring the skill to balance on two wheels while simultaneously dealing with the additional weight and intricacies of a motorbike. This combination of physical coordination and the added responsibilities of motorcycle operation makes the learning process particularly challenging for these individuals.
The big question here is, do those training wheels really get the job done? At first glance, they might not seem all that sturdy. Nevertheless, it’s a safe bet that the manufacturer wouldn’t include them if they weren’t effective. Plus, let’s not forget, this scooter is an 80cc model, and it’s in the lighter weight category, just like many other small scooters, so that probably plays a role in making those training wheels work.
The great thing about these training wheels is that they can be easily removed once the rider gains enough confidence to go solo.
They offer a fantastic solution for riders who struggle with balancing, acting as a helpful stepping stone. However, it’s important to remember that they should be seen as a temporary measure on the journey toward complete control and independence in riding a motorbike.
5 comments
Can anyone tell me if these would work for a Polaris electric scooter ? I have MS and my balance sucks . I bought one I got a great deal on. Wondering if I could put the wheels on ? Thank you :)
Hi Kim. These are no longer available. But, if balance is a challenge, there are some amazing options – the Can-Am Ryker – a three wheeler! This is an amazing fun ride, and very affordable. We will have a review of this here shortly. Sign up for the newsletter, and stay tuned.
This training wheels are ideal for senior citizens and people with a disability (like myself) who still enjoy riding motorcycles but limited on their budget as trikes are more expensive than the traditional 2 wheel motorcycles.
I require the balancing wheels. Plz say me where from I vll get it????
I appreciate your confidence that they wouldn’t manufacture it if it didn’t work and wasn’t safe. Yet consumer protection agencies are never out of work monitoring mfgs that don’t know this yet. Nevertheless, with the Boomers aging, i hope we soon see more safe (and more hefty?) variations on this. I love my Vespa (150cc), but my balance just isn’t quite what it used to be. I’d love this added measure of confidence.