Equipping your child for Motocross or Enduro: The complete guide parents & beginners (2026)

Whether your child starts on a PW50 in the garden or already aligns with a starting grid in 65cc, the rule is the same: no motorcycle without complete equipment. Off-road, falling is part of learning. The aim of the equipment is to turn these falls into mere memories, without bobos.

But between the rising budget and the ultra-fast growth of children, the puzzle is real. Should I buy a size above it? Is the neck circumference mandatory? What budget should be provided for? Here are the answers of our experts.

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1. Children’s helmets: the weight dilemma (guide by age)

Never give an old XXS adult helmet to a child: the hull is too large. But beware, gram hunting has its limits. With the new (safer) ECE 22.06, helmets have become heavier.

Our selection: The 5 Best Children's Helmets 2025

We sifted through the market to find models that meet the new standard ECE 22.06 while preserving your children's cervicals.

1. “Plume Weights”: For fragile necks (5-8 years)

This is the top priority for beginners in 50cc or 65cc. Here, every gram gained is a victory against fatigue.

Champion of the scales: LS2 MX437 Fast II Mini

Determination of weight: ~1050g:  c“is often one of the lightest child helmets on the market in this price range. Its KPA shell (mixture of thermoplastics and resins) offers flexibility that dissipates energy well without weighing a tonne. This is the number one choice for toddlers starting out.

Its strength: a record weight for a price below 100 €.

The Premium Challenger: Alpinestars Supertech S-M3

Determination of weight: ~1060g:  Alpinestars is striking with this entry-level model, which benefits from the know-how of adult models (S-M8/S-M10). The shell is profiled to protect the collarbone (a sensitive area in children). Ventilation is excellent.

Its strength: A patented Alpinestars technology reducing rotational forces (on the brain) resulting from oblique impacts. As well as a visor release system in the event of a shock.

2. “Top Security”: Technology at the service of the brain

If your child starts to ride fast, jump, or compete, you have to upgrade the internal protection.

Reference: Fox Racing V1 Youth (with MIPS)

Determination of weight: ~1080g:  it is a technical feat. Fox managed to integrate the system MIPS (which protects the brain from rotations during a fall) while keeping an ultra-light weight (under 1100g). It is the most technically complete helmet for a child today.

Its strength: the integrated MIPS + Magnetic Visor (MVRS) system which detaches in the event of a fall.

3. “Robusts”: For training and tight budgets (9-12 years)

For children a little older, whose neck is more muscular, one can accept a few grams more to lower the bill or gain in durability.

Rational choice: O’Neal 1SRS Youth

Determination of weight: ~1180g:  a great classic of runners' parks. The ABS shell is a little heavier than previous models, but it is very resistant to scratches and small everyday shocks. The foams are comfortable and easy to wash.

Its strength: A very aggressive price/quality ratio (often around 70-80€).

The French alternative: Shot Speed Kid

Determination of weight: ~1200g: the French brand Shot offers a simple, efficient and approved helmet 22.06. With its 1200g, it starts to be a little heavy for a toddler (5 years old), but it is perfect for a 10-year-old who rides at leisure on weekends.

Its strength: decorations often very nice and flashy that please children.

2. Boots: protection vs flexibility

This is often where children cry: “I can’t get past the speeds!“. This is normal. Cross boots are rigid to protect tibia and ankles, it will necessarily take time to adapt to find its marks.

For beginners, choose boots Specific “Kids” (often with a softer sole and only 2 or 3 loops like the Apinestars Tech 3s). They offer less lateral stiffness than a pro adult boot, but allow the child to feel the selector and brake, This is vital for learning how to fly safely.

⁇ The Growth Tip:Some brands (such as Alpinestars with Tech 3S) offer removable insoles. You take it off, and you win a size! Perfect to make the pair last one more season.

3. The neck circumference (Neck Brace): indispensable?

In adults, the debate exists. In children, we highly recommend it. The head of a child is proportionally heavier than that of an adult in relation to his body. In the event of a fall, the “bunny blow” quickly arrived.

A neck circumference (even a simple dense foam) will limit the amplitude of the head and transfer the strength of the helmet to the shoulders rather than the spine.

4. Protective vest and Knee pads

Protective vest (stonewall)

Forget the simple Stonewalls “plastic” which protects only from pebble splashes. For a child, opt for a Full Protective Vest (long sleeves) which includes:

• Back protection (Column)
• Pectoral protection (Thorax)
• Coudières and shoulder blades

It is easier to put on (all in one) and it does not slip.

Knee pads

Simple knee pads (plastic shells on foam) are enough to start. Orthotics are very rare and very expensive for children (because the leg grows too fast), unless specific medical advice.

5. The Mask: aim for simplicity

The mask is essential to protect the eyes from earth splashes, pebbles and dust. For a child who is just starting out, needless to look for complexity.

Choose a “simple” mask with a clear (transparent) anti-fog treated screen. Important points to check:

• The “Fit”: it must fit easily into the opening of the child’s helmet (which is narrower than that of an adult) without pinching the nose.
• Foam: it must be comfortable and hypoallergenic to prevent the child from wanting to remove it after 10 minutes.

Budget Council: Consider the mask as a “consumable”. It will fall, scratch and be full of mud. An entry-level model of a major brand (100%, Scott, Fox...) around 30-40€ is enough to start.

6. Holding: make yourself happy (but not too expensive)

The jersey and pants are there to avoid scratches and burns (exhaust pipe). This is where you can saving. No need for the last “Tech” outfit at €200.

Advice: take pants with a good adjustment margin at the waist (often clips or velcros) and a little long (it fits in the boots, so it does not show if it is a little big at first).

Budget summary: How much does it cost to equip a child?

Here is a realistic estimate for new, approved and safe equipment (Entry/Mid-range):

Can I buy second-hand?

YES for: boots, outfits, vests, knee pads.
NO, NEVER for the helmet. The history of shocks is not known. The head of your child is not worth a saving of 50 €.