Pocketbike

Pocketbikes are small, two wheeled recreational vehicles approximately one-quarter the size of a regular motorcycles, and are powered by two-stroke internal combustion engines of between 40 and 50 cc.

The misconception is likely due to two factors; The introduction of Pocketbikes into North America as inexpensive models not recognized for their intended competitive purpose, and being seen as toys rather than unique vehicles.

[9] After the death of a rider from Louth[10] in 2006 fueled public outrage regarding Pocketbikes, UK law was further changed to include a provision to seize and destroy machines operated on Public Roads..[11] In 2004, the Los Angeles Times reported that the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimated 2,345 injuries as a result of Pocketbike use in the United States.

Several notable MotoGP racers and champions first raced in MiniMoto, including Valentino Rossi, Loris Capirossi, Nobuatsu Aoki, and Daijiro Kato.

Since the introduction of Pocketbikes as a recreational vehicle in North America in the early 2000s, various events have been organized, but there has been no long standing governing body for a series.