It is hard to beat trials as a youngster’s introduction to motorcycling. The low speeds, weight, and seat height reduce intimidating barriers to entry while encouraging precise riding and proper technique. When you add battery power rather than gasoline, the welcoming aspect increases, and you’re looking at the 2025 Beta Minitrial Electric 20”.
There are two sizes for the Beta Minitrial Electric—16-inch and 20-inch wheels. We went with the 20” model for 10-year-old test rider Avery Bart, who weighs 65 pounds and is 4-foot-8, as the 16” model is intended for smaller riders aged 5 to 9. The two Minitrial bikes are identical, except for the wheelsets.
To keep the Minitrial Electric 20” light and affordable, many bicycle components are employed by Beta. The parts range from the wheels with Maxxis Creepy Crawler tires to the suspension to the Shimano brake calipers. The result is an observed trials motorcycle for preteens that weighs 56 pounds—a Yamaha PW50 weighs 90 pounds gassed up—and has an MSRP of $2690.
New and experienced riders alike will appreciate the seamless power delivered by the 750-watt electric motor. There are three power modes—Fast, Medium, and Slow—so any rider can be accommodated. Avery is an experienced rider, so she immediately gravitated toward Fast. She certainly appreciates that the Minitrial E 20” weighs less than a third of her Honda CRF110F when she’s working her way through trials obstacles. Also, the “seat” height of the Beta is four inches lower than the CRF110F—partially because the CRF has a seat and the Minitrial E does not.
One of the enticing features of the 2025 Beta Minitrial E is that a youngster can ride it anywhere. Set up a few turns and impediments in the backyard, and you’re set for trials training. You won’t have any problem with the neighbors complaining about emissions—fumes or noise.
The three 12-volt lead acid batteries provide enough juice to exceed the attention span of all but the most dedicated young rider. They are serially wired, so the Minitrial E gets the grunt of 36 volts. This was born out as Avery took on adult-size rocks and never lacked power or grip from the Maxxis rubber.
Beta holds the batteries in place with a cover and hook-and-loop straps. While that’s simple, it’s not ideal for off-road motorcycling. In falls, the straps can come loose, resulting in the batteries moving. We would like to see the batteries held in place more securely.
Electric motors work great for trials. They’re fully adjustable, incredibly smooth, vibration-free, and virtually silent. This allows young riders to concentrate fully on proper riding technique and balance. There is no gearbox or clutch to learn—it’s twist and go with the power level determined by the user and parent working together.
Although the Beta Minitrial E has the same size wheels at both ends—20 inches in the case of the 20” model—it rolls over rocky terrain easily, taking on logs and steps as the rider’s skill increases. Drop-offs are also easy for a new rider to learn and an experienced rider to execute, thanks to the 20-inch front wheel. Plus, there’s plenty of ground clearance, which is crucial for navigating rocky sections, traversing logs, and tackling squared-off steps.
Observed trials is an ideal sport for parents who want direct interaction with their children. You can walk next to your child as the Beta Minitrial E is being ridden and interact with the child, thanks to the lack of noise and speed. The hand brakes will be familiar to riders coming from bicycles, as is typically the case. This flattens the learning curve, which enhances the reduced apprehension observed trials presents to a new rider.
We’re big on safety, and the 2025 Beta Minitrial E 20” has that covered. In addition to the adjustable power, a pro-style wrist tether cuts off power if there’s a miscue. Also, covers keep fingers away from the brake discs and sprocket-and-chain system, though our test bike had the sprocket-and-chain cover removed before we received it.
The Alpinestars SM3 helmet (ECE06/DOT compliant) and Youth Tech 3S boots are non-negotiable protection, while Avery loved the look of the Alpinestars Youth Racer Melt pants and jersey. The A’stars Youth Radar gloves are lightweight and make it easy for her to use the hand brake levers. She has Alpinestars goggles, but they’re not necessary for the walking speeds of trials training.
While observed trials is a niche off-road discipline, the 2025 Beta Minitrial Electric 20” is more versatile than you realize at first glance. New riders will love the Minitrial E for the reasons outlined, while experienced riders can use it as a training tool to sharpen fundamental skills. Regardless of the rider’s background, it can be ridden daily, accelerating the skillset of any young motorcyclist.
Photography by Don Williams
RIDING STYLE
- Helmet: Alpinestars SM3
- Pants + jersey: Alpinestars Youth Racer
- Gloves: Alpinestars Youth Radar
- Boots: Alpinestars Youth Tech 3S
2025 Beta Minitrial Electric 20” Specs
MOTOR
- Type: Electric
- Watts: 750
- Volts: 36
- Batteries: Three 12-volt lead acid
- Runtime: 1.5 hours (Fast); 2 hours (Medium); 3 hours (Slow)
- Transmission: Fully automatic single-speed
- Final drive: Chain
CHASSIS
- Front suspension; travel: Bicycle-style 25mm fork; 2 inches
- Rear suspension; travel: Cantilevered EXA Form A5-RE adjustable air shock; 2 inches
- Tires: Maxxis Creepy Crawler
- Front tire: 20 x 2.0
- Rear tire: 20 x 2.5
- Front brake: 160mm disc w/ Shimano caliper
- Rear brake: 160mm disc w/ Shimano caliper
DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES
- Wheelbase: 38 inches
- “Seat” height: 21.6 inches
- Weight: 56 pounds
2025 Beta Minitrial Electric 20” Price: $2690 MSRP
