If you think the idea of racing around on a miniature motorcycle inches from the ground sounds like fun… you'd be right.

Mini bikes are the latest motorcycle craze, and if you've ever seen grown adults on pocket-sized motorbikes and wondered what it was all about, or want to know more, this guide is for you.

What is a mini bike? Mini bikes are small petrol-powered motorcycles, usually 39cc or 49cc. However, they are sometimes larger, up to 110cc.

Where can mini bikes be ridden? These bikes are intended for use on private land or racetracks, rather than road use. If you want to ride a mini bike you need to find a race track or get permission to use private land. Fields are often unsuitable as mini bikes have very low ground clearance and no suspension.

If you want to ride on rough terrain then your best bet would be a mini dirt bike, which is made for off-road conditions.

What kind of mini bikes are available? There are several kinds of mini bike that can be bought from specialist outlets. If you are looking to buy a mini bike then there are several factors which need to be considered.

Firstly, you need to decide what you want it for. If you are planning on racing, then you will need a race-certified mini bike, such as a Blata or Polini. These can be raced in competitions as they adhere to regulations set by mini bike racing organisations.

If you are looking to ride your minibike around private grounds just for fun, then you might not want to spend so much money. In that case, you could look for one of the many good value imports from China.

However, if you are inexperienced on two wheels, you might want to consider a mini ATV. These are great for beginners as they have the same engine as most minibikes but they use four wheels instead of two.

If you think you're too big for a mini bike then you could try a midi bike - these are ideal for people with longer legs. The downside is they aren't as quick as mini bikes due to the extra weight but they are available with a full electronics pack including electric start and lights, etc, and can be just as much fun.

Once you have made your choice, shop around to find the best deal. Some companies will sell the minibike with extras such as helmets, or performance upgrades so it is always best to search far and wide for the best deal.

Make sure that you have the correct equipment to ride, including all the protective equipment, and then you're good to go!