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Mondraker Grommy kicks up pedal-less balance e-bike to power your kid towards eMTB

Mondraker Grommy e-balance e-bike eMTB, electric-assist throttle-powered kids balance e-moto electric motorbike
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This thing is wild… and probably tons of fun! The new Mondraker Grommy is a twist-throttle electric motorbike for tiny tots just working on balancing on two wheels. We can debate what this new category of eMTB should be called – Mondraker calls it an e-balance bike – but aimed at fueling early interest in riding bikes or even e-bikes in small kids, this looks like it would be a blast to ride…

Mondraker Grommy electric-assist kids’ balance e-bike

Mondraker Grommy e-balance e-bike eMTB, electric-assist throttle-powered kids balance e-moto electric motorbike
all photos c. Mondraker

Let’s get the inevitable e-bike backlash out of the way, real quick. No, this isn’t a bike. Yes, this is an electric motorcycle. These aren’t going to crowd our trails, even if they might tear up a few pump tracks.

(Parents… buy a shovel & rake when you get one of these, please.)

Mondraker Grommy e-balance e-bike eMTB, electric-assist throttle-powered kids balance e-moto electric motorbike

And the Grommy also isn’t going to teach your grom that she needs to pedal up the hills either. You’re going to have to wait for their first proper pedal bike for that. Instead, the idea is to get the kids hooked on two wheels, and probably to sprout some adrenaline junkies at the same time.

Mondraker Grommy e-balance e-bike eMTB, electric-assist throttle-powered kids balance e-moto electric motorbike

Mondraker says their Grommy is the first e-balance bike from a proper MTB brand, assuming you can probably get some PowerWheels scooter from your neighborhood big box store. With their mountain bike background though, Mondraker promises quality that will stand up to your kids abuse, and a level of design & detail meant to hook & inspire a “new generation of riders with riding skills and passion”.

Mondraker Grommy e-balance e-bike eMTB, electric-assist throttle-powered kids balance e-moto electric motorbike

As a parent with two young (and pedaling) mountain bikers, it’s clear that the balance bike was a key first step to them developing basic balancing & handling on two wheels from an early age. Many feel this is a good time to figure out hand braking too, without worrying about pedaling. Mondraker figures that taking it to the next step with a twist throttle and motor-assist (with parent-adjustable speed levels), the Grommy can speed up those early steps, especially in the dirt, ensuring that kids take to the joys of mountain biking quickly.

Grommy –  Tech details

Mondraker Grommy e-balance e-bike eMTB, electric-assist throttle-powered kids balance e-moto electric motorbike

To do that, they’ve electrified two sizes of Grommy balance e-bikes with either 12″ or 16″ wheels. Both share a centrally located 250W bottom bracket motor with an enclosed chain drive to put the power to the rear wheel.

Mondraker Grommy e-balance e-bike eMTB, electric-assist throttle-powered kids balance e-moto electric motorbike

A quick-release, quick-charge 80Wh/4Ah battery pops in and out much like cordless power tools, delivering a claimed 40-60 minutes of runtime, and another 60 minutes to charge back up to full to go again. The electronics are IPX4-rated which means splash-resistant, but also that you should keep the kids out of creek crossings or bottom bracket deep puddles to keep your Grommy running.

Mondraker Grommy e-balance e-bike eMTB, electric-assist throttle-powered kids balance e-moto electric motorbike

The Grommies are built with “Superlight Mondraker Alloy” 6061 aluminum frames & tapered steerer forks, and feature post mount 140mm Tektro mechanical disc rear brakes, internal cable routing, internal headset, and wide 2.25″ Vee Crown Gem tires. The balance e-bikes get a big integrated composite footrest to plant your feet as you zip along, with inspiring words for grip, like ” Full Gas, Enduro, Jump, Stealth & Dirt”.

Mondraker Grommy e-balance e-bike eMTB, electric-assist throttle-powered kids balance e-moto electric motorbike
2021 Mondraker Grommy 12″ (top), Grommy 16″ (bottom)

Overall Mondraker builds the Grommy up with proper MTB components – think riser bars, short 30mm stems, 27.2 seatpost – in kid-specific sizing, to ensure confidence and make the young riders feel cool, just like mountain-biking mom & dad. Mondraker doesn’t go into detail on Grommy geo, but does say they share the same “Forward Geometry” of their progressive mountain bikes – so we’re gonna call ’em long, low & slack just for good measure.

Balance e-bike – Power modes & speed control

Mondraker Grommy e-balance e-bike eMTB, electric-assist throttle-powered kids balance e-moto electric motorbike

Both Grommies share the same three power modes that regulate the level of e-bike assist available at your kid’s finger tips, and keep their speed in check. The first Balance mode has a top speed of 8.1km/h (5mph), Fun mode steps it up to 12.1km/h (7.5mph), then finally Advanced mode tops out at 17.7km/h (11mph), quite a bit lower than typical adult eMTB assist of 25km/h.

Mondraker Grommy e-balance e-bike eMTB, electric-assist throttle-powered kids balance e-moto electric motorbike

Mondraker says the righthand twist throttle assembly includes a push button mode selector and display that also shows battery level, so it might be hard for parents attempting to keep inexperienced riders a bit more under control. But there also is a power-assist power switch (and you can always pop the battery out to shed weight) so you can use it like a normal balance bike.

Electric-assist Grommies – Pricing & availability

Mondraker Grommy e-balance e-bike eMTB, electric-assist throttle-powered kids balance e-moto electric motorbike

The Grommy’s two sizes – 12″ for kids 3-5 years (saddle height 37-47cm) & 16″ for kids 5-8 years (saddle height 43-58cm) – are designed to smooth your grom’s transition up to a proper mountain bike. eMTBs don’t come cheap, and the Grommies are no exception, starting from $900 / 750€ with 12″ wheels, or $950 / 800€ with 16″ wheels.

Mondraker Grommy e-balance e-bike eMTB, electric-assist throttle-powered kids balance e-moto electric motorbike

Both e-balance moto-things are relatively lightweight for an e-bike (12″ 7.5kg, 16″ 8.5kg) and likely to be a lot of fun. But parents be warned, Mondraker sets a max rider weight limit of 40kg, so they’re for the kids only.

Mondraker Grommy e-balance e-bike eMTB, electric-assist throttle-powered kids balance e-moto electric motorbike

Go get your Grommy (I mean for your kids, of course), available globally from next week –  July 22, from your local Mondraker dealer.

Grommy.Mondraker.com

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29 Comments
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Jeff
Jeff
3 years ago

Kids are doomed. the group of people with the most energy to burn don’t need an e-bike. we are now one step closer to people of the movie Wall-E.

Alfus
Alfus
3 years ago
Reply to  Jeff

100% agree

Chris
Chris
3 years ago

Jeff; totally agree. I’m cool with e-bikes for the physically challenged and when the 75 year blazes past me up the climbs. But do kids need another reason to be lazy….I guess it’s slightly better than playing video games all day.

b
b
3 years ago

Gen-Lazy

Tiny Tim
Tiny Tim
3 years ago

and is it really even an ebike anymore it doesn’t have pedals and has a throttle….. this is a slippery slope in 10 years what are “ebikes” going to look like

Tommy C
Tommy C
3 years ago
Reply to  Tiny Tim

How is this not an electric motorcycle?

Spencer
Spencer
3 years ago

I can see this being a really good option for the motorcycle crowd. Safe way to teach their kids balance before they put them is a higher power gasser. I’m all for kids getting exercise, and agree that a traditional running bike is probably best for them. But this would be a great way for them to keep up with their parents easier and be outside instead of staring at electronics…

Bob
Bob
3 years ago

I agree with you guys; I also hate when kids have fun toys. We should only promote things that directly apply to us, because that’s what makes cycling fun for everyone. Heck, I think kids should have to go back to bone-shakers and stick-and-hoop games. No more pneumatic tires, as it just makes them pampered.

El Pataron
El Pataron
3 years ago

No way I’ll let my kid anywhere near one of these.

Milessio
Milessio
3 years ago

Not sure why they’re not honest and simply call it an E mini-moto?
I think most children grow out of balance bike so quickly, that it’s their parents holding back the transition to a bike with pedals. For both, they can go as fast as they are comfortable, without needing any E-assist.

Walt
3 years ago

Dude, the kids in the pictures appear to be 5-6 (at least) years old. Don’t tell me they can’t ride a pedal bike, that’s pathetic.

Balance bikes are for 2-3 year olds.

Josh
Josh
3 years ago
Reply to  Walt

Right? A balance bike with 16” wheels is seriously misguided.

zigak
3 years ago
Reply to  Walt

Balance bikes are for 1 – 2 year olds.
when they can stay upright (1 year old) to the transition to pedal bike (2 years). At least that was the case with my 2 kids /end humble-brag

Walt
3 years ago
Reply to  zigak

You’re missing the “humble” part, but for full points, you need to tell us in months/days how old your kids were when they started riding a pedal bike…

Regardless, we’re in agreement that any healthy 3 year old should be able to ride a pedal bike.

Eggs Benedict
Eggs Benedict
3 years ago

Joe Camel marketing approach, start them young.

VazzedUp
VazzedUp
3 years ago

Why would anyone expect a kid who learnt to ride on a motorbike (eMoto) suddenly chose to start pedaling?
This is a motorbike, and will transition them onto bigger eMotos not mtbs.

Brian
Brian
3 years ago

Why not give them an e-recumbent and shave a bald spot into their heads to complete the look?

Dirt Wrangler
Dirt Wrangler
3 years ago
Reply to  Brian

I’d like to see a miniature mobility scooter.

Hamjam
Hamjam
3 years ago

This looks amazing.

Lester Binegar
Lester Binegar
3 years ago

Love it!! Creating lovers of two wheel and healthy kids. When they go to 2 wheels, electric or not, they will pedal, get great exercise, have fun. And if their next bike is pedal assist 20″/24″, they will keep up way better. This equals more fun for all, outside, on trails, loving life. I wish I had one of these for my kid back in the day. Bring it on!!!

Me
Me
3 years ago

I really don’t think that this should be called “electric assist.” There are no pedals to assist. It is full electric powered.

Carl Presseault
Carl Presseault
3 years ago

Getting their bike provided by your generation. I doubt they asked for these.

Christina
Christina
3 years ago

I would love this if it were directed at children with disabilities, allowing kiddos who might not be able to pedal to join in the fun with friends who can. In its current form, doesn’t look like it would be appropriate for that audience without some modifications.

Jon
Jon
3 years ago

Look out bikerumor – the fun police is on patrol!

Rob Rocha
Rob Rocha
3 years ago

I just wish it ran on gas so that you didn’t have to charge it. /S

thesteve4761
thesteve4761
3 years ago

If you can’t see the fun of this, you have a problem.

Ontrack
3 years ago

Stacyc have been making exactly this for quite a while now…

Paul
Paul
3 years ago

all these comments about kids and exercise. this product is for the impatient parents who want to ride with their kids longer than a 4-6 year old’s legs can pedal. entitlement is such a nuisance.

BMX
BMX
3 years ago

Mondraker discontinued the Dune to focus on this type of stuff. Nice for the brats but what about our toys .

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