Escola IMR Sintra (children's motorbike lessons)

Escola IMR Sintra (the name stands for Escola Iniciação Moto Racing, a school for getting started in motorbike racing) teaches people to ride motorbikes on a track. It is on the Estrada da Granja do Marquês in Sintra, the same road as the Museu do Ar. It has its own practice circuit, school bikes and kit, and a page of lessons just for children (aulas de moto para crianças).

For a child who wants to be a racer, this is the real thing on a small scale. They put on a helmet, a riding suit and gloves, get on a school bike and spend an hour on the track with an instructor watching and correcting. The school’s stated aim is to start riders in competition and to make everyone a safer rider on the road.

A children’s lesson is one hour on the track, on a school bike, for €45 when checked in September 2026. The price includes:

• practice on the track, with an instructor following the child’s progress
• safety kit: helmet, suit and gloves
• mechanical help during the lesson
• coaching adapted to the child’s level and pace

Personal insurance is not included, and the school recommends getting insurance suitable for motorcycling. Everyone signs a liability waiver (termo de responsabilidade).

The children’s page does not give a minimum age or say which bikes children use. The school’s shop sells electric minimotos, children’s electric bikes, pit bikes and track bikes, which gives an idea of the range. Ask when you book what size of bike your child would start on.

The school describes its circuit as having four possible layouts, which instructors can change further depending on what a lesson is working on. For safety, it says it does not encourage racing each other on its own track; the aim is to prepare riders and launch them into proper competition.

IMR Sintra started in 2018. Rui Balhecas joined as a member of staff, then took over as owner and instructor when the school was about to close. Since then it has entered riders in Portuguese speed championships: the school’s history lists riders in the troféu de iniciação à velocidade (a beginners’ speed trophy), the troféu mini velocidade, the national speed championship and the Supersport 300 class, including a team title in SSP300. It is registered as a team with the Federação de Motociclismo de Portugal.

The home page also lists lessons for adults and older riders, which a teenager might move on to:

• an individual lesson: €50 for one hour
• a monthly plan: €120 a month for four one-hour lessons
• intensive training: €150 for three hours

All of these include the school bike, kit, mechanical help and an instructor. The school also runs group lessons, birthday parties with activities on the track, team-building days, a safety course and online training. Gift vouchers are available.

The website gives opening hours of 10:00 to 13:00 and 15:00 to 19:00, every day; the about page gives weekday hours, so confirm your slot when you book. Lessons are booked through the website’s form or by phone or WhatsApp.

This is an outdoor track, so rain will affect a lesson; ask what happens if the weather turns. There is nothing here for a sibling who isn’t riding, apart from watching from the side.

Racing on a track is a serious sport. It suits a child who can listen to an instructor, follow rules and accept correction. The school’s own words are that its track demands concentration, consistency, patience and dedication.

The Museu do Ar, Portugal’s air museum, is on the same road at Granja do Marquês, with more than 40 aircraft and helicopters. Put the two together for a day of engines. Sintra’s Quinta da Regaleira is a short drive away for a very different afternoon. Children who would rather ride off-road can compare BA Motopark in Seixal, which teaches motocross from age four.

How much are children’s motorbike lessons at Escola IMR Sintra?

€45 an hour when checked in September 2026, including the school bike, helmet, suit and gloves.

What is the minimum age?

The website does not give one. Ask when you book.

Do we need our own motorbike or kit?

No. The school provides the bike and safety kit. Personal insurance is not included.

Where is Escola IMR Sintra?

On the Estrada da Granja do Marquês (N250-1), km 8.7, Sintra, near the Museu do Ar.

Can my child have a birthday party there?

Yes. The school offers birthday parties with activities on the track for a group of friends. Prices are not on the home page, so ask.