Trialmotor trials school

Trials (in Portuguese, trial) is the slow, careful side of motorbike sport. Riders pick their way over rocks, logs, steps and steep banks, and in competition they lose points every time they put a foot down. Speed hardly matters. What counts is balance, throttle control and reading the ground a metre ahead. The bikes are small and light, with almost no seat, because riders stand up the whole time.

That makes it a good first motorbike sport for small children. They ride at walking pace, close to the ground, and the whole lesson is about control.

Trialmotor was set up on 17 June 2002 by Filipe Paiva, who describes himself as Portugal’s number two trials rider and a member of the Portuguese national team. His school is at Ceira dos Vales, near Lousã, at the foot of the Serra da Lousã, based at the Quintal de Além do Ribeiro, an 18th-century rural guesthouse. It is open all year.

The school has three areas. For children, the one that matters is the beginners’ area (iniciados), which Trialmotor describes as a large lawn prepared for lessons on electric bikes, especially for children from two to twelve. Children ride small electric Oset bikes, which are quiet and have no gears or clutch to worry about, so a two- or three-year-old who is steady on a balance bike can start to learn throttle and balance.

The intermediate area is described as still under construction, and the hardcore area is for professional trials riders training for competition. A child who progresses would move towards the intermediate area and the Montesa trials bikes.

When checked in September 2026, Trialmotor’s price table listed beginners’ lessons on an electric Oset bike, with basic kit, for ages 2 to 12:

• one child: €60 for an hour, €120 for two, €180 for three and €240 for four
• two children: €120 for an hour, and so on in proportion

Prices include VAT. The website doesn’t say exactly what basic kit covers, so ask when you book.

For older children and teenagers on a Montesa trials bike with basic kit, lessons in the beginners’ area cost €70 an hour per rider, with half-day (9:00 to 13:00) and full-day (9:00 to 18:00) options. A single trials “baptism”, a first introductory hour on a Montesa bike with basic kit if needed, costs €85 per person.

If your child gets hooked, lesson packs are cheaper per hour. For Oset bikes, packs run from €300 for five lessons plus one free, up to €1,200 for twenty plus five free. Packs are paid upfront, can’t be refunded and are valid for 12 months.

You book through the reservation form on the training centre page or by email to info@trialmotor.com. The contacts page does not list a phone number. The address is Rua do Quintal, Ceira dos Vales, 3200-074 Lousã.

The same guesthouse offers rooms, so a family could stay the night and fit in lessons on two days. Trialmotor also runs guided off-road motorbike tours in the Lousã mountains, with a guide who explains the scenery, heritage and archaeology through a Bluetooth headset; ask whether any suit teenagers.

The website doesn’t say whether parents stay during lessons with young children. With two-year-olds you would expect to, but ask. It also doesn’t mention toilets, food or parking separately from the guesthouse.

Lessons are outdoors on grass, so dress children in clothes that can get muddy, and bring a change. An hour is a long time for a two-year-old; you can book single hours.

Trials suits a child who likes getting something exactly right. A child who wants speed may be happier at a motocross school such as BA Motopark near Lisbon.

Lousã is a short drive south-east of Coimbra, which has plenty for a second day. Portugal dos Pequenitos has child-sized houses and monuments, the Museu da Ciência has hands-on science, and the Roman ruins at Conímbriga are just south of the city.

What age can children start trials riding at Trialmotor?

From two, in the beginners’ area on electric Oset bikes. The beginners’ area is for ages 2 to 12.

How much does a trials lesson cost?

€60 per child per hour with an Oset bike and basic kit, when checked in September 2026.

Do we need our own bike?

No. The school provides the electric Oset bike and basic kit for beginners’ lessons.

Is Trialmotor open all year?

Yes, the school says it is available all year, by booking.

Can we stay overnight?

Yes. The school is based at Quintal de Além do Ribeiro, an 18th-century rural guesthouse with rooms.